Should my diagnosis change my Social Security decision?

[@yogalovewithmarilyn]

I took SS at 62. On paper, I probably took it too soon, but I did months of budget analysis before I made the decision AND I do have a small annuity, a small pension, etc. and I still teach yoga. I still save and invest and saved a ton of my salary when I was still working the last 2 years. I have no debt - house and vehicle paid off. This isn't the path everyone would be comfortable with, but I am. My desk job was wrecking my body to the point that I had to have surgery on my wrist. My lower back was always in pain. Plus, both my mother and grandmother passed from cardiac failure at 72. I live a much healthier lifestyle than they did and am willing to live frugally and save, but I did take that into consideration. I have insurance through Obamacare until 65. I don't have a spouse or children to consider. It's a very individual decision. I'm glad you are monitoring your situation and informing yourself. Really enjoy your channel.

[@RetirementTalk43]

As always, I appreciate your comments, Yoga.

[@johncarlson6472]

Hi Marilyn. John here, from California. It's interesting to discover that when people are asked "how much do you think you'll need to retire?" No matter what people have accumulated, they always double that number. If they have $500k, they say "I need 1mil," if they have 1mil, they say "I need 2mil." The real question to ask is "what's enough," not "how much is enough." There's a difference, and I suspect you figured that out. Like you, I crunched the numbers and deterimined what's enough for me, because working at my very stressful job was taking it's toll. Surprisingly, at 62, I ended up getting much more SSA that I originally thought. So between SSA, my pension and savings/investments, I'm doing fine. I'm sure you'll agree, the stress reducing aspect of reasonable financial stability in retirement and the freedom that comes with it, cannot be over-stated.

[@MarkPurnell-er1lx]

Yep, I retired at 61 to care for a sick spouse who eventually died due to AML. No regrets leaving the workforce. I took SS at age 67 1/2, my FRA, because I was fortunate enough to have a pension and annuity to pay monthly expenses. These types of retirement decisions are very personal due to each of us having very unique circumstances of life. I agree that we should keep busy and do our best not to live in boredom. Having a purpose for life every day has aided in keeping me mentally healthy. 😊

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thanks for your comments, Mark

[@casmithc2]

Howard comes through with another Great Video! Important points. My Grandfather found out that he had an aortic aneurysm in his 80s. He chose not to fix it and he died in a house fire 10 years later. Something else might get you before the aneurysm. 😊😊

[@JD-tn5tb]

Wow, he lived a really long time. So awful that he died in a fire. May he rest in peace.

[@Jean_in_Stillness]

Howard, thank you for sharing your experience of learning about the diagnosis and your response to it. You have a well-balanced and healthy perspective of how to manage the next steps. What I appreciate about your channel is the authenticity: no drama, no embelishment of the truth, just well-researched ideas and informed opinions.Same age as you, and suffered a severe fall (in a beautiful neck of woods!) a few weeks ago in May. It could have resulted in more serious injuries, and I am deeply grateful to still be able to work. It was a wake-up call to me of exactly what you address in this video. Like you, with this awareness I will be paying attention to future results of healthcare visits, all test readings, etc. BUT also like you, I choose NOT to live in fear of the issue. If anything, I believe I am enjoying/treasuring my life even more these days! Important to go through the "layers" of emotional response, then consider next best step and alternatives if needed. Like walking in the woods, flexibility is needed along with mindfulness.😃

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you for sharing that, Jean.

[@michaeltorrey3603]

My decision when to take SS was purely a financial one, I could care less about break even point. I doubt very much I’ll be concerned about it when on my “death bed.” I just worry about running out of money before then which is why I took it when I did (at FRA). Best wishes on your heart condition.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you, Michael.

[@todddunn945]

I hope the aneurysm doesn't get bigger and you have a long life.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you, Todd.

[@Sincere.skeptic]

Thanks for sharing your personal story. Stay positive!

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thanks, I will.

