Logo
    Search

    Will Social Security Go Bankrupt By the Time You Retire? Here's the Truth

    enMarch 14, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Monetizing an asset on Airbnb as a side hustleEasily earn extra income by renting out an existing asset on Airbnb with minimal startup costs. Learn about Social Security contributions while doing so.

      The speaker, Nicole Lappin, shares her experience of using Airbnb as a profitable side hustle while she's away writing. She emphasizes the ease and accessibility of monetizing an existing asset without significant startup costs. Meanwhile, she also discusses the importance of understanding Social Security and how contributions don't go towards individual accounts but rather to those currently receiving benefits. If you're looking for ways to earn extra income or gain knowledge about Social Security, consider hosting on Airbnb or educating yourself on its workings.

    • Significant Source of Financial Support: Social Security's $1.5 trillion in benefits in 2024Social Security is a crucial financial support system for millions, with $1.5 trillion in benefits distributed in 2024. Individuals contribute up to $10,500 annually, with 89 cents going to retirees, survivors, and children, and 11 cents to disability recipients.

      Social Security is a significant source of financial support for millions of Americans, with an estimated $1.5 trillion in benefits distributed in 2024. Each individual contributes 12.4% of their paycheck up to a certain limit, with employers covering the other half if they are employed. Self-employed individuals pay the full amount. The maximum contribution in 2024 is around $10,500. Despite being a political issue, Social Security provides essential benefits to current retirees, survivors, and children, with 89 cents of every dollar going to these groups. Only 11 cents go to those on disability. Social Security also provides benefits to retirees based on their length of employment and earnings. Despite criticisms, Americans from both political sides generally support Social Security benefits. A common misconception is that Social Security funds go to those who fake disabilities, but in reality, it provides more benefits to children than any other government program.

    • Reaffirming commitment to Social SecurityOptimally claim Social Security between 67 and 70 for maximum benefits, but start as early as 62. Use the online calculator for an estimate, but save and plan for retirement beyond these benefits.

      Both President Trump and President Biden have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Social Security this week, highlighting the significance of this program for voters. Social Security is a social safety net where your contributions during your working years will fund retirement benefits for you and others. You can start collecting Social Security as early as 62, but doing so will result in reduced benefits. The optimal age to claim benefits is between 67 and 70, when you'll receive additional perks. While the Social Security Administration provides an online calculator to estimate potential benefits, keep in mind that these calculations might not accurately represent the amount you'll receive in retirement. Social Security is not intended to replace your income during retirement, so it's crucial to save and plan for your financial future beyond these benefits.

    • Social Security not enough for retireesOn average, retirees receive 40% of their income from Social Security, but it may not be sufficient due to taxes, inflation, and a potential shortfall in benefits by 2034.

      Social Security was not designed to be the primary source of income for retirees. On average, retirees receive around 40% of their preretirement income from Social Security, which translates to around $1800 a month in 2023. However, this amount may not be sufficient for most people, especially when factoring in taxes on benefits and inflation. Additionally, by 2034, retirees can only expect to receive 77% of their expected benefits due to the Social Security Administration running out of funds. This shortfall is not due to people living longer, but rather because Americans are having fewer babies, leading to a larger aging population and fewer workers paying into the system. It's important to note that Social Security and 401ks should not be relied upon as the sole sources of income in retirement. Instead, a comprehensive retirement plan that includes various sources of income and savings is necessary.

    • Explore multiple retirement options beyond Social Security and a 401(k)Prepare for retirement by creating a Social Security account, exploring side hustles like hosting on Airbnb, and combining various income sources.

      Relying solely on a four zero one k or Social Security benefits for retirement is not enough. Instead, it's essential to explore and combine various retirement options to ensure financial security in your golden years. Creating an online account with the Social Security Administration, such as my Social Security account, is a crucial step to prepare for retirement and collect benefits. Additionally, consider turning unused space into income by hosting on Airbnb. This side hustle not only generates extra income but also offsets travel expenses. By being informed and taking action, you can avoid potential financial pitfalls and enjoy a more comfortable retirement.

    • Exploring Opportunities on Airbnb and LinkedInHomeowners can potentially increase their property value by listing on Airbnb, while businesses can access a large pool of qualified candidates on LinkedIn within 24 hours.

