It’s not news that Social Security’s future is uncertain. This isn’t the first time this has happened, but it does seem to be the first time when the writing is so clear and there’s no way out. There doesn’t seem to be any agreement on possible solutions because the country is very divided. Proposed solutions are quickly shot down by people on the other side of the aisle.
The problem of Social Security
There is a shortfall in Social Security because the program is expected to owe more in benefits than it collects in payroll taxes as a lot of baby boomers retire.
Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem because Social Security has trust funds it can use to make up the difference. However, it has already been using those funds, and once they are gone, Social Security will have to cut benefits for everyone to make up the difference.
The most recent Social Security Trustees Report says that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which pays out retirement benefits, will run out in 2033 or 2035 if it is combined with the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds. The DI Trust Fund, on the other hand, is not expected to run out until 2098 because it only helps a small number of people.
This means that a solution needs to be found in about 10 years. So, even though it looks like there will be a solution—after all, Social Security is the country’s most popular program—waiting for lawmakers to decide would not be the smart thing to do.
What can future retirees do to improve their situation
People who still have jobs find options much more useful than people who depend on the program. The first things you can do to make sure you have enough money in retirement are to save more and use every tax break the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has come out with to your 401(k) or IRA. To help with this, the IRS has special rules that allow workers over 50 to put more money into their retirement accounts.
You will also have a friend in the stock market. Look over your portfolio and talk to an advisor to find the best way to invest your money that will pay off for years to come. The last choice you will have to make is whether to change your plans for retirement. Most people won’t be able to retire at age 62, which is the earliest you can start getting benefits.
However, if you have enough savings and passive income, you can take a step back and plan for a less stressful role. It is best to wait until you are 70 years old before you start getting benefits, but if you can’t wait that long, it’s still better than starting to get benefits right away.
What to do if you are already retired
People who are retired will have fewer ways to improve their finances and will depend less on Social Security, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. You can boost your income by joining the gig economy.
A low-stress part-time job like pet sitting or waiting tables at a café could help you make money, stay in touch with people, and maybe even get a new retirement plan. Get a job. It will give you more breathing room and help you build up a small emergency fund that you can use if Social Security cuts happen.
People who live in places with high costs of living may also be able to move to a less expensive part of the country. But it can be hard to leave family and friends behind, especially if you move somewhere without a safety net.
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