I'm planning on doing the same thing when I turn 62. With my other pension and early SS, I'll be able to pay the bills. I'm planning on doing other things with my life, such as herding my youngest son and grandson. I'm considering a number of options, and I'm looking forward to having the freedom to pursue those options.
I also plan to become more involved with a Tea Party group in my area. I plan on mostly full, busy days.
That’s what bartending, table waiting, and other under-the-counter occupations are for.
Other income that does not reduce Social Security benefits is rental income, and income from owner financing of real estate.
It’s a real sucker’s bet to take your social sec. benefits at 62 unless you really, REALLY need the bucks, or are in bad health and might not make 70. But the Work Credit benefit that runs to 70 will nearly double the benefit that you would have gotten at 62. Even if you are a lifetime payer who would be a max recipient at 65 makes the discount you have to take at 62 a bad deal. Make sure you know how much you will be losing by taking early before you make the move because there’s no going back. I promise you will bitch the rest of your life if you take the early discount and then need more income later-—it won’t be there.