Social Security Projected Insolvency by 2032

Recently, the Social Security trustees reported the program is expected to be insolvent by 2032 , resulting in a 22% reduction in payments for Social Security recipients.   Ouch.  Congress needs to address this issue, which they've avoided even though its been known for many years.

I'm already disappointed that up to 85% of Social Security payments may be taxable (based on 1993 legislation) since we already paid income taxes before it was deducted from my paycheck.  For reference, Social Security payments were not taxable until 1983 legislation made up to 50% taxable. 

Now, I need to plan for a potential 22% cut on my Social Security payments, if Congress doesn't act.  There are number of proposals being proposed by Congressional members.  Ranging from removing the cap on income for the FICA tax to capping benefits for higher income recipients.  I prefer removing or significantly increase the income cap for the FICA tax.   I feel capping the benefits based on income is punitive for recipients who have paid into Social Security, which is effectively what a tax on Social Security benefits already does.

For reference, I don't think there is an easy or simple solution.  Unfortunately, I feel the eventual solution will have a negative impact and reduce my Social Security payments.  Another uncertainty and issue to worry about as retiree.  My backup plan will be to withdraw needed fund from IRA accounts, since I will be required to do RMDs when I turn 73.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, social security nor legislation advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

TIL about Cunningham's Law

Cunningham's Law states "the best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer."   The reason is that people on the internet prefer to correct wrong answers that to answer a question.   LOL

I already have seen Cunningham's Law effect when I have discussion with people that have opposing views.  Rather than listening, they spend 100% of their comments correcting my incorrect POV.

The Super Saver Corollary to Cunningham's Law is that the responses still need to be sorted and evaluated since not every answer is right, and some answers will definitely be wrong.  This is especially true on Social Media like LinkedIn and Reddit where 100% of poster believe they are above average in intelligence.

Still, IMHO, it is important to remember Cunningham's Law and the Super Saver Corollary when interacting with most people.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor seeking answers advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Still Not Buying SpaceX

I'm still on the sidelines watching SPCX.  I'm waiting for it to fall below its initial IPO price of $135, which is below its opening price of $150 on June 12, 2026, the first day of trading.  At $135, all retail owners will be underwater, which may create a selling dynamic driving the price down further.

On the other hand, adding SPCX to the indices is expected to drive prices up, due to buying pressure. On June 29, 2026, SPCX will be added to the MSCI and Russell indices.  In early July 2026, SPCX will be added to the Nasdaq 100 index.  SPCX won't be added to the S&P500 until after a 1 year waiting period and achieving 4 quarters of GAAP profitability.  

The valuation of SPCX doesn't make sense to me.  It seems people are betting on Muskman to deliver extraordinary valuation like Telsa.   For reference, Telsa has a market cap greater than the next 35 car companies, despite being seventh in profitability.  Huh??  I guess that's the Muskman premium.

In 2025, SPCX lost $4.9 billion, yet valuation is about $2 trillion.  IMHO, the Muskman premium isn't worth that much.  I think I will wait until SPCX is under $10 before think about buying.  Today, SPCX closed at $157.73, down $30.40 or 14.74%.  

However, FWIW, I've often been wrong about tech/internet stock early valuation including many of the current top market cap stocks.

Disclosure:  I currently own Tesla stock (TSLA) despite being overvalued by traditional metrics.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Monday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Doing Kids Favorite Activities

My original parenting strategy was to influence my kids to like what I was interested in.  I put them in sports when they were younger.  I had them work with me on DIY projects.  I had them do daily tasks and errands with me. I took them to video game arcades.

The results?   Nothing since they had no interest.   No interest in most sports.   No interest in learning how to fix things, even though they asked me to fix many things.   Definitely, no interest in daily tasks and errands.  High interest in video game arcades, which they would do with me.  The kids did like there own personal gaming machines.

Recently, I decide to try some of my 13 year old son's interests.   He loves F1 racing.  I watched a documentary on F1 racing with him.   It seemed much more interesting than only watching cars going around a track.  There were interviews with the principals and the drivers.  Then I watched a Grand Prix race with him.  It was more interesting knowing who the drivers were. 

While I'm still not interested in attending an F1 race (and neither is he, yet), he now has an Apple TV account and can watch all the Grand Prix races live, and in replay mode.  I've been watching mostly the replays with him.  It's been fun and now I'm interested in F1 racing.  The best part is we're spending time together and having fun.

My new strategy is to be involved with my kids' favorite activities regularly.

For more on Strategies and Plans, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor parenting advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Being Prepared for the Next Recession or Bear Market

"No one rings a bell at the top of the market." ~ Wall Street Adage

In the past, I was constant worrier about a market crash destroying my retirement savings. 

