We began to wonder just who the "first" Baby Boomer might have been. Would it be the first babe born on January 1, 1946? Or would it be the first Boomer born in 1946 to collect social security? Most aging experts agree the first Boomer is a retired school teacher, living the good life and cashing her well deserved social security checks.
The name Kathleen Casey-Kirschling likely doesn’t ring any bells with the majority of Americans. She holds the singular honor of being the nation’s very first baby boomer, born one minute after midnight on January 1, 1946 in Philadelphia celebrating her 65thbirthday on New Year’s Day.
A retired teacher, Casey-Kirschling is the first of approximately 78 million baby boomers who will begin collecting Social Security and Medicare benefits over the next 20 years.
The Pew Research Center reports that approximately 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. Baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1965, are celebrating their 65th birthdays between 2011 and 2030.
Despite a recent Pew survey that found baby boomers feel more downbeat than other generations about their future, Casey-Kirschling is taking a positive approach. “I’m OK with knowing that I don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” she said. “I’m going to live for today. And I’m thankful that I could live for today, and I am healthy.” Casey-Kirschling retired at 60 and began taking her Social Security benefits at age 62.
In an interview with AARP at the time of her retirement, she said “I don’t work compulsively anymore. My priorities are now family and friends, and if something’s not fun, I don’t want any part of it.” Today, the New Jersey resident works part-time, travels with her husband, and spends time with her children and grandchildren.
Because Casey-Kirschling opted to start collecting Social Security at age 62, she receives only about 75 percent of the total amount for which she was eligible –approximately $240 less per month. If Casey-Kirschling had waited until her 66th birthday, she would have received full benefits; at age 70 she would have received 135 percent of full benefits.
Article Courtesy of: www.Altergroup.com
The name Kathleen Casey-Kirschling likely doesn’t ring any bells with the majority of Americans. She holds the singular honor of being the nation’s very first baby boomer, born one minute after midnight on January 1, 1946 in Philadelphia celebrating her 65thbirthday on New Year’s Day.
A retired teacher, Casey-Kirschling is the first of approximately 78 million baby boomers who will begin collecting Social Security and Medicare benefits over the next 20 years.
The Pew Research Center reports that approximately 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. Baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1965, are celebrating their 65th birthdays between 2011 and 2030.
Despite a recent Pew survey that found baby boomers feel more downbeat than other generations about their future, Casey-Kirschling is taking a positive approach. “I’m OK with knowing that I don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” she said. “I’m going to live for today. And I’m thankful that I could live for today, and I am healthy.” Casey-Kirschling retired at 60 and began taking her Social Security benefits at age 62.
In an interview with AARP at the time of her retirement, she said “I don’t work compulsively anymore. My priorities are now family and friends, and if something’s not fun, I don’t want any part of it.” Today, the New Jersey resident works part-time, travels with her husband, and spends time with her children and grandchildren.
Because Casey-Kirschling opted to start collecting Social Security at age 62, she receives only about 75 percent of the total amount for which she was eligible –approximately $240 less per month. If Casey-Kirschling had waited until her 66th birthday, she would have received full benefits; at age 70 she would have received 135 percent of full benefits.
Article Courtesy of: www.Altergroup.com
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