SS increase

[Michael G.]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

[tophcfa]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

Be careful what you hope for, if benefits go up, the system will just become insolvent faster.

[davem4616]

yes inflation should drive an increase in SS next year...as well as increase the Medicare deduction

[rustyp]

It all hinges on the 3rd quarter.

The government calculates the Social Security COLA by comparing the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the year in which the most recent COLA became effective to the average CPI-W for the third quarter of the current year.

[Babubhat]

Insolvency is irrelevant. Government has unlimited ability to print money.

[dewilson58]

Government has unlimited ability to print money.

There's an uneducated statement.

[RICH1]

Not counting my chickens, can’t afford eggs

[tophcfa]

Insolvency is irrelevant. Government has unlimited ability to print money.

Right, and we are learning the painful lesson right now of how that works out. Hyper inflation and subsequent reduced purchasing power. That’s not a sustainable solution.

[Stu from NYC]

Right, and we are learning the painful lesson right now of how that works out. Hyper inflation and subsequent reduced purchasing power. That’s not a sustainable solution.

Very true the end result is after inflation SS gives us less buying power than before

[Michael G.]

Now we realize through all our younger working years everything screamed "save for retirement".
Yet the younger generation today have a hard saving for what's coming next month.

[DAVES]

Insolvency is irrelevant. Government has unlimited ability to print money.

Except for reality. I have a pile of German Reichsmarks, WWII German currency, that belonged to my Grandparents. Even the German government will not give you anything for them.
They printed so much of it that there are piles of it in the US. You can buy it for next to nothing. It is actually nicely printed on quality paper. Perhaps, buy some and frame it on your wall. A reminder of what can and does happen when a government prints valueless currency.

[DAVES]

Now we realize through all our younger working years everything screamed "save for retirement".
Yet the younger generation today have a hard saving for what's coming next month.

Simply that is not so. When, I graduated college, 1974 the economy, was in recession, and I had spent years of saving from WORK, on college. I owed on top of what my parents paid, my savings, and working part time, 13,000 in loans. Definition of a loan, a bank lends you money, charges interest and expects YOU to pay it back. Aside, 13,000 is roughly 78,000 today. I more or less followed a simple plan. It is outlined in a book that I no longer recall the title. You save 10% of your income and live on the rest. It is not easy but it has and does payoff. My advice, refuse to fail, life is not fair, it never was, deal with what is not what should be. Our nation is loaded with opportunities too many walk past them, do not see them, because they expect a handout.

[DAVES]

Very true the end result is after inflation SS gives us less buying power than before

That is and always has been the result of inflation. Inflation is good for debtors. You pay back what you owe with devalued dollars. Talk about debtors. Our national debt is 30 Trillion dollars. A sum I freely admit, some do not see it, an incomprehensible amount. Inflation as stated works well for debtors.

[Stu from NYC]

Simply that is not so. When, I graduated college, 1974 the economy, was in recession, and I had spent years of saving from WORK, on college. I owed on top of what my parents paid, my savings, and working part time, 13,000 in loans. Definition of a loan, a bank lends you money, charges interest and expects YOU to pay it back. Aside, 13,000 is roughly 78,000 today. I more or less followed a simple plan. It is outlined in a book that I no longer recall the title. You save 10% of your income and live on the rest. It is not easy but it has and does payoff. My advice, refuse to fail, life is not fair, it never was, deal with what is not what should be. Our nation is loaded with opportunities too many walk past them, do not see them, because they expect a handout.

Agreed can never get ahead depending upon the govt.

Hard work does pay off for the vast majority of people.

