A lot of my friends are opting for the earlier benefits - mostly because of the Obama economy but also because they fear they’ll either die before full benefits or the benefits won’t be there by the time they’re 65 or 70.
Very smart thing to do.
I’m was not eligble for SS; since I did not pay into it long enough - worked for the Navy Department instead.
I opted to get out as soon as possible; seeing inflation looming on the horizon; and was DAMNED sure not gonna get caught by another Carter-like loonytoon who decided to “Whip Inflation Now” with the wallets of government workers.
I was held for a couple of years at a 5.5% ‘cola’ while private industry wages were in the double digits.
People who had retired in front of me were receiving REAL cola increases in their retirement checks; and ended up making MORE m oney being retired than I was still working!!