[wdfifteen]

When to take SS is a complex question. Everyone's situation is different. I come from a family that has a mixed record as far as longevity is concerned, but my parents both lived into their 80s. I found a web site that calculated your "break even" age if you start taking SS at various ages. I have to make it to 82 before my decision to wait until age 70 begins to pay off. But that does not factor in what I'm not paying in taxes now. If I was taking my SS benefit now my income taxes would be higher and my medicare payment would be higher.

But that's not the only consideration.

MrsWD is planning on waiting until "full" retirement age (66). I'm waiting until I'm 70. We don't need the money right now, much of it would be drained out in taxes because of our other income. I've planned the "retirement" of a couple of my royalty payments for my 70th birthday, so my income (and taxes + medicare) will remain about the same.

We're still not sure we've made the right decisions.