Concerning the misguided attempt to cut Social Security....

[shraby]

Oldsters are bringing in around 18-24 thousand a year to live on with Social Security. Some may have pensions besides, but many don't. A cut in SS will put many into the poor farm. When medigap insurance, part D insurance, life insurance, car insurance, house insurance are all added together, it really takes a big bite out what they have to live on..they can't stand a cut.

[laughingliberal]

1. Since the tinkering of inflation numbers, in the 80's to hide the real cost of living &

avoid adequate COLA's, we've seen more seniors falling into poverty. Every time they make an adjustment to how they figure inflation, it gets worse. It also has hurt workers as employers have been able to give piss poor raises and claim the wages are keeping up with the cost of living.

[shraby]

3. They need to toss in the different kinds of insurance that

people have to carry to cover their butts. Those rates have certainly raised by a lot in the last few years.

[sasha031]

2. I am one of those, any cuts will be devasting

[Petrushka]

4. "...18-24 thousand a year...."?? More like 12-14 thousand --->

http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/quickfacts/stat_snapshot/

[shraby]

5. I was giving the benefit of the doubt..I wasn't sure but I know

without a pension, it's a lot less than what I cited. Also persons living along in their senior years get much less with only one check to rely on.

[Petrushka]

10. With my $216 Teamster pension plus Social Security, I'm fortunate . . .

. . . to be in the 14-thousand bracket . . . fortunate, that is, to
have a daughter and son-in-law who allowed me to move in with them.

[laughingliberal]

14. Yes. My estimated benefit is getting close to $20,000 if I could make it to 66 which is unlikely.

And my earnings were way above the median income. Husband's benefit is more like $13,000 and his earnings were slightly over the median income.

It doesn't even start out as enough to live on and with COLA's that do not keep up, poverty is only a matter of time for those who must rely on it.

[ChiciB1]

7. Thanks For The LINK! It's Spot On & I Just Put It In "My Favorites" So I

can check back with it later. Appreciate it a LOT!

[CountAllVotes]

8. thanks for clarifying this RUMOR

It seems that some people really do believe that people that collect Social Security are close to being rich without having to do anything at all because they collect more money than a job pays!

This is a damned myth! Most people that I know get about $800.00 a month from Social Security tops. Oh what a joy it must be to live on ~$10,000.00 a year at best (NOT!).

:dem:

[tech9413]

23. Both my parents were working when I got out of HS

My Dad was working for a local company that had no benefits, My mother was working in a local hospital that was not unionized but provided exceptional benefits to keep the union out.

When I got started working I got ripped off for two years of UI and FDIC contributions, the employers at the time were giving a cash pay packet. This was supposedly because the fear of black riots would shut down the local economy. I was too young and stupid to check with the gov to see if those were not actually paid. Lo and behold, I find out when I move for a better prospect, I find those benefits weren't paid for and I can't claim any benefits. The only choice is public assistance.

I remember trying to get 15 miles on the thumb when the the temp was about 15%F with winds about 60 mph. We basically got throw back the road trying to walk into the wind.
No unemployment, just "public assistance". So I got ripped off for two years of SSI and UI because N NJ was scared about the black riots and I was too young, dumb, and Stupid to question my pay packet.
When I met my previous employer a decade later, I almost laughed in his face at the explanation.

I liked the guy on a personal level but it was all about profit. Any by whatever means, increase your profits even if it drives out the most productive part of the organization will be the most beneficial if it looks at long term prospects.

I'm sure that I'm not alone but I'm sure we have been played.

I don't mind being played for $50 to get some spammer wearing a souis chef apron calling himself a diver for the company trying to pay for the diesel to get home. I knew it was a lie from the start but the guy was still probably trying to get something out of the holiday season.

I don't care if the scam was for him or providing for him or his family. I'd like to think that most of tose that went to his family, but I'd be just fine if he spent it all for hooch. I like my drink as much or more as the next guy, but I won't screw someone else for my interest

[asjr]

11. Right you are. I live from SSpayday to SSpayday. I

manage what I have very well, but it is extremely difficult. I have cut down on groceries since they have become so expensive. My only extravagance is coffee and I will go without food before coffee.

[shanti]

21. thank you

i only expect $1000 per month myself, if i take the "early" retirement at 62....that is assuming the age isn't raised! obama had better not allow the early age to raise - people are planning their lives on these figures!

