I guess I would lean toward taking the SS FIRST, and then later taking the IRAs and 401(k) monies, or using them to supplement the SS as needed. Let’s say you retire at 65, and plan to start taking IRA money first, and nothing from SS until age 70, so as to increase your monthly benefit slightly.
But the Grim Reaper shows up when you are 69. You have spent down your own funds that might have been passed on to your spouse and/or children, and now you will get ZERO from SS.
IRAs force you to start withdrawing funds at age 701/2. The amount is based on a formula involving your total account and your life expectancy. You can take more than that but face a penalty if you take less. What I found interesting is that the formula is designed to draw the account down to zero if you reach your life expectancy.
Seriously, the spouse doesn’t get ANYTHING if I die before starting SS? There is no reduced death benefit or anything similar available to the spouse who did not work?