[rustyp]

Do you think there will be an increase in social security next year ? One thing for sure the stories of the good old days will not disappear. I had to walk uphill both ways and barefoot to school. You do realize you keep giving the OP the responses he likes trolling for. If he really wanted to know if there will be an increase in SS next year he simply can push the google button.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

OMG !!! This is early April and people are talking about SS cost of living . AMAZING, I was bored waiting at dentist but not that bored, I’m out see you tomorrow where sadly they’ll probably be a couple of hundred posts

[Keefelane66]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?
Except for increase in Medicare deduction I am just banking SS check living off Pension check and mandatory 401k which is being reinvested another $200+ next year maybe not counting on it not going to make a difference

[MartinSE]

That is and always has been the result of inflation. Inflation is good for debtors. You pay back what you owe with devalued dollars. Talk about debtors. Our national debt is 30 Trillion dollars. A sum I freely admit, some do not see it, an incomprehensible amount. Inflation as stated works well for debtors.

Yup, and about 30% ($8B) of that thanks to the previous administration. Which is a completely unfair statement because while factual a significant amount of that was due to COVID, and was an appropriate use of borrowing money.

But, it is what it is.

[Michael G.]

You do realize you keep giving the OP the responses he likes trolling for. If he really wanted to know if there will be an increase in SS next year he simply can push the google button.

Maybe I just want to hear other peoples opinion.

[Stu from NYC]

Do you think there will be an increase in social security next year ? One thing for sure the stories of the good old days will not disappear. I had to walk uphill both ways and barefoot to school. You do realize you keep giving the OP the responses he likes trolling for. If he really wanted to know if there will be an increase in SS next year he simply can push the google button.

Of course there will be an increase in SS next year but really wish congress would fix SS before it collapses.

I am answering this thread only because I find the topic of interest.

[JMintzer]

Simply that is not so. When, I graduated college, 1974 the economy, was in recession, and I had spent years of saving from WORK, on college. I owed on top of what my parents paid, my savings, and working part time, 13,000 in loans. Definition of a loan, a bank lends you money, charges interest and expects YOU to pay it back. Aside, 13,000 is roughly 78,000 today. I more or less followed a simple plan. It is outlined in a book that I no longer recall the title. You save 10% of your income and live on the rest. It is not easy but it has and does payoff. My advice, refuse to fail, life is not fair, it never was, deal with what is not what should be. Our nation is loaded with opportunities too many walk past them, do not see them, because they expect a handout.

Agreed.

One of my daughters works for a non-profit, in DC. Decent salary, but not huge by any means.

When she started, she put 3%/year away for retirement and her company matched it. The next year she upped it to 6% (they matched it, which was their max). Then she went to 10%, so 16%/year in total in her 401k. She was also able to save enough to buy a 1 br condo. She's 32, has over $100K in savings and her pension.

She used to only go to happy hours where they had specials. Same with eating out. They all knew where the bargains were.

She's getting married next month and will rent out her condo (for a profit) as it's a bit small for two people...

[rustyp]

Maybe I just want to hear other peoples opinion.

no argument here. However I sometimes wonder (to myself) where does curiosity end and trolling begin ?.

[MartinSE]

no argument here. However I sometimes wonder (to myself) where does curiosity end and trolling begin ?.

They can be hard to tell apart sometimes

[Caymus]

A current estimate for 2023 is 8.9%

MSN (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/record-high-inflation-could-mean-a-bigger-social-security-cost-of-living-adjustment-in-2023/ar-AAW8M2L?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=e5da6d4af7e7459da86c312cfe92c0af)

[Calisport]

Noticed payment is 2-3 days late. Almost a heart attack until I checked the website for date of payment

[Stu from NYC]

no argument here. However I sometimes wonder (to myself) where does curiosity end and trolling begin ?.

The eye of the beholder

[Bogie Shooter]

There's an uneducated statement.

Certainly not the first today……

[Bogie Shooter]

no argument here. However I sometimes wonder (to myself) where does curiosity end and trolling begin ?.

You have to consider the source.

[maggie1]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

Probably not, but the amenity fees have gone up in correlation to the consumer price index. Ours went up $12 a month and will stay that way until next April when it is reevaluated. The lady at the Utility Customer Service Center at Sumter Landing said that she has only known of one time when a reevaluation resulted in the lowering of the amenity fee.

[Andyb]

I guess it depends on Putin.

[maggie1]

Agreed.

One of my daughters works for a non-profit, in DC. Decent salary, but not huge by any means.

