Mary Beth Franklin's 10 tips to retire happy

Knowing when and how to claim Social Security benefits is one of the most important financial decisions most retirees will ever make. Claiming retirement benefits as early as age 62 will permanently reduce them, and benefits may be trimmed or eliminated if someone continues to work. Wait until full retirement age, currently 66, to claim benefits and the earnings restrictions disappear. Be patient and wait until 70 to claim and you could boost your full retirement age benefit amount by an additional 32%.