At about 7:00 you infer that a surviving spouse can delay collecting survivor benefits until 70 to get delayed earnings credits. However survivor benefits do not earn delayed earnings credits, the only way survivor’s benefits can be more than the primary’s PIA is if the Primary had died after turning their full FRA and had not begun receiving the SS or started receiving their benefit after reaching FRA.
I’d argue the less dependent you are on SS to meet your income needs, the stronger the argument to take it at 62 and enjoy it or be generous with it while you’re young, mobile and active. Having a little more income when you’re 80 matters a lot less than a little more income when you’re 62 (if you don’t need the money). Of course, there are always other factors to consider like Roth conversions, ACA subsidies, etc. that may come into play for some people.
I love all of your advice.
You’re the best Darrell!!
At about 7:00 you infer that a surviving spouse can delay collecting survivor benefits until 70 to get delayed earnings credits. However survivor benefits do not earn delayed earnings credits, the only way survivor’s benefits can be more than the primary’s PIA is if the Primary had died after turning their full FRA and had not begun receiving the SS or started receiving their benefit after reaching FRA.
I’d argue the less dependent you are on SS to meet your income needs, the stronger the argument to take it at 62 and enjoy it or be generous with it while you’re young, mobile and active.
Having a little more income when you’re 80 matters a lot less than a little more income when you’re 62 (if you don’t need the money). Of course, there are always other factors to consider like Roth conversions, ACA subsidies, etc. that may come into play for some people.
Well said! There’s always tradeoffs.
Well done!!