Solutions

Can I Retire at 62 or 65?

Retiring at 62 or 65 is absolutely possible for many people, but it requires careful planning to address several financial challenges that come with stopping work before traditional retirement age.

Moore Invested

Retiring at 62 means potentially 25 or more years of retirement to fund, which demands a larger portfolio and disciplined withdrawal strategy. Health insurance is a significant concern since Medicare does not begin until age 65, leaving a coverage gap that must be filled through a spouse’s employer plan, COBRA, the ACA marketplace, or private insurance. Claiming Social Security at 62 permanently reduces your benefit by up to 30%, which meaningfully impacts lifetime income. At 65, Medicare eligibility removes the insurance gap, but Social Security at 65 is still below your Full Retirement Age benefit. The keys to retiring successfully at 62 or 65 include having sufficient savings to bridge the gap, a clear plan for healthcare coverage, a strategy for Social Security timing, and a realistic projection of how long your money needs to last.

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