I want to talk about the importance of Social Security. Many people think that life was better before this program existed, but that is not true. In fact, before Social Security, about 70% of senior citizens were living in poverty. Today, less than 10% of seniors live in poverty thanks to Social Security.
In Russell Baker’s book, “Growing Up,” he describes the struggles his family faced after his father’s death. His mother had to give up his little sister because they had no way to support her. This story hits close to home for me because my family also relied on Social Security after my father passed away. Social Security survivors’ insurance provided my family with financial support during a difficult time.
It’s important to remember that survivor benefits are a crucial part of Social Security. Many young workers are not aware of the protection they receive through their Social Security tax deductions. It’s easy to complain about the taxes we pay, but we must remember the importance of this program in supporting families in need.
Some people argue that individuals should provide for their families without government assistance. However, not everyone has the means to do so, as evidenced by the high poverty rates among seniors before Social Security. We must be grateful for the safety net that Social Security provides to those in need.
It’s also worth noting that Social Security is not unique to the United States. Many countries around the world have similar programs in place to support their citizens. Social Security is a worldwide phenomenon that has helped countless families in times of need.
If you have any questions about Social Security, Tom Margenau has written two books that provide all the answers. “Social Security — Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your Questions About Social Security” and “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts” are great resources for understanding this important program. You can find these books on Amazon or reach out to Tom Margenau via email for more information.