Will Social Security Retire Before I Do?

People have traditionally seen Social Security benefits as the foundation of their retirement planning programs. The Social Security contributions deducted from your paycheck have, in effect, served as a government-enforced retirement savings plan.

However, the Social Security system is under increasing strain. Better health care and longer life spans have resulted in an increasing number of people drawing Social Security benefits. And as the baby boom generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) approaches retirement, even greater demands will be placed on the system.

In 1945, there were 41.9 active workers to support each person receiving Social Security benefits. In 2010, there were only 2.9 workers supporting each Social Security pensioner. And it is projected that by 2040, there will be only 2.1 active workers to support each Social Security pensioner.1

You should consider that as your income gets higher, Social Security replaces a proportionally smaller percentage of retirement benefits. It used to be that you could receive full benefits only after you reached age 65. But in 2003, the age to qualify for full benefits began to increase on a graduated scale. By 2027, the age to qualify for full Social Security benefits will have increased to age 67, where it is scheduled to remain.

That means in the future, you will probably have to wait longer to qualify for full Social Security benefits to start replacing a smaller percentage of your pre-retirement income.

Your long-term retirement planning program should recognize Social Security benefits as playing a more limited role when calculating required retirement income. Indeed, some financial professionals suggest ignoring Social Security altogether when developing a retirement income plan.

Source: 1) Social Security Administration, 2011

Note: The Social Security Administration no longer mails an annual estimated benefit statement. For an estimate of your projected benefits, go online to www.ssa.gov/estimator.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc. 
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