There are compelling reasons to start receiving your benefits early or late. Each of us needs to think through some issues.

All financial plans are important, but Social Security benefits during retirement years play a profound role in preventing elderly poverty and are paid out at an important stage in a person’s life.

Alden and Dena Swartz draw nearly $4,000 a month from Social Security, the government program designed to support Americans in retirement. And they are struggling. Gail Randle and her partner, Mike ...