Team Clark Survey Results
We asked Clark's listeners who have already claimed Social Security whether you regret the age at which you started collecting. A whopping 91.2% of you said no. Just 7.1% regretted their choice, while 1.7% aren't sure how they feel. Here's what some of you told us: Karen in Louisiana (claimed at 62): "I had a pension and could not continue to work a very physical job. I made the right decision and love retirement." Marie in Iowa (claimed at 70): "I started collecting on my husband's Social Security at 66 but I waited to collect on my own account until I was 70. I'll get my full benefits for the rest of my life, substantially more than if I had taken my own benefits earlier. Women in my family live a long time so the higher benefit was worth waiting for." Dee Dee in Georgia (claimed at 62): "The 'could be hit by a truck' syndrome got to me. I have no crystal ball as to how or when I will die." Debbie in Oklahoma (claimed at 62): "By waiting, it would take at least 10 years to break even. This didn't take into account earnings on saving the money or cost-of-living raises. Plus, many people don't make it to 70. I love you Clark, but everyone's situation is different." Ellen in Georgia (claimed at 62): "My reasoning was no one knows how many years we have left. I have two other retirement incomes plus rental property, so waiting for a larger payout was not necessary. It seems the older I get the less money I need." Richard in California (claimed at 65): "I was burned out at work. My daily commute was 3.5 to 4.5 hours a day and getting worse. Gas was costing an average of $350 a month. The extra year to my full retirement age just didn't feel worth the daily strain on my life." Lori in Florida (claimed at 62): "I invested every dime and did very well. Much better than if I had waited." Michael in Ohio (claimed at 62): "Everyone has a finite number of heartbeats and no one knows when your number is up. I took my earned benefit as soon as it was offered. Although the dollars are significantly lower, I have enjoyed having the cash to use over the past 10+ years. I have now received 142 Social Security payments over $1,000 to spend and have enjoyed it immensely. God willing, I'll receive 143 more before I'm gone. Colleen in Wisconsin (claimed at 62): "Too many people don't live to get the maximum benefit. I purchased things that were way less expensive a few years ago. If I'd have waited, look how inflation would have affected me this past year! The less of my money the government can keep, the better." Sharon in Arizona (claimed at 62): "We retired at 55. So when 62 came around we thought we could use the extra cash. Wrong. We should have waited at least three more years when we really would have needed it." |
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