[@marilynwright6204]

just read your news...I also had an atoric anyerisim....my options were open heart which would've taken a long while to recover or the aaa...I chose the aaa, the stent was major enough for me. It has been 2 years and I go for annual ct scans to monitor. All is well. Thank you for your awesome platform. (mine was also found at 4 cm by accident)

[@RetirementTalk43]

marilyn: Thanks for your comments. I hope you continue to do well.

[@MichigantoFlorida]

Good Afternoon Howard and just a quiet woof to Otter, kinda looks like he is just resting right now. Health issues surface and seem to happen more frequently as we age. Hopefully you will be just fine and we can only do what we can do, the rest is up to a higher power. Take care and as far as SS goes, why wait any longer ? You earned it so take it once you reach your full retirement age. Hope all goes well.

[@RetirementTalk43]

MtoF: Waiting until 70 maximizes our total combined benefits. i also have to consider my wife, who is 11 1/2 years younger.

[@BF2021-kf8xz]

Good video. Your point about emotional decision-making is also good one. I regret that one of my biggest financial decisions, buying my current house, 18 years ago, was really based on emotions and not logic. Long story short I probably purchased in the wrong area at the wrong time. The purchase has not proven to be a great financial decision and I still kick myself about it. Best of luck on your health, Howard!

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you for your comments, BF.

[@heymoe1179]

Of course hoping the best for you...and it's eye opening. You are right, my decision to take SS at FRA is not etched in stone...and might change based on changing health. Good thing to think about.

[@RetirementTalk43]

thanks, Moe.

[@leisure057blank3]

I would make an appointment with a cardiologist. You can see a specialist without a referral. It is pretty funny that when deciding when to take social security our life expectancy is very analytical, but get to a doctors office, and then everything changes.

[@RetirementTalk43]

leisure: I just saw the cardiologist this week. The SS remains analytical for me but the first reaction was emotional. I just know better to make emotional decisions though.

[@JDG1958]

Yes, remain flexible. My goal was to retire late and draw SS at age 70. Things happen as we age. I had to go on SSDI at 63. I’d rather be working full bore but, my body won’t let me. Keep an eye on that condition. Continue to enjoy your activities as long as possible. I believe you are in a good position to wait. Your wife will appreciate that as she ages too. Good Luck!! As always pet Otter on the head and give him some treats.

[@RetirementTalk43]

JDG: The condition will cause me to change my exercise regime somewhat.

[@donnawashburn1638]

My dad had an aortic aneurysm they measured it said it was fine but needs to be checked yearly six months later he had a gallbladder attack took him to the hospital told them he had an aneurysm they checked it before gallbladder surgery and it was to capacity he was immediately put into icu ! If it wasn’t for his gallbladder acting up he came close to dying of an aortic aneurysm ! Keep it checked!

[@RetirementTalk43]

Yep, that's the plan.

[@llhouser1]

I’m shocked the dr made no mention of your anyourism. I had just started on Medicare in 2020 and a month later I started having pain in my right side. It ended up being a kidney stone, however they discovered I had a AAA and it was already at 5 centimeters. A month later I had a stent graft inserted into and I’m fine now, no issues. It’s very important to keep tabs on that for sure. Having a kidney stone probably saved my life though. Good luck to you for sure.

[@RetirementTalk43]

IIhouser: Obviously, I am very disappointed in both of my physicians missing the condition. I am mad at myself for missing it the first time too. These aneurysms typically have no symptoms and only get discovered by accident through scans for other conditions.

[@edwardjacknitsky5630]

Excellent video, Howard. You're right. You have to be flexible. 16 months ago I had to retire due to my vision. I couldn't read my computer and programs for my job. OK. I went a year early. I set up my benefits package giving my wife the highest death benefits. A week later she is diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (they missed it in 2017). They thought she would likely go in a year or less. Wow. Thankfully I was able to change my benefits to a pop up meaning I would get my full retirement if she passed in less than 10 years and i now receive a smaller pension. BUT 9 months later she got a lung transplant. Be flexible. Like you said, do your homework. Side note: social security has fought her wanting all her paperwork to be original and all the doctors had to sign the pages for disability. There is no original paperwork and 35 doctors so far. They closed her case. They will take stuff electronically but again, it's homework and flexible mindset to go day by day. And life can definitely be a challenge!

