I can see your point about taking it early, but not so sure about the better return on investment (ROI). Social security increases about 8% each year you wait to take it. There was an additional 6% COLA in 2022 for a total ROI of a 14% increase in a year when both the stock and bond markets fell. Typical investment portfolios were down 15% in 2022 while the delayed social security payment increased 14%. Interest bearing savings accounts were yielding only a few percent. Investment portfolios this year are up about 5% which is still less than the 8% guaranteed return on SS payment. It's true that SS could be gone by the time I begin to realize the investment, but if that happens most other investments will tank by then too. For the time being, a guaranteed 8+% ROI seems reasonable on something I have never expected to be there anyway. Not saying you are wrong, just another perspective.