When she started, she put 3%/year away for retirement and her company matched it. The next year she upped it to 6% (they matched it, which was their max). Then she went to 10%, so 16%/year in total in her 401k. She was also able to save enough to buy a 1 br condo. She's 32, has over $100K in savings and her pension.

She used to only go to happy hours where they had specials. Same with eating out. They all knew where the bargains were.

She's getting married next month and will rent out her condo (for a profit) as it's a bit small for two people...

Smart lady - you taught her well.

[noslices1]

Insolvency is irrelevant. Government has unlimited ability to print money.

I think Venezuela did something like that and now a wheelbarrow full of money can buy a loaf of bread. U.S. may become North Venezuela.

[jimbomaybe]

I think Venezuela did something like that and now a wheelbarrow full of money can buy a loaf of bread. U.S. may become North Venezuela.

Reminds me of a guy who told me we could solve all our problems if the government just gave everybody $1,000,000.

[craigrmorrison]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?
Logic would dictate. However your fate is in the hands of government bureaucrats so do don’t count on it. Remember the increase last year was quite generous in historical terms. I hope for the best

[rsmurano]

People don’t understand inflation. Sure it effects debtors because of higher rates, but it effects everybody by higher prices for everything. What cost $1 yesterday, will be $1.50 or more in a short period of time.
As for working hard, this is only partially correct. I know people who worked hard, made decent money, and had no income saved for retirement. You have to invest part of your money starting at a young age so it has a chance to grow before retiring. Working hard and playing/spending harder won’t work. This is what the millennials are doing today, they have no outlook for the future, thinking the government is going to bail them out

[bowlingal]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

you mean expect......not except

[Jsan143]

It should be linked to the 21% Congress and The Senate increases!

[Dantes]

Don’t worry Medicare will go up the same day and take your increase

[Bay Kid]

SS will increase only after all those people we support, not having to work, with free health care, get their fair share.

[OhioBuckeye]

S. S. has to about ran out!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

That won’t bother me I only get $128, and yes I’m guilty to adding to this discussion

[toeser]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

Yes, but only a fraction of the real inflation rate. The government has rigged the CPI to no longer be an accurate measure of real inflation. The CPI significantly understates the true inflation rate.

[petsetc]

Insolvency is irrelevant. Government has unlimited ability to print money.

There's an uneducated statement.

Respectfully, some economists believe it's true, the argument being that if your national debt is in your own currency, than you should be able to do this. Also, that the primary purpose of increasing interest rates and taxation is to control inflation.

Can't provide my source, but I'll bet Google or DuckDuckGo could.

JMHO

[Proveone]

Don't be greedy! Stop driving gas cars and you can blame Putin. You know the "genius" who started the war.

[Sportsguy1]

The U.S. government ‘We have good news and we have bad news for all of you on Social Security. The good news is Your monthly SS benefit will go up $62 a month; the bad news you will pay $48 more a month for your Medicare. Please enjoy your $14 a month raise and don’t spend it all in one place’!

[Gettingoutofdodge]

This year we got a raise in Soc. Sec. And a higher raise in Medicare. So in actuality, we lost money! Thank God I saved but my savings due to inflation is worth less. Add to that the Stock Market is tanking. If we get a raise, they will find a way to take it back. The adage, take from those that have and give to those that don’t never works. NEVER!

[Stu from NYC]

People don’t understand inflation. Sure it effects debtors because of higher rates, but it effects everybody by higher prices for everything. What cost $1 yesterday, will be $1.50 or more in a short period of time.
As for working hard, this is only partially correct. I know people who worked hard, made decent money, and had no income saved for retirement. You have to invest part of your money starting at a young age so it has a chance to grow before retiring. Working hard and playing/spending harder won’t work. This is what the millennials are doing today, they have no outlook for the future, thinking the government is going to bail them out

It is sad that schools do not teach personal finance. Too many young people do not have any understanding of basic Economics.

[Speedie]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

Raising the min wage drives inflation but also increases the number of people paying taxes and SS.

[Lindsyburnsy]

I hear there that someone wants to phase out Social Security and Medicare. Be thankful for what you are getting.

