Four Reasons Why You Should Take Your Railroad Retirement Early

Explore these four scenarios where railroaders might consider taking early railroad retirement. Welcome to another episode of the Highball Advisors Railroad Retirement whiteboard. I'm John McNamara, and today we're discussing early railroad retirement, specifically for railroaders with less than 30 years of service. While I often focus on those with 30 years, today's video is tailored to those with fewer years of service who might be contemplating early retirement at 62. Let's look at some situations where early retirement might make sense.

1. Health Considerations: If you're facing declining health or medical bills, early retirement could provide a financial safety net. However, keep in mind that leaving the railroad means losing your income and health insurance until Medicare kicks in at 65. If your spouse is still working and can provide insurance coverage, this could be a viable option.
2. Portfolio Preservation: Some railroaders may want to avoid drawing down their retirement portfolio before their full retirement age due to penalties for early withdrawal. Opting for early railroad retirement can help preserve their nest egg while fulfilling their cash flow needs.
3. Limited Financial Responsibilities: If you've paid off your mortgage and have minimal financial obligations, early retirement could be appealing. This situation is especially relevant for single individuals who have covered all essential expenses and see no reason to delay retirement.
4. Social Security Coordination: For railroaders who have careers outside the railroad and plan to rely on Social Security benefits, starting railroad retirement early at 62 while delaying Social Security until a later age can be a strategic move. While this might result in age reductions for the tier two portion of the railroad retirement, it can be balanced by the benefits of delaying Social Security.

Each of these scenarios presents a unique set of considerations. If any of these situations resonate with you as you approach retirement, I encourage you to reach out to me to discuss your options further. Consider subscribing to our channel for more insightful content, and click the notification bell to stay updated with our latest videos. Your support means a lot. Until next time, stay safe, stay on track, and take care. Goodbye for now!

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information and illustration purposes only. Nothing contained in the material constitutes tax advice, a recommendation for purchase or sale of any security, or investment advisory services. Highball Advisors encourages you to consult a financial planner, accountant, and/or legal counsel for advice specific to your situation. Reproduction of this material is prohibited without written permission from Highball Advisors, and all rights are reserved from Highball Advisors, and all rights are reserved.