Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

  • Home
  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

11 Social Security Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Retirement

October 30, 2019 · Personal finance

1. Trying to claim benefits before you’re eligible to get them

You probably know that to file for retirement benefits you have to be 62 years old. But that’s just the standard. Survivor benefits are available at age 60 and disabled participants can claim even earlier. 
You should also know that for spousal benefits, they have to file for Social Security first, regardless of age. 
Things can become confusing, though, with so many discussions surrounding when you should claim them. Don’t get lost in all the noise and avoid any surprises by reading up on all the rules. 

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Latest Posts

  • A panoramic view of the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades in the Azores, featuring one blue and one green lake surrounded by lush green hill 9 Scenic (and Cheap) Destinations That Rarely Disappoint
  • A retiree looks out over a lush tropical valley at sunset from a terracotta balcony, holding a coffee mug. 10 Best Countries to Retire Abroad in 2027
  • A retired couple stands amidst moving boxes in their living room, bathed in warm afternoon sunlight during their relocation process. 8 Common Relocation Mistakes Retirees Tend to Make
  • 7 Costco Items Worth Buying in Retirement Because They Actually Lower What You Spend Each Month
  • A retired couple at a kitchen table looking at a map and tablet, planning their next move to a surprise retirement destination. 8 Places That Surprise Retirees in the Best Possible Way
  • A panoramic watercolor illustration showing a transition from green mountains to red deserts and blue lakes. 11 Nature-Filled Destinations Perfect After 60
  • A retired couple sits on a coastal bench in Maine at twilight, looking out at a harbor with lobster boats. 9 Charming Northern Spots for Retirement
  • A stylized gouache illustration of a western landscape featuring mountains, red rock mesas, and pine forests under a warm afternoon sun. 10 Western Retirement Spots with Incredible Lifestyle Appeal
  • Three active seniors walking through a vibrant, sunlit downtown plaza with a dog and coffee, representing a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. 9 Places Where Seniors Are Finding More Things to Do
  • A senior man at a kitchen table early in the morning, looking at a laptop with a financial graph, representing proactive retirement planning Social Security's 2027 COLA Forecast Just Changed - Here's What Retirees Should Know

Newsletter

Get retirement planning tips, savings strategies, and lifestyle insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

A brass house key sits next to a residential lease agreement on a wooden table, illuminated by morning sunlight.

How to Decide Whether to Rent or Own in Retirement

Discover the financial, practical, and lifestyle trade-offs of the rent vs. own decision in retirement…

Read More →

22 Useful Tips to Maximize Your Retirement Benefits

Wait until age 70 Workers can start claiming Social Security benefits as early as age…

Read More →

How 8 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed

Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s IRAs and 401(k)s are more than just convenient places to store…

Read More →

15 Things That Might Complicate Your Plans To Retire At 65

A concerned couple reviews financial documents on a laptop, realizing their savings may fall short…

Read More →

10 Retirement Financial Milestones You Need to Achieve by Age 50

Debt: Under control If you haven’t paid off your debts by now, you should at…

Read More →

8 Types of Retirement Income That Are Exempt From Taxes

Health Savings Account (HSA) Distributions Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are probably the most popular and…

Read More →

11 Ways to Improve Your Finances Before You Retire

Figure Out What Retirement Means to You If you’ve already begun saving for your retirement…

Read More →

10 Frauds Seniors Are Often Confronted With

Discover the top 10 scams targeting older adults and learn practical, actionable strategies to protect…

Read More →

20 Essential Tax Breaks Every Senior Should Know About

Maximize your retirement income by exploring 20 essential tax breaks, deductions, and financial strategies specifically…

Read More →
Retired in America

Your Guide to a Confident Retirement

Inedit Agency S.R.L.
Bucharest, Romania

contact@retiredinamerica.com

Trust & Legal

About Us

Editorial Policy

Advertiser Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Disclaimer

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Subscribe

Unsubscribe

Categories

  • Personal finance
  • Retirement Life
  • Saving & Spending

© 2026 Retired in America. All rights reserved.