No SS COLA for 2016

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by mathjak107

But as we all know that benefit comes at a cost. If you had those checks you gave up to invest from 2008 on, some of that money would have tripled since
then.
There is always a price to pay for guarantees.

Not for us we have a different goal which is not to maximize our final SS total payout number. It is related to a fixed income stream at a later stage of life that isn't dependent on investment returns. We have very different situations and long term ways of getting to a comparable goal which includes later life stability. We are open to CCRC where we can glide down/up in needs, services and recreation etc. Where one of us could be in independent living while the other is in the same small community in a higher level program. Tis not cheap but fixed income cash flow makes it more realistic. We visited a wonderful new place in Wilmington the other day. Expensive but with tremendous potential. In hindsight while we don't regret it if the wife had waited til 70 we would be even better off. We have what many others don't and that is two pensions and two SS benefits. Depending on how handled that can offer a wide range of incomes at age 75 or later independent of investments. Maintenance free lifestyles with full amenities could probably extend how long we could live independently especially with a full range of separate medical services on the other side of the parking lot. Being able to have meals in the same dining rooms and being able to visit the other spouse virtually anytime could prove priceless. Also the ability to truly age in the same community with the same people etc. For us getting there is being guided by fixed income with investments as the cushion to fill in any S--- happens moments. Also if there was only one of us that person would clearly be golden for life.