Between today’s issues with sticky inflation, rising healthcare costs and longer life expectancies, retirement income planning has gotten a lot more complicated. And, ongoing questions about the sustainability of the Social Security system have made things even more confusing for many seniors. As a result, even the seniors with steady Social Security checks may be wondering whether those benefits are enough to last for the rest of their lives.
It’s a valid concern. Social Security was never intended to be the only source of retirement income, but for many Americans, these benefits have become a crucial component of their retirement plans. But with the average monthly Social Security benefit hovering around $1,976 in 2025 — and expenses that can easily exceed that figure — it’s understandable that retirees are looking for additional financial security.
