Rethinking 62: Is Early Social Security Worth It?

The article weighs Dave Ramsey’s caution that taking Social Security at 62 and investing the checks may outperform waiting, against the guaranteed, inflation-adjusted increases from delaying benefits. It explains the break-even point—roughly age 80–82 per AARP data—where waiting surpasses early claiming in lifetime value, notes the risk of stock-market volatility, and highlights the impact on survivor benefits and the earnings test if you work before FRA. Bottom line: there’s no one-size-fits-all rule; plug your numbers into the Social Security site to tailor the decision based on health, cash needs, and life expectancy.