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The Details: Research shows that if a retiree waits until 70 to claim benefits and relies on a stock-heavy (60/40) portfolio in the meantime, their total spending increases, but their final portfolio value declines. However, this study doesn’t fully explore a true Social Security bridge strategy, where you fund the gap using safer, fixed-income investments. Analysis generally shows that using bonds to delay Social Security can lead to greater financial security over time, offering higher total lifetime income and a stronger ending portfolio balance.

Further, this study doesn’t account for key factors like spousal and survivor benefits or Social Security’s inflation adjustments—both of which make delaying more valuable, especially for married couples.

Key takeaways: Your "best” Social Security claiming strategy ultimately depends on individual circumstances, including your risk tolerance and how you prioritize spending versus preserving your portfolio.