filing early
Ask Rusty – How Do I Navigate the Social Security Maze?
Dear Rusty: I am a woman, turning 65 this October (2025). It seems that deciding when to claim Social Security is complicated. I would like more information to navigate through this maze. Thank you. Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready:…
Ask Rusty – I’d like to retire early, but don’t want my Social Security reduced
Dear Rusty: I will be 65 this year and my husband is 72 (he retired in 2019 at age 66). I would like to retire and enjoy some time with him before he gets too much older. I do not…
You mistakenly filed early for Social Security
You realized that claiming your Social Security benefits before your full retirement age was a mistake. But you do have options to correct that mistake, so let’s look at your options. Withdrawing your application You can withdraw your application within…
The disadvantages of claiming at 62
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefits before your…
Four reasons not to take your benefits early
Many retirees are not sure when to begin their Social Security retirement benefits. If you start your benefit at age 62, you will receive a reduced amount; however, if you postpone taking your benefits from your full retirement age up…
Dramatic increase in initial claims for Social Security benefits
Americans are rushing to apply for Social Security benefits this year, for some, earlier than planned. Why? Many Americans saw the changes around the Social Security Administration and the stock market volatility as a sign that they should apply for…
You may not want to wait until 70
You can start your retirement benefit at any point from age 62 up until age 70. Your benefit will be higher the longer you delay your start date. Although starting your benefits at age 70 will maximize your monthly income,…
Is delaying your benefits worth it?
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 – Should I Retire at 65 or 67? And What About Earnings & Taxes?
Dear Rusty: I’m just trying to figure out how to determine whether to retire at 65 or 67 and, if I retire, approximately how much could I make outside of my Social Security without being overly taxed. Signed: Thinking About…
Why take the risk?
You can start receiving your Social Security benefits as early as age 62; however, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced a small percent for each month before your full retirement age. That small percentage could add…