gpf, i have never understood why americans are not told that the ss taken out of their checks is, in fact, a tax, that you may, or may not, get back when you retire.
if you are in need, it goes to you, not to live the high life, just to live, food and shelter, as was designed.
you don't get it back if you make some number, say 30-40000, it will be spent on those making less. if you make 40g in retirement and are depending on ss to afford your lifestyle of big house, or whatever, well guess what, you just don't qualify, it is for widows, injured, and orphans, and men who can't find work. (or women) may not be much, but a start.
just tell them up front this is not money being put away for your future, it is a tax for the gov to decide at what level is deserving of getting it in any given year.
seems that would be a start, medicare and medicade would be a much tougher nut to crack i think.
hope you are doing well.
