I used to work with someone that worked for SS and he said to take it at 62...I am taking it at 62 because I need to and knowing our government who knows what will happen to it
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I still work so I started at 62. I get a raise every year and I still contribute. I do plan on retiring next year and it is a little scary.
Yup - I too would advise taking it at 62, if you can.
Get what you can; while you can. If you are already drawing, they will probably grandfather you in when they move the eligible age to withdraw back (again). As I am only 54, I have to doubt that I will ever see a dime.
Yes, I believe I will retire at 62, that is one year away for me, 10-03-2010. I wish I could retire now. I was layed off again and my unemployment ran out and now I am trying to find out if I get an extension for unemployment. Gee, I wish the lay-off would have happened next year instead of this. My husband who is still going to work but has applied and will be getting his first Social Security check in December. He will be 66 on November 2009 but will continue to work. And getting a job -- gee all I want is a part time clerical job - but no such luck getting one. My state (Minnesota) unemployment -- is now at 8% or thereabouts so they will not be eligible for federal extension -- so I called State up and I guess that deals with the newest latest extension that there is another extension that already will apply -- gee, if only I could get a job and they can keep their little money they send me but everyone is out of work and so people are taking all the jobs that used to be there -- like McDonalds, all the little part time clerical jobs and the new immigrants are just flooding in and taking up the excess so I am fighting the 18 to 39 year old crowd with a 61 year old body -- And I like to work but I don't want anything that is too complicated, just a simple job that keeps me busy, that's it. And if I waited till 66 or 70, gee, my older sister died several years ago and she was 72. And looking at my family history, the majority have died in their late 70s and my mother died at 57 (she never did get SS). I like how they take money out for years and years and then give you a couple hundred to bury you if you die before retirement age. And you know what else ticks me off -- these young people who get Disability checks and are capable of working -- I personally know several people that have never worked in their life and are getting Disability checks - (or better known as "Crazy Checks") and getting Section 8 or if they have children are given a house of Habitat for Humanity -- (true story -- I know these people personally). Just get a psychiatrist to put down you are not too bright and approved for Disability and have hardly worked a day in their life and get Medicaid to take care of their health program. Medicare is running out of money but they make sure Medicaid has money. Oh well, that is enough complaining. I do have faith -- that eventually everything works out, so far that is the way it has been in my life -- live a little, complain a little, get depressed alot but after all the worrying, etc., financial situations work out.
I know a person in Candada who told me he has Canadian pension, work pension and also a pension from the UK, where he was born and raised til his mid 20s, then moving to Canada. Gee, I bet USA SS would be cut if one got all that. LOL.
I have been self-employed most of my life. Some folks might consider me a hippie artist. Whatever. If I work until I am 67 I will get $400. a month. I don't ever consider retiring, but I love what I do. I own my own home (no mortgage) and I have my business, so life is good. I always thought that Social Security wouldn't even exist when I got older. Yes, I pay self-employment tax and have for years.
As to the complaint about young folks getting SDI. My son is one. A little over 4 years ago he completely fell apart. He has schizo-affected disorder. Yes, he takes some really expensive meds that Medicare pays for and yes, he is finally getting better. He will be graduating from college soon and the next step is finding employment. Don't make complaints about folks with mental illness until you have walked in their shoes and the shoes of their families. That small amount that he gets each month gives him some self-worth and he knows he can pay me some rent and pay for his education. It is all part of the getting better process.
I too am retired from a school system and working. Don't know if the body is going to hold out till 62 to retire--4 more years.
I moved at retirement (early) almost 2 years ago from Mi. to Wisconsin. I'm now working at whatever I can get to keep my head above water--retail. I would also be happy with a light office duties type of job. You'd think someone would want our plethora of knowledge and good work ethics?
We all have our reasons for taking our SS when we do and we can each justify our reasons.
The thing that many of us do not do well is really understand how to maximize our social security benefits. The AARP estimates that $10.1 billion in benefits goes unclaimed each year because senior couples do not understand spousal benefits and fail to claim benefits they are due. I can assure you that the SSA does not call you up to tell you that you have not claimed all the benefits you have coming.
Linda, my wife, and I almost passed up $33,500 in spousal benefits because we had not done our homework.
We created a web page (http://www.frugal-senior.com/maximize- social-security.html) about our story to keep others from making the same mistake. This page also includes information about spousal benefits, divorced single benefits, and benefits for children you support (if you are drawing social security).
Thanks to Martin for starting this group.
I started getting Survivor benefits when I turned 60. I had rotator cuff in 02/07 and I resigned from my job 6 mo. later and retired. Only thing is I don't have health ins. Been lucky so far, no major health problems yet.. knock on wood. Got a big raise last year, won't get one this coming yr. I don't understand what they are doing with health care bill... I can't get Medicare until I turn 65. Gonna try for Medicaid again...
I worked in human resources for a long time both in organizations and as a private consultant. After working with many folks who were getting ready to retire, I decided early on that I'd get SS as soon as possible. You have to live to be quite old before it would really make a difference. By the time most of us are in our 80's, who knows what (if anything) will be left of social security.
