Has anyone noticed how all those article about when to start collecting your SS benefits virtually all conclude that you’ll earn more if you wait until you’re older to collect? LOL!
Some of those articles almost take the tone of ridicule--"how dare you take SS when you're first eligible?" You're missing out on the maximum payment!"
There are no guarantees in life, and no one will be lying on their death bed, wondering if they could've received a little more money from Uncle Sugar.
If you live to your life expectancy you will get just about the same total amount either way. You just have to guess how long you will live. Are you already ill with cancer and had two heart attacks? Take your smaller check at 62. Are you healthy and your family lived into their nineties? Wait until you are 70 to maximize your toral take... and hope you aren't shot by a jealous husband when you are "celebrating" your 70th birthday.