Social Security Just Moved the Goalpost Again What It Means for Your Wallet
If you were born in 1959, the government just quietly changed when you can cash out fully.
Starting November 2025, Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security is shifting from 66 years and 8 months to 66 years and 10 months part of a gradual hike that began decades ago.
Small number. Big financial impact.
Wait Longer, Work Longer Or Take the Cut
Here’s how it works:
- Claim at 62? You’ll lose nearly 28% of your monthly benefit
- Hit your new FRA at 66 years and 10 months? You get 100%
- Delay until age 70? You’ll earn up to 32% more per month
The longer you wait, the more the system pays but only if you can afford to wait.
Born in 1959? Your Timeline Just Shifted
For anyone born in:
- 1958: FRA = 66y, 8m
- 1959: FRA = 66y, 10m
- 1960 and later: FRA locks in at 67
This means that future retirees must delay longer or accept lower monthly payouts while inflation, healthcare costs, and life expectancy all climb.
Financial Juggernut Insight:
Don’t Let Retirement Catch You Broke
Here’s the truth behind the adjustment:
- The Social Security system is under pressure
- These “small changes” are really fiscal control levers
- If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll be left adjusting late in life
Retirement isn’t a finish line it’s a cash flow problem you must solve in advance.
Smart retirees:
- Delay if they can
- Stack income streams (real estate, annuities, dividends)
- Know the system better than it knows them