Most of the financial advice you’ll find about Social Security says the same thing: “Wait as long as possible.” 

And while that might work on paper, real life is a bit more complicated. 

At Fit Wealth Advisors, we work with high-performing entrepreneurs and pre-retirees who’ve spent decades building wealth. They’re not looking for cookie-cutter advice — they want a strategy that actually fits their lifestyle, health outlook, family situation, and long-term goals. 

And for many of them, claiming Social Security at 62 isn’t a mistake — it’s a smart move. 

Let’s walk through why. 

The Problem With the Standard Advice 

Conventional wisdom says to wait until 70 to claim Social Security so you can receive the highest possible benefit. That’s technically true — your benefits increase by about 8% for every year you delay past your full retirement age. 

But this advice is built around one idea: you’ll live long enough to hit the “break-even point,” typically around age 78–81. 

What this logic misses: 

• You may not live that long. 

• You might not need the higher benefit later. 

• Waiting means drawing down your own portfolio in the meantime. 

• This doesn’t account for spousal strategy, tax optimization, or family benefits. 

In other words, math isn’t the only factor. 

Life Expectancy, Health, and Family History Matter 

If your family history or health concerns suggest a shorter life expectancy, delaying Social Security could mean leaving money on the table. 

We’ve worked with clients in their 60s who’ve battled serious illness or lost parents young. In those cases, waiting to claim may result in collecting nothing at all. 

We’ve also seen couples where the lower-earning spouse claimed early while the higher earner delayed — only for the higher earner to pass away before ever collecting. The survivor was left with less household income overall. 

Your strategy should reflect your reality — not some theoretical model. 

The Portfolio Opportunity Cost 

Here’s the part most people overlook: 

Delaying Social Security means you’re relying more on your investments in the meantime. 

If you retire at 62 but wait until 67 or 70 to collect, you’ll likely need to withdraw more from your portfolio to fill the gap. That: 

• Reduces the compounding power of your investments 

• Exposes you to sequence of returns risk 

• Increases stress on your cash flow in volatile markets 

Sometimes, taking Social Security early and letting your portfolio grow is actually the more efficient, lower-risk strategy — especially if you’re sitting on substantial tax-deferred assets. 

Spousal Age Gaps & Survivor Strategy 

If you’re married, this isn’t just a solo decision — it’s a household income strategy. 

A few important notes: 

• Survivor benefits are based on the higher-earning spouse’s benefit. 

• If the higher earner delays too long and passes away early, the survivor may miss out. 

• In couples with a large age gap, delaying might mean years without benefits for the younger spouse. 

• Women, who often outlive their partners, need to be especially thoughtful about this timing. 

Optimizing for total household income over time can often mean claiming earlier than expected. 

Don’t Overlook Family Benefits 

If you have dependent children, grandchildren, or even a spouse with limited income, early claiming may unlock additional family benefits you’d otherwise miss by waiting. 

These situations are often missed by DIYers and even generalist advisors — but they can add up to thousands in missed benefits. 

Real-Life Financial Needs Matter, Too 

Here’s the truth: If delaying Social Security means racking up credit card debt or draining your accounts, it’s not the smart move. 

There’s a lot of unnecessary shame or judgment around claiming benefits “too early.” But remember — this isn’t a test you pass or fail. Social Security is a tool — and you should use it when it best supports your financial life. 

You’ve worked hard to earn it. Now put it to work for you. 

So… When Is the Right Time? 

At Fit Wealth Advisors, we evaluate every Social Security decision using three core pillars: 

1. Life expectancy — based on family and health history, not just general averages 
2. Portfolio strength — and the opportunity cost of early withdrawals 
3. Household needs — including spousal and family considerations 

There’s no universal best age to claim — only the best strategy for your life. 

Want to Make the Smartest Move for Your Retirement? 

If you're 5–10 years out from retirement (or already there), now is the time to get strategic — not reactive. 

We’ll help you: 

• Evaluate your Social Security timing in context 

• Coordinate it with your investments, taxes, and income plan 

• Maximize household income without unnecessary stress 

👉 Book Your Retirement Strategy Deep Dive 

Let’s build a plan that supports your life — not just the spreadsheet 

Related Topics You May Like: 

• How Tax Brackets Work (and Why They Matter More in Retirement) 

• How to Plan for a Business You May Never Sell 

• The 5 Tax Strategies Every Entrepreneur Should Know 

📲 Stay Connected 

Want weekly insights on money, mindset, and building wealth that actually fits your life? 

Follow us on Instagram: @thefitfinancial_ | @fitwealthadvisors 

Or subscribe to The Fit Financial Podcast. 

The Fit Wealth Show is brought to you by Plan Group Financial, Inc. (PGF) d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors. PGF d/b/a Fit Wealth Advisors is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Past performance is not indicative of future results.