Some stats in article - planned income of particular interest

[mathjak107]

a couple today who waits until 70 could see as much as 80k in today's dollars from ss .

at 70 mine is about 40k alone , but my wife's is much less . if she earned what i did 80k is a possibility WHILE COLLECTING SPOUSAL BENEFITS ON THE WAY .

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by mathjak107

a couple today who waits until 70 could see as much as 80k in today's dollars from ss .

at 70 mine is about 40k alone , but my wife's is much less . if she earned what i did 80k is a possibility WHILE COLLECTING SPOUSAL BENEFITS ON THE WAY .

Yes it is that last line that is often missed in the break even calculations. Also a big factor missed in the break even calculations is how you use the money if taken early. If invested or used for real estate that is another data point. For us it was used to buy a beach place at rock bottom recession prices so yes there is an expense with that but also some decent equity return.

[Mircea]

Originally Posted by nicet4

By doing this together we will enjoy right at $50,000/year in social security alone and if something happens to me my wife will lose her benefit while picking up mine which is over $36,000/year or over $3,000/month.

You'll be taxed (means-tested).

Originally Posted by ReachTheBeach

The $45k figure sounds a lot more realistic.

The National Average Wage Index for 2014 is $46,481.