Money: When Uncle Sam says you're old, you're old

Quick quiz: When do you officially become "old"? The average Baby Boomer defines "old age" as 72, according to a 2009 Pew Research study, and feels nine years younger than his or her chronological age. But even if you think they're just numbers, the government considers 62, 65, 66 and 70 to be the major milestones of aging -- and agree or not, you can't afford to ignore them.

"Some decisions are irreversible and could result in reduced benefits later or increased taxes," said Scott Simpson, CFP, a financial planner for Focus Financial in Minneapolis. No matter when you plan to stop working, a visit to the Social Security office, as well as a financial planner and/or accountant, is a good idea, Simpson said. "It's best to get help and do your research up front."

Here are the government's milestones, and what they mean for your financial future.

You can begin to draw Social Security benefits at age 62, but be aware:

• According to the Social Security website ssa.gov, the benefit at age 62 is "about 25 percent lower than what it would be if you waited until you reach full retirement age."

• If you are still earning, you may have your benefits reduced for every dollar you earn over the annual maximum, which is $14,640 in 2012.

• Claiming early retirement can also reduce the amount a surviving spouse may receive. On the other hand, according to the Social Security website, "If you qualify for benefits as a widow, widower or surviving divorced spouse on another record, you may choose to apply for survivor's benefits now and delay your retirement benefit until later."

Part A, which covers in-patient care, is premium-free if you have paid in from your earnings. However, you won't get it automatically if you don't also apply for Social Security. Some employers require you to apply; some don't, according to Simpson.

There is a premium for Part B, which covers things like outpatient care and doctor visits. Part B comes automatically with part A unless you decline it. A higher income can mean a higher premium.

Your Part B premium will also increase every year you decline coverage, unless you are still covered by an employer's health plan.

Part D covers prescription drugs, and there can be consequences if you miss the age-65 claim deadline.

At this point, your benefits are not reduced no matter how much you earn. However, what SSI calls "Delayed Retirement Benefits" can result in a payment of 132 percent of your full retirement benefit if you wait until age 70.

Given the range of options available, the best bet is to schedule a conversation with a Social Security representative. The website advises applying about three months before the date you want to start receiving payments. The Social Security Planner can help you prepare for the meeting: ssa.gov/retire2/

Unless you plan to forego Social Security altogether, this is probably as long as you want to delay filing for benefits. If you continue to earn money after age 70, you could still see a slight increase in the monthly check based on lifetime earnings.

"Traditional IRAs and most other retirement accounts except Roth IRAs have Required Minimum Distributions [RMDs] for people over age 70 1/2," Simpson said.

However, as long as you are a W2 wage earner, check with your company to ask if you can fund their 401(k) plan. If you are still working for a company that has a 401(k) match, "get the match!" Simpson said. You are not required to take RMDs from that plan until you stop working for that company. You'll still need to take RMDs from other retirement accounts, Simpson added.

If you work for yourself, you can also continue to fund a SEP or Individual 401(k) based on IRS rules as long as you have earned income.