[@whatsup3270]

I've seen several healthy as a horse 1-3 years before they were gone. Often in the 50s or 60s.

[@RetirementTalk43]

edward: Health issues and the associated insurance issues can be the biggest hassles of retirement. Good luck with all that.

[@Vikesfan80]

Lemme ask my financial advisor SS Timmy,,, I will find him at the local dive bar, where he’s getting hammered now- He’s the best🤣

[@casmithc2]

I LOVE Sarasota Tim! He has plenty of money!

[@RetiredFarmboy]

Good video. There are many reasons to continually evaluate our positions. Health is a biggie. Best of luck to you.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thanks, Farmboy.

[@kahtytemple2570]

Thank you for your excellent videos. Take care of yourself.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you, Kahty.

[@jimmywalters3071]

Great video and great comments about one's health and taking Social Security. I have been healthy all my life .. until this year.. in which several things happened to me .. health wise .. now I wonder if I can make till age 62.. when I can stop working full time.

[@RetirementTalk43]

jimmy: Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@truthjustice3313]

Hello. Don't worry about the Aortic aneurysm. Your current size is not alarming. Best to get an annual cardiac echo to monitor size change. I also was advised of such news on my 50th birthday. Monitored every 6 months and finally had the surgery at 52. If I didn't have the surgery, I would have been dead by 53. MIne was 5.4 cm at time of surgery. I'm now 63 and still have not started collecting SS. In excellent health and waiting. Not sure when I'll start.

[@RetirementTalk43]

truth: I'll let my cardiologist steer this ship.

[@FWM50]

Is it genetic? Are there symptom’s we should watch for? Thank you for sharing. We all need to hear this. Very helpful.👍🏻

[@RetirementTalk43]

YES, it can be genetic. No symptoms.

[@nshaver24]

This video was very interesting…we have to be our own advocates in healthcare. I’m like you…I research conditions and question things …nothing wrong with that for sure. It seems you’re an active and a relatively healthy guy…please remember to take in account family medical history too….taking these things into consideration for when to take Social Security is imperative for sure! Wishing you all the best Howard 👍….Nancy

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you very much, Nancy.

[@michaelellis6847]

Medical professional here that has seen and knows exactly what you're describing. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere along the main aorta coming off the heart, I'd pay attention to this one as the ascending aorta can be a tricky area to monitor. How far up the ascending aorta was it? A cardiologists opinion and either ultrasound or CT or mri will help out. Notable people that died from aa aortic aneurysm are george c Scott and John Ritter. 2 to 2.5 cm is a normal diameter. Good luck.

[@RetirementTalk43]

michael: We are in the process of evaluating the size and exact location of the aneurysm.

[@dunning29]

Azul did an interesting video on healthy life expectancy by Country. Another data point we should all consider with all the other data we need to weigh. Good luck with your health, sir.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thank you for the information.

[@billyrayband]

If a aneurism happens, things go downhill fast and you often get no warnings. Living next door to an hospital is about the best mitigation there is if it does.

[@RetirementTalk43]

billy: It's not the aneurysm that is the deadly event. It is the bursting of the aneurysm.

[@StorytellerSueW]

My cardiologist recommended not filing for this CT scan with Medicare; local for me is $75. Doing it as a baseline as I just hit 65. No Hx of cardio issues for me, and I have never had a cholesterol reading above 168, but yes to cardiac issues on both sides of the family. Re: the ascending artery bulge. Serious stuff. My uncle had an undiagnosed one and did not make it. Take the SS. You may have 25 years or 25 days. Is that much incremental money now that you are FRA REALLY that important? You have assets. You are in a good place already. Quality of the time you have now is the ONLY thing you can control. And, of course, what you put into your body!

[@RetirementTalk43]

Storyteller: Yes, that extra money may be important as it is the benefit my wife will take over when I die and it is very significantly larger than her age 62 benefit.

