Early claiming driven by insolvency fears: More than 25% of Gen Xers and 40% of boomers say they'll start benefits at age 62 (reducing monthly checks up to 30%) — only 30% of Gen Xers and 21% of boomers plan to delay until 70 to maximize benefits, with "will Social Security be there when I qualify" topping their list of retirement concerns.

Magic retirement number jumps to $1.46 million: Americans now believe they need $1.46 million to "retire comfortably," up more than 15% from last year — uncertainty about Social Security's future is "one factor driving the increasing amount of money workers say they will need to feel financially secure."

Social media "finfluencers" push risky strategy: Loads of "finfluencers" are posting videos justifying claiming at 62 and investing the monthly checks in stocks — but this contradicts financial advisers who recommend delaying until 70 for guaranteed larger checks with automatic inflation adjustments and no market risk.

90+ million workers could diversify like wealthy investors: The Trump administration's proposed Labor Department rule would let 401(k) savers invest in alternative assets (private equity, real estate, etc.) that have been available to large public pensions and wealthy investors for decades — but ERISA trial lawyers are opposing the move.

Lawyers profit more than participants from lawsuits: ERISA litigation pioneer Jerry Schlichter's firm has secured $750+ million in settlements over 20 years, with attorneys claiming up to one-third of gross amounts plus expenses — meanwhile, the median per-participant recovery is just $67.79 compared to average attorney fees of $1.59 million per case.

Reform needed to prevent lawsuits blocking innovation: Without "robust safe harbors," the executive order risks becoming the next opportunity for "excessive fee" or fiduciary breach lawsuits that enrich attorneys more than participants — Labor Department official Daniel Aronowitz warns these lawsuits are the "gateway drug" that stifles innovation and chills new plan adoptions.

Spouses can claim even with no work history: If married for at least one year and at least age 62, spouses can claim benefits based on their partner's earnings record once the partner starts receiving benefits — if entitled to both their own retired-worker benefit and a spousal benefit, the higher amount is awarded automatically.

Max spousal benefit is 50% at full retirement age: Spousal benefits max out at 50% of the partner's primary insurance amount (PIA) when claimed at full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960+) — claiming at 62 reduces this to just 32.5%, and unlike retired-worker benefits, delaying past FRA doesn't increase spousal benefits.

Divorced spouses still qualify if married 10+ years: Divorced spouses can collect on their ex-partner's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, they're 62+, unmarried, and divorced for 2+ years — the ex-partner won't be notified, their benefit won't change, and this works even if the ex remarried.