By Manzanillo Sun Writer from the June 2014 Edition
Most Americans consider 65 the traditional age to take Social Security benefits, but there are other options. You can take them early, at age 62, or late, up to age 70.
If you start collecting Social Security benefits in the first year of eligibility at 62 you’ll receive a smaller monthly payment, but you could, theoretically, receive benefits for a longer period of time and maximize your total gain.
On the other hand, you could wait until age 70 to start collecting Social Security benefits, at which time you could qualify for the maximum possible payment.
There are pros and cons to taking Social Security early, late, or on time, but here we’ll discuss the argument for waiting. The main reason to delay taking benefits until you reach age 70 is that you’ll receive an additional 8 percent of income per year for every year past your full retirement age; this depends on the year in which you were born, but it is currently 66 or 67.
As well, your annual cost of living increase will be based on this higher amount, which is a significant return in today’s market environment.
Of course, in this case, you’ll need another source of income until you’re 70, which means you’ll either have to keep working or live off other investments. There also may be some concern that Social Security won’t be around if you wait the additional five years.
This option isn’t for everyone, but if you can plan ahead, it might be a compelling alternative.
Yann Kostic is a Financial Advisor (RIA) and Money Manager with Atlantis Wealth Management, specializing in retirees (or soon to be), self-reliant women and Expats in Mexico. Yann works with TD Ameritrade Institutional (custodian). He splits his time between Florida and Ajijic/Manzanillo in Mexico. Comments, questions or to request his Newsletter “News You Can Use”. Contact him at Yannk@AtlantisWealth.com, in Mexico: (376) 106-1613 or in the US: (321) 574-1529
Download the full edition or view it online
Manzanillo Sun’s eMagazine written by local authors about living in Manzanillo and Mexico, since 2009