[@dancurran8977]

Thanks for the video. I am 65, married, and have a history of heart disease. I need to put off Social Security for as long as possible to maximize Roth conversions and my wife's Social Security benefit after I am gone. The New Retirement software Social Security Explorer recommends that I claim at 70 whether I live to 70 or 75. The recommended claiming age for my wife decreases from 66 and 10 months to right now if I am going to croak at 70. I am going to go with 75 for now. I hope that we both enjoy a long life!

[@RetirementTalk43]

dan: I'm with you, man.

[@austinburns4213]

There really are no guarantees. We live life like it will go on forever. Out advisor likes to plan for us to live to 95 - but I figure that seems less likely, and if we do, we will be demented and won't know. I am 64 now and I had planned to budget carefully and take SS at 70, but after contracting Kidney Cancer at 62, that got me thinking like you. Now I am planning to take SS at 67 - based on expected lifespan with a single kidney and assuming no more major cancer, and expected cash flow. My wife decided to work longer and take her own SS benefit instead of taking 1/2 of mine, so that factors in too. Projections could change again if the cancer comes back (20% chance, but if it does, you can assume a

[@RetirementTalk43]

Great comments, Austin. Gives me an idea for another video.

[@attila2a746]

Great video, Howard, but I have two houses paid off. All my vehicles are paid off a decent amount of cash in the bank some good stock holdings that pay great dividends in an excellent stash of gold and silver. I can receive $2500 per month at 62 I also received a UPS pension. Isn’t it wise if you’re in a good position to take it at 62. I’d like to spend a lot more time with my wife, my kids and hopefully grandchildren. And enjoy hunting and fishing and hiking and caving the Tennessee mountains. Plus, I’ve probably worked more hours at 60 than most people ever will. Stay healthy, thank you for the video and give the dog a pat on the head. He looks like a good boy.

[@RetirementTalk43]

attila: there are still many factors in the decision, the most important being maximizing total income and minimizing total taxes. I'll give Otter a pat for you.

[@RichieRich-pn3gg]

quit bragging.

[@claudeoshea8425]

Good video, all the best 👍👍🙏🏻

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thanks, Claude.

[@MikeOToole-bn8on]

Did you consider getting a second opinion on taking your social security early from Sarasota Tim?

[@RetirementTalk43]

A second opinion on my condition or on SS?

[@BlueJeansandJellyBeans]

A family member had a routine local union onsite clinic and was sent to the emergency room for this very thing. He had two bulging areas of the aorta mid abdominal. Bed rest for two weeks, no lifting and was scheduled for surgery. Cleveland Clinic successful surgery, full recovery he is 66 years old and this happened about 17 years ago. He's is and was a diabetic, but otherwise doing fine. Not always a death sentence, stay positive and monitor.😊🙏

[@RetirementTalk43]

Blue: If you catch it before dissection, no it doesn't have to be a death sentence. Once it bursts though, survival relies on getting to the hospital immediately. Thanks for your comment.

[@BlueJeansandJellyBeans]

@@RetirementTalk43 I agree, just trying to give positivity.😊

[@FailureatRetirement]

I’m glad that your mind seems to be at ease with the diagnosis. I would think that in your case the SS draw would be a relatively easy decision. Given that you are significantly older than your wife and that you had already prepared for, and planned on, a later draw, it seems like gifting your wife a larger lifetime benefit may outweigh maximizing the total that you draw in your lifetime. I’m not at all bothered about delaying some of my own gratification as long as it measurably improves the lives of my loved ones after I’m gone. Keep in mind that I don’t actually want for anything now, and at 59, I’m not even making the SS decision for a number of years.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thanks, Failure.

[@cececat9549]

Please be careful, monitor it. I have an old friend who didn't get the recommended surgery and obviously it was severe and she drop dead after denying the doc.

[@RetirementTalk43]

cececat: Thanks. I plan on following all of the cardiologist's orders.

[@wuddayameen]

I claimed at 70 and have a younger spouse that should reap the benefit for an estimated 10Y after she's rid of me. A health issue wouldn't have changed my plan because we could afford not to claim. I view SSA as minimum income for my spouse in a worst case financial scenario. It's not about me...

