Hi Larry, in your book on Social Security you firmly state to not conduct a cost benefit analysis on claiming early (before FRA), and that under all circumstances to delay claiming till age 70 (if personal circumstances allow), understanding that by delaying - each year after FRA, you are getting an 8% increase (a.k.a. return).
Can you tell me if this is still true with most, if not all, estimates for annualized returns on equities to be set at 4% or lower for the coming decade - and even worse for bonds.
Thank you

Hi. I know that Larry still stands by the advice you alluded to from his book. The lower the return rate available on other investments, the more advantageous delaying Social Security retirement benefits until age 70 is by comparison. Social Security retirement benefit rates increase by 2/3rds of 1% per month for each month that you don't claim benefits between full retirement age (FRA) and age 70. That amounts to an annual increase of 8%. Here is a column that Larry wrote several years ago, and I know that his opinion has not changed since that time: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/take-social-security-benefits-early....

That said, each person's best filing strategy depends on numerous different variables. Therefore, you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry