Should I retire at 62 instead of 67?

Asked by: Henry Smith  |  Last update: January 17, 2024
Score: 4.3/5 (32 votes)

If you choose to retire at 62, your Social Security benefit could be about 25-30% lower than if you wait until your full retirement age, which varies depending on your birth year. On the flip side, you'll be receiving benefits for a longer period.

Is it better to take retirement at 62 or 67?

The optimal answer depends on your financial situation, but you'll receive a higher monthly check if you wait longer. While you can begin taking Social Security as early as age 62, you'll receive your entire benefit if you delay until your full retirement age.

What is the #1 reason to take Social Security at 62?

1. You're Planning Your End-of-Life Care. Your Social Security benefits stop paying at your death, so if you die prior to collecting benefits, you'll have missed out on benefits entirely. You need to figure out how to maximize your Social Security income instead.

Why 62 is the best age to retire?

Why Retiring at 62 Is a Good Idea
  • Helps You Stay Healthier Longer. ...
  • Lets You Pursue Other Opportunities. ...
  • Allows Your Finances to Withstand an Unforeseen Upheaval. ...
  • Frees Up Your Time to Learn New Things. ...
  • Allows You to Simplify. ...
  • Allows You to Focus on Your Health. ...
  • Experiencing the Benefits of Retiring Early.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of retiring at 62?

Some Pros of Retiring Early
  • It could be good for your health.
  • You'll enjoy more time to travel.
  • It's an opportunity to start a new career.
  • It could be bad for your health.
  • Your Social Security benefits will be smaller.
  • Your retirement savings will have to last longer.
  • You'll need to find health insurance.

5 GOOD REASONS to File for Social Security at Age 62

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What are the biggest retirement mistakes retirees must avoid?

5 mistakes to avoid before retirement
  • Not adjusting your portfolio for risk. ...
  • Not accurately calculating income in retirement. ...
  • Taking Social Security at the wrong time. ...
  • Not accounting for health costs. ...
  • Carrying high debt into retirement.

Why not retire at 62?

The Downside of Retiring at 62

While retiring at 62 can have advantages, it's important to be aware of potential disadvantages. The most significant is the reduction in Social Security benefits. Additionally, you may face higher healthcare costs as Medicare eligibility doesn't begin until age 65.

How much money should I have when I retire at 62?

An early retirement will need an even larger nest egg. Fidelity's guidelines note that retiring at 62 would boost the savings estimate to 55% of pretax, preretirement income and require about 14 times of a person's current income by age 62. Anything earlier than that will require even more savings.

What percentage of people retire at 62?

And as of 2021, according to the Congressional Research Service, about 30% of Social Security applicants were 62. But is it right for you? A 2022 study reveals that retirement benefits taken at age 70 have a value of 76% more than those that start at 62.

What is a good monthly retirement income?

But, generally speaking, most experts agree that you will need 70-80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living in retirement. For example, if you earned $50,000 per year ($4,167 a month) before retiring, you would need approximately $35,000-$40,000 per year in retirement.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

Is it smart to start Social Security at 62?

If you claim Social Security at age 62, rather than wait until your full retirement age (FRA), you can expect a 30% reduction in monthly benefits. For every year you delay claiming Social Security past your FRA up to age 70, you get an 8% increase in your benefit.

What is the Social Security 5 year rule?

The Five-Year Rule is important to consider when saving for retirement. If you anticipate needing Social Security in the future, you must have five years of covered earnings to maximize the amount of money you receive.

What is the difference between taking Social Security at 62 versus 67?

Social Security benefits will be reduced by 30% for a person who retires at 62 whose full retirement age is 67 (born in 1960 or later).

How much can I make if I retire at 62 and still work?

Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on how much you can earn and still receive your benefits. You work and earn $31,240 ($10,000 more than the $21,240 limit) during the year.

What is typical Social Security at 62?

According to the SSA's 2021 Annual Statistical Supplement, the monthly benefit amount for retired workers claiming benefits at age 62 earning the average wage was $1,480 per month for the worker alone. The benefit amount for workers with spouses claiming benefits was $2,170 at age 62.

What is the most popular age to retire?

The average retirement age in U.S. is 64 years old, with the average retirement age across all states spanning from 61 to 67 years old. The Social Security Act sets the minimum age to retire at 65 to receive full retirement benefits, although the minimum retirement age will continue to rise.

At what age do most Americans retire?

Among those looking ahead to retirement, many expect to step away from work at age 65, according to the 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey. Although 65 is the anticipated median retirement age, workers report retiring at a median age of 62, the survey found.

Can I retire at 62 and still work part time?

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But, if you're younger than full retirement age, and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced.

What is the average Social Security check?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average monthly retirement benefit for Security Security recipients is $1,781.63 as of February.

What are the benefits of turning 62?

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits 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.

What to do at 62 years old?

What To Do The Day You Turn 62
  • Make A Social Security Plan. Social Security is a whole different ball game for high-net-worth individuals. ...
  • Avoid Tax Headaches. ...
  • Consider Long-Term Care. ...
  • Create Some Retirement Goals.

Why would a person choose not to retire?

Some people decide to continue working because they need the money, while others love what they do and can't imagine not doing it anymore or just need to stay busy.

What is the number 1 retirement mistake?

Not starting the retirement-planning process is one of the biggest retirement mistakes you can make. You should determine what you want your future to look like, as well as how much money you can realistically set aside. Then, find a plan that will get you there.