Do You Need the Retirement Estimator?

Are you saving enough for your retirement?  The Retirement Estimator gives you an estimate based on your Social Security earnings.  However, be aware that it is only an estimate since your earnings may increase or decrease in the future.  Moreover, your benefit amount may be affected by military service, railroad employment or pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax.  Remember, your estimated benefits are based on current law and the law may change because by 2033, the payroll taxes collected will be enough to pay only 77 cents for each dollar of scheduled benefits.

For additional information about who can use Retirement Estimator and how you can estimate your retirement benefits go to http://www.socialsecuirity.gov/estimator/.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you decide which calculator to choose?
2. What are some other possible sources of income for retirees?
3. How can the Internet assist you in your retirement?

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog post and the original resource to discuss

• What are the two primary reasons for increasing the normal retirement age?
• What are some factors that may, or may not, affect your retirement benefits?