Headlines
Social Security & Medicare “off the table,” but the Solvency Issue Still Exists
After a spurious accusation disrupted the President’s State of the Union message, media and Congressional pundits have joined in a chorus of praise that Social Security and Medicare are now “off the table” in negotiations to raise the national debt…
How Old is “Old?”
How old is old? Well, judging by the amount of seniors still working thereafter, age 65 is certainly no longer considered “old” for most Americans. So how, then, did 65 become the de facto retirement age? Well, we typically think…
“Presidents Day” or “Washington’s Birthday?”
Although frequently referred to simply as “Presidents Day,” this federal holiday has never actually been changed from its original designation as “Washington’s Birthday,” recognizing the achievements of our first President. This federal holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of…
Longevity Literacy to improve your retirement
There are no guarantees in life, and many pre-retirees worry about what could go sideways after they retire. One of the greatest retirement fears is outliving your savings and/or investments. Surya Kolluri, head of the TIAA Institute, said, “If you…
What you should know about the national debt
The national debt level of the United States is a measurement of how much the federal government owes its creditors—in particular – it is the sum of federal government debt held by the public and intragovernmental debt. Congress puts a…
Will the Social Security Expansion Act fix Social Security insolvency?
Senator Bernie Sanders has re-introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. The newest version of the legislation comes out amid a national debate over Social Security. Along with the bill, Senator Sanders offered a copy of the letter from the chief…
Start telling the truth about Social Security and Medicare.
The vulnerability of Social Security and Medicare programs is not an ideological matter but an economic reality. Both programs are funded in part by dedicated taxes paid by both the employee and employer. However, with fewer individuals in the workforce,…
Keeping the Social Security trust fund solvent will require bipartisan support
Many Americans are aware of the Social Security trust fund solvency issue; however, with the recent political tension, the uncertainty of a solution remains. A recent survey from the University of Maryland found individuals who identify as Republicans or Democrats…
Social Security’s Solvency Problem: Have Prospects for Resolution Dimmed?
The week now drawing to a close has been volatile on many political fronts, perhaps few more explosive than that of Social Security’s impending solvency issue. Despite the display of agreement expressed during Tuesday’s State of the Union event, it’s…
Social Security’s Chief Actuary Sets the Table for Action
Stephen Goss, Social Security’s chief actuary, lays out a series of key points describing the program’s solvency issues in a post on marketwatch.com. Beginning with a clarification of the ubiquitous “going broke” myth, Goss racks up twelve fundamental topics that…