Four Social Security Myths Debunked

An older woman looks thoughtful while she sits in front of her laptop in the kitchen and looks into the distance. — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Collecting Social Security benefits is an important part of every retirement income plan, but the process can be complicated and hard to understand. Recent headlines surrounding Social Security are adding to the confusion and might be worrisome for the millions planning to retire in the coming years. From how the benefits work to when to begin taking them, misunderstandings and myths are common. Here are some (along with why they’re not true):

Whether you are nearing retirement or just beginning your career, seeing a headline about Social Security’s solvency can make you anxious, especially since so many Americans rely on it. About 25% of those age 65 or older rely on Social Security for at least 90% of their family income.

A record number of baby boomers are turning 65 this year — more than 11,000 every day. As this generation starts claiming Social Security benefits in greater numbers, there aren’t enough workers paying into the system to make up the difference.

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As hard as it may be, don't let headlines impair your ability to make smart financial decisions. Don’t panic and begin taking your benefits too early. Claiming benefits before full retirement age results in a permanent reduction in benefits by as much as 30%.

While the future of Social Security is uncertain, it is not going bankrupt. It is funded by a trust fund, which uses its reserves as well as continuing income from payroll taxes. Social Security is not going away, but if the trust fund becomes insolvent — the Social Security Administration projects 100% of benefits can be covered until 2035 — it will be able to pay only 83% of the benefits retirees are entitled to. As long as workers and employers continue to contribute to Social Security through payroll taxes, the program will not run out of money.

Many retirees think that they can rely solely on their Social Security to provide them with enough income throughout their retirement, but when it’s designed to replace only about 40% of paychecks. Most will need as much as 80% of their pre-retirement income to fund a comfortable retirement. The average Social Security check for retired workers is around $1,900 a month which could make it hard to make ends meet without another form of income or savings.

If you plan on working during retirement, that could affect your benefits as well. If you are under full retirement age, you will have $1 deducted from your payments for every $2 you earn above the limit. For 2024, that limit is $22,320. When you reach full retirement age, $1 in benefits is deducted for every $3 you earn. In 2024, that limit is $59,520.

Many people believe that their Social Security benefits are never taxed. But the truth is that about 40% of recipients pay taxes on their benefits. Why? Because they have other sources of income, from a job or investments. If 50% of your benefit amount plus other earned income is more than $25,000 as a single filer, or $32,000 if you're married filing jointly, then you may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits.

Taxes are complicated and can become more complex in retirement. Many assume they will be in a lower tax bracket because they may no longer work full-time, but that's not always the case.

Without understanding your entire financial situation, you could face unpleasant surprises when you retire. Working with a financial adviser can help you develop the right tax strategy for your present and future.

Even if you are years or decades away from retiring, it’s never too early to begin thinking about how Social Security works and how it could impact you. The program could look different once Millennials or Gen Z retire, so younger people need to be flexible about how Social Security will fit into their plans.

To set yourself up for success in retirement, you should also save and invest so you’ll have other avenues of income outside of Social Security. The sooner you start, the more you will be able to save. Even setting aside a small amount of money each month can pay off in a big way down the road.

The rules can be complicated, and with so many different strategies for claiming your Social Security benefits, it’s important to fully understand how this government program works. I recommend sitting down with a financial adviser to determine what strategy is best for you.

Drake & Associates is an independent investment advisory firm registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. This is prepared for informational purposes only. It does not address specific investment objectives, or the financial situation and the particular needs of any person who may view this report. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed it so be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security of personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. The information cited is believed to be from reliable sources, Drake & Associates assumes no obligation to update this information, or to advise on further development relating to it. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

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Tony Drake is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the founder and CEO of Drake & Associates in Waukesha, Wis. Tony is an Investment Adviser Representative and has helped clients prepare for retirement for more than a decade. He hosts The Retirement Ready Radio Show on WTMJ Radio each week and is featured regularly on TV stations in Milwaukee. Tony is passionate about building strong relationships with his clients so he can help them build a strong plan for their retirement.