🔍 Claiming Social Security at 62 vs. 70: The $100,000 Question!

The Great Retirement Race: 62 vs. 70 – When Should YOU Cross the Social Security Finish Line?

Hey everyone! Imagine you've been working hard on a big project, and finally, it's time to get your reward – your Social Security money! But then you hear people talking: "Should I get my money at 62?" or "Should I wait until 70?" It's like deciding when to open your biggest birthday present – open it early for a small peek, or wait for a bigger surprise later?

This is a super important decision for grown-ups getting ready to retire, because it can change how much money they get every month for the rest of their lives! It's not always about getting money sooner; sometimes waiting can mean a lot more cash in the long run.

In this newsletter, we're going to be your money coaches! We'll show you how to figure out the best time for you to start taking your Social Security, what happens if you keep working, and even some fun tools to help you decide. Let's make sure you pick the winning strategy for your retirement!

The Early Bird vs. The Patient Owl – What's the Difference?

Okay, let's talk about the two main times you can start getting your Social Security retirement money:

• Early Retirement (Age 62): The Early Bird Gets... a Smaller Worm!

  • You can start taking your Social Security money as early as age 62.

  • The Catch: If you start early, your monthly payment will be permanently smaller. For example, if your Full Retirement Age is 67, taking benefits at 62 means your checks will be about 30% less each month. It's like getting a slice of pizza now instead of waiting for the whole pizza later!

• Full Retirement Age (FRA): The Just-Right Goldilocks!

  • Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) depends on when you were born. For most people born in 1960 or later, it's age 67.

  • The Benefit: If you wait until your FRA, you get your full monthly Social Security payment. This is the amount Social Security says you're "supposed" to get.

• Delayed Retirement (Up to Age 70): The Patient Owl Gets... More Worms!

  • You can actually wait past your Full Retirement Age, all the way up to age 70, to start taking your benefits.

  • The Reward: For every year you wait past your FRA (up to age 70), your monthly payment gets bigger! It's like a bonus for being patient. For example, if your FRA is 67, waiting until 70 could make your monthly check about 24% bigger! That's a lot of extra ice cream money!

PRO TIP: Think Long-Term! It might feel good to get money sooner, but try to think about how long you might live. If you live a long time, waiting for a bigger check each month could mean you get more money overall!

Fun Tip: Imagine your Social Security money is a balloon. If you let some air out early, it's smaller. If you wait for it to fill up completely (FRA) or even add a little more air (70), it gets bigger!

Working and Getting Benefits – Can You Do Both?

"Can I still work if I start getting Social Security?" That's a great question! The answer is yes, but there's a special rule if you start before your Full Retirement Age.

• Before Full Retirement Age: If you work and collect Social Security before your FRA, Social Security might temporarily reduce your benefits if you earn above a certain amount. It's like they'll "hold back" some of your money.

  • For example, in 2025, for every $2 you earn over a certain limit (which changes each year), $1 of your Social Security benefits will be held back.

  • Good News: Once you reach your Full Retirement Age, they stop holding back money, no matter how much you earn! And the money they held back will be slowly given back to you in bigger checks later.

• At or After Full Retirement Age: Once you hit your FRA, you can earn as much as you want, and it won't affect your Social Security benefits. Hurray!

PRO TIP: Keep Track of Your Earnings! If you're working and getting benefits before your FRA, keep a close eye on how much you're earning so you don't get a surprise.

Fun Tip: Think of the earnings limit as a friendly speed bump before your Full Retirement Age – it slows down your benefits for a bit, but then you're clear to zoom!

Your Crystal Ball – Tools to Help You Decide!

How can you figure out the best time to claim your Social Security? Lucky for us, there are some great tools to help!

• Your "My Social Security" Account: This is your personal superpower! Go to ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you log in, you can see your own estimated benefits at different ages (62, your FRA, and 70). This is the best place to start!

• Social Security's Retirement Estimator: The SSA also has a cool tool called the Retirement Estimator. You can plug in different ages, and it will show you how much your monthly payment would be. It's like trying on different hats to see which one fits best!

• Online Calculators: Many financial websites have free Social Security calculators. Just search "Social Security claiming age calculator" online. These can help you compare different choices.

PRO TIP: Think About Your Health! When deciding, also think about your health. If you're very healthy and expect to live a long time, waiting for bigger checks might make more sense. If your health isn't great, getting money sooner might be better. It's a very personal choice!

Fun Tip: Using these tools is like being a detective trying to solve the mystery of your best retirement date!

👀 Real Talk: What Others Are Doing

Did you know 57% of Americans claim Social Security at age 62—as early as possible?

But here’s the catch…
A lot of them wish they had waited—especially those who end up living into their 80s or 90s. Claiming early might feel good now, but it can mean missing out on thousands later.

🏆 Real-Life Win:
One couple held off until age 70. Now? They’re getting $1,000 more every single month than if they’d claimed early. Over 20 years, that’s an extra $240,000 in their pocket. That’s a pretty nice reward for waiting, right?

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t fall into these traps:

❌ Claiming at 62 without doing the math
❌ Forgetting about taxes, inflation, and healthcare costs
❌ Assuming Social Security alone will cover your retirement

A little planning now can save a lot of stress later.

📣 Final Thought: Your Future Self Will Thank You

Whether you’re 5 or 15 years away from retirement, your decision on when to claim Social Security is a big deal. It’s not just about today’s check—it’s about securing your future for decades to come.

✅ Run your numbers
✅ Think long-term
✅ Make a choice that fits your life, not just your timeline

Because when it comes to retirement, timing can be everything.

💬 We’d Love to Hear from You!

👉 Have you figured out your breakeven point yet?
👉 Planning to claim early, or thinking of holding off?

Hit reply and share your thoughts. And if someone you know is wrestling with the same decision, forward this email to them. Let’s help each other retire smarter!

🎯 Take Action Now — Before You File

Once you file for Social Security, some decisions are locked in. So the best time to plan is before you hit submit.

Ready to get clear on your best strategy?

👉 Click below to fill out a short info form and schedule your free 1-on-1 session.

🔗 Start My Personalized Strategy Now

📩 Have questions? We’re here to help. Email us anytime at [email protected].

Make Your Best Move – Own Your Retirement!

Deciding when to claim your Social Security is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make for your retirement. By understanding the choices between starting early, at your Full Retirement Age, or delaying, you can make a smart plan that gives you the most money over your lifetime.

Don't let this important decision confuse you!

➡️ What's YOUR ideal Social Security claiming age? Tell us in the comments!

➡️ SHARE this newsletter with anyone you know who is getting ready to retire – it could make a huge difference for them!

➡️ Want more expert tips and personalized guidance for your retirement journey? Visit [Your Website/Resource Link Here - e.g., SocialSecurityInsideOut.com]!

Yes, I Want to Retire Smarter!

Understanding Social Security isn't just about numbers; it's about securing your peace of mind and building the retirement you deserve. We hope this newsletter has demystified this crucial program for you.

Don't keep this vital information to yourself!

➡️ SHARE this newsletter with friends and family who need to retire smarter!

➡️ What's YOUR biggest Social Security question? Let us know in the comments below or reply to this email – we might feature your question in our next edition!

➡️ Ready to dive deeper? Explore more expert insights and personalized strategies at [Your Website/Resource Link Here - e.g., SocialSecurityInsideOut.com]

📣 WRAP-UP:

Social Security isn’t just a government program — it’s a cornerstone of American life. Whether you’re decades from retirement or just a few years out, the time to get informed is now.

Know someone confused about Social Security? Forward this newsletter and spread the clarity.
Have questions or personal stories? Hit “Reply” — we’d love to hear from you.

💬 Join the conversation: Share this newsletter, tag us with your questions on social, or drop us a note — your voice could be the one that helps someone else understand their benefits.

🔁 SHARE THIS EDITION:
Know someone who thinks Social Security is “just for old people”?
Share this and show them the truth.

🧠 Don’t Let a Social Security Mistake Cost You $100,000+

Get a Personalized Social Security Strategy Report + 1-on-1 Planning Session

Built with expert guidance. Powered by professional-grade software. Tailored 100% to you.

🚨 Most People Claim Social Security Wrong — And Don’t Realize It Until It’s Too Late

Social Security is more than just picking an age and filing online.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime decision that could impact your income for 20+ years.

