I really like this. Thanks, tibbitts.I think claiming only has three considerations that matter:I checked yet AGAIN just to be sure. As I tried to clarify, maybe unsuccessfully, the difference in the SPOUSAL benefit is indeed only $264 a YEAR. The difference in my benefit is more, around $1000, but over the course of our lives is only $42,000, or 4.4% more. Not trivial, but not great.
The full FRA benefit to me is worth $125,000 until 70. At least leaving the settings as is for life expectancy, etc, that $125,000 counters the additional benefits after 70 to not be such a big deal. Also, we would leave our IRA’s alone (and add to them at least a little through my work 401k) until my RMD’s in 7 years. Add to that the shakiness of SS, and using the early-ish SS to clean up some things and save, and we are comfortable DW taking now and me next year.
But maybe despite running things ad nauseam, I missed something. Thanks.
1. you believe your lifespan deviates from the average in one way or another;
2. you need Roth conversion space;
3. you believe SS will be reduced/means-tested/eliminated/whatever.
Otherwise it doesn't' matter much when you claim.
Statistics: Posted by Schmaven — Sat Oct 11, 2025 6:54 pm — Replies 160 — Views 9973