Winter is Coming...For Your Social Security? A Dragon Queen's Take

My Reign My Rules My Retirement (Maybe?)

Hark loyal subjects! Your Khaleesi Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name the Unburnt Queen of the Andals and the First Men Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons has turned her attention from the Iron Throne to…Social Security? Fear not for even a queen must ponder the woes of old age though I suspect I'll be more dragon than doddering by then. The news from Westeros…err America is grim. Whispers of a Social Security funding crisis abound and frankly it's enough to make even a Targaryen consider claiming benefits early. But should you? That is the question fit for the wisest Maester to ponder!

The Impending Doom (or Just a Funding Shortfall?)

Apparently some 'experts' are warning against claiming too early. They say the trust fund like my patience with Cersei is running low. The 'trustees' – who I imagine are far less trustworthy than my Unsullied – project a depletion in 2033. A date which doesn't seem so far away. This means they may only be able to pay 79% of promised benefits. A queen must plan and so must you. Now while I'm busy plotting to take back what is mine by right you should be planning for your golden years. Should this fund run dry it will be like a Dothraki's hair after a trip to the barbers... GONE!

The Staff Cuts That Are Sharper Than a Valyrian Steel Blade

To add insult to injury it seems the Social Security Administration is facing staff cuts and long wait times. Honestly have they learned nothing from King's Landing? Understaffing leads to chaos! Kelly LaVigne from Allianz Life Insurance Company (not to be confused with the Iron Bank of Braavos mind you) points out that most Americans are more worried about running out of money than well dying. A sentiment I a woman who has stared death in the face more times than I can count can certainly appreciate. Inflation is also a problem it seems like the value of my dragons are going down!

Wait For It...Or Claim Now and Run?

The temptation to claim benefits now before the gold dragons disappear entirely is strong. As Andrew Herzog from The Watchman Group says some folks want to 'take from it now before it's taken away from me.' A pragmatic approach perhaps but one must consider the consequences. Claiming early means smaller monthly payments. Waiting until full retirement age (66 to 67 depending on when you hatched from your dragon egg) means 100% of what you've earned. And waiting until 70? That's where the real treasure lies with an 8% increase for every year of patience. Waiting is hard I know but sometimes the greatest rewards come to those who can endure. Like waiting for my dragons to mature enough to roast my enemies.

The Math of Mortality: A Queen's Calculation

Vanguard research (another group far less interesting than the Second Sons) suggests that if you expect a long life delaying benefits is wise. But if you anticipate a shorter lifespan claiming early might be the better gamble. It's a macabre calculation I admit but one must be practical. Delaying even one month can make a difference increasing those monthly checks. I must contemplate will my reign be a long one or a short one? Will my people be taken care of?

The Final Decree: Choose Wisely My People

Ultimately the decision is yours my loyal subjects. Consider your life expectancy your other sources of income and what will allow you to sleep soundly at night. Because as I've learned time and time again a restless mind is a dangerous thing. And remember a queen is not always the best source of financial advice. My expertise lies in fire blood and liberating the oppressed. But fear not as your Khaleesi I urge you to inform yourself and do what is best for you and your family. Choose wisely for your future depends on it. And now if you'll excuse me I have a throne to reclaim.