When you've spent four decades or more in the workforce, it's understandable to be drawn to the idea of claiming those monthly checks at 62.

But if you claimed Social Security early and are now thinking about going back to work, you'll need to be careful. Though you're allowed to start working again, earning too much money could cause your Social Security checks to shrink in the near term.

I’ll be 62 in early 2026. I’m in relatively good physical shape. I collect 100% VA Disability for mental health at $4,000 per month. I have $40,000 in cryptocurrency that I play around with. I have $2,