Cute, ambitious idea. But… let’s hit pause and chill for a second. 🛑

Before we see whether this trend is brilliant or borderline delusional, let’s explain what taking Social Security early actually involves. Because your retirement should be defined by math, not madness. 🤓

In case you didn’t know, you can claim Social Security as soon as you turn 62. It’s the earliest possible age, and yes, you’ll start getting those monthly checks immediately.

But here’s the catch — you’re locking yourself into a permanently reduced benefit. 📉

If your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67 (which is true for anyone born 1960 or later, or 66 if born before), claiming at 62 can shrink your monthly check by up to 30% — FOREVER!

Not “until you’re older,” not “for a little while,” but until the end of time.

And yeah… that’s quite a cut. 😬

On the flip side, if you wait past your FRA, every year you delay earns you about an 8% boost. And if you’re really patient, waiting until 70 gets you the biggest check possible. Every dollar of which is guaranteed, inflation-adjusted, and drama-free.

So why would anyone take it early? Oh, there are plenty of reasons.

Before we start tearing this strategy apart, it’s only fair to acknowledge the upside. Claiming early isn’t automatically reckless — for some people, it can actually make life easier.

1. You NEED the money now 🆘

Not everyone can coast until age 70. If you’ve been laid off, can’t find work, or your body has filed an official complaint against labor, taking it early might be the difference between surviving and not. No shame, no guilt — that’s literally what this program is for.

2. You’re a confident, competent investor 📊

If you know your way around stocks, funds, and indices better than your own home, and you’re not out here panic-selling whenever the market drops 2%, then yes. Taking benefits early and investing the money CAN work in your favor. But this only applies to people who are disciplined, diversified, and genuinely financially literate — not people who learned everything they know from “Investing for Dummies” over Thanksgiving weekend.

3. Your time is limited ❤️‍🩹

We’re talking life expectancy here. Dark? Yes. Honest? Also yes. If you have medical conditions or a family history suggesting you may not live long enough to make delaying worthwhile, claiming early can actually maximize your lifetime benefits. (Note: This does NOT apply to the “live fast, die young” mindset — that’s not financial planning, that’s chaos.)

4. You want cash flexibility now 💳

Smaller check or not, having money in hand can help if you’re paying off debt, downsizing, or trying to reduce financial stress.

Every strategy has a downside, and this one has quite a few big ones.

1. You’re taking a PERMANENT pay cut ❌

Undoubtedly, the biggest and most logical reason. As mentioned before, that 30% reduction sticks with you forever and won’t magically increase later, no matter how much you beg. If money is tight in your 70s or 80s, you won’t be able to “undo” this decision, so think twice before you take the leap.

2. There are no guarantees 🤷‍♂️

Is the stock market amazing long-term? Yes. Does it always behave exactly when you need it to? Absolutely not. Delaying Social Security gives you an automatic, government-backed, inflation-adjusted raise every year you wait. Meanwhile, the stock market does not send apologies if it tanks at the most inconvenient moment.

3. You’ll lose inflation protection 💵

Those annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are priceless — especially if everything from groceries to gas decides to suddenly double in price.

4. Your benefits might get (temporarily) reduced 💼

Claiming before full retirement age comes with rules. If you earn too much from work, Social Security may withhold part of your early benefit. Many people don’t know this until it hits their bank account… and then the outrage begins.

5. You could outlive your money 💔

People live longer than they expect — and running out of cash in your 80s or 90s is definitely not a retirement aesthetic you want to experience.

Taking Social Security early can be smart — but only in specific situations. If you truly need the cash, have legitimate health concerns, or you're simply a disciplined investor who knows what you’re doing, claiming at 62 might make sense. (As always, we advise you to consult a financial expert before doing anything drastic.)

But for most people? Waiting still wins. ⏳

The higher check, the inflation protection, and the guaranteed growth of delaying benefits are all powerful and hard to argue against — especially in a world where everything gets more expensive and insane by the minute.

And the most strategic move? A little patience, a little discipline, and maybe waiting until you’re closer to 70 before hitting “collect.” 💰