I just turned 68 and my wife just turned 65, both having turned 62 before 1/1/16 and both having had careers in non-profits. I was going to wait until 70 to take my benefits and my wife take hers at 67 - she wants to retire as soon as it makes sense - but after reading “the book”, I’m thinking it might be smarter to take my benefits a yr earlier at 69 and have my wife take spousal benefits at 66 and then she’d take her own benefits at 70. (From what we can figure out
- after 4 different answers from SS staff - my PIA is $2690 and my wife’s is $1,350.). What do you think of my thinking?

Hi,

The strategy you've outlined sounds fine, but there are certainly other plausible options available to you and your wife. One alternative strategy would be to wait until age 70 to start your benefits, at which time your wife would file just for spousal benefits while allowing her own rate to grow until age 70. Or, your wife could file on her own record at age 66 or even sooner, allowing you to draw spousal benefits before switching to your own record at age 70.

The best option for the two of you depends largely on what you believe would be your maximum age longevities. You may want to strongly consider using our maximization software to fully compare all of your various options so that you can decide which option you feel would work out best for you and your wife in the long run.

Best, Jerry