Is your social security safe from DOGE? Today we talk about the big changes coming to the Social Security Administration and how (or if) they impact you!  We talk about social securities origins as a safety net, its current insolvency trajectory by the early-to-mid 2030s, and the political challenges of reform. We critique the past government inaction and explores potential solutions. Don't worry, your social security won’t disappear overnight so make rational decisions rather than reacting to media-driven fear.

We discuss... 

• Market volatility and the significance of quarter-end movements.
• Tax-loss selling at year-end can lead to market bottoms in certain assets.
• Social Security was originally created as a safety net for those unable to support themselves.
• A demographic imbalance is stressing Social Security’s financial stability. Without intervention, Social Security is projected to be insolvent by the early-to-mid 2030s.
• Potential solutions include extending eligibility ages and adjusting benefits.
• Some proposals suggest cutting administrative costs rather than benefits.
• Future reforms may involve income-based benefit reductions or delayed eligibility.
• The likelihood of Social Security disappearing entirely is extremely low. We advise against making rash Social Security decisions based on media fear-mongering.
• Social Security planning remains a critical topic, with past loopholes removed as the government adapts to prevent system exploitation.
• Previously, retirees could take Social Security early at 62, repay it later, and reset their benefits, but this strategy has been eliminated.
• The decision to take Social Security early or delay it depends on individual financial needs and life expectancy.
• Break-even analysis suggests waiting until full retirement age (67) can be beneficial for those with longer life expectancy.
• Raising the full retirement age to 70 could extend Social Security solvency by billions of dollars.
• Adjustments to cost-of-living calculations have historically been used to slow benefit inflation and extend program viability.
• The current Social Security payroll tax cap of $160,000 could be raised or removed to increase funding.
• Increasing payroll tax rates slightly could help stabilize the program’s finances.
• Social Security has one of the lowest administrative costs among government programs, with about 99% of funds going directly to benefits.
• Historical tax changes under Reagan and Clinton increased Social Security taxation thresholds, and further increases remain possible.
• Legislative changes to Social Security, including benefit reductions or age increases, can happen quickly with little warning.
• Market volatility continues to be a major concern, with seasonal patterns and large equity inflows despite broader uncertainty.
• Investors should be cautious of overpaying for stocks with declining growth while seeking undervalued opportunities.

 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/social-security-safe-from-doge-699