<soapbox>
I think some on this forum need a reality check for how "normal" people live (not us folks on the ER forums). Many (most?) folks in this country *need* the SS income to either somewhat keep up, or to not starve, when they retire. I personally have many family members that currently do, or soon will, live only on their SS income. Some have a retirement savings cushion (that they hope not to tap into, if possible), and others have near nothing for savings. The later plan on (have to) working as long as they possibly can...well past 70. I personally was blessed with a high-paying, fully-employed career, and was able to retire early. I believe most people out there are not able to. Let's have some sympathy for the non-ER people.
</soapbox>
I think some on this forum need a reality check for how "normal" people live (not us folks on the ER forums). Many (most?) folks in this country *need* the SS income to either somewhat keep up, or to not starve, when they retire. I personally have many family members that currently do, or soon will, live only on their SS income. Some have a retirement savings cushion (that they hope not to tap into, if possible), and others have near nothing for savings. The later plan on (have to) working as long as they possibly can...well past 70. I personally was blessed with a high-paying, fully-employed career, and was able to retire early. I believe most people out there are not able to. Let's have some sympathy for the non-ER people.
</soapbox>