Many women approaching retirement worry that Social Security may not be there when they need it most. That uncertainty can make retirement planning feel overwhelming.

But what do the numbers actually say?

In this episode, I break down the real projections behind Social Security and what they mean for women approaching retirement. I explain why benefits are not expected to disappear, how potential reductions could work, and how to plan conservatively without making decisions based on fear. Most importantly, I walk through how Social Security fits into the broader retirement income puzzle.

Key Points:

• Why Social Security is projected to continue paying benefits even if the trust fund faces depletion
• What the projected 81% funding level actually means for future benefits
• Why Social Security remains a foundational piece of retirement income for many women
• How to stress test your retirement plan with a possible 20% benefit reduction
• How Social Security should fit into your broader retirement income strategy
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
• What’s New with Social Security? 8 Topics to Watch in 2026
• The 2025 OASDI Trustees Report

Connect with Eric Blake:

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube