I will retire this December 2014 at 67.5 years of age and begin collecting my SS in January 2015.
Over the years people have tried to pressured me into collecting my SS, but I am, and have been, content with the lifestyle and security my current salary provides. It isn't that I'm rich, or anything, it's just that I'm content with what I have.
I opted to wait until retirement to collect because I view SS as a safety net, as an extra savings account, so to speak, to supplement my pension and savings as needed.
Between my pension and savings, the level of my lifestyle will continue uninterrupted, barring unforeseen negative health issues or other calamities.
It's not that I will forego SS, it is my money afterall, moreso it's that I've never felt I had the need nor desire for it before its time; nor have I ever felt the need to squeeze out every last penny due me before I die. I see it as social security insurance, or, more accurately, as security assurance.
This probably isn't helping to move the discussion forward, but it has helped me clarify some things for myself. I don't often take the time to acknowledge my gratitude, or recognize the fact that I actually am content with my life. :)
