A flat $1,660 monthly Social Security benefit for everyone? It’s one proposed CBO remedy.
How do you fix a system that millions rely on—but that’s running out of money fast? That’s the unsettling question at the heart of America’s Social Security crisis. As politicians argue over tax cuts and budget priorities, the long-term survival of one of the country’s most important retirement programs is on the line. With the clock ticking and the math looking grim, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something big, maybe even radical, will have to give.
[The proposal] would slash benefits for about three-quarters of future beneficiaries, while raising them for about one-quarter, the CBO says. The average benefit for all retirees and survivors is currently about $1,900 a month.
~Brett Arends, MarketWatch
In his latest article, Brett Arends dives into one of the more dramatic proposals from the Congressional Budget Office: replacing Social Security with a flat monthly benefit of $1,660 for every retiree. While this would simplify the system and mirror pension models in other countries, it would also drastically reduce benefits for most recipients. Unfortunately, these changes would only shave off a fraction of the nation’s ballooning debt. Arends lays out how even bold ideas like this fall far short of covering the costs of tax cuts currently under consideration, let alone fixing the program. The takeaway? There’s no silver bullet, and the political maneuvering happening now could delay (but not prevent) painful decisions down the road. Curious about what all this could mean for your future? Give the full article a read to get the complete picture.
10 Hidden Money Traps Middle-Class Falls Into
Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right” financially, but still not getting ahead? You’re not alone. Many middle-class families follow money habits passed down through generations such as “work hard, live modestly, save when you can,” yet still struggle to build real wealth. It turns out that some of the most common financial beliefs might be holding you back rather than helping you thrive. The good news? A few mindset shifts and smart strategies can make a big difference.
I’ve watched brilliant doctors, lawyers, and engineers work themselves to exhaustion without building real wealth. Why? Because nobody taught them money mechanics.
~Josh Hasting, Invested Wallet
In his article, Josh Hasting breaks down ten hidden financial traps that commonly trip up the middle class and more importantly, how to avoid them. He challenges the idea that hard work alone leads to wealth and makes a strong case for focusing on smart investing, optimizing workplace benefits, and creating systems that make financial success automatic. The piece is packed with practical takeaways, like choosing simple investment strategies over flashy trends and being strategic about debt. If you’re ready to rethink how you approach your money and start making more intentional choices, this article is worth your time. Check out the full piece for even more insights and action steps to boost your financial future.
How Often Should You Really Be Grocery Shopping?
Ever feel like you’re always running out of groceries—or that your fridge turns into a science experiment before you make it back to the store? Figuring out how often to go grocery shopping isn’t just about convenience; it’s about finding a rhythm that fits your life, helps you eat well, and keeps your budget on track. The “right” frequency looks different for everyone, but getting intentional about it can make a surprising difference in how smoothly your week runs (and how much food ends up in the trash). If you want an expert opinion- you might want to check out this article.
Too frequent trips might lead to overspending and food waste, while infrequent visits could result in missing fresh produce or essential items. Understanding your personal needs and lifestyle is key to establishing a shopping routine that promotes health, saves money, and minimizes waste.
~Shay Huntley
In the article, Shay Huntley walks readers through the pros and cons of various shopping routines, from weekly trips to daily market visits. Weekly shopping offers structure and planning ease, while bi-weekly or monthly runs suit those with packed schedules (as long as spoilage is kept in check). On the flip side, shopping multiple times a week or even daily offers peak freshness and flexibility, but can tempt overspending. Ultimately, Shay encourages tailoring your approach to your own habits and goals, experimenting until you land on what works best. Want to optimize your grocery routine? Dive into the full article for more practical insights and helpful tips.