Published February 26, 2026
Retirement at 62 or 70?
A Windrow Group Perspective on Living the Beach Lifestyle
At The Windrow Group, retirement isn’t just about a financial statement — it’s about how you choose to live the years you worked so hard to earn.
After more than 25 years serving clients along the Maryland and Delaware coastline, we’ve noticed something important when retirement conversations begin:
The real question isn’t how much you leave behind.
It’s how much life you live while you’re here.
It’s how much life you live while you’re here.
The Reality Many Retirement Plans Overlook
Statistically, many Americans pass away in their early 80s. That’s not a fear-based statement — it’s a practical one.
If someone delays drawing retirement income until age 70, they may be planning for a future that realistically offers 10–15 highly active years. Choosing to begin around age 62 can provide closer to two decades of flexibility, travel, and lifestyle freedom.
Time is the only asset you can’t refinance.
Bigger Checks vs. Better Years
Yes, waiting longer can mean a larger monthly payment.
But we encourage clients to ask a more meaningful question:
When will I truly use this money the most?
For many coastal homeowners and future retirees, the most vibrant years include:
- Early mornings on the deck with coffee and ocean air
- Travel without physical limitations
- Long walks along the shoreline
- Time with grandchildren while you can still keep up
Those experiences often happen in your 60s and early 70s — not later.
Retirement Is a Lifestyle Decision — Not Just a Financial One
At The Windrow Group, we guide clients through decisions that align retirement income with real-life goals, such as:
- Purchasing a coastal home in places like Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, or Ocean City
- Downsizing into a low-maintenance property
- Creating rental income to supplement retirement
- Unlocking equity to fund experiences — not just sit on paper
Money that arrives after your most active years often goes underutilized. Lifestyle timing matters.
Living Well Beats Dying Wealthy
We’ve seen it time and again — people who waited “just a few more years,” only to realize they postponed the very life they were planning for.
Retirement is not a balance-sheet competition.
There is no trophy for having the largest account at the end of life.
There is, however, real value in:
- Watching more sunrises over the Atlantic
- Hosting family summers at the beach
- Saying “yes” to trips and experiences while health is on your side
The Windrow Group Philosophy
We believe retirement planning should support:
- Living now — not someday
- Freedom — not fear
- Experiences — not just preservation
Whether it’s deciding when to draw retirement income, purchasing a beach property, or restructuring real estate holdings to support long-term goals, our role goes beyond buying and selling.
We advise on lifestyle investments.
Final Thought
Choosing between 62 and 70 isn’t about right or wrong.
It’s about what kind of life you want — and when you want to live it.
Because retirement isn’t measured by what you leave behind.
It’s measured by memories made, time enjoyed, and years lived well.
Ready to Talk About Your Retirement Lifestyle?
If retirement includes the Maryland or Delaware coast, The Windrow Group is here to help you align real estate, lifestyle, and long-term strategy — so your money supports the life you want to live now.
Invest in the Beach Lifestyle.
