Warren Buffett is older than Social Security itself. Born in 1930 — five years before the Social Security Act was signed into law — the billionaire investor and philanthropist has watched the program evolve for nearly a century.
So when he warns against jeopardizing the system, it’s worth paying attention.
“I basically believe that anything that would take Social Security payments below their present guaranteed level is a mistake,” he said at a 2005 Berkshire Hathaway meeting.
Nearly two decades later, that warning feels more relevant than ever. Social Security faces financial strain, and proposed federal budget cuts — particularly under the Trump administration — have raised concerns about its future.
According to the Social Security Trustees, without legislative action, beneficiaries could face a benefit reduction of around 21% to 24% by 2033.
In his response to shareholders, Buffett compared the Social Security system to the tax credits and incentives provided for children — another group unable to work due to age.
“I think that this is an extraordinarily rich country and that the people in their productive years can take care of those outside in both areas… a rich country takes care of its young and it takes care of its old,” he said at the 2005 Berkshire Hathaway meeting. “We try to provide good schools and health and everything for the young overall as part of our overall responsibility. I believe that a rich country should be doing the same for the older people.”
With potential benefit cuts looming, society may be falling short of this responsibility and breaking the implicit contract with workers who have paid into the system for decades.
To shore up Social Security, Buffett suggested raising the retirement age and eliminating the income cap on payroll taxes, currently set at $176,100.
However, given the political gridlock surrounding entitlement reform, these changes appear unlikely in the near term. As a result, many Americans may need to take proactive steps to safeguard their financial security in retirement.
Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead
With the future of the social safety net uncertain, it’s wise to build an independent retirement nest egg.
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Consult a financial planner to diversify your income sources beyond Social Security. Consider increasing your contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, or other investment accounts. A Health Savings Account (HSA) can also serve as a tax-efficient way to save for medical expenses in retirement.
Delaying retirement is another option. Nearly 70% of Americans over the age of 50 have considered it, according to a survey by F&G.
While Social Security benefit cuts are not guaranteed, reducing your reliance on the program can help ensure a more comfortable retirement.
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