[bioman419]

Dream On, my friend!

[Michael G.]

"The Government giveth and the Government taketh away!"

[Luggage]

That's an uneducated statement.

[Stu from NYC]

I hear there that someone wants to phase out Social Security and Medicare. Be thankful for what you are getting.

Never going to happen

[joelfmi]

Don't you know china wants there currency to be the dominant very shortly. Referred to as the new world order. it won't be long the The way our government is throwing money around it won't be long now

[BrianL99]

Insolvency is irrelevant. Government has unlimited ability to print money.

There's an uneducated statement.


A statement is neither educated nor uneducated.

It is either accurate or inaccurate.

In this case, it's accurate and been proven countless times.

[rustyp]

[QUOTE=Michael G.;2082781]So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?[/QUOTE


1 - it is EXPECT not EXCEPT - I don't believe I have a choice rather to ACCEPT the increase or not.
2 - The answer to the question at this point in time is a no brainer - yes we can EXPECT an increase in 2023. That includes right - wrong -indifferent - or your political preference.
3. Cut to the chase - the question was can we EXPECT another increase in 2023 - NOT WHO OR WHAT IS TO BLAME OR CREDIT.
4. Why do we tip toe to the political line here. It is against the rules. Why not take it to another social media page where you can have ( I say this tongue in cheek) reasonable debate.

[dewilson58]

A statement is neither educated nor uneducated.
It is either accurate or inaccurate.
In this case, it's accurate and been proven countless times.

Another uneducated post..............you are talking history, unlimited is talking future.

:clap2::clap2::clap2:

[dewilson58]

Respectfully, some economists believe it's true, .......JMHO

& some economists don't believe it's true.

Dollar value??

Unlimited US debt security sales??

Inflation like you never seen??

:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[MartinSE]

A couple points on this thread:

SS will not suddenly run out of money. The plan is to ramp down payments as they have to dip into the trust, which is expected to start in 10 or 20 years. It is a "simple" problem to fix, but politicians don't want to fix it because it is a voting issue they can rant about. Fixing would simply require an increase in the amount of income your contribution comes from, increase the maximum contribution of each worker, or increase the percentage deducted. All have been proposed, all of any would postpone the problem indefinitely.

Second, inflation happens. It always has it aways will. It is normally blamed on the administration with it starts up - that doesn't mean they caused it. Inflation historically lags policy. In this cycle it has been predicted for years, meaning it is way over due. Some (me included) believe it is the way the inflation cycle was delayed that resulted in it being worse than "normal". I don't have a doctorate in economics, so I can't say. We just are still dealing with COVID and it's impact on society and economy. Anyway, I do believe that as long as our (the world's) economy is based on growth, there will be recessions and inflation cycles. We need a new economic model that is based on no growth.

[biker1]

Not exactly. I believe SS started to "withdraw" money from the $2.9T trust fund in 2021 as incoming SS taxes became insufficient to pay all benefits. The current estimate is that the trust fund will be exhausted in 2033, at which time benefits will need to be reduced by about 20% as that is all the incoming SS taxes will support. As you pointed out, this is fixable.

A couple points on this thread:

SS will not suddenly run out of money. The plan is to ramp down payments as they have to dip into the trust, which is expected to start in 10 or 20 years. It is a "simple" problem to fix, but politicians don't want to fix it because it is a voting issue they can rant about. Fixing would simply require an increase in the amount of income your contribution comes from, increase the maximum contribution of each worker, or increase the percentage deducted. All have been proposed, all of any would postpone the problem indefinitely.

Second, inflation happens. It always has it aways will. It is normally blamed on the administration with it starts up - that doesn't mean they caused it. Inflation historically lags policy. In this cycle it has been predicted for years, meaning it is way over due. Some (me included) believe it is the way the inflation cycle was delayed that resulted in it being worse than "normal". I don't have a doctorate in economics, so I can't say. We just are still dealing with COVID and it's impact on society and economy. Anyway, I do believe that as long as our (the world's) economy is based on growth, there will be recessions and inflation cycles. We need a new economic model that is based on no growth.

