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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Understanding the Three Stages of Retirement: Smart Planning for Every StepKey TakeawaysThree stages of retirement typically shape how your lifestyle, spending, and priorities evolve, and each stage benefits from a different approach...

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Estate planning often brings up two roles that sound similar but serve very different purposes: your power of attorney and your executor. Both require trust. Both carry real responsibility. But they step in at different times, with...

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Hello, this is Roger Brooks, a financial advisor at Strategic Investment Management.As you approach retirement, the things that shape your time and finances all shift at once. Career adjustments, family responsibilities, health...

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Should You Refinance Before You Retire?As retirement gets closer, even familiar financial decisions can start to feel different. A mortgage that once fit comfortably into your budget during your working years may deserve a second look...

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

A Strategic Approach to Cash Flow, Investing, and RiskStrong money management in your wealth-building years comes from building a system that consistently channels income toward your highest priorities. A well-designed framework can...

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Tuesday, March 10, 2026

For many retirees, the question isn’t simply “Do I like my house?” It’s “Is this home still the right asset for the next phase of my life?”Downsizing can potentially improve liquidity, reduce fixed expenses, and simplify daily living....

Friday, March 6, 2026

Hello, my name is Roger Brooks. I’m a financial advisor with Strategic Investment Management. Today, I want to talk about one of the most important steps in preparing for retirement: understanding your Medicare eligibility and how to...

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Once full-time work becomes optional and you transition to retirement, life can change in two ways at once: how you fund your lifestyle and how you fill your days. The transition to retirement touches income, taxes, healthcare, and...

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Hello, my name is Roger Brooks with Strategic Investment Management.If you’re approaching retirement, you’ve probably figured out by now that it’s about more than leaving your career. It’s a major life shift. Suddenly, your days, your...

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

What Legacy Really Means in RetirementMost people think of legacy as the assets they’ll pass on, yet inheritance is only the surface. Legacy runs deeper. It’s the framework, values, and intentions that turn wealth into direction for...

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Retirement offers the time and perspective to think about what truly matters and what should endure. Beyond managing accounts or updating documents, legacy and estate planning in retirement is about shaping how your values, generosity,...

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Hello, my name is Roger Brooks.I’m a Financial advisor with Strategic Investment Management. Today, I want to talk about something of long-term importance: how to create a living legacy—one that reflects not just what you leave behind...

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Retirement seldom arrives as a single event but as a series of significant life transitions that make up this larger shift. Between your late fifties and seventies, career shifts, family changes, and lifestyle decisions can reshape...

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

According to the most recent report by Giving USA, Americans gave $499 billion to charity in 2022.1 Americans usually give to charity for two main reasons: to support a cause or organization they care about or to leave a legacy through...

Monday, December 15, 2025

Hello everyone, this is Roger Brooks with Strategic Investment Management. Today’s video is for anyone planning to retire next year. First of all, congratulations! Being so close to retirement is an exciting milestone. But before you...

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Are you saving for the future? People often come to me asking for financial guidance. Some want to know how to invest or diversify the money they’ve saved, but others admit to me they’re just not sure how to save. If you’ve been...

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Turning 50 isn't just a birthday milestone—it's when the IRS allows you to "catch up" on your savings with catch-up contributions. For those in their early 60s, their savings potential has been supercharged thanks to the SECURE 2.0...

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment fast approaching, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you switched doctors,...

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Hello everyone, this is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management.As we approach the season of giving, you may be thinking about ways to give back to the people and causes you care about. One way to do that is charitable giving....

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

How much are you withholding per paycheck?Is the amount too little? (Or too much?) Find out the answer before the year ends. You may not want to discover next year that your withholding amount for this year was too small. The IRS...

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

October marks National Financial Planning Month, making it an ideal time for a financial health check-up. Just as you schedule annual medical exams, this month offers a natural opportunity to assess your financial situation,...

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Hi everyone, this is Roger Brooks with Strategic Investment Management. Today, I want to talk about an important opportunity that comes around each year: Medicare Open Enrollment. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15th...

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

For most Americans, Social Security has represented nothing more than some unavoidable payroll deduction with the positively cryptic initials of "FICA" and "OASDI" (Federal Insurance Contributions Act and Old Age, Survivors and...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

According to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old has more than a 25% chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.1 Loss of income for such a duration has the potential to cause significant financial...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hello everyone, this is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. Recession talk is everywhere. But what if I told you there are smart moves you can make right now to protect your finances, even if the market goes south? Let’s...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Did you know that September 6th is National 401(k) Day? Hello, I’m [insert name] from Strategic Investment Management, and today we’re going to talk about this crucial retirement savings tool. A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hello, everyone! I’m Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. With back-to-school season coming up, it's the perfect time to talk about an important aspect of financial planning: saving for college. Whether you're a parent,...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hello everyone, I’m Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. October is National Financial Planning Month! To get into the financial planning spirit, we’re going to do a rundown of our firm’s financial planning process....

