I Thought I'd Wait Until 70 to Claim Social Security. Now I've Changed My Mind.

Group 1 - The article discusses the challenges faced by a couple in planning for retirement, highlighting various life events that have impacted their financial journey [1][2] - The couple has adopted a disciplined approach to saving and investing, including maximizing their 401(k) contributions and planning to delay Social Security benefits until age 70 to increase their payouts by 24% [2][4] - Recent experiences, including the loss of friends, have prompted a reevaluation of the decision to wait until 70 to claim Social Security, suggesting that life’s unpredictability may warrant earlier claims [3][6] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the emotional impact of loss and the realization that life is uncertain, which has influenced the couple's retirement planning decisions [3][6] - The husband’s dissatisfaction with his current job, which was chosen for financial stability, raises questions about the balance between financial goals and personal fulfillment in retirement planning [6]