[@RetirementTalk43]

wudda: Yeah, i had to consider my wife in all this too.

[@JD-tn5tb]

Thank you for sharing. Most of my friends take their ss as soon as they can and I am trying to wait until 70. I am not aware of any health problems but I'm always concerned that I will die early of an incurable disease or just drop dead suddenly. I'm not trying to be morbid either but I just feel like everyone wants to say "I told you so, you should have taken your money earlier". But I guess I'm more concerned that I will live a ripe old age with a too small ss check so I would rather hang in there and have the largest check I can to be comfortable and keep up with taxes and inflation. I'm hoping to be able to say to the people who took their's early (not to their face but just to myself), "I told you so, you should have waited". I think if I would just stop worrying, I would have a good chance of living long. LOL.

[@RetirementTalk43]

JD: everyone wants to think they made the best decision. If you die, you will have no regrets. If you live long and have to survive on a small benefit, you certainly will have regrets.

[@danreilly7491]

Having 3 stents in my main artery i have no clue. Gas pain at 2:am ?? Anxiety absolutely. Do i feel lucky? Well do i? God knows. There's something called lifeline screening out of pocket. Which is a nice second pair of eyes

[@RetirementTalk43]

dan: funny, over the last seven weeks, every gas pain became a heart scare. It is hard to stay rational at times.

[@cutehumor]

You have to consider the surgery. actor John Ritter died from something similar called aortic dissection.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Yep, he had no idea he had the condition and that is why deaths occur. There are no symptoms until it bursts.

[@davidredding7694]

Just went to cardiologist and had sonogram and tech told me I had an aneurysm. My doc told me mine is 4.3 cm. I’m in process of testing to determine course of action. My dad has one which measures 5 cm. He is preparing for surgery.

[@RetirementTalk43]

david: More common that I'd like to hear.

[@ninasky540]

Howard, please make sure you monitor it. Take care!

[@RetirementTalk43]

thanks, Nina.

[@ph5915]

Totally agree, I've always thought I would postpone SS until 70, and at least make it to FRA (67 for me), but any new, major change, which like you said, typically medical, or financial, some major news, should change the calculation. I don't have a spouse or ex, or kids, but that is also part of it, the higher-earning spouse, if they can delay, means a larger SS check for the surviving spouse in the event the higher earner passes away, and waited until later tp claim SS. This is why I completely disagree with the likes of Sarasota Tim that preach take SS @ 62, no matter what. Always depends on the individual, their circumstances, and evaluating over time...

[@RetirementTalk43]

Thanks for the comments, ph.

[@noreenn6976]

$681 that's outrageous. I was quoted $50 by my local hospital.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Noreen: Bizarre billing practices.

[@noreenn6976]

Check on the survivor's benefit, it may be more than you are thinking it is.

[@RetirementTalk43]

noreen: My wife will get my benefit when I die, because it is larger than hers.

[@goldstandardaviation1667]

Exercise and eating healthy is the best medicine. Collect social security before age 70 if you need it.

[@RetirementTalk43]

gold: I can afford to wait and that time allows me to offload some of my IRA, while I am in a lower tax bracket and lower my future RMDs.

[@robinthomason930]

Started collecting SS at 65 because of Cancer. Don't wait to long to retire. Life is to short!!!

[@RetirementTalk43]

Robin: Yes, we should all retire as soon as it is financially feasible. We don't have to start Social Security at that time though.

[@robinthomason930]

@@RetirementTalk43 Had to have Medicare Insurance. Unless you've had cancer you don't have a clue how much the bills are. Not being rude!

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@robinthomason930 I wasn't directing my comment at you. Some may decide to start SS when they retire but others may find it beneficial to wait. I have no doubt about the crush of your medical bills.

[@robinthomason930]

@@RetirementTalk43 I understand. I just couldn't afford my Cobra insurance at 630.00 per month. So I had no choice. But PTL I'm cancer free now.

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@robinthomason930 Great to hear!

