This Element is an excerpt form Work Wanted: Protect Your Retirement Plans in Uncertain Times (ISBN: 9780132354646) by James W. Walker and Linda H. Lewis. Available in print and digital formats.

From social security to inheritance: how to objectively assess the retirement savings and income you’ll actually have.

*“I expect Social Security benefits will pay out for me--I’m not affected by the changes that have been made.”*Actually, rising eligibility age and the taxing of benefits are already greatly reducing take-home income. Social Security will be a less important source of income for each successive generation. Benefits are under pressure, and their future viability is debatable....