Sun Aug 31 2025, by Tyler Gardner

5 Reasons I’m Taking My Social Security at 62

I'm Tyler, a former financial advisor and portfolio manager. Now I make financial content for free, so you don't have to pay for it.

1. Annual Benefits Reduction

Yes, my annual benefits would be reduced by 5% to 6% per year. But you know what beats 5% to 6% annually? The stock market.

2. The Importance of Early Access

If I don't invest the money, by taking it at 62 versus 70, I still gain 19 years of having more money overall. And I don't know what you all plan on doing after 81 years old, but I hope it’s a lavish party and I hope to see you all there!

3. Working After 62

If I want to keep working after 62, yes, my benefits will be docked $1 for every $2 I make over $23,400 in 2025. But at full retirement age, my benefits would be recalculated, and I’d get it all back.

4. Cost of Living Adjustments

Speaking of getting money back, Social Security benefits are adjusted each year for cost of living adjustments, which have averaged just over 2% for the last 20 years. Unfortunately, inflation has averaged 2.5% during that same timeframe, so I’ll take the money early while it’s still worth what I think it is.

5. Prioritizing Life Over Delaying

I’m simply done being told to defer life. Time is not money; money is time. I will use as much of my time as possible, as early as possible, to buy back my freedom.

Conclusion

If you want to be considered for my contract bridge partner, I’ll be taking applications in the comments from now until the position is filled!

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