Dealing with Social Security Uncertainty

Recent reports published in Daily Finance suggest that the Social Security trust fund is going to begin its collapse around the year 2036. This means that you have about 24 years to adjust your planning and savings to compensate for this problem. This really is adequate time for most people to figure out how to make up the difference between what Social Security promises and what it will be able to deliver.

Tip #1 – Understand the Predictions

Before you panic you need to understand what the predictions about the Social Security trust fund are and how they will impact your retirement. First of all Social Security will still be paying out benefits after 2036. Chances are, however, that these benefits will be only about 70 to 80% of what is promised. If you are depending solely on Social Security as your retirement income then this is a bigger concern than if you were only depending upon it as a supplement to your other retirement income options.

Talk with Your Financial Advisor Now

The more time you have to make adjustments to your retirement planning the better your results will be. The best thing you can do right now is to meet with your financial planner or the advisor for your retirement plan. Talk about what you need to do to increase your final retirement fund balance so that it will cover what Social Security will not. When you talk with your financial advisor ask about your options and do not forget to tell him or her what your retirement goals are so they have a better idea about what strategies will work best for you.

Find New Sources of Retirement Income

For many people facing an uncertain financial future because of the problems associated with Social Security the idea of retirement is a fading dream. Many people will need to continue working well past retirement age to compensate for retirement fund scandals, financial hardships and other issues that have made saving for retirement problematic. If you enjoy work then finding a post-retirement position or business opportunity is not a bad thing, but an opportunity to have a second or third career.

There are many options that older adults have to make money during their retirement years. These options include acting as consultants to corporations, starting a new business and working part-time in a field that interests them. Finding post-retirement income will be a challenge, so it is important to start thinking of what you will do right now.

Citations:

• Saletta, C. (2012). Ponzi scheme or not, Social Security can’t keep up the pace. Daily Finance.

J.R. Budnar, the author of this article, reports about about personal finances online.

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• 4 Ways to Get the Most out of Your Retirement Budget (2010tax.org)
• Be Ready For Retirement & Plan Your Pension Now (2009taxes.org)