Why the $4,194 Max Social Security Benefit Is a Fantasy

Holding out for the biggest possible Social Security benefit is a smart move for many people. In 2022, the maximum benefit is $4,194. That's a nice chunk of change for most retirees, considering it's guaranteed income.

But for the vast majority of us, our Social Security checks will come nowhere close to the maximum benefit. In January 2022, the average monthly check was $1,657 -- and that's after accounting for the 5.9% cost-of-living adjustment. Keep reading to learn why it's so hard to collect the maximum Social Security check.

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Source Fool.com