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hello everybody, this is Roger Brooks, founder of Strategic Investment Management. Today, I want to talk about the firm’s approach to financial planning. For us, financial planning is rooted in your goals, your values, and the life...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Hello, everyone! I’m Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. Chances are, when looking for a financial advisor, you’ve heard the word “fiduciary.” This is a popular buzzword, but do you know what it actually means? A...

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Back to The Strategy Session

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone, Roger Brooks here. Today, I want to talk about one of the biggest changes you’ll go through in life: retirement. Whether it’s just around the corner or still years away, the steps you take today can make all the...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Happy New Year! This is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. Today, I will talk about something I think should be on your resolution list all year round: retirement planning. Retirement planning is all about the life you...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone! I’m Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. Today, I’m discussing important retirement savings strategies. Building a strong foundation for your retirement is how you make space for unexpected health events,...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone! I’m Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. Today I want to talk with you about minimizing tax liability as a part of your retirement income strategy. Oftentimes, retirees start by drawing from taxable...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hey everybody, this is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. I hope this video finds you well. As we approach the end of the fiscal year, I wanted to share some insights on making charitable contributions while also taking...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone! This is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. It’s time to start preparing for tax season! Here are seven tips to get ready for the 2024 tax filing deadline on Monday, April 15. Step #1. UNDERSTAND YOUR...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone! This is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. As we kick off 2025, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming tax season. In this video, we’ll share five tips to help you tackle this tax season with...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone, this is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. Can you believe that we’re almost in 2025? To get prepared, we want to share some insights from 2024 and look ahead to investment opportunities in 2025. 2024...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone! This is Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set the stage for the year to come. Today, to help you start off right, we’ll go through your financial...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone, this is Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. Today, I want to start with a question. How do you actually achieve your goals? If you’re like most people, one of the first things you’ll do is make a plan to...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone! I’m Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It's not just about limiting spending; it's about allocating your resources wisely to achieve your goals. Let's...

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Hello everyone, I’m Roger Brooks at Strategic Investment Management. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about the upcoming holiday season. The next couple of months are a time for celebration, family, and giving—but they can also...

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Hi, I’m Roger Brooks with Strategic Investment Management. If you’ve ever come across the word “fiduciary” and wondered what makes a fiduciary advisor different, then today’s video is for you. A fiduciary financial advisor is legally...

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Hello, everyone. This is Roger Brooks from Strategic Investment Management. Today, I want to talk about retirement planning. Many people have been taught to think of retirement as an age. But really, it’s a funding challenge. It’s...

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Hey everybody, this is Roger at Strategic Investment Management. I hope this video finds you in good health and high spirits as we approach the holiday season. As your financial advisor, I want to ensure that you have a financially...

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Next to “When should I claim Social Security benefits?”, one of the more common questions people have is “How much will I receive?” Calculating your potential Social Security benefit is a three-step process:1. Calculate Your Average...

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. No Strategy: Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy at...

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

John and Mary are nearing retirement and they have a lot of items on their bucket list. Longer life expectancies mean John and Mary may need to prepare for two or even three decades of retirement. How should they position their money?1...

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law in December 2024, adjusts two longstanding provisions that previously reduced Social Security benefits for certain recipients: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the...

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

One of the common threads of a mobile workforce is that many individuals who leave their job are faced with a decision about what to do with their 401(k) account.¹ Individuals have four choices with the 401(k) account they accrued at...

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, the worldwide population over age 65 is growing. In the past decade, the population of Americans aged 65 and older has grown 38%. As our nation ages, many Americans are...

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

"I'm proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money."Entertainer Arthur Godfrey The irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can be an important estate strategy tool that may...

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

In exchange for fixed premiums, an insurance company promises to pay a set benefit when the policyholder dies, but also offers additional benefits as well. Whole life insurance policies can build up cash value — effectively a cash...

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), which were created in 1974, are owned by roughly 41 million U.S. households. And Roth IRAs, created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act in 1997, are owned by nearly 32 million...

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Social Security has been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how it works, but how much do you really know? Here are nine things that might surprise you. The Social Security trust fund...

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

For the casual observer, it sometimes seems that variable annuities are either “terrible” or “wonderful.” Commentators in the financial media seem to occupy a polarity of opinions we might see in politics. What gets lost when these...

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Do you have a will? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enable you to name a guardian for your minor children. Do you have healthcare documents in place? Healthcare...

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

TaxRead Time: 4 min How to Make the Tax Code Work for You By May 15, 2023, over 142 million taxpayers had dutifully filed their federal income tax returns. And they all made decisions about deductions and credits – whether or not they...

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Addressing the potential risks of extended-term care expenses may be one of the biggest financial challenges for individuals who are developing a retirement strategy. Seven in ten people over age 65 can expect to need extended care...

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

The average household with revolving credit card debt had a balance of $21,083 as of March 2024. With the average credit card annual percentage rate sitting at 27.65%, it represents an expensive way to fund spending.1,2 Which leads...

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

As you build your legacy, considering how to leverage your charitable contributions can be a fulfilling endeavor. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can offer an opportunity to support your favorite causes and manage your...

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Buying a home is the single-largest financial commitment most people ever make. And sorting through mortgages involves a lot of critical choices. One of these is choosing between a fixed or variable interest rate mortgage. True to its...

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Taking withdrawals from a traditional portfolio exposes fixed-income investors to “sequence of returns” danger. In other words, experiencing negative returns early in retirement can deplete your portfolio more quickly than expected...

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

In a 2023 survey, 37% of all workers reported they were either “not too” or “not at all” confident that they would have enough money to pay for their medical expenses in retirement. Regardless of your confidence, however, being aware...

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that "the investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself." What Graham understood—and modern research is catching up to—is the...

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Financial Documents Health Care Documents Note: Power of attorney laws can vary from state to state. An estate strategy that includes trusts may involve a complex web of tax rules and regulations. Consider working with a knowledgeable...

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

While Americans are entitled to take every legitimate deduction to manage their taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) places limits on your creativity. Here are some examples of deductions from the IRS that were permitted and some...

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving needs is to examine your current spending habits and consider eliminating money wasters. Top Money Wasters...

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

While many people are familiar with the benefits of traditional 401(k) plans, others are not as acquainted with Roth 401(k)s. Since January 1, 2006, employers have been allowed to offer workers access to Roth 401(k) plans. As the name...

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Retirement is a significant transition, and it can bring both challenges and opportunities for women who have spent many years focused on their careers. For women approaching retirement age, it is crucial to consider various tips and...

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Despite not being as well known as some other retirement tools, annuities account for 6.5% of all assets earmarked for retirement. With about $2.2 trillion in assets, annuities hold more funds than Roth IRAs.1 An annuity is a contract...

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the "right" university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the college of one's choice may not be...

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

If you have yet to develop a retirement plan for your business, or if you're not sure the plan you've chosen is the right one, here are some things to consider. How much can my business afford to contribute? The cost of contributions...

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits. Making the right decision for you can have a meaningful impact on your financial income in retirement. Before considering how...

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Have you saved enough? Whether you started late, or have regularly saved throughout your career, you might wish you could stash some additional cash in your retirement fund. Fortunately, if you’re 50 or older, you can. The IRS offers...

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

If you live in or have visited a big city, you’ve probably run into street vendors – people who sell everything from hot dogs to umbrellas – on the streets and sidewalks. Many of these entrepreneurs sell completely unrelated products,...

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a gift to the future,...

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

April marks the start of Financial Literacy Month, a nationally recognized movement to promote and support financial understanding in children and teens. For many, it's a fantastic opportunity to teach and connect with their children...

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Retirement can have many meanings. For some, it will be a time to travel and spend time with family members. For others, it will be a time to start a new business or begin a charitable endeavor. Regardless of what approach you intend...

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

One study estimates the average cost of raising a child to the age of 17 for a middle-income family is about $310,605. As a point of comparison, the median home price in the U.S. was $417,700 at the end of 2023.1,2 If you want to add...

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five...

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate. Some households "live it up" and spend more than they anticipate...

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Every year, about 140 million households file their federal tax returns. For many, the process involves digging through shoe boxes or manila folders full of receipts; gathering mortgage, retirement, and investment account...

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Each month, you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of sound investing involves the simple habit of...

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

In a recent survey, 73% of current workers stated they plan to work for pay after retiring.1 And that possibility raises an interesting question: how will working affect Social Security benefits? The answer to that question requires...

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own...

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Recent years have witnessed the mainstreaming of alternative investments for certain accredited investors. In fact, alternative investments are expected to grow $8 trillion between 2022 and 2028.1,2 The impetus behind this projected...

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

In today's increasingly connected world, protecting your information is arguably more important than ever. Your credit report consists of a slew of personal details, such as your financial activity, credit accounts, loans, and payment...

