Nobody has more riding on any changes to Social Security than people under 40. The trust fund is currently projected to run dry in the fourth quarter of 2032, but it could be sooner. Every election, starting in November, selects the lawmakers who will shape the program’s future. Neglecting to fix its finances will mean an automatic 22% cut to everyone's benefit. But for Millennials and Zoomers, what’s at stake isn't your elders’ monthly check — it’s the only life insurance, disability insurance, and old-age poverty insurance guaranteed to follow you through every job you'll ever have.
Chapters:
1:21 Announcements — Unbleeped feed, subscribe reminders.
2:23 Retcon — Seed OK savings accounts follow-up.
4:36 Terms & Conditions — Social insurance vs. private insurance.
8:42 Big Pilcrow — Under 40? Time to tune in to the Social Security debate.
11:51 Youth Skepticism — Why young people have always doubted Social Security, and how that's politically exploited.
16:56 OBBA Impact — How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act cut Social Security's revenue.
18:37 Immigration Trends — Deportations and lower immigration also hurt.
21:11 Elections Have Begun — Social Security as a live political battleground.
22:35 First Beneficiaries — What studies of early recipients tell us.
30:36 Otherwise Uninsurable Risks — Death, disability, savings, longevity, inflation.
33:17 Paid Family Leave — Could Social Security's model extend to paid leave?
34:21 Claim Ownership — Youth should own this program.
37:08 Cuts by Geography — Rural states will get hit hardest if cuts come.
38:27 Executive Orders — Casting ages, cosmetic disclosure.
40:22 Spiritual Sponsors — World Cup, Jeopardy! triumph.
Got economic questions, concerns, or executive orders? Send them to optimist.economy@gmail.com
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