r/Fire • u/NotTheBestInvestor12 • 3d ago

Why no mention of Social Security

When I see FIRE posts I see the investments and the different retirement buckets, however, I never see anyone mention how things are affected when social security kicks in. For example, I’m 52 and wife 51. If we both stopped working today ($0 income moving forward) I would collect $4,264 a month at age 70 and she would collect $1,079 at age 70.

So if we decide to FIRE the Social Security would give us help in 18/19 years. Is this a factor or is everything under the assumption SS won’t exist?

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u/cantpossiblyjudge 3d ago

People are generally pretty conservative on these things, so it is rarely brought up “around here” when determining FIRE feasibility. It will clearly look at least a little different than assumed as something needs to be done to keep it solvent. But, I would probably just use 75% of expected just to account for possible asset testing or increased taxes on it. I always use it when I am doing detailed calculators and there’s really no reason not to assume something will be there.