Make sure you're prepared for these things before you submit your application.

When it comes to retirement planning, Social Security benefits are often the centerpiece of financial security for millions ...

Social Security becomes available to most Americans at age 62. Not surprisingly, that’s the most popular age for claiming the retirement benefit. Hey: It’s money. But is 62 the best age to claim ...

Claiming Social Security at 62 reduces monthly benefits by roughly 30% compared to waiting until full retirement age of 67, locking in a permanent reduction that follows a retiree for life, while ...

Filing for Social Security at 62 will reduce your payments by up to 30%. For many retirees, that results in a reduction of hundreds of dollars per month. Before you file, it's wise to consider how ...

Age 62 is the earliest you're allowed to sign up for Social Security benefits. And it can be very tempting to start getting that money as soon as it becomes available. However, you should know that ...

Most people assume that claiming Social Security early is a straightforward win - you get the money sooner, right? The ...

Doing so gives you your money sooner but slashes your monthly checks for life. Since Social Security is looking at broad cuts due to a pending financial shortfall, filing at 62 could leave many ...

Peter Gratton, Ph.D., is a New Orleans-based editor and professor with over 20 years of experience in investing, economics, and public policy. Peter began covering markets at Multex (Reuters) and has ...