[rrb48310]

Smart lady - you taught her well.

Great job guiding your daughter. I gave same advice to my sons, put into your 401K up to what ever the company will match. But then advised them to do what I wished I would’ve done, put more into a Roth IRA money grows and withdrawn tax free. Roth 401K just we’re starting when I retired, if employers match like a “traditional” 401K all the better.

[rrb48310]

A couple points on this thread:

SS will not suddenly run out of money. The plan is to ramp down payments as they have to dip into the trust, which is expected to start in 10 or 20 years. It is a "simple" problem to fix, but politicians don't want to fix it because it is a voting issue they can rant about. Fixing would simply require an increase in the amount of income your contribution comes from, increase the maximum contribution of each worker, or increase the percentage deducted. All have been proposed, all of any would postpone the problem indefinitely.

Second, inflation happens. It always has it aways will. It is normally blamed on the administration with it starts up - that doesn't mean they caused it. Inflation historically lags policy. In this cycle it has been predicted for years, meaning it is way over due. Some (me included) believe it is the way the inflation cycle was delayed that resulted in it being worse than "normal". I don't have a doctorate in economics, so I can't say. We just are still dealing with COVID and it's impact on society and economy. Anyway, I do believe that as long as our (the world's) economy is based on growth, there will be recessions and inflation cycles. We need a new economic model that is based on no growth.

There is a larger “population” than Baby Boomers, so if they ever get off the couch and get one of the plentiful jobs, S.S. should be ok. Providing the politicians keep their hands off the $$$.

[Stu from NYC]

There is a larger “population” than Baby Boomers, so if they ever get off the couch and get one of the plentiful jobs, S.S. should be ok. Providing the politicians keep their hands off the $$$.

Sorry but the SS trust funds need more help than this.

Another alternative nobody talks about is raising the retirement age so people work longer and contribute more into SS.

[MartinSE]

There is a larger “population” than Baby Boomers, so if they ever get off the couch and get one of the plentiful jobs, S.S. should be ok. Providing the politicians keep their hands off the $$$.

Baby Boomers, that would be me, I have no plans to get off my butt and get a job. Baby Boomers are pretty much the problem right now, there are so many of us retired - many that retired early because of 2008.

SS withholding has not been increased, even to adjust for inflation, since 1990. Well, not exactly, there were some changes put in place in 2021, and some more are supposed to go into place this year. But minor.

[rrb48310]

Baby Boomers, that would be me, I have no plans to get off my butt and get a job. Baby Boomers are pretty much the problem right now, there are so many of us retired - many that retired early because of 2008.

SS withholding has not been increased, even to adjust for inflation, since 1990. Well, not exactly, there were some changes put in place in 2021, and some more are supposed to go into place this year. But minor.

I didn’t mean us baby boomers get a job, I was talking about the upcoming larger boom.

I’m a baby boomer too and retired I’m getting off butt but it’s not to work it’s to enjoy The Villages.

[JMintzer]

Baby Boomers, that would be me, I have no plans to get off my butt and get a job. Baby Boomers are pretty much the problem right now, there are so many of us retired - many that retired early because of 2008.

SS withholding has not been increased, even to adjust for inflation, since 1990. Well, not exactly, there were some changes put in place in 2021, and some more are supposed to go into place this year. But minor.

And just a few years ago, people were blaming the Boomers for working too long and taking jobs from people entering the job market...

Just can't make some people happy...

[biker1]

No, that won't do it. This has been studied. The long term trend of a decreasing number of working people per retired person and people living longer has created a situation where SS taxes must increase or benefits must be reduced or the age where you can draw benefits must be pushed out, or all of the three. And, politicians have their hands on the money only to the extent that they can pass laws to change the SS tax rate and change the benefits. The politicians are the only ones who can fix this issue. Without politicians taking action, SS benefits are estimated to be reduced starting in 2033. 2033 is the estimate of when the trust fund will be exhausted and incoming SS taxes will only pay about 80% of benefits.

