Your Money Guide on the Side Why I'm Taking Social Security at 62 (And Why the "Wait Until 70 Crowd" Might Want to Pay Attention)
Mar 30, 2026
A contrarian, data-backed take arguing for claiming Social Security at 62 instead of waiting. Short breakdowns of break-even math for ages 62, 67, and 70. Discussion of how retirement phases change the value of money. Practical look at the Medicare gap from 62 to 65 and how to cover it. A six-question framework and quick heuristics to help decide when to claim.
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Break Even Ages For Claiming Social Security
- The break-even age determines whether taking Social Security at 62 or waiting wins by lifetime dollars.
- For 62 vs 67 the break-even is ~78–79; for 62 vs 70 it's ~80–81 because early checks add up quickly.
A Dollar At 62 Buys More Than A Dollar At 82
- Money at younger ages buys disproportionate experiential value because physical capacity and enjoyment peak in the go-go years.
- Tyler cites Bill Perkins' Die With Zero and the go-go/slow-go/no-go framework to value spending earlier.
Price Healthcare Gap Before Claiming At 62
- Price out healthcare before claiming early because Medicare starts at 65 and the 62–65 gap can be costly.
- Options include COBRA (expensive, 18 months), ACA subsidies (income-dependent), spouse plan, part-time benefits, or HSA savings.
