Social Security

Recently, there has been much political debate and writing about the financial health of the social security system. Based on what you've heard in this debate, you may have complete faith that the system will prevail and be able to continue providing social benefits. Or, you may believe that the system will collapse and fall into complete financial ruin. The role social security will play in your retirement plan depends on your opinions about the system's continued viability and on what action the government takes between now and the time you retire. The Social Security Administration's pamphlet Understanding Social Security reminds us that,

"Social Security is not intended to be your only source of income. Instead, it is meant to be used to supplement the pensions, insurance, savings, and other investments you will accumulate during your working years."

For more information about social security, consider the following:

• a brief history of social security
• how to qualify for social security
• how much will your benefits be
• requesting your benefits estimate
• when can you collect benefits
• taxation of social security benefits