Social Security

Social Security is surrounded by rumors, half-truths, scare headlines, and barbershop wisdom, which is a terrible way to make a lifelong retirement decision. Social Security may be the most misunderstood program in America. That is impressive, because we are a country that still argues about whether eggs are good, bad, or secretly plotting against us.…

Before Social Security, millions of older Americans faced poverty, dependence, charity, poorhouses, and the cheerful retirement plan known as “keep working until your body gives out.” Before Social Security, retirement was not exactly a golden chapter filled with golf carts, beach sunsets, and people arguing about whether to claim at 62 or 70. For many…

Social Security was designed as insurance, not a magic money machine, and understanding that one fact clears up a lot of confusion. Most people talk about Social Security as if it were a retirement account with your name written on it in a nice little government file cabinet somewhere. That would be comforting. It would…