I also suggested that the best option we've got for SS is to freeze the tax rates and decrease the benefits, probably by increaseing the "Full Retirement Age". You said that you did a calculation that showed half the people would die before they started getting benefits under this approach. I pointed out an apparent error in your calculation, but you have never replied.

I understand that we all can get busy with stuff that's a lot more important than posting such things on this board, so I'm not trying to rush you. However, I thought I should mention that I would like to continue this thread at some time.

If I may intrude on your discussion.

SS is unable to provide adequate living expenses as a retirement program. What started off as an admirable idea has become an inflated cash-cow for poiliticos that does not serve its intended purpose.

With the coming of age of self-directed retirement vehicles and pre-tax, employer-provided retirement vehicles, SS has become an anachronism. A socialistic tax foisted upon workers who could do much better on their own without intrusion from government.

SS should not be "fixed" or "saved." It should be phased out, as an idea whose time has come - and gone.