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Early Claim

All articles tagged with #early claim

Big Nest Egg Rewrites Social Security Timing
personal-finance1 month ago

Big Nest Egg Rewrites Social Security Timing

A 62-year-old claimed Social Security against his advisor’s guidance, and by 78 his roughly $900,000 portfolio remained largely untouched while his smaller guaranteed Social Security benefit—boosted by COLAs—proved to support continued growth; the piece highlights that for high-asset retirees the standard “wait until 70” rule can be suboptimal, since the portfolio can continue to compound even as Social Security provides a steady floor. Breakeven for delaying typically happens in the early-to-mid 80s, but factors like portfolio size, health, and survivorship mean the right decision is highly individual.

Layoff at 57 Triggers Lifetime Social Security Cuts
personal-finance1 month ago

Layoff at 57 Triggers Lifetime Social Security Cuts

Being laid off at 57 can permanently lower Social Security benefits because the agency uses the 35 highest-earning years; a period with zero earnings now could nudge the average lower. Claiming at 62 instead of 67 locks in about a 30% permanent cut, shrinking a potential $2,000 monthly benefit to around $1,400 for life. To mitigate, she should check her SSA earnings record, map bridging options (severance, part-time work, or other income) to replace a low year, and delay claiming if possible. Survivors or ex-spouse benefits could affect strategy, and a fee-only planner can tailor a plan.