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I’m 62: Should I File For Social Security Or Wait?

Phil’s Tax Hacks · December 18, 2025

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎂 Filing at 62: temptation to claim benefits early

❤️ Emotional Decisions: how fear and advice are driving choices

⏳ Waiting Advantage: higher lifetime benefits at full retirement age

📉 Early Impact: permanent reduction in monthly payments

👫 Spousal Strategy: survivor benefits affected by timing

📊 Client Examples: real scenarios reveal best-fit strategies

Today’s Hack

Turning 62 might not feel like a milestone birthday, until you realize the Social Security clock just started ticking. Filing now could put money in your pocket sooner, or it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. In this episode, Phil breaks down how to think through one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make without letting emotion lead the way. Before you file, make sure you’re choosing the strategy that supports your long-term retirement, not just the date on the calendar.

Go Inside the Episode:

0:00 – Filing for Social Security at 62

1:25 – Emotional vs. Factual Decisions

2:29 – Advantages of Waiting Until Full Retirement Age

4:55 – Spousal Strategy and Survivor Benefits

7:15 – Complexity of Social Security Planning

9:32 – Client Examples and Decision-Making

If you have any questions about what we discussed in this episode, reach out and we’ll be happy to set up a time to talk.

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