Ok....I am really having issues with all the hype about Social Security not getting a cost of living increase this year. On one hand, an extra couple of dollars each week is not going to give anyone a more comfortable budget. Even a 2% raise totaling an average of $20 each month is not going to move anyone into another tax bracket. On the other hand, the $250 lump sum payment that is being proposed for certain groups of individuals is $10 more per year than that 2% raise everyone is complaining about not getting.
Most individuals will blow $5 each week on things they do NOT need even when they live on the tightest of budgets. That payment of $250 in a lump sum could help someone repair an appliance or a car.
I fully understand the impact of a cost of living increase. My husband's military retirement increases happen every year. And every year we laugh at those extra pennies - not that we don't want them, they just seem so insignificant. Yet, over the years they really have added up.
I feel for those living under the thumb of Social Security but I also feel for the thousands of individuals who have lost their jobs and homes. I for one am extremely grateful for all that I have.
One must sit back and question the vast intelligence of our government when they passed the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Did they actually stop and think about who might pay for it in the long run? What about all these other "helpful" programs our government leaders are rushing to pass. If we had not had "Cash for Clunkers", we might be able to give Social Security the cash flow it needs.....HMMMMM. Just thinkin' out loud.
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