Not at all. I waited until my full retirement age to collect (66 years, 2 months) so I didn’t have to worry about how much money I earn, as I’m still working. And since my income was higher than my late husband’s, I didn’t take his benefits. So all the money he paid in to SS from the age of 18 until he passed away at 54 is gone for good. Except for the $255 that everyone receives, presumably to pay for a grave marker 🙄.