Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Is there a legit argument for privatization of social security?

I am closing in on retirement, my goal has been to retire at 60. I did a little math over the weekend, I have 20 years with the company I work for and started a 401 when I started work there. The company put 3% of my salary in a 401 and matched 50% of my contribution up to 6%. So, for 20 years my account has gotten 12% of my salary. I used the calculator from the manager of my account to calculate my monthly cash flow from the account if I retired at 60 years of age. It came out to about $3300 a month. I then went to the SSA website and looked up what my social security would be at 62 years old, the earliest I can get any benefit. Keeping in mind that 6.2% for SS and 1.45% for medicare is a shade over 7.5% of my salary and the employer has to pony up another 7.5% for a total of 15%, or, 25% more than is contributed to my 401. If I start drawing social security at 62, my monthly check would be about $1700. The government has been collecting an amount equal to 15% of my salary for almost 40 years, twice as long as I have been putting a lesser amount into the 401. Not only has the government squandered the money they have taken, they threaten to further reduce benefits because of their poor investments. Then they are going to tax me again on the money they give back to me.I really can't see a reason not to push for privatization, future generations would benefit greatly if the government wasn't "holding their money" for them.
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
MarkPaul · 26-30, M
Because sadly... and the reason why there is social security in the first place is... the majority of people, if left on their own will not save for their future and then they become a burden to taxpayers. This way, everyone gets something... but it does seem unfair for those who are able to demonstrate (not just claim) they are responsible to plan for the future.