Look before you jump in

Social security filing tradeoffs

Many pre-retirees do not properly evaluate how social security fits into their long term goals. Pessimism around the program frequently gets people to take the money vs. evaluating what the break even proposition is for extracting as much as possible out of the program. For those who are very healthy, continue to stay active and work (even if part time), can go a long way towards enhancing retirement.

With pensions largely a thing of the past, social security is one of the last sources of annuitized income that many in the US will receive. Optimizing that return and evaluating how it fits into your overall retirement pictures is key to long term success.