How can you be sure SS will be there? 1poorlady doesn't trust it. And after we elected a complete, corrupt, hateful buffoon, and most of the Rep Party is lining up behind him, SS (and even Medicare) could be canceled on a whim. Before I trusted government at least far enough NOT to do that. But no more.

I planned my retirement assuming no SS in my calcs. We were still OK. SS gives us more breathing room, of course. I didn't plan on no Medicare, though. That's kinda scary. 1poorMIL before she was eligible for Medicare couldn't buy insurance at any price. I talked to a few companies, and asked "how much would it cost to cover her?". The answer was "no amount, we won't cover her". She was over 65 at the time.

If she had a major issue, she would have been hosed. Doing labs and routine visits was manageable. But hospitalization? She couldn't have done it. And, without Medicare after we turn 65, a hospitalization could make a substantial debt in our retirement finances.