Applying For Social Security

Since hubby is still fully employed we kept putting off applying for our Social Security benefits, choosing instead to let them grow. But, after much thought and discussion, today I applied for my benefit. I'll be 66 in October and I'll receive my first payment in November. Hubby still plans to wait until he retires at 70. Although we're hoping he'll be able to retire much sooner. He turned 66 last May.

I met with the Social Security agent this morning and all day I've felt "off." It was such a surreal experience. How can I be old enough for Social Security? I realize I was eligible four years ago, but actually applying is making me feel so old.

I'm sure I'll feel better after I see that first direct deposit payment. In the meantime, I'm working on giving myself credit for having worked enough to receive a payment, and one that's larger than my dad's and more than twice what my mom received. After being retired for nearly six years, I often forget how hard I once worked. That part of my younger self I don't miss at all!