There is a larger “population” than Baby Boomers, so if they ever get off the couch and get one of the plentiful jobs, S.S. should be ok. Providing the politicians keep their hands off the $$$.

[Stu from NYC]

No, that won't do it. This has been studied. The long term trend of a decreasing number of working people per retired person and people living longer has created a situation where SS taxes must increase or benefits must be reduced or the age where you can draw benefits must be pushed out, or all of the three. And, politicians have their hands on the money only to the extent that they can pass laws to change the SS tax rate and change the benefits. The politicians are the only ones who can fix this issue. Without politicians taking action, SS benefits are estimated to be reduced starting in 2033. 2033 is the estimate of when the trust fund will be exhausted and incoming SS taxes will only pay about 80% of benefits.

I have read 74% of benefits will be paid. Amazing how congress is not getting any pressure to fix this problem. The people who are totally dependent upon SS for retirement should wake up.

[biker1]

I have seen a variety of numbers including 76%. I just rounded up to 80%. Yes, it is amazing how this has continued with the issue now only 11 years away. Our "leaders" are cowards for not doing their job and making the choices that only get harder as time goes by.

I have read 74% of benefits will be paid. Amazing how congress is not getting any pressure to fix this problem. The people who are totally dependent upon SS for retirement should wake up.

[Michael G.]

I'm can't say who is entitled to SS obvious the ones who paid into the program for years.
But makes me wonder about the executive jobs people held, or people that were CEO's of their own Company are collecting on SS.

Is it fair to ask, how much do those people need to live on even with inflation?

I guess it's like asking how much house, (4-5000 sq ft.) do two retired people need to live in TV.

[Stu from NYC]

I'm can't say who is entitled to SS obvious the ones who paid into the program for years.
But makes me wonder about the executive jobs people held, or people that were CEO's of their own Company are collecting on SS.

Is it fair to ask, how much do those people need to live on even with inflation?

I guess it's like asking how much house, (4-5000 sq ft.) do two retired people need to live in TV.

It was set up as a pension system not a wealth transfer system. If you pay into the system you should be able to collect.

[Nucky]

That's an uneducated statement.

Hey there Mr. or Mrs. Luggage. What is an uneducated statement? Quote the post you are going to criticize just the way I did with yours. I could guess which post you are talking about but come on get it together. :1rotfl:

[rustyp]

The sky is not falling. First SS is not broke in 2034. It will be short of meeting "TOTAL OBLIGATIONS " at the 2034 point if the system is not changed before (like now would be prudent). There are many avenues that can be taken to shore it back up. Most of which would have no impact to those of us already collecting SS.

“There are changes that can be made to put the program on solid footing,” Thoma said. “In order for the program to remain fully funded through the 75-year projection period (they run it for 75 years — through 2095), payroll taxes would need to rise about 3.36%, or just under 1.7% for both the employer and employee, to fully fund the program. If no changes are made, benefits would need to be cut by 24% starting in 2034 (they would be able to pay 76 cents for every dollar of benefits).”



Retire Comfortably

And that’s only if the government does nothing to fix Social Security. Other changes that could be made would be to raise the full retirement age, revise the reduction formulas and eliminate the ceiling on taxable earnings.

FYI we are really off on a tangent on the subject of this thread. It was do we think we will get a raise 2023 in SS. Now we are talking about getting $0 total payout.

[MDLNB]

I'm can't say who is entitled to SS obvious the ones who paid into the program for years.
But makes me wonder about the executive jobs people held, or people that were CEO's of their own Company are collecting on SS.

Is it fair to ask, how much do those people need to live on even with inflation?

I guess it's like asking how much house, (4-5000 sq ft.) do two retired people need to live in TV.


So, the folks that pay the majority of the TAX REVENUES in America, while 50% pay NO Fed Tax, should just be exempted from getting their retirement money back from the gov? Is someone going to put a limit on how much wealth a person is allowed? Since we live in TV should we also be exempt from receiving SS? Maybe we should give our SS to the border jumpers?

Should the developers be mandated to ONLY build one bedroom homes, since a couple only NEEDS that much room?