[CountAllVotes]

6. some people are already in the "poor farm"

Depending upon "who" you worked for (i.e. the Federal government for 15 years back before 1985 for example) you may not have paid into Social Security. You paid into the Federal employees pension system and quit instead and likely blew the money you might have been able to collect (was possible before Reagun was re-elected) you could be very screwed.

Perfect example was an old woman I know. She worked for them and quit when her husband died. Being she never paid into SS, she collects his benefits as a survivor which is about $800.00 a month.

I know of others that worked their entire lives in a similar capacity. Some get Social Security payments as little as >$200.00 a month and have no other pensions to collect.

:kick:

[EmeraldCityGrl]

9. From 1991 to 2007, the percentage of bankruptcy petitioners age 65 to 74 rose 178 percent.

I can only see this percentage increasing.

Another cost concern are property taxes. Even though equity is dropping like a lead balloon,
property taxes haven't budged. Many Seniors may be forced out of the homes they planned
on living in for the rest of their lives.

[LiberalFighter]

12. My pension just barely keeps me in the black.

I don't eat out except for a few fast food. I don't vacation except go back to home state during holidays via car. Usually not more than 3 times a year.

My expenses are less than when I worked. Less gas consumption. 30 to 40 gallons less a month. I even try not to drive anywhere everyday. Probably not more than 4 days out of the week. I try to plan my trips efficiently. Shoes last longer. This year I cut out the NFL Sunday Games. I got a good deal last year but didn't think it was a necessity this year. I always buy when there are good deals especially since I bought a freezer a few years ago. I'm sure it has paid off. I haven't bought a new car since 1998. So my average monthly payments are now down to $100 a month. If I manage to still have the car next year this time the average monthly payments will be $92. I have an incentive to move to another state that has much lower sales tax and then I will consider buying a new car. Or good used car.

[Warpy]

13. Every dime they suck out of social security payments is a dime

directly sucked out of the larger economy, since most seniors have to spend everything they get in order to live. That will reduce demand for goods and services and that will result in a net increase in unemployment.

Those old fools who are deciding the fate of the Boomers they despise need to think things through a little more carefully.

[laughingliberal]

15. Yes. The people who buy into this kind of crap are the ones who think running a nation's economy...

is no different than balancing their checkbook. Idiots.

[laughingliberal]

16. More Goodies in the plan: The poorest seniors who rely on Medicaid to cover the shortfalls from...

Medicare will get to pay higher copays. Anyone who is poor enough to qualify for Medicaid doesn't have a dime to spare.

[CountAllVotes]

19. now that is plain assed SICK

Balancing the budget on the back of the poorest and the most needy people in our society is plain disgusting!

SHAME ON YOU COMMISSION ON WTF EVER YOU ARE!! :mad:

[shraby]

17. I see someone has mentioned property taxes, but there is

also license plates for a vehicle the cost of which has risen through the roof, having to file income tax returns costs, and none of these costs do much to put food on the table for the seniors. What in the world are those fatcats thinking? They should be looking at the segment of society that doesn't have to worry about such things all the time and have them pony up a few bucks...quite a few. Seniors have already paid their dues to society, they shouldn't have to worry about things like has been mentioned in this thread. They should be able to put their feet up and enjoy themselves for a change. Instead the powers that be want to put us out on and ice floe to wait for the polar bear.

[CountAllVotes]

18. yes, you are so right

The cost of renewing the license plates keeps going up, even on a 10 year old car!

The cost of supplement to Medicare plans - costs have risen dramatically in the past few years!

The cost of home owner's insurance has gone up and also PROPERTY TAXES (yes even WITH PROP. 13 HERE IN CALIFORNIA! :argh: ) due to the faux inflated values of a person's home!

The cost of insurance to drive goes up and up and up!

The cost of food and other incidental necessities (yes necessities, like medication, clothing, and utilities, including water bills, garbage bills) has increased dramatically in the past 10 years or so - like 50% in many cases!!

Up and up the prices go on all of these things that most people must and do pay for ...

And, you pay for all of these things with that $800.00 a month Social Security check while YOU live in the poor house!

Good damn luck!

You need all of that you can find!


:kick:

[Individualist]

20. It's enough to make one think the corporate controlled government wants to kill off the elderly

in order to distribute even more wealth to the uber-wealthy.

[shraby]

22. Someone should send this to Shakowsky, she's on the

commission. I can't cause I don't live in her state.