Process Over Panic: Social Security

Retirement Answer Man

Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, RMA, CPWA®

Lifeplanning, Retirementplanning, Financialplanning, Saving, Careerplanning, Self-improvement, Education, Retirementpodcast, Investing, Business, Investmentmanagement, Retirement

4.7 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 7 May 2025

⏱️ 43 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This week, we continue our Process Over Panic theme by focusing on how to take back control in uncertain times. Learn how to shift your energy toward what you can control—and let go of what you can’t. Plus, Marcia Mantell joins us to break down the latest updates on Social Security and what they mean for your retirement plan. Tune in and take one more step toward a confident, purposeful retirement.

SUMMARY OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but rock it!
(01:58) We have to focus on things we can control and manage the things that we can’t.
(3:08) Today we are going to talk about social security- what we can control and what we can’t.

ROCKIN’ RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

(03:52) Roger shares a “Rockin’ Retirement in the Wild” story from a listener and member of the RRC.

PROCESS OVER PANIC- SOCIAL SECURITY WITH MARCIA MANTELL

(06:30) There have been a lot of changes coming out of the Social Security Administration.
(07:40) What is controllable with Social Security?
(09:56) What are the uncontrollables with Social Security?
(13:51) To help us understand the current state of Social Security, we're talking with Marcia Mantell.
(15:38) Marcia says facts over fear are SO important and she is not fearful but watchful.
(18:49) What changes have happened recently with social security?
(23:00) There are different proposals floating around regarding Social Security to improve the implementation of the program.
(25:10) Marcia discusses her thoughts on the idea that Social Security will run out by 2033.
(28:55) How easy is it to create a sustainable Social Security system?
(31:47) The goal of Social Security is to provide a basic income, roof over our head, and food on the table.
(33:10) Over 50% of people rely on Social Security for their primary source of income.
(36:10) If you are 55 or older, should you make a material change related to what you anticipate your Social Security to be?

SMART SPRINT

(40:56) In the next seven days, identify one thing in your retirement planning you can’t control that’s draining your energy. Then, take one small action to shift that focus toward what you can control. Awareness is the first step to rocking retirement—and life.

BONUS

(41:49) Next installment from missions flown by Roger’s grandfather in World War II

REFERENCES

Retirement Answer Man
Sign up for The Noodle (previously known as Six Shot Saturday)
Mantell Retirement Consultants
Social Security Administration

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

Transcript

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0:00.0	Part of taking command of your life is controlling the things that you can.
0:05.1	Another part is managing the things that you can't.
0:08.4	Shane Parrish.
0:13.4	Welcome to the show dedicated to helping you not just...
0:16.0	Wait a second.
0:16.8	Turn that music down.
0:18.8	I want to say this slowly today.
0:20.4	I want to make sure we
0:21.4	remember the point of this show. This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement,
0:29.1	holding on for dear life, hoping that you'll be okay and that you'll get a good hand from the
0:35.7	outside world is not a great way to live a life.
0:38.5	That's scary. This show is dedicated to helping you have the confidence to lean in and create a
0:45.4	great life regardless of what's happening in the world. That's what rocking retirement is.
0:49.9	By focusing on things that you can control and managing the things that you can't.
0:56.1	That's all I care about. I want to make sure it's clear up front. I have no interest in getting
1:01.6	political. And I say that because last show, we mentioned a few political things in order to help
1:08.5	people redirect energy towards their process in rocking retirement.
1:14.3	And I got a lot of feedback.
1:16.3	And that feedback ranged from, I can't believe you mentioned politics.
1:21.8	Everything's awesome.
1:22.8	Why did you do that?
1:24.3	To I can't believe you're not leaning in and taking a stand. This is the time to do it
	...

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