Anyone regret taking SS benefit early?

[JiminJersey]

I started mine early because we needed the monthly cash. Having a heart attack at 56, and not being able to find a job in my economically depressed area made it pretty much necessary. I had 35 years in IT before mergers, RIFs, and, in one case, 9/11 budget cuts put me out on the street. There are times when being a well-paid, older white male works against you in a tight job market. And I know I'm not alone, by any means.

[PJStough]

One group of people who wont chime in on this discussion are those that planned on waiting until 65 or later to start drawing Social Security, but died before they got there.

[ga traveler]

I retired at 65 in 2005. I lived very well for the first 6 years. We were able to save a thousand dollars a month for the 6 years. BUT, (there is always a but.) just as I retired the government decided that they were not going to give raises to the retired folks that had paid into the system, BUT were going to give all the money to other sources. If you are well off, I would say retire early and see this great country. If you are just comfortable, I would suggest you work longer.

[LarrytheBear]

Took mine at 63 instead of 66. No regrets for me.

The travels we made in those three years sure did beat going to work and depending on holidays and vacation time for travel. We travel between 2 and 4 months out of the year and I could not do that if I were still working.

Savings, other sources of income and being debt free are key to being able to retire early.

Work toward it and make it happen.

[rvethereyet]

Originally Posted by biggcrisp

There are over 8,000 different ways to draw social security. Please seek out an expert.

The only experience I can share is from hearing someone that said to take it as early as possible and knowing someone that passed to early to draw anything.

Thanks for the reply. But my question is do any of you regret taking SS early?

[PJStough]

Originally Posted by ga traveler

I retired at 65 in 2005. I lived very well for the first 6 years. We were able to save a thousand dollars a month for the 6 years. BUT, (there is always a but.) just as I retired the government decided that they were not going to give raises to the retired folks that had paid into the system, BUT were going to give all the money to other sources. If you are well off, I would say retire early and see this great country. If you are just comfortable, I would suggest you work longer.

Not exactly sure of what you are saying here. Would you explain more?

"just as I retired the government decided that they were not going to give raises to the retired folks that had paid into the system, BUT were going to give all the money to other sources."

[cruzbill]

No regrets, I retired at 62 and started collecting SS. We paid off our house loan just after we retired. Easy street!

[rvethereyet]

Originally Posted by PJStough

One group of people who wont chime in on this discussion are those that planned on waiting until 65 or later to start drawing Social Security, but died before they got there.

I wonder why that is...

[rvethereyet]

Originally Posted by JiminJersey

I started mine early because we needed the monthly cash. Having a heart attack at 56, and not being able to find a job in my economically depressed area made it pretty much necessary. I had 35 years in IT before mergers, RIFs, and, in one case, 9/11 budget cuts put me out on the street. There are times when being a well-paid, older white male works against you in a tight job market. And I know I'm not alone, by any means.

Thanks for sharing.

[rvethereyet]

Originally Posted by LarrytheBear

Took mine at 63 instead of 66. No regrets for me.

The travels we made in those three years sure did beat going to work and depending on holidays and vacation time for travel. We travel between 2 and 4 months out of the year and I could not do that if I were still working.

Savings, other sources of income and being debt free are key to being able to retire early.

Work toward it and make it happen.

NO regrets... thanks for sharing

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by rvethereyet

I think there is more to this story... care to share?

Not really, just that I've heard that if you live a fairly long life then you will draw more money in total.

[Waiter21]

I have a great job that I really enjoy. We're able to snowbird a few months a year when things are slow at work. Whenever I talk about retiring, the boss says I can't retire yet and gives me a pay raise...

We're in good health (knock on wood), no debt, so will probably take SS at 70 when I'm forced to, and keep working until I can't.

[rvethereyet]

Originally Posted by cruzbill

No regrets, I retired at 62 and started collecting SS. We paid off our house loan just after we retired. Easy street!

No regrets. Thanks for sharing. I am looking for Easy ST. Can you give me directions?

[rvethereyet]

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I have a great job that I really enjoy. We're able to snowbird a few months a year when things are slow at work. Whenever I talk about retiring, the boss says I can't retire yet and gives me a pay raise...

We're in good health (knock on wood), no debt, so will probably take SS at 70 when I'm forced to, and keep working until I can't.

WOW the boss must like you. Good on you. Just wondering. What kind of work do you do that allow you to be gone in the winter months.