Retirement

Your Social Security Roadmap

Your Social Security Roadmap: When Should You Claim Your Benefits? Introduction text states: Social Security is an important source of income for 91% of retirees, so deciding when to start benefits is critical. Here are a few quick questions to consider before drawing benefits. The text concludes with: Let's start your Social Security journey!Your Social Security Roadmap: When Should You Claim Your Benefits? Introduction text states: Social Security is an important source of income for 91% of retirees, so deciding when to start benefits is critical. Here are a few quick questions to consider before drawing benefits. The text concludes with: Let's start your Social Security journey!First decision point. Question: Are you still working? Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: You might be subject to the earnings test, and that may influence your decision on when to begin benefits. The decision ends here. Path 2: No leads to: OK, let's move on to the next question. There are two quick facts off to each side. Quick fact one: benefits got a 2.5% cost of living adjustment for 2025. Quick fact two: the earnings test only applies if you haven't yet reached full retirement age.First decision point. Question: Are you still working? Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: You might be subject to the earnings test, and that may influence your decision on when to begin benefits. The decision ends here. Path 2: No leads to: OK, let's move on to the next question.Second decision point. Question: Do you have other sources of income to rely on? Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: Let's take a further look, with an arrow pointing to the next question. Path 2: No leads to: Remember, you can start taking benefits as early as age 62. The decision ends here. Quick fact number three is on the right side: Claiming early means a smaller benefit. On the left is the section, How Your Benefit Changes, which includes three key points: At 62, you'll get 30% less than your full benefit. At Full Retirement Age, you get 100% of your benefit. At 70, you'll see a 24% boost to your benefit. Second decision point. Question: Do you have other sources of income to rely on? Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: Let's take a further look, with an arrow pointing to the next question. Path 2: No leads to: Remember, you can start taking benefits as early as age 62. The decision ends here.Third decision point. Question: Do you think you'll live beyond 81? We know, crystal balls are hard to come by! Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: Family history and longevity are factors to consider when drawing benefits. The decision ends here. Path 2: No leads to: Okay, let's look at one more factor. The last quick fact, number four, is on the right side: full Retirement Age is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.Third decision point. Question: Do you think you'll live beyond 81? We know, crystal balls are hard to come by! Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: Family history and longevity are factors to consider when drawing benefits. The decision ends here. Path 2: No leads to: Okay, let's look at one more factor.Final decision point. Question: How about living past 77? What's your gut feeling? Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: For some, living past 77 is a consideration when starting benefits at full retirement age. The decision ends here. Path 2: No leads to: In this case, you might consider claiming as early as age 62.Final decision point. Question: How about living past 77? What's your gut feeling? Two paths follow. Path 1: Yes leads to: For some, living past 77 is a consideration when starting benefits at full retirement age. The decision ends here. Path 2: No leads to: In this case, you might consider claiming as early as age 62. Followed by two disclaimers. The first message states: Remember, this is just a guide; your situation is unique, and this guide is designed to help you start the decision process. The second message are sources: 1. EBRI.org, June 25, 2024 and 2. SSA.gov, January 2024. The third message in italics states: This material is designed to provide high-level, educational information about Social Security; it is not intended to provide specific advice; the Social Security Administration has representatives and resource material available if you have specific questions.The header reads: How Your Benefit Changes. Three key points: At 62, you'll get 30% less than your full benefit. At Full Retirement Age, you get 100% of your benefit. At 70, you'll see a 24% boost to your benefit. Followed by note: Remember, this is just a guide. Your situation is unique, and this guide is designed to help you start the decision process. Below this, you'll find the Quick Facts section. Header: Quick Facts to Keep in Mind about Social Security. There are five bullet points, listed in this order: Benefits got a 2.5% cost of living adjustment for 2025. The Earnings Test only applies if you haven't yet reached Full Retirement Age. Claiming early means a smaller benefit. Waiting means a bigger benefit. Full Retirement Age is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.The last image is two disclaimer messages in a light blue box. The first message states: Remember, this is just a guide; your situation is unique, and this guide is designed to help you start the decision process. The second message are sources: 1. EBRI.org, June 25, 2024 and 2. SSA.gov, January 2024. The third message in italics states: This material is designed to provide high-level, educational information about Social Security; it is not intended to provide specific advice; the Social Security Administration has representatives and resource material available if you have specific questions.
 

Related Content

What To Do When Your Income Reaches 7 Figures

What To Do When Your Income Reaches 7 Figures

Preserve your high net worth with these foundational tips.

Stay Safe with a Business Owner's Policy

Stay Safe with a Business Owner's Policy

Learn the advantages of Business Owner's Policies with this highly educational and fun animated video.

What to Look for in Personal Finance Apps

What to Look for in Personal Finance Apps

An increasing number have been developed to help individuals with their personal finances.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?


Thank you! Oops!

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes

For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.

What If Your Kids Decide Against College?

Rising college costs prompt students to seek alternatives; 529 account funds can be used for other education options.

Retiring Wild: National Parks and You

Get ready to enjoy America’s national park system with this helpful article.

View all articles

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

The Power of 401k Catch-Ups

See how catch-up contributions after age 50 could significantly boost your retirement balance.

View all calculators

The Other Sure Thing

A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.

It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup

It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.

Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities

What is your plan for health care during retirement?

View all videos