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.

Your claiming decision will not only impact you, but your younger wife, too. Spouses can benefit from their significant other’s Social Security record in a couple of ways. The first is spousal benefits, which can begin as early as 62. In those instances ...