Dissent Of The Day

A reader writes:

That survey of people who would opt out of Social Security, even if it meant losing their future benefit, was interesting because it also included results broken down by age.  I can understand why people in their 30s would want to opt out of Social Security.  I disagree with their reasoning, but I understand.

 

But the survey also found that 33% of adults over 60 would give up their benefit to be able to opt out now. 

To save 6.2% on their taxes for the next few years, they are willing to give up 10+ years of future benefits worth about $12,700 per year (average benefit is currently $1056/month).

I suppose some of them might be terminally ill, but for the vast majority, that is completely irrational.

 

This survey suggests that 1/3 of our soon-to-retire population has questionable financial judgement.  If that isn't an argument FOR mandatory social security, I don't know what is.