Ask ten people whether hiring a financial advisor is “worth it,” and you’ll likely hear ten different answers. Some will point to the cost, others to the potential for better returns—but ultimately, it’s a decision that feels as personal as your money itself.

As you approach retirement, one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make is when to start taking Social Security benefits. This single choice can dramatically shape the quality of your retirement—sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars.