Our government is on the verge of collapsing under the weight of its own debt. With national debt totaling more than $17 trillion and about be hit with a massive weight of entitlements, America’s fiscal stability is precariously perched. With the economy still weak, the slightest provocation – another bank failure, a stock market plunge, overseas instability – could crash the American way of life as we know it.
When that happens, those hit the hardest will be the elderly. If you’re one of America’s 40 million senior citizens, chances are you’ve spent your whole life working in the hopes of a nice retirement. You’ve invested wisely, saved your money, and paid a large sum of money in Social Security and Medicare taxes. Now that you’re older, you’re hoping you can fully enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Unfortunately, that may not happen. When Social Security was first established, the worker to beneficiary ratio was over 15 to 1; today it’s closer to 3 to 1, with odds that it will shrink even further over the next few decades.
In the 2015 report from the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees it’s revealed that Social Security and Medicare together accounted for 42 percent of Federal program expenditures in fiscal year 2014. Current trust fund operations including General Fund transfers into SMI, the portion of interest payments made to the trust funds that are necessary to pay benefits, and any drawdowns of a trust fund’s assets—are resulting in mounting pressure on the unified budget.
Both Social Security and Medicare will experience cost growth substantially in excess of GDP growth through the mid-2030s due to rapid population aging caused by the large baby-boom generation entering retirement and lower-birth-rate generations entering employment and, in the case of Medicare, to growth in expenditures per beneficiary exceeding growth in per capita GDP.
The Trustees go on: Social Security’s total expenditures have exceeded non-interest income of its combined trust funds since 2010, and the Trustees estimate that Social Security cost will exceed non-interest income throughout the 75-year projection period. The Trustees project that this annual cash-flow deficit will average about $76 billion between 2015 and 2018. It’s a train wreck.
Of course, you could always risk your retirement on the stock market – but as China plays havoc with world markets and its internal markets, that’s looking less bullish than it was last year.
You need to diversify your finances – but you need to do it unconventionally. For decades now, government politicians and corporate fat cats have been conspiring against you and your finances. They own all your retirement investments: your Social Security, your health care, your savings accounts, your 401(K).
To find something that works, you need to think outside the box. Here are six ways you can ensure that your retirement funds are preserved, even as other people’s money is disappearing around you.
Invest in metals. This is the single best thing you can do to protect your retirement. As the dollar rapidly devalues, you need to seek out other ways to make your financial transactions. Gold and silver are traditional favorite safe havens, but nowadays rare and strategic metals like Dysprosium are providing a valuable method of wealth and asset protection.
Stock up on basic goods. Start filling your basement or pantry with non-perishable food, bottled water, fuel, and other non-luxury items. This is necessary for two reasons. First, if your finances collapse, you’ll still be able to provide for your basic needs. Second, you can barter these goods if it becomes necessary. Items such as alcohol and cigarettes will be particularly valuable during an economic depression.
Invest overseas. Believe it or not, there are countries that aren’t on the verge of an economic collapse. Switzerland comes immediately to mind, with its strong economy, robust privacy protections, and friendly locals. Closer to home are tropical Caribbean paradises like St. Kitts and Nevis. Wherever you send your money, make sure you do it legally to keep the IRS off your back and use the very best professional help.
Undergo diagnostic screenings. The leading causes of death in America are heart disease, cancer, and brain diseases. These are all preventable, but only through diagnostic screenings not normally offered in doctor’s offices. Fortunately, several private companies, such as Lifeline Screening, HealthCheckUSA and HealthFair USA, have sprouted up. These businesses provide a variety of screenings that catch problems invisible to conventional X-Rays. By detecting health problems early, you can minimize your healthcare costs – and live a long and happy life.
Seek out health care overseas. The American health care system is one of the best in the world, but it’s plagued by inflation, fraud, lawsuits, and constant government intervention. With the implosion of Medicare looming, you should look into health care overseas. You may find treatments at a lower cost or alternative medicines that aren’t covered by American insurance.