62or70.com
    Claim Smart
    62or70.com
    Claim Smart

    Claim Early and Invest, or Wait for Higher Benefits?

    Don't lose out on your investment opportunity cost by claiming too late. 62or70.com considers them all when optimizing your personal claiming strategy.

    The Early Claiming Trade-Off

    Claiming Social Security at 62 means a permanently reduced monthly benefit — but it also means your savings remain invested longer. If your portfolio earns a high enough return, claiming early and investing the equivalent can produce more total wealth than waiting.

    Your Return Rate Is the Deciding Factor

    At low returns (3–4%), delaying Social Security is almost always the right call — it's essentially a guaranteed 8% annual increase. But at higher returns (6–8%), the math tilts toward claiming early. The crossover point is different for everyone.

    See It in Action — Robert & Linda

    Interactive Model — Adjust the controls to see the impact

    3% (Conservative)12% (Aggressive)
    Decision ImpactMODERATE
    $350,855at stake·91% captured
    Best: Both @ 70Worst: Robert 62 / Linda 70

    Cumulative Payout

    • Both @ 62
    • Robert 62 / Linda 70
    • Robert 70 / Linda 62
    • Both @ 70

    Yearly Payout: Both @ 70

    Both @ 62$3,480,315
    Robert 62 / Linda 70$3,475,864
    Robert 70 / Linda 62$3,768,019
    Both @ 70$3,826,719

    Key Takeaways

    Low Returns Favor Delaying

    When your portfolio earns less than 5–6%, Social Security's guaranteed benefit increase is hard to beat. Delaying typically wins.

    High Returns Favor Early Claiming

    If you expect 7%+ returns, the opportunity cost of leaving money in a low-growth Social Security "account" rises. Claiming early and investing can win.

    Find Your Crossover Point

    The exact return rate where the optimal strategy flips depends on your age, benefit amount, and health. 62or70 models this precisely.

    Ready to Run Your Own Numbers?

    This demo uses a fictional couple. Your situation is unique — enter your real details to get a personalized claiming strategy.