Social Security is a social insurance program run by the federal government of the United States. It is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families, including retired workers, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. The program is funded through payroll taxes on current workers and their employers, and benefits are paid out of the Social Security trust fund. Social Security provides a range of benefits, including retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits. The program is intended to provide a basic level of economic security for individuals and families, and is particularly important for low-income workers and those who have not had the opportunity to build significant personal savings.
Social Security benefits may not provide enough income to fully support a retiree's lifestyle. The amount of benefits a person receives is based on their lifetime earnings and is intended to replace a portion of those earnings, but for many people it will not be enough to cover all of their expenses in retirement. Additionally, the Social Security trust fund is projected to run out of money in the next few decades, so future benefits may be reduced. It is important to have a diversified retirement income plan that includes other sources of savings and income, such as a personal savings, pension, or investment income.
You can check your Social Security statement in a few ways:
Online: You can create an account on the Social Security Administration's website (https://www.ssa.gov/) and view your statement online.
By mail: You can request a paper copy of your statement to be mailed to you by contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) by phone or visiting your local SSA office.
MySSA mobile app: The Social Security Administration (SSA) also offers a mobile app called "mySSA" which is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. Once you have downloaded the app, you can use it to access your statement and other information related to your Social Security benefits.
It is important to note that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will mail a paper statement to you once a year if you are age 60 or older and not yet receiving benefits, and every five years if you are under 60.
There are several alternatives to Social Security that can be used to supplement retirement income, including:
Personal savings: This can include savings in a traditional or Roth IRA, 401(k), or other retirement savings accounts.
Investment income: This can include income from stocks, bonds, real estate, or other investments.
Pension plans: Some employers offer pension plans that provide a fixed income for life to eligible employees.
Part-time or full-time work during retirement: Some people choose to continue working in some capacity during their retirement years to supplement their income.
Annuities: These are financial products that provide a steady stream of income for a specific period of time or for life.
Reverse mortgage: This is a type of loan that allows homeowners to convert a portion of the equity in their home into cash.
It's important to note that each of these options may have different advantages and disadvantages and it's wise to consult with a financial advisor to find the best fit for your retirement plan.
If you have any questions or to speak with one of our advisors, email us at info@copawealthstrategies.com or call us at (503) 217-4150.