Is it better to optimize or maximize Social Security benefits? If that question gives people pause, they’re not alone. Most of us haven’t thought too deeply about the difference between the two.

In order to properly answer the question, people need to know the relative status of their finances in the future. And the best way for them to gain the sense of security that knowledge delivers is to work with a financial professional to design a financial plan for their portfolios. In other words, a Social Security calculator alone can’t tell someone the answer to the optimization vs. maximization question.