      Both homeowners and businesses can benefit from exploring opportunities on platforms like Airbnb and LinkedIn. For homeowners, listing their property on Airbnb could potentially increase its value. On the other hand, LinkedIn offers businesses access to a large pool of highly qualified candidates who might not be actively looking for new jobs but could be open to the right opportunity. With over 1 billion professionals on LinkedIn, it's a valuable resource for small businesses looking to hire. In fact, 86% of small businesses find a qualified candidate within 24 hours of posting a job on LinkedIn. If you're a homeowner considering Airbnb or a business owner in need of new hires, these platforms could be worth exploring. And remember, it's always important to invest in yourself, whether that means improving your home or building a strong team for your business.

    Recent Episodes from Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

    Tips for Acing a Grant Application and Getting People To Care About Financial Literacy with Jailin Griffiths (Global Head of Purpose at Nasdaq) and Three Grant Winners

    Tips for Acing a Grant Application and Getting People To Care About Financial Literacy with Jailin Griffiths (Global Head of Purpose at Nasdaq) and Three Grant Winners
    Today, you’re going to get tips on investing, building generational wealth, teaching kids about financial literacy and applying for grants— and you’re going to hear this advice from three stellar recipients of the Nasdaq Foundation's Quarterly Grant Program. But first, Nicole sits down with Jailan Griffiths, the Global Head of Purpose for Nasdaq, to talk about the work Nasdaq is doing to further financial literacy, and the voice all companies should be listening to when shaping their mission (spoiler alert: it's their employees!). Read more about Nasdaq’s purpose-driven work, including the grant program, here: https://www.nasdaq.com/nasdaq-foundation  Check out the report Jailin mentions around their New Investor Initiative called Transforming Investor Identity, here: https://www.nasdaq.com/new-investor-initiative. Learn more about Judy Herbst & Savvy Ladies here: https://www.savvyladies.org/ Learn more about Sarah Dieleman Perry & Neighborhood Allies here: https://neighborhoodallies.org/  Learn more about Gayle Villani & GO Project here: https://www.goprojectnyc.org/

    Encore: Nicole Negotiates Her Rent!

    Encore: Nicole Negotiates Her Rent!
    Originally aired April 19, 2022. Money Rehabbers want to know: can you negotiate your rent after signing a lease? Be a fly on the wall as Nicole negotiates her rent with her landlord! Can Nicole get a better deal? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

    Former Disney Star Christy Carlson Romano and Brendan Rooney on Losing All the Disney Money, Healing Financial Trauma and Working With Your Spouse

    Former Disney Star Christy Carlson Romano and Brendan Rooney on Losing All the Disney Money, Healing Financial Trauma and Working With Your Spouse
    You might think that Brendan Rooney, who had a "normal" middle-class childhood, enlisted in the Marines, and then went to Columbia University would have very little in common with Christy Carlson Romano, former Disney Channel child star who, in her words, made— and lost— millions of dollars. And yet, the married couple say their childhoods were not that different when it came to the hard financial lessons. Nicole sits down with Christy and Brendan, who run the podcast network Podco, and talk about what it's like being business partners with your romantic partner. Then, Christy talks about her financial journey after rocketing to superstardom so young, and how she made— and lost millions. We talk about when spending can turn into a form of self-harm, and her advice to anyone looking to build a healthier relationship with money. To watch Christy's YouTube video "How I Lost All My Money," click here. Learn more about Brendan and Christy's podcast network here.

    Related Episodes

    This Founder Was Rejected By VC Funds— and She's Thankful

    This Founder Was Rejected By VC Funds— and She's Thankful
    When Daniella Pierson, at 23, pitched her newsletter The Newsette for VC funding she was "laughed out of the room." Cut to the present: she still owns nearly 100% of the company— which, by the way, is currently valued at over $200 million. Daniella joins Nicole to talk about how she scaled her company, her gutsy pitch to Diane von Fürstenberg and lessons from sales "survival mode." Net-net, remember: the next time you're disappointed with an outcome at work, hang in there: that disappointment might just turn into nine figures. Check out The Newsette here: https://thenewsette.com/

    How To Build Generational Wealth

    How To Build Generational Wealth
    On Juneteenth we celebrate the end of slavery, acknowledge how much progress still needs to be made, and commit to make that progress. We can’t say that we live in an equal world while White Americans hold 84 percent of total U.S. wealth but make up only 60 percent of the population—while Black Americans hold 4 percent of the wealth and make up 13 percent of the population. Closing the racial wealth gap will take more than promotions and raises (although those are important too), it will take investments in multigenerational wealth. To give the roadmap to that wealth, Nicole passes the mic to investing expert and MNN host Dominique Broadway.