Guides
Social Security & retirement guides
Plain-English explainers that feed directly into the calculators. Each guide links to the break-even and savings-runway tools so you can apply the math to your own numbers.
Break-even · FRA 66
Social Security at 62 vs 66: Break-Even Math
If your full retirement age is 66, comparing 62 vs 66 is the decision that matters. See the permanent reduction, the break-even age, and when waiting pays.
Break-even · Delay credits
Social Security 66 vs 70: Is Waiting Worth It?
Delay from 66 to 70 and your benefit grows about 8% per year. Here is the 66 vs 70 break-even age and when the math favors waiting.
Method · Step by step
How to Calculate Your Social Security Break-Even Age
A step-by-step guide to the break-even calculation, with a worked example you can follow by hand or in a spreadsheet.
Break-even · FRA 67
Social Security 62 vs 67: Break-Even Explained
Claiming at 62 cuts your check by about 30% if your FRA is 67. Here is the 62 vs 67 break-even age and the trade-off behind it.
Spreadsheet · Formulas
Social Security Break-Even Calculator in Excel
Build your own break-even calculator in Excel or Google Sheets with copy-paste formulas, the SSA reduction math, and a worked example.
FRA table · Lookup
Social Security Full Retirement Age by Birth Year
Full retirement age depends on your birth year — from 65 to 67. Look up your FRA, the early-claim penalty at 62, and the delay gain at 70.
Decision guide · Quiz
When to Take Social Security: A Plain-English Guide
There is no single best age to claim Social Security. See the four factors that matter, then compare ages with the free break-even calculator.
Earnings test · Widget
Social Security Earnings Test 2026: Working While Collecting
Working while collecting Social Security? See the 2026 earnings-test limits, how the $1-for-$2 withholding works, and why withheld checks come back.
Taxes · Estimator
Is Social Security Taxable? Federal Rules for 2026
Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxable. See the 2026 thresholds, the exact formula, and why your bill may still be zero.