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Approximately 68 million Americans receive a Social Security check each month (1). But a new government report suggests those payments could soon drop — and former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Green is sounding the alarm.
“Social Security will be broken by 2033. I’m trying to tell everybody. That’s less than 7 years.” Greene wrote in a recent post on X(2).
Green cited a new report from the Congressional Budget Office, which found that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund—the program that pays retirement and survivor benefits—will run out of money in 2032 (3).
“At that time, the program will have sufficient funds to pay, on time, the full amount to which OASI beneficiaries are entitled under current law.”
According to the CBO, the reduction will lead to a reduction in benefits. Payments will fall by 7% in 2032, followed by an average decline of about 28% per year between 2033 and 2036.
Green argues that Washington should prioritize fixing the program before spending elsewhere.
“Instead of funding foreign wars and foreign countries, Social Security should be protected!” She wrote, adding, “If the leaders can’t collect their SS checks, the government should burn down.”
As of January 2026, the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker was $2,071 (4). The Social Security Administration has long maintained that the program was never designed to fund full retirement — replacing the average worker with about 40% of their pre-retirement earnings.
In fact, however, many leaders rely heavily on it. A 2025 study from the League of Senior Citizens found that 39% of American seniors depend on Social Security for 100% of their income (5).
If benefits are cut when the trust fund runs out of money, that dependency could make life much harder for millions of Americans in retirement.
Ultimately, Social Security’s long-term future depends on decisions in Washington. But you don’t have to leave your retirement security entirely in the hands of a lawyer. Creating an additional income stream—especially passive—can be a game changer for financial stability in retirement.
Investing in real estate is widely recognized as a solid strategy for retirement planning because of its potential to generate steady, passive income and capital appreciation over time.
Well-chosen properties can provide a reliable source of rental income, which can be used to cover living expenses in retirement, reducing reliance on traditional retirement savings or Social Security.
At the same time, real estate has proven to be a strong hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, property values also rise, reflecting higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income rises, providing landlords with an income stream that keeps pace with inflation.
Of course, higher home prices can make buying a home more difficult, especially with mortgage rates still rising. And being a landlord isn’t exactly hands-on – managing tenants, maintenance and repairs can quickly eat up your time (and back).
good news You don’t have to buy real estate—or deal with leaky faucets—to invest in real estate today. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrival offer an easy way to get into this income-producing asset class.
Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Ariad allows you to invest in rental housing shares with as little as $100 – all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing plumbing or managing difficult tenants.
The process is simple: search a curated selection of homes that have been evaluated for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you want to buy and then sit back when you start receiving positive rental income distributions from your investment.
For a limited time, when you open an account and add $1,000 or more, Arrival will credit your account with a 1% match.
Another option is Lightstone DIRECT, which offers qualified investors access to prime quality multifamily and industrial real estate with a minimum investment of $100,000.
Founded in 1986 by David Lichtenstein, Lightstone Group is one of the largest private equity investment firms in the United States, with more than $12 billion in assets under management.
Over nearly four decades, their team has delivered strong, risk-adjusted performance across multiple market cycles – including a 27.6% historical net IRR and a 2.54x historical net equity multiple on investments since 2004.
With Lightstone Direct, you get access to the same multifamily and industrial transactions that Lightstone pursues with its capital.
Here’s the kicker: Lightstone invests at least 20% of its capital in each deal — about four times the industry average. With skin in the game, the company ensures that its profits are directly aligned with its investors.
Read more: I’m almost 50 and have no retirement savings. Is it too late to catch up?
Read more: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10
Whether you’re nearing retirement or already retired, high-yield savings accounts can provide a low-risk way to generate passive income while keeping your funds accessible. These accounts typically offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, allowing your money to grow without needing to be locked into long-term investments.
To get started, a high-yield account like the Wealthfront Cash Account can be a great place to grow your emergency funds, offering competitive interest rates and easy access to your cash when you need it.
The Wealthfront Cash Account currently offers a base variable APY of 3.30% and new customers can earn a 0.75% boost for a 4.05% APY in their first three months up to $150,000. That’s ten times the national savings rate, according to the FDIC’s January report.
With no minimum balance or account fees, as well as 24/7 withdrawals and free domestic wire transfers, your funds remain accessible at all times. Additionally, Wealthfront cash account balances up to $8 million are FDIC-insured through program banks.
At the end of the day, everyone’s financial situation is different—from income levels and investment goals to debt obligations and risk tolerance—which means the best move for someone else may not be the best move for you.
If you’re not sure where to start, it might be a good time to contact a financial advisor through Advisor.com.
Advisor.com is an online platform that matches you with vetted financial advisors who fit your specific needs. They can help you develop a strategy for your unique financial situation, whether you’re looking to grow wealth, generate passive income or plan for long-term financial security.
Once you’re matched with a consultant, you can book a free consultation with no obligation to hire.
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Social Security Administration (1, 4); @FmrRepMTG (2); Congressional Budget Office (3); Senior League (5)
This article provides information only and should not be used as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
