Is it best to retire at 62 or 67?
Asked by: Emmie Schuppe | Last update: July 11, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (51 votes)
What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?
Those facing financial emergencies, such as a layoff or debt, may benefit from accessing Social Security early. If you retire early and need extra income, Social Security benefits can provide supplemental funds to support your new lifestyle, hobbies or retirement activities.
How much do you lose if you retire at 62 instead of 67?
Claiming at 62, for instance, means you'll receive 30% less than your benefit at full retirement age, assuming that is 67. Waiting until 70 means you'll get 24% more in Social Security, because of delayed retirement credits, than if you'd claimed at full retirement age.
What is the smartest age to retire?
Retiring in your mid-60s still makes sense for many people. At this point, you are old enough to have hopefully amassed sizable savings, but you are still young enough to enjoy active pursuits such as travel.
What is the break even point if you take Social Security at 62?
The break-even point represents when the cumulative benefits even out. So if you wait until age 70 to start taking benefits, it would take you until age 79 to break even with the benefit amount you'd receive if you started taking them at age 62.
8 GOOD REASONS to File for Social Security at Age 62
Why do smart people take Social Security at 62?
Assuming your full retirement age is 67, if you file for those retirement benefits at 62, you'll receive around 70% of your full retirement age benefit amount. If you file for disability and are awarded those benefits, the amount that you would receive would be 100% of your full retirement age benefit, even at 62.
What does Suze Orman say about taking Social Security at 62?
Collecting at Age 62 or 70 Is Not an Either/Or Situation
“Each month you wait to claim increases your monthly amount for the rest of your life. If you can live off of your 401(k) or other retirement income for 6-12 months and wait to claim Social Security, you end up with a longer benefit for life.”
What is the healthiest retirement age?
You're Likely to Live Longer If You Retire After 65. Working an extra year decreases mortality rates by 11%, a new analysis shows.
Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?
You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.
Is it better to take retirement at 62 or 67?
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. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.
What is a good monthly retirement income?
The ideal monthly retirement income for a couple differs for everyone. It depends on your personal preferences, past accomplishments, and retirement plans. Some valuable perspective can be found in the 2022 US Census Bureau's median income for couples 65 and over: $76,490 annually or about $6,374 monthly.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed?
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
What is the average Social Security check at 62?
If people born after 1960 claim their benefits the month they turn 62, they'll get only 70% of what they would have received had they waited until the full retirement age of 67. The average monthly payment of $1,784 drops by 30% during the first month of eligibility to $1,247.40.
At what age can I collect 100% of my Social Security?
The full retirement age increases gradually if you were born from 1955 to 1960 until it reaches 67. For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.
How much can I make if I retire at 62 and still work?
Starting in the month you hit your full retirement age, there is no longer an earnings limit. Your benefits will no longer be reduced regardless of how much income you have.
Can you get a refund if your only income is Social Security?
You would not be required to file a tax return. But you might want to file a return, because even though you are not required to pay taxes on your Social Security, you may be able to get a refund of any money withheld from your paycheck for taxes.
Is 60 000 a year low income?
According to the latest data available from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median income in the United States in 2022 was $74,580. While $60K a year is lower than that, it's still considered a good salary for a single person, as they typically have fewer expenses than someone who's supporting a household.
What is the best age to retire if you can afford it?
First, the earlier you retire the longer your money has to last. If you retire at age 40 and expect to live to age 90, for example, you'll need to save enough money to last a half-century. Waiting until you're 65 to retire, on the other hand, can ease some of the pressure to save.
Do people live longer if they retire early?
Those retiring at age 65 or greater have an 11-percentage-point greater probability of surviving to age 80 than those retiring at exactly age 62.
Is 67 too early to retire?
The traditional retirement age in the U.S. is typically considered 65 (67 for younger generations), but many people choose to retire before or after this age. Knowing your retirement readiness is a personal decision that hinges on both financial and non-financial factors.
Why is it smart to take Social Security at 62?
Taking Social Security early reduces your benefits, but you'll also receive monthly payments for a longer period of time. On the other hand, taking Social Security later results in fewer checks during your lifetime, but delaying means each check will be larger.
What are the disadvantages of retiring at 62?
- Foregoing employer-sponsored health care costs. ...
- Getting hit with penalties and fines for accessing your retirement funds early. ...
- Realizing a loss of benefits.
What does Dave Ramsey say about taking Social Security at 62?
Why Ramsey recommends this approach. Ramsey's advice hedges largely on how you invest. Social Security payments taken at 62 can offset the difference from waiting until your full retirement age, which varies but is 67 for all folks born after 1960.