Your Social Security Stories
We went around the U.S. and talked to folks about Social Security
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Chris Smith
Saving Money Just In Case
Jonzetta, South Carolina: "I'm hoping when I retire, there will be some Social Security left. I put in my money so I would like some back. I also spent some time in the military — eight years — so hopefully that will count for something. I'm feeling pretty good. I'm a good saver. I buy what I can afford. But in the meantime I'm going to work as long as I can and save money, just in case. You have to be prepared because you don't know what the future holds."
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AARP
Even a Little Money Makes a Big Difference
Fay, Utah: "My grandmother was widowed when she was 22. She came to live with us during the Depression. She received her first Social Security check in 1948 for $38.85. I remember the look of puzzlement on her face as she was confused about what it was, but we were very excited that she had some income. I listen to politicians these days talking about the poor and I want to say, 'Grow up, you guys! You never had to stand in a food line.' "
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Jacob Belcher
Will It Be There For Me?
Sohanny, Massachusetts: "I'm hoping to start [college] in the fall, majoring in early childcare. I'm hoping to start my own day care. [Social Security] is something to fall back on when I can't work anymore. I don't think we're ever going to have Social Security in my generation—that is, when we finally get to that step. I don't think it's going to be there for us. It would be nice but I don't feel secure about it."
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Richard Swearinger
'We Want to Take Care of Them'
Holly, Minnesota: "I don't know if Social Security will be there or not when I retire. I hope so. I watch my budget and save. I want to take care of my grandkids, just like my mom and my aunt did. They helped us so we didn't have to pay day care. My kids are there for them, too. They tell me, 'They took care of us, we want to take care of them.'"
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Steven St. John
For the Unprepared, a Cushion
George, New Mexico: "You know, I never had a dream for retirement. I didn't really plan, and subsequently I'm still going to work. It's nice to know that there is a [Social Security] cushion. I would have never planned it myself."
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Video: Social Security Q & A with AARP Members - Alfred Padilla, a National Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration answers key questions from AARP members.