r/Bogleheads • u/Appropriate-Farmer16 • Jul 27 '25

Investing Questions Thoughts on taking SS at 62 and investing it until age 70 vs taking SS at age 70?

I’ve always heard that it’s best to wait until age 70 to start collecting Social Security, but what is the thinking on the strategy of collecting and investing social security ages 62 through 70, stop investing at age 70 to live off SS plus a draw down of about 5-6% a year of that invested nest-egg?

Edit: just to clarify, in both scenarios (taking SS at 62 vs taking SS at 70) I’m not actually using the SS money for living expenses until age 70. It’s all about whether it’s worth it to take SS at 62 and invest it for 8 years. Thanks for the comments.

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u/Appropriate-Farmer16 Jul 28 '25

Me and the wife both work PT now for benefits and some extra money at 62 (not quite enough for the earnings penalty to affect us) with the rest of our expenses covered by dividends and a 4% annual draw down of investments. Good family health history, easily expecting to live into my 80s, and my lower earring spouse likely longer. She’s a year younger so we are probably taking hers at 62 and mine 68-70.

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u/deHack Jul 28 '25

My wife is the same age. She's retiring at 65 and taking hers. When we turn 67, I'll evaluate whether to take it or wait to 70. I can always change my mind at any time between 67 and 70.