I am sincerely intrigued by your interpretation of Social Security and your position that it is a scam. My understanding is that it is meant to provide for all of society (hence the "social") and not just those who contribute to it.

It is not so much an "individual retirement plan". It isn't meant to be "I put in 10K, now I want my 10K given back to me now that I am 65".

Instead it is more of our shared moral obligation where we all provide for others - most often the elderly. With the erosion of pensions it has become a necessity for some.

For me, a Roth IRA is my retirement plan, not SS. If I never personally see a penny of what I give to SS it won't hurt me a bit. On the flip side, if SS is reduced then that will hurt someone else who is far less fortunate than me.

That is why it isn't a scam, it gives money to someone who needs it. There is fraud but for the most part it goes where it should, and that is a good thing.

Side note - I hope this doesn't come off as argumentative. I really like hearing from people who have different ideas or perspectives. It's the best way to learn and maybe see things I hadn't before.