Member-only story
Why I Can’t Rely on Social Security Alone
I’ve Been Hearing This for Decades
Social Security is a hot topic in the news lately. Headlines are filled with warnings and speculation about whether benefits will be slashed — or disappear altogether. As someone currently receiving Social Security, I can’t say I’m shocked. I’ve been hearing about the end of Social Security for decades — almost since I first entered the workforce back in 1994.
In 1997, when I began working at the IRS, we were already being told that Social Security might not be around by the time we reached retirement. That’s when I first learned about putting money away for the future. But did I start right away? Of course not. I was young, distracted, and convinced I had time. It took about five years before the message really sank in.
Motherhood Made Me Take It Seriously
I’m glad it did — because five years after that, in 2007, I gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. With someone else depending on me, I became more serious about my financial future. I began contributing an extra $100–$200 every pay period to my Thrift Savings Plan, which is essentially the IRS’s version of a 401(k).
Like many people, I borrowed from it a couple of times. But I always paid it back. Yes, it was my money — but it belonged to…
