Personalizing Social Security
If you’re in my generation or younger, you’ve probably already written off Social Security. We’re told the "well is running dry" and the only solution is to hike taxes. I disagree. The real problem isn’t a lack of funding—it’s a lack of ownership. Right now, you and your employer contribute a combined 12.4% of your paycheck into a system that gives you a measly 1% to 2% return. If you earn an average of $50,000 over a 40-year career, the current system pays you roughly $26,000 a year in retirement. But what if that money was actually invested for you in an individualized account? Over the last 40 years, the S&P 500 has averaged over a 12% annual return. Even if we play it safe with a 10% return, that same $50,000 earner would retire at 65 with a personal nest egg of approximately $3.8 Million. The "Market Crash" Reality Check Critics will say, "But the market could crash!" Let’s look at the math: even if the stock market crashed by 50% the day before you retired, your $3.8 million would still be $1.9 million. You would still be exponentially better off than you are under the current system. Furthermore, this plan actually protects the market from those crashes. By moving to individualized accounts, we create a consistent "buy order" from millions of American workers every single payday. This steady flow of trillions of dollars acts as a stabilizer, providing a permanent floor that reduces volatility and makes large-scale crashes less likely. A Win for Everyone—Including the Ultra-Wealthy High-net-worth individuals might look at this and see a higher contribution cost. But here is the "whole story": They get that money back on the back end. Because this plan directs trillions of dollars of new capital into the very asset classes where their wealth is already concentrated, it buoys and lifts the value of their entire portfolio. Plus, they finally own their contributions and can pass that legacy down to their children. Relief for Business Owners This system is so robust that it effectively removes the burden of 401k matching from our employers. Currently, companies spend billions on matches just to attract talent. Under this plan, workers are already so well-covered by their individualized accounts that many companies will no longer feel the need to offer a 401k match. This allows businesses to save on overhead and reinvest that money into higher wages or growing their team. My Reform Plan: The Personal Ownership Model Direct Ownership: Every dollar you contribute belongs to you, with a digital dashboard to see your balance in real-time. Professional Choice: You select your own certified financial advisor (from firms in 100% tax compliance), with management fees legally capped at 1% annually. The 1% Withdrawal Rule: Retirees can withdraw 1% of their total account balance every month. On a $3.8M account, that’s $38,000 a month—more than the current system pays in an entire year. Building a Legacy and a Stronger America Any overage in your account is eligible for inheritance—50% goes directly to your heirs. The remaining 50% goes into a General Disability and Rainy Day "Lockbox" to support the vulnerable and, once thresholds are met, pay down our National Debt. The Bottom Line This system is common sense and good for every American. It’s time to stop playing politics with your retirement and start using common sense to secure your family's future.