The original purpose of social security benefits was to supplement retirement. Unfortunately, for more and more Americans, Social Security is their only form of income during their retirement years. For most of us the retirement age, to receive full, unreduced retirement, is 67. You can start receiving reduced Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. The average benefit is $1,000/month. Retirement could be 20-40 years away for you, but are you planning? Are you planning to be prepared for that day?

Respond to the following:

• Are you willing to pay more into Social Security today so that retirees can live more comfortable in the future?
• The current cap for 2019 is $132,900 and anything you make above that is not taxed. Do you think the income cap on Social Security should be lifted? Why or why not?

• If retirement for you were in five years, what changes would you have to make in your life to live off $1,000?