Yet most retirees rely on:

• ❌ Generic SSA estimators

• ❌ Rules of thumb from friends or financial entertainers

• ❌ Guesswork — because the system is confusing

That’s why over 70% of Americans claim too early…
And why many lose out on $20,000 to $100,000 or more in lifetime benefits.

💡 What You Actually Need: A Personalized Strategy

Every retirement story is different — your income, your spouse (or ex-spouse), your taxes, your timing.

You need a strategy that answers:

• 🧮 What’s the best age for you to claim?

• 💸 How can you reduce or eliminate taxes on your benefits?

• 💑 Are you eligible for spousal or survivor benefits you didn’t know about?

• 📈 How much more could you receive by filing at the right time?

✅ Here’s What You Get

✔️ Your Custom Social Security Strategy Report

• A personalized, software-generated report based on your earnings, filing options, and retirement goals

• Clear visuals that compare benefit amounts at every possible claiming age

• Scenario modeling for spousal, divorced, or survivor benefits

• Integrated tax projections

✔️ 30-Minute Private Strategy Session

• One-on-one call (Zoom or phone)

• A licensed advisor walks you through your report

• Ask questions, get clarity, and make a smart decision

• “I thought I had it all figured out. This strategy showed me how to get $47,000 more over my retirement.”
  — Carol S., Retired Teacher, Age 65

🎯 Take Action Now — Before You File

Once you file, some choices are permanent.
The best time to plan is before you make a decision.

👉 Click below to get started
You’ll fill out a quick info form and schedule your 1-on-1 session.

🔗 Start My Personalized Strategy Now

📩 Questions? Reach out anytime at [email protected]

🧭 Navigating the Maze

The Smart Approach to Social Security Planning

Your Social Security decision could be worth $100,000 or more. Don’t guess.

⚠️ Most Americans Get This Wrong

Social Security is often the largest guaranteed source of retirement income — yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

❌ Claiming too early? You could lock in 30% less income for life.
❌ Not reviewing spousal or survivor rules? You could miss out on tens of thousands.
❌ Ignoring taxes? Up to 85% of your benefits could be taxed away.

You don’t get a second chance once you file.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “What’s the right age for me to claim?”

• “How will my decision affect my spouse or ex?”

• “What’s the tax impact I’m not seeing?”

You’re not alone. And this is exactly where we come in.

💡 Your Personalized Social Security Planning Service

Whether you're 5 years away or ready to file this year, we offer three service tiers — each designed to meet your level of readiness and financial complexity.

🧾 1. Basic Snapshot Strategy – $150

For self-directed clients who want fast clarity and a second opinion

✅ Top 3 claiming strategies for your unique situation
✅ Clear break-even analysis based on your birth year and income history
✅ Delivered as a clean, easy-to-read PDF
✅ Ideal if you’re 3–5 years away from filing

🔗 Let’s Get Started Now

📊 2. Standard Strategy Session – $295

Our most popular package — strategic, visual, and tailored

✅ Everything in the Basic tier
✅ Spousal and survivor strategy modeling
✅ Tax impact estimates on your benefit options
✅ Longevity scenario comparisons
✅ 1-on-1 follow-up via email Q&A

🔗 Let’s Get Started Now

🎯 3. Premium Consultation Package – $495

For those who want full clarity, support, and integration with other income sources

✅ 30-minute phone or Zoom strategy session
✅ Income gap review — how Social Security fits with your retirement savings
✅ Full action plan delivered as a customized PDF
✅ 2-week follow-up access for questions or scenario updates

🔗 Let’s Get Started Now

✅ Why It Matters

Most calculators and online tools give you an estimate, not a strategy.
They don’t factor in:

• Spousal eligibility

• Taxes

• Longevity risk

• Coordination with IRAs, pensions, or part-time work

We do.

“I almost filed at 62. Your analysis showed me how waiting just three years would add $72,000 in lifetime benefits. That changed everything.”
— Linda M., recently retired

🎯 The Smart Move Starts Here

Filing for Social Security is one of the most permanent retirement decisions you'll ever make.

Let’s make sure you get it right, with a strategy that works for you.

👉 Click below to choose your service level and get started today.
📥 https://fp.financial/social-security-info-intake/

📩 Questions? Email us at [email protected]