I am going to turn 66 in Sept.2017. My husband turned 69 in July 2017. He started taking his Social Security at age 66 in July 2014. I am trying to decide if I should 1.take my own Soc. Sec. in Sept.2017, my "full retirement age", 2. take one-half my husband's benefit when I turn 66 in Sept. and wait to take my own till I'm 70 , or 3. just wait till I'm 70 to take my own soc. sec.. I spoke with Soc. Sec. and was told all 3 three are options for me. To me, #3 makes no sense so I'm really deciding between #1. and #2. My husband gets about $2350/month. My own benefit at 66 would be about $1640. What do you think?
Thank you very much!

Hi,

Assuming the benefit amounts you mention are accurate and both you and your husband are in good health, option #2 seems clearly the best in my opinion. That would essentially mean passing up roughly $465 monthly for 4 years to gain around $525 in your monthly rate starting at age 70 and continuing for as long as you live. You may still want to run our maximization software to make sure your figures are accurate, and that option #2 is in fact your likely best choice.

Best, Jerry