I'm not calling a top, but I'm prepared for one.   Currently, I'm not buying an new equity positions, nor adding to any existing equity positions.   Over the past few months, I've been increasing our fixed income positions thought bond and bond funds, building a monthly, though variable, paycheck.

I don't know if have regular investment income via dividends and interest is a good solution yet, since the strategy has been tested with a significant down turn yet.   However, it has done well with high volatility and a short term correction.   Whether it works with a bear market?  We shall find out.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2017 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

DIY Projects Almost Always Take Longer than Expected

I procrastinate on DIY projects since they inevitably take more time or materials that I expected on planned to use.   In the past, I needed to find and buy new materials or tools.   Lately though, I now have enough material or tools in house and just more time is required.

Recently, I replaced the handle on our sliding glass patio door.   My spouse was particularly unhappy with corrosion/oxidation of the outside metal handle.   It doesn't bother me, and if it did, I would just paint it, which I offered to do.   Instead, we decided to install a new handle which was a different design.  However, the new handle didn't cover the previous area complete, which required that I paint.   In addition, I needed to drill the attachment holes slight larger.

Luckily, I had the paint the the drill bit to make the adjustment.  It took a twice to three the times and effort, but I didn't need to make a trip to the store. 

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor DIY advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Using the Good Stuff Right Away

When I was younger, I used to "save" my best purchases to use sparingly so that they would last a long time.  I also did that with my kids when bought them new toys.  I realize now that was a bad strategy.  I've now switch to using the best stuff, as soon as I purchase it.   

Here are my reasons:

• Things get worse when not being used.  
• I forget about things being saved and don't use them for years.
• Kids out grow things quickly.
• As I get older, I have lots of things saved, but not used much.

My philosophy now is to use the good stuff as much and as fast possible.  That goes for clothing, tools, food, special items and amenities.   Enjoy all my stuff, before it goes bad or I get too old to enjoy using them.  My first move is to regularly wear all the special t-shirts from the vacation spots we visited, the city wide events I organized, and the gifts from my kids and spouse.

For more on Reaping the Rewards,  check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Inflation and Interest Rates Like the 70s-80s Again?

Inflation and interest rates in the late 70s and early 80s grew rapidly.  I remember gas prices doubling, interest rates rising, and gold and silver hitting new highs.  Inflation reached 13%.  Mortgage rates reached as high as 17% in my area.   When mortgage rates dropped, I felt lucky to get a mortgage at 12% in the early 80s.  I was also able to get a 5 year CD at 14%.  The 20 year treasury bond yielded 15%.

The stock market suffered also.  The Dow hit 1000 in 1972, fell 50% and didn't reach 1000 again until 1982.

Will the 70s - 80s happen again?  Right now, it looks probable but not certain.  To reduce market risk, I'm keeping a large proportion of our investments in short term money market funds.  I'm holding back on buying additional stocks and bonds to wait for the direction of interest rates.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every  Thursday  for a new segment.

This is not financial nor investment advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Annuities - Good or Bad?

Here's an balanced article on annuities from MSN.com   which does a good job of covering the pros and cons of annuities.  Basically, annuities guarantee certainty in payouts, and usually at a higher cost.

For reference, I am biased against having an annuity.   I feel the loss of control and costs aren't worth the guaranteed payments provided.  Therefore, we currently do no have any annuities.  However, an annuity can be good option for some people.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every  Wednesday  Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial, investment, nor annuity advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Our Kids Have Found Their Own Path

Many years ago, I once commented to someone that my kids aren't like me.  I was hoping they would follow the same path that I did since I feel I have been relatively successful.   Other than working hard on education, they chose their own path, which has turned out well.

As background, I was a four year varsity letterman and starting fullback in football.  I was the starting fullback on the state runner-up team my junior year, and on the state championship team my senior year. I was also one of four valedictorians.

Both kids did well in school and continue to do well.  Outside of education, they followed their own path and I'm glad they did.     

My daughter did horseback riding, soccer and flute when she was younger.   Flute stuck and she achieved mastery and excellence in flute.   Me... I'm completely inept and tone deaf when it comes to music.  Good thing my spouse had music skills and could help guide my daughter.  Playing the flute as become a great anchor for my daughter in college.  

My son, who is younger, tried all the sports: soccer, T-ball, flag football, golf and tennis.  He was not a star in any of these, but tennis stuck.  He works hard at tennis and plays with heart, which is all that I ask.  Also, whatever he achieves, I've counseled him that the number one test is that he enjoys playing.  I think tennis will be a great anchor for my son in high school and, maybe, college.

My kids have done well.   I am glad they found their own path and I am proud of them.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor education advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC