On the Fence About Starting Social Security Early? Consider This

Many have watched their retirement portfolios plummet, and they've been unable to make up for it because they cannot go to work to earn more money. Unemployment and stimulus checks help a little, but those 62 and older have another place they can turn to for extra money -- Social Security. The problem is that starting benefits before your full retirement age (FRA) -- 66 or 67, depending on your birth year -- reduces the size of your checks permanently.