Failing health tends to hit without warning. Men being at more risk than women. I'd suggest that you take social security at the earliest possible opportunity. You may be planning on living a long time, but the actuarial tables don't look good for men our age.
While not statistical in nature, I've had health issues from age 33. Autoimmune disease leading to other very serious problems. Yet, I am still here. 6 of my friends have left me in the last 2 years, 5 in the last 3 months. My oldest and closest friend just had a massive hemmoragic stroke. He walked nextdoor to see a neighbor, and collapsed on the floor. Bottom line, I have 1 good friend left and 2 "iffy" ones. Out of our group, the sick guy (me) is still alive.
At your age, it's nearly a statistical certainty that there are things going on inside your body that you are unaware of. Despite how good you feel and despite what your doctor says.
The bottom line is that you don't have to spend the money if you take it early. But if you wait and health declines, you've limited your options.
Originally Posted by AZjeff
One interesting idea was to retire at earliest date and put SSI money into investments, assuming you don't need that money to live on.
And that speaks to my point above. Doing so gives you options you would not otherwise have.
While not statistical in nature, I've had health issues from age 33. Autoimmune disease leading to other very serious problems. Yet, I am still here. 6 of my friends have left me in the last 2 years, 5 in the last 3 months. My oldest and closest friend just had a massive hemmoragic stroke. He walked nextdoor to see a neighbor, and collapsed on the floor. Bottom line, I have 1 good friend left and 2 "iffy" ones. Out of our group, the sick guy (me) is still alive.
At your age, it's nearly a statistical certainty that there are things going on inside your body that you are unaware of. Despite how good you feel and despite what your doctor says.
The bottom line is that you don't have to spend the money if you take it early. But if you wait and health declines, you've limited your options.
Originally Posted by AZjeff
One interesting idea was to retire at earliest date and put SSI money into investments, assuming you don't need that money to live on.
And that speaks to my point above. Doing so gives you options you would not otherwise have.
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