A carpe diem approach to Social Security

A carpe diem view of Social Security

I refute an article recently published in The Wall Street Journal stating that people should not take Social Security at the age of 62. It said that a person should wait longer and, thereby, receive a larger check.

I maintain that unless it is financially prohibitive, people should retire as soon as possible and begin collecting the money paid in during the years of employment. Individuals who delay need to survive into their 80s before exceeding the money lost when an average life expectancy is only in the 70s. Of course, some may cite others that live much longer, but the fact is that most don’t.

I contend that people can typically safeguard themselves against old-age costs and enjoy their money while they are physically able. Someone once said that the best estate planning is to “die when your final check is paid to the undertaker and, God willing, it’ll bounce!”

Don Mueller

Hoffman Estates