[@karlbe8414]

I have that same medusa lamp, but in black...found it on the curb. I forget what age you are??

[@RetirementTalk43]

67

[@brianhopson2072]

Pretty soon we will all get social security. It will be called "monthly stimulus income" to curb economical effects AI layoffs.

[@RetirementTalk43]

brian: I remember all the conversations about robots and computers taking all of our jobs 40 years ago. Robots did take a lot of jobs and computers are now common in every business and yet, we have more people working now than ever before and outside of recessions, that trend seems to always continue. I am not worried about AI and look forward to seeing how it can make our society more efficient.

[@giddysmiles2901]

My cousin waited until 66 and 4 months to collect SS. At 66 and 6 months he never woke up. He was only able to collect 1 SS check.

[@RetirementTalk43]

That IS sad.

[@cutehumor]

due to the future shortfall in social security, social media is full of people telling everyone to wait to age 70 for personal reasons. it's an individual decision.

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@cutehumor I see the opposite; more people saying start benefits at 62.

[@randolphh8005]

Be careful about assuming too much from “screening tests”. I too had a calcium screening several years ago. Mine was “average” for my age. The fact is that we don’t really know what some of these data points mean, and doing screenings for multiple medical issues without very clear and well studied data just tends to create worry and uncertainty which leads to further screening, but not necessarily more certainty. I can tell you that it gives very little reliable information on how long you will live. There are very few people who ‘know” when they will die, and otherwise we are just talking probabilities. As a physician I can say that “20% of persons with a condition will die in “x” years” but I have little predictive power for any one individual. So unless you clearly have a terminal illness, it isn’t that predictable, and I would not “assume” you will die young. And, BTW, the same is true of “assuming” you will live longer if you are healthy and take good care of yourself. It’s all just probability based. There are no guarantees.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Randolph: I understand all that. I always favor having as much info as I can though.

[@Brandon-l2j]

Howard you should get an angiogram. This is a true test of your arteries and heart condition. The scan can easily miss things. The heck with we will monitor it. Get a good cardiologist and get er done.

[@RetirementTalk43]

I have several tests coming up.

[@Brandon-l2j]

@@RetirementTalk43 My Dad complained of some heart pains and did all the tests passing them. The last thing he did was an angiogram. Two blocked arteries and successful heart surgery within that week. My Dad was 54 when he had the surgery and lived until he was 81. God speed and take care of yourself.

[@RichieRich-pn3gg]

RIP. Dude you're a little man so i would bet you live a long life with your condition. No fear.

[@RetirementTalk43]

thanks.

[@MikeRakowski]

You need to take your free money now. Remember the average male in the US only will make it to 73. Live your best life, in parking lots, Buc-cees and Walmart. I took SS at 65 yrs 8 months. I went from semi-retired working part time to fully retired then. I ran the numbers on Fire-calc and determined it likely did not make a whole lot of difference to me if I took it early or late based upon my dad's death at 86.5 years. What say Fire-calc when you run the alternatives? The only difference between you and a lot of other people is that you know you have something going on that could kill you and bears watching. Most people don't have that knowledge on what to watch. I want to say I'd agree with your staying the course right now, you have considered the numbers and apparently you're good at assessing risk.

[@RetirementTalk43]

I run scenarios on both my wife and myself. The best financial strategy for us is for me to start at 70 and my wife to start at 62.

[@williamread8186]

Sorry about the aneurysm. My thought is that if the doctor didn’t bother to inform you of it, I think it is probably not a great threat to your health otherwise that doctor is taking a big negligence risk that could cost him a ton of money in a malpractice suit. I guess my heart is not in good shape according to a cardiologist in that he described it as tired and slow typical of an 80 year old man. I pay it no attention actually. As for social security the benefit cross over age is irrelevant to me. What matters most is when I think I need the income most and that is I think as I get closer to death irrespective of whether thats 75 or 85. Etc. The retirement expense curve tends to follow a U pattern with expenses increasing due to needing more care and health interventions as you get older. This is why I am holding out to 70. I will do that even if I knew I was going to die at 75 assuming I dont become bed ridden before 70.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Bill: It is now two GPs that failed to inform me about that part of the scan results. It is inexcusable. Even if their recommendation was to not do anything (which would have be wrong), they both needed to inform me. I wanted to ask you a question off topic though. What other interests do you have outside of work? Hobbies? That type of thing?