Maybe everyone that is retired should give up their cars and just use golf carts since we don't NEED a car to go to work anymore?
In a FREE America, we enjoy the fruits of our labor, whether the labor is physical or mental. Our sharing is voluntary, NOT mandatory.....at least that is the way it is supposed to be.

[jimbomaybe]

So, the folks that pay the majority of the TAX REVENUES in America, while 50% pay NO Fed Tax, should just be exempted from getting their retirement money back from the gov? Is someone going to put a limit on how much wealth a person is allowed? Since we live in TV should we also be exempt from receiving SS? Maybe we should give our SS to the border jumpers?

Should the developers be mandated to ONLY build one bedroom homes, since a couple only NEEDS that much room?

Maybe everyone that is retired should give up their cars and just use golf carts since we don't NEED a car to go to work anymore?
In a FREE America, we enjoy the fruits of our labor, whether the labor is physical or mental. Our sharing is voluntary, NOT mandatory.....at least that is the way it is supposed to be.
SS is not financially sustainable as is, the politicians need to tune it up, some sort of non fix that kicks the can down the road making it someone else's problem and makes them look like a prince, cash and other benefits received by individuals is worth more than they paid in, the way its set up the lower your income the less you put in ,from a money in money out standpoint the lower wage earners make out better, the big reason to qualify for SS is the medical benefits otherwise anyone who could would opt out

[MartinSE]

I didn’t mean us baby boomers get a job, I was talking about the upcoming larger boom.

I’m a baby boomer too and retired I’m getting off butt but it’s not to work it’s to enjoy The Villages.

Sorry, I misread, thank you for correcting me politely. You are right, that is what you said, and I was wrong.

[MartinSE]

Don't you know china wants there currency to be the dominant very shortly. Referred to as the new world order. it won't be long the The way our government is throwing money around it won't be long now

I don't completely understand your post. Yes, China has for decades been working to become THE economic world power. And they are winning that. In addition, they are securing rights to most of the worlds rare minerals and resources, but working with third world countries.

They performed (are performing) and "end around" on us. We sit here proclaiming our dominance, while our infrastructure crumbles, we focus on short-comings in China and how much better they are, all talk. Coming soon is AI. AI will dominate the economy. We are not even in that race any more (a few small start ups and a little research) while China has AI monitored and applied to real world applications today.

I am not saying we are done, I am saying that as long as we focus on hating each other and changing direction every 4 years, China is going to kick our butts. We need to stop fighting with each other and start competing with the world.

There IS a NEW WORLD ORDER - like it or not, there is a world economy NOW. As long as we keep trying to put the genie back in the bottle (nationalism) we will lose. We make up 5% of the worlds population. We are certainly a good example of the tail trying to wag the dog.

[biker1]

What medical benefits are you referring to? Disability? If not, it would not be Medicare or Medicaid since SS is not a prerequisite for either. Opt out of what?

SS is not financially sustainable as is, the politicians need to tune it up, some sort of non fix that kicks the can down the road making it someone else's problem and makes them look like a prince, cash and other benefits received by individuals is worth more than they paid in, the way its set up the lower your income the less you put in ,from a money in money out standpoint the lower wage earners make out better, the big reason to qualify for SS is the medical benefits otherwise anyone who could would opt out

[Caymus]

As long as we keep trying to put the genie back in the bottle (nationalism) we will lose.

China is much more nationalistic than the US.

[FLBeans]

So, with inflation, we can except another increase on our Social Security, right?

As an older women friend of mine once said, “In this day and age and how bad it has gotten, I am glad I’m going out instead of coming in!”

SO true for me as well. Lol

[Michael G.]

As an older women friend of mine once said, “In this day and age and how bad it has gotten, I am glad I’m going out instead of coming in!”

SO true for me as well. Lol

Just so when I'm 6 feet under, someone doesn't resurrect me in 75 years
and show me around this earth. :22yikes:

[kkingston57]

I hear there that someone wants to phase out Social Security and Medicare. Be thankful for what you are getting.

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