early filing
Fear of Insolvency Driving Many Decisions to Claim Benefits Early
It’s not the only reason folks claim Social Security before full retirement age, but the growing anxiety over the program’s financial future has become a significant factor driving early filing. The Schroders 2025 US Retirement Survey results note that 36% of…
Thoughts on Delaying Social Security Benefits
Most folks know that age 62 is the point at which Social Security benefits can be claimed. Most folks also know that exercising this option represents a reduction in the monthly amount they could receive by waiting until their full…
Don’t let fear cost you money
According to Suze Orman, a financial expert with more than 40 years of experience, the biggest retirement mistake you can make is claiming your Social Security benefits early. Delaying your claim can significantly increase your total lifetime benefits, as starting…
Some reasons why you may want to start early
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced. But if you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to 70, your…
Ask Rusty – Can My Wife and I get Spouse Benefits from each other?
Dear Rusty: My wife and I are currently collecting Social Security. We both started receiving SS at 62 years old. That said, we get by on a tight budget. A retired friend told us about an option which allows a…
Only 4% claim Social Security at 70
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62 but at a reduced amount. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits…
Understanding How Age At Filing Impacts Benefit Levels
Getting the highest Social Security benefit possible is generally only a dream for most workers. It requires a long career in a high-paying job, along with deferring benefits all the way to age 70 to take advantage of delayed retirement…
Social Security’s “Do Over” Options (They’re Not Secrets, Just Not Well Known)
Statistically, 42% of men and 48% of women claim their Social Security benefits at age 62, the earliest age to claim retirement benefits. Often, after taking this step, these folks realize that it may have been better to wait until…
Don’t claim Social Security early for the wrong reasons
According to a report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, almost half of the U.S. households will run short of money in retirement. Another report found only 18 percent of Americans retired with enough money to maintain their standard of…
The pros and cons of starting at 62
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits early at 62, the most popular age. If you decide to start receiving benefits early, they are reduced, but if you wait until you reach your full retirement age, you are entitled…