[@williamread8186]

@@RetirementTalk43I agree that the doctors should have informed you about this. I would confront the doctors and ask them why they said nothing. My late wife was not in good health and was under going various tests and although the focus of the test was one thing it would reveal other stuff the doctor would be silent. And of course we would look this up on the internet and it would say if you ignore this you can die. We confront the doctor and he would put these things in context and that was helpful. I cant say that being silent about it was right but we were dealing with more urgent issues and perhaps he didn’t want to make a bad situation appear even worse. Bedside manner sort of thing. My hobby outside of work is mostly fitness. The truth is I have very poor coordination and body control so I can’t do skill things like ball sports. I try to do rock climbing but I have to be careful about falling and hurting myself. I switched from running to calisthenics 14 years ago and I have gained 20 lbs and I look much better and it has improved my health a lot. I was happy to pull up 157% of my bodyweight last week. Although work like I like to analyze quantitatively different data sets. Things like finances, longevity, bitcoin etc. I am working making a post showing how data assimilation can fill missing gaps in our data record. I have also used the same idea to forecast the future price of bitcoin. My analysis says it isn’t going above $100k in my lifetime and I have gotten some flak from bitcoin bros. What do you think of bitcoin?

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@williamread8186 Bitcoin baffles me. I clearly don't understand the allure of a make-believe "asset." At some point it will all fall apart and a lot of people will lose a lot of money. Have you thought of joining some on-line finance/investment groups after you retire? Your analytical and computer skillsets would be very helpful. Where did you get your degree(s)?

[@williamread8186]

@@RetirementTalk43I got my undergraduate at Occidental College 3 months before Obama started. I got my PhD. at the university of Illinois. I agree with you about bitcoin. It’s nothing more than a serial number on a ledger as best as I can tell and basically a zero sum game asset but that is why I thought it could be relatively easy to model. Something like gold is way more complex because it has cosmetic and industrial uses in addition to money and I don’t know how to model that? A training bro at Bellevue (silver lake LA) is all in on bitcoin. He owns about 10BTC and he bought his first coins when it was only a few dollars in college. For the life of me I don’t know why he keeps buying it at $60k a coin. I say you are so far ahead on this asset that maybe you should diversify new money into something else like JEPI. I recently bought $5k worth and it’s paying a 7+% dividend. I just got my first dividend payment. Yes I would definitely be interested in joining a financial analysis club. That would be fun. I really like your videos. You are such an awesome person.

[@williamread8186]

@@RetirementTalk43i got my undergraduate from Occidental College and my PhD. From the university of Illinois. And yes I would be interested in joining a financial club. Thanks. I really like your videos. You are very good at this.

[@mchell]

If you chose to wait until 70 initially you obviously have enough money to float. Why change your plan now? You simply chose to use your “other” money to try to maximize your ss benefit later. You may or may not have ever needed it. I chose to take my benefits earlier so as NOT to draw down my retirement savings which I hope to leave my legacy. Everyone does it differently based on THEIR needs…..what are yours?

[@RetirementTalk43]

mchell: I have no need to leave any inheritance but, I do need to consider my much younger wife. Also there are always taxes and RMDs to consider.

[@mchell]

@@RetirementTalk43 Whatever works for your situation….sounds like you’ll continue to wait till 70

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@mchell At this point, yes.

[@kennethbrettel8762]

You are saying its 4 cm and 5 cm its open heart surgery so 1 cm only. Hey Otter my brother had it BLOW UP. he was riding a bicycle and kept falling off. His legs would not work. He is thin like you are so off to the hospital there he goes. So about a decade later he was born in 53 older than you but this is REAL. Dont say you are safe here. Its a RISK. It could happen. Its only a CM away. My brother is good to go now

[@RetirementTalk43]

kenneth: Thanks. that's why I will be monitoring its progression.

