Retirement Starts Today Americans May Be Claiming Social Security Too Early
Jan 19, 2026
A survey shows most people plan to claim Social Security early and fear, cash needs, and solvency worries drive that choice. The show explores when early claiming can make sense and why waiting until 70 might be prudent. It also covers where to park short-term cash today, how to buy Treasuries, and different Treasury types. Finally, listeners share stories about finding purpose after financial independence.
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Most People Plan To Claim Social Security Early
- Most Americans plan to claim Social Security before 70 despite knowing deferral increases benefits for life.
- Schroeder's 2025 survey found ~90% plan to claim early while only ~10% plan to wait until 70, driven by fear and necessity.
Be A Prudent Pessimist About Social Security
- If you're a pessimist about solvency, adopt a 'prudent pessimist' approach and delay claiming until 70 to maximize your benefit growth.
- Delaying to 70 grows benefits (132% of PIA) so even a partial future cut leaves you near full retirement age benefit.
Fear And Need Drive Early Claiming Decisions
- Fear, cash needs, and solvency worries mostly drive early claiming rather than math or optimization.
- About a third want access immediately, a third fear Social Security will run out, and a third need income for basics.