How Lower Interest Rates Could Affect Older Adults
When the Fed starts cutting interest rates, retirees could see lower yields on fixed-income assets. Social Security’s finances could be impacted, too.
![An older couple look at paperwork while sitting on a sofa in a financial planner's office.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x39ggujgSENCtkA2yrhG76-415-80.jpg)
It’s been four years since COVID-19 reared its ugly head, yet we’re still dealing with the damage it left behind. Since its start in 2020, the pandemic has thrown our economy into a frenzy, forcing the federal government to try to prevent a recession while combating inflation. This has led to a series of changes — some specifically targeting interest rates. Since 2022, the Federal Reserve has raised key interest rates nearly a dozen times, impacting things like the stock and housing markets. But how is it impacting federal programs like Social Security?
Generally speaking, lower interest rates seem like a good thing, especially when it comes to making big purchases like buying a new home or car, but that’s not the case for retirees who are relying on Social Security benefits or fixed-income securities for income. Here’s why: Lower interest rates lead to lower yields on fixed-income assets, which means the monthly payments retirees rely on will most likely be lower than expected. This could become a real problem for older adults who depend on this income to pay bills and buy groceries. But lower interest rates don’t just impact older adults — they affect Social Security’s finances, too.
Where interest rates come into play
We know that Social Security is funded in part through taxpayer dollars, but it also has two separate trust funds that are used to help pay recipients. Retirement and survivors benefits come from the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OSAI) Trust Fund. Similarly, the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund pays those on disability. Social Security taxes and other income not being used to pay benefits in the current year are then deposited into these accounts.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-320-80.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Now here’s where the interest comes into play. By law, the funds in both trusts must be invested into special U.S. Treasury bonds guaranteed by the government. From there, market-rate interest is paid to the trust funds on bonds they hold. Once they’ve matured, or are needed to pay benefits, the Treasury redeems them. So, lower interest rates mean a lower amount of money is being deposited into the accounts. So, does this mean higher interest rates are better?
State of the economy plays a role
The answer to that question really depends on the state of the economy. High interest rates are good for Social Security’s trust funds because more interest can be generated, but if high interest rates are being implemented as a response to an overheated economy, as we’ve experienced in the past few years, the potential for a recession is there. A recession leads to job losses, meaning payroll tax revenue would decline, and it’s a domino effect from there.
While certain aspects of a recession, like job loss, may not directly impact a retiree’s Social Security check, the inflation caused as a result definitely will. This is just one of many reasons why it is so important to adequately plan for retirement. An estate, tax and financial planner can help you account for these fluctuations and present other alternatives to help supplement your income, ultimately giving you more financial control in your retirement.
Pat Simasko is an investment advisory representative of and provides advisory services through CoreCap Advisors, LLC. Simasko Law is a separate entity and not affiliated with CoreCap Advisors. The information provided here is not tax, investment or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
Related Content
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Patrick M. Simasko is an elder law attorney and financial adviser at Simasko Law and Simasko Financial, specializing in elder law and wealth preservation. He’s also an Elder Law Professor at Michigan State University School of Law. His self-effacing character, style and ability have garnered him prominence and recognition throughout the metro Detroit area as well as the entire state.
-
Visa Is the Worst Dow Stock Wednesday. Here's Why
Visa stock is down sharply Wednesday after the credit card company came up short of revenue expectations for its fiscal Q3.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Another Analyst Moves to the Sidelines on Tesla Stock After Earnings
Tesla stock is spiraling Wednesday after the EV maker's big earnings miss and Wall Street has been quick to weigh in. Here's what you need to know.
By Joey Solitro Published
-
Confused by Annuities? Making Sense of the Different Types
Many investors aren't sure if annuities are a good option for meeting financial goals. Let's look at the different categories, along with their pros and cons.
By Kris Maksimovich, AIF®, CRPC®, CPFA®, CRC® Published
-
Talkin' 'Bout My Generational Wealth: Baby Boomers
With retirement, each generation has different priorities and challenges. For Baby Boomers, it's a matter of ready or not, here it comes.
By Alvina Lo Published
-
How to Avoid a Big Hassle if Your Financed Car Gets Wrecked
How an insurance check is made out for repairs can cause a world of problems if the lienholder is left out.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Estate Planning Strategies to Consider as Election Nears
Are big changes in tax laws coming soon? Not likely, but you might want to take advantage of higher estate and gift tax exemptions well before the end of 2025.
By David Handler, J.D. Published
-
How to Get Your Money's Worth From Your Financial Adviser
A good financial adviser will focus on how your financial planning and investment strategy align with your lifestyle and aspirations.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
Think of Prenups and Postnups as Financial Planning Tools
These contracts provide a clear framework for asset management and protection and are especially useful if you get married later in life.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published
-
Congratulations on Your Raise: Three Things to Do With It
We're not saying you shouldn't spend it on a new car, but there are some considerations to guard against lifestyle creep and to help ensure a comfy retirement.
By Andrew Rosen, CFP®, CEP Published
-
Check Off These Four Financial Tasks to Finish 2024 Strong
The new year is a popular time to set financial goals, but now is the ideal time to check how you're doing. Four tweaks could make a big difference.
By Daniel Razvi, Esquire Published