So it's key that you do everything you can to optimize your Social Security claiming decision. That means being aware of everything that can affect your monthly benefit. That's why the most valuable thing anyone can do before claiming Social Security is seeing exactly how delaying their application can change the size of the check they receive.

Social Security is a far more complex program than people traditionally think. There is so much more involved in administering the United States’ largest budget expense than just writing checks to tens of millions of retired Americans who have already contributed to the system through their taxes.

Many retired Americans rely on their monthly Social Security check to get by. While the extra cash helps, it shouldn't be a replacement for saving for retirement, according to personal finance