Seventy Is The New Sixty-Five

Postponing retirement can bulk up Social Security checks and bolster savings accounts

- David Rocks​​​​​​​

When he turned 65 in 2013, Lee Klass never considered a retirement party. Instead, he continued doing pretty much what he’s done for years, setting out from Portland, Ore., in his Freightliner 18-wheeler and hauling loads of packaged food and consumer goods across the U.S. That way, Klass was able to keep the money flowing and ultimately collect a bigger Social Security check. “I still enjoy driving and the adventure of this job, and I’m not wealthy,” says Klass, who took home about $25,000 last year and has no retirement savings plan, but for the past three years has received roughly $1,700 a month from Social Security. “Millions of people in my age group are continuing to work,” he says. “I’ll keep doing it as long as I’m strong and healthy.”

Waiting Game