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Taking Social Security: Weigh These Factors to Make the Right Decision

By Dan Caplinger – Mar 29, 2014 at 8:10AM

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Figuring out when to take Social Security is hard. Make it easier with these tips.

Figuring out when to take Social Security is one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all advice for everyone. How can you decide what's right for you?

In the following video, Dan Caplinger, The Motley Fool's director of investment planning, goes through the pros and cons of taking Social Security early or late. He notes that waiting gives you large monthly benefits, ensuring more money for you and for any survivors who are entitled to benefits on your work history. Yet Dan also points out that taking money early might have more utility for you, especially if you expect to have higher expenses early in your retirement and don't want to go through your investment reserves. Dan concludes that the decision isn't an easy one, but you can still figure out the choice that fits best with your overall financial plan.

Dan Caplinger and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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