[@RDQ30A]

Best of luck to you on this. Taking social security early is like paying for insurance. You are hedging the notion that you will pass away earlier than you think. Statistically, your chance of dying earlier than you expected and planned for is higher. Not sure by how much but your diagnosis does impact the chance of you dying earlier than you planned. Me, I’d take the money earlier. Time value of money is on your side.

[@RetirementTalk43]

RDQ: Actually, according to the research, my life expectancy due to this condition will likely not change. Even if I need open heart surgery (assuming i recover from the surgery), the prognosis to maintain the same life expectancy is good.

[@whatsup3270]

@@RetirementTalk43 You or your cohort?

[@RDQ30A]

@@RetirementTalk43 that’s great news. I’m glad to hear that. I’m not a medical professional. My career was in math, science and engineering. I assumed a “defect” like that had to impact life expectancy. Regardless, I’m happy that this issue will unlikely change your life expectancy.

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@whatsup3270 Of course, the cohort. Until I have a hint that I am different, I'll use that information.

[@whatsup3270]

@@RetirementTalk43 Was that not the actual question? Do I know more about me or my cohort? I could bet I will live longer or shorter, was the question, should I?

[@judiashley5818]

Medical care is disappointing. Your Physician shouldve been on top of that. I tried to get blood work today. My physician who works for UC Health filled out lab test check sheet. l take it to UCHealth lab and the desk person tells me the sheet is outdated and told me the patient had to fill out the correct one. Im like ok lm not the med person but sure let me order my lab tests and fill out the bloodwork test sheet. 😂So strange. You/ We need to pay attention and advocate for yourself l also had a bone scan and have osteopenia and learning everything l can about it. Doing exercises and vitamins and foods that help.

[@RetirementTalk43]

judia: Ironically, I had developed osteopenia many years ago, as a result of taking metabolic steroids for many years. I took Fosamax for a few years and was told that I would have to take it the rest of my life and just hope that it didn't develop into osteoporosis. I became a vegan and my bone density recovered and has been fine since. I'm not saying becoming a vegan resulted in my bone mass recovering as it may just be coincidental.

[@judiashley5818]

​@RetirementTalk43 lm avoiding meds. Vegan diet doesn't have much calcium in it so l guess supplements would help. I'm not big on meat but yes whole foods is the best diet. Thats great your bone growth got better

[@RetirementTalk43]

@@judiashley5818 I take a calcium supplement but a vegan diet CAN deliver enough calcium if you eat the right foods.

[@Mars-77]

I was under the impression that you were already retired. 😮

[@heymoe1179]

I believe he is already retired. He is talking about delaying taking his Social Security.

[@Mars-77]

@heymoe1179 Oh, ok, so some people retire, but wait to collect?

[@christopherbilkey5237]

@@Mars-77 I retired at 66 and started SS at 70.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Mars: I retired two years ago at age 65. My plan has been to wait until 70 to start Social Security benefits.

[@Mars-77]

@RetirementTalk43 Got ya. Sounds like a good way to go, if you can afford to.

[@jreisz2003]

It is a shame that you have to be your own advocate.

[@RetirementTalk43]

Yep. There is a very nasty conversation between me and my doctor's staff, coming up.

[@boatingcharlie1]

Oh no, could Sarasota Tim be right after all?

[@RetirementTalk43]

boat: No.

[@pensacola321]

😂😂😂😊

[@whatsup3270]

Yes, until he lives past age 77 and even then the losses are small until age 79. If Tim lives past age 84 then is early filing results in large and growing losses of opportunity. On Utube everybody dances on their 90th birthday cake, not so true in the real world. 1/3 of all men have passed away before they get the ss check for age 70.

[@dunning29]

Watch Azul’s video on healthy life expectancy by Country.

[@boatingcharlie1]

@@whatsup3270 It's not all about a "break even" on total dollars received at death. There is a lot to be said for a larger paycheck each month while you are alive.