GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.

These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.

This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.

social security card and money concept.

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.

it’s possible for you to read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.

Benjamin, a retired 72-year-old from Florida, followed this advice.

facebook sharing button

But hes realizing he probably shouldve taken another path.

This is why he now regrets the timing of when heclaimed his benefits.

He became even more convinced when he heard that doing so could mean bigger checks.

twitter sharing button

However, life had other plans.

By the time Benjamin turned 68, his health began to decline.

What started as occasional back pain turned into a chronic issue that almost limited my mobility, he said.

linkedin sharing button

Specialist visits, prescriptions and unexpected hospital staysdrained his retirement savings faster than he expected.

He believed his savings would cover all his expenses.

Why claim Social Security now when I can delay my retirement and get a bigger check later?

email sharing button

Unexpected expenses kept popping up, fromurgent car repairsto prescriptions.

He kept pulling from his savings, thinking the economy would stabilize.

Benjamin missed out on these experiences because heworked longer for a bigger Social Security check.

Benjamin thought hed catch up later, but now, at 72, his health isnt as strong.

He regrets not filing early to create memories while he still could, knowing life is unpredictable.

My nonworking wifewas counting on spousal benefits, he said.

At first, they thought they could manage with their savings.

However, their financial cushion thinned over the years and Elizabeth made sacrifices she never expected.

She had to find a job to help cover bills and other urgent expenses.

More From GOBankingRates

Share This Article:

The Latest inRetirement