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A number of proposals to reform the Social Security system involve investing in stocks. There are two basic categories. Under the first category, the Social Security system invests its reserve trust funds in stocks. This proposal aims to increase the funds available to the entire system to support the basic level of benefits. Under the second category, the government helps fund individual retirement accounts that are managed by the government or the individuals themselves. This proposal supplements the existing system of benefits, attempting to increase individual retirement benefits. The individual accounts do not improve the funding for the systems basic level of benefits. 1. Which category of investment options, if any, do you favor?
Under the first category, the Social Security system invests its reserve trust funds in stocks. This proposal aims to increase the funds available to the entire system to support the basic level of benefits.
Under the second category, the government helps fund individual retirement accounts that are managed by the government or the individuals themselves. This proposal supplements the existing system of benefits, attempting to increase individual retirement benefits. The individual accounts do not improve the funding for the systems basic level of benefits.
1. Which category of investment options, if any, do you favor?
Investment of Social Security's reserve trust funds in stocks to gain a higher return for the system Creation of individual investment accounts to gain a higher return for individuals Both Neither Need more information
2. If the Social Security system is allowed to invest its reserve funds in stocks, who should make the investment decisions?
Board of Trustees of the Social Security system. The Board is comprised of three ex officio members, i.e., the Secretaries of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services, and two members of the public appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress. Both public members may not be from the same political party. An independent board appointed by the President and approved by Congress (similar to Federal Reserve Board). The terms of these members would be staggered to not coincide with the term of the President's tenure. Other Need more information
Yes No Need more information
4. Would you be willing to accept a lower basic level of retirement benefits from Social Security in the future if you could invest a portion of your taxes in an individual investment account?
Actively buy and sell for the short-term Invest for the long-term A little of both Need more information