My brother did what he was told and waited until 67 to collect Social Security- and then died!

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by selhars

No doubt about it those are two different things.

I discuss this with a couple of coworkers -- one who's 67 waited until his age 66 FRA, another who's 73 now and took it early at 65, and who are still working full time. The 67 year old who'll be 68 this year says he's couldn't wait to start collecting, meaning he was chomping at the bit. He's a bird-in-the-hand guy, and wanted "his money." You just can't convince him that waiting could be better. Taxation or not, they just won't even consider that waiting MIGHT have been better. One is making 70K a year. Another, is making about 150K a year, collecting ANOTHER pension, AND getting Soc Sec. You should see their eyes gleam when they talk about collecting their Soc Sec.

In your narrative is a very important consideration. What will that SS benefit be on top of? Nothing? Annuities, pensions, a spouses benefit on their own or investments. SS on top of and in addition to 120k without has a different impact than on top of 20K without. The margin of error is a tad different and ability to delay much different.

[Packerjohn]

I retired at age of 53.5 and started receiving my reduced pension at 55. I have traveled and enjoyed my life. I will be 70 this Saturday. I have a huge mortgage debt but generally enjoy my life which is full of hobbies such as reading, making wine, playing the guitar, daily exercise and walks and eating healthy. I don't have any money in the bank or wallet but that doesn't stop me from having fun and enjoying my life. My stress factor is pretty low. I believe that our society is too greedy about money and material things and this is killing too many people. Eating out in restaurants too often does nothing for one's longevity.

[mathjak107]

Eating in restaurants certainly does improve my longevity.

In case you don't know , my wife is on city data. Her name is badcook5 . In our house we say our prayers after we eat.