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations. Certain features of Medicare can affect health care costs and coverage. Some retirees may do...

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own...

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may save you money and time. Here’s what to consider for your...

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Preparing for college while still in high school can be difficult for even the most academically-minded student. These days, you need to excel in the classroom, make sure you're involved in extracurricular activities and enroll in...

Thursday, September 7, 2023

While the vast majority of insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine the price of insurance, it is banned in the states of Massachusetts, Michigan, Hawaii, and California. Some states only allow it as a...

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater than their purchase price. Capital gains are categorized as short-term gains (a gain realized on an asset held one year or less) or as long-term gains (a...

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

If college were a party, then student loans are the hangover. Unfortunately, the "hair of the dog" won't cure this headache, but here are some ideas for managing your student loan debt. The programs listed are not intended as tax or...

Thursday, June 8, 2023

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scale back? Are they at risk of outliving their money? This concern may be legitimate. Some households "live it up" and spend more than they anticipate...

Monday, June 5, 2023

Will you pay higher taxes in retirement? It’s possible. But that will largely depend on how you generate income. Will it be from working? Will it be from retirement plans? And if it does come from retirement plans,...

Friday, May 5, 2023

One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving needs is to examine your current spending habits and consider eliminating money wasters.

Friday, May 5, 2023

Impact investing can help keep your investment aligned with your personal beliefs. As you consider whether this choice may be appropriate for you, don’t hesitate to learn more

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Whether whole life insurance is the best choice for you may depend on a variety of factors, including your goals or circumstances. Talk to our fiduciary financial advisor to get a whole look at life insurance.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy. Here are some simple and inexpensive energy-saving tips that may help you save money.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

A bucket plan may help you allocate your assets and prepare for a comfortable retirement. Talk to one of our fiduciary financial advisors to help you determine which assets and expenses belong in which financial bucket.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

The uncertainties of life are wide ranging, and many of them can threaten the financial security of you and your family. Talk to our fiduciary financial advisors about the value of insuring against life's risks.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Insurance is meant to protect you against financial loss. But is it really meant to protect you from any and all financial loss? When it comes to filing a loss claim on your home insurance, there may be times when not filing may be the...

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

A living trust is a popular consideration in many estate strategy conversations, but its appropriateness will depend upon your individual needs and objectives. What is a Living Trust? A living trust is created while you are alive and...

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Find out more about the options and choices you have for the 401(k) retirement account you have set up with a former employer. Or talk to one of our fiduciary financial advisors for more information.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a solid...

Friday, October 7, 2022

There are other criteria besides a return on investments that some people consider when strategically investing. For some, investing in socially conscious companies is equally as important as growing their wealth.

Friday, October 7, 2022

College marks a great milestone in a child’s life. It may be the first time he or she will live away from home. Dropping off your child at college may be an experience loaded with emotions, so here are a few tips for a smoother...

Friday, October 7, 2022

Are you ready for retirement? It can be hard to imagine a life without work, but for many people, retirement is looming on the horizon. If you're ready to give up your day job, here are a few things you need to know:First and foremost,...

Friday, October 7, 2022

When the rules of the game change, tactics should follow in response to the new landscape. While estate tax exemptions have ridden an uncertain roller coaster in recent years, the rules appear to be stabilizing with the passing of the...

Thursday, June 23, 2022

As inflation is a topic on everyone's mind, you mind be asking yourself how this rise in inflation could impact your retirement planning. Find out more here!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Interest in making an impact with one’s investments has grown in recent years, which means many investors may have an increased interest in environmentally or socially focused investments as well. Talk to our investment advisors!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

When you lose a spouse, partner, or parent, the grief can be overwhelming. In the midst of that grief, life goes on. Use this checklist to help make the necessary decisions. Or talk to your fiduciary financial advisor for more help.

Friday, April 8, 2022

Do you have a personalized retirement plan? Talk to your fiduciary financial advisors or wealth manager to help strategically plan for your retirement.

Friday, April 8, 2022

Ask yourself these questions before deciding whether or not to keep your life insurance policy even after you retire. Or contact one of our fiduciary financial advisors to help you determine the best course of action for you.

Friday, April 8, 2022

Assessing the role your life insurance policy plays in your financial plan helps you create a more holistic financial plan, now and in the future. Talk to a fiduciary financial advisor today.

Friday, April 8, 2022

Do you have a diverse investment portfolio? Gain a better understanding of the importance of diversified assets within your investment portfolio to manage risk and help protect against asset loss.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Tip: How Much? Check your Social Security earnings and see an estimate of your benefits on the website, www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s been a fact of retirement life ever since it was established in 1935. We all think we know how...