What Issues Should I Consider With My Social Security Retirement Benefits?

Social Security is one of the few retirement income sources that comes with a guaranteed cost-of-living adjustment, which makes the claiming decision worth more attention than it usually gets. Claiming early locks in a smaller monthly benefit; waiting increases it, but only if the rest of your plan can support the wait.

Marital status adds another layer. Spousal and survivor benefit rules can change the best claiming strategy for a couple, so it's worth looking at the decision as a household question, not just an individual one.