Know When to Start Collecting Social Security
Most Americans take Social Security before full retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration. “Once you start, it’s irrevocable, and you can leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table,” said Steen.
“For each year you delay benefits past age 62, you gain a 6 percent to 8 percent increase in lifetime annual benefits. That adds up quickly,” Steen said. You can check your personal Social Security benefits at SSA.gov.