Not accounting for dependent benefits
You might still have dependent children when you decide to claim your Social Security retirement benefits, and they might be eligible to receive those benefits, too.
An eligible child is able to receive as much as 50% of your full retirement benefit amount every month, as the Social Security Administration has claimed.
Your family can receive that amount of money, besides your own amount.
Payments to your dependents have nothing to do with your benefit, even if there is a limit to how much the entire family might receive in monthly benefits. In this case, understanding the benefits that your children might get will help you maximize the entire family benefit amount.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also want to try: 5 Master Tips for Surviving Divorce in Retirement
Having been a CPA for over 40 years and having had the experience to have actually done the tax returns of dozens of retirees, I would disagree with your initial concern of taking your Social Security too early. Of course there are a few exceptions which is why it is worthwhile to discuss your particular situation with your tax preparer or financial planner. The amount of extra money you will receive will take many years to recover even at that higher income level. Meanwhile you have had use of the money.
Cash is king always try to pay for something in person with that there will be no discrepancy about whether the funds are available or not.