I Just Quit Republican Party - Now Independent

[protectionist]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

 

[Cassandro]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

So you will vote for whoever gives you more money?

 

[Woodznutz]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

Why retire on just SS? I'm still working at 86. I invest my SS money.

 

[Mr Natural]

So you will vote for whoever gives you more money?

Damn right!

 

[Paleman]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

This poor soul is totally misguided. First off, voting because of one minor issue is stupid. Secondly, voting for any Tax and Spend Democrat is proof that you are dumb as dirt.

 

[protectionist]

Why retire on just SS? I'm still working at 86. I invest my SS money.

Most people are not able to still work at 86, or 80 like me. And nobody should have to. I still work too, although it is primarily a hobby (painting), unless anybody wants to buy my paintings. How about you ?

Bert Emanuel Art for Sale

Shop for artwork by Bert Emanuel. Purchase canvas prints, framed prints, tapestries, posters, greeting cards, and more. Bert Emanuel artwork and print-on-demand products are ready to ship in 3 - 4 business days. Bert Emanuel (aka Robert Emanuel Follett) is a longtime artist of pen/ink line...

fineartamerica.com

 

[Meister]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

Don't forget that SS isn't going to be taxed at the federal level.
That's a Trump thing. Of course, the democrats are in lockstep against it.

 

[Woodznutz]

Most people are not able to still work at 86, or 80 like me. And nobody should have to. I still work too, although it is primarily a hobby (painting), unless anybody wants to buy my paintings. How about you ?

Bert Emanuel Art for Sale

Shop for artwork by Bert Emanuel. Purchase canvas prints, framed prints, tapestries, posters, greeting cards, and more. Bert Emanuel artwork and print-on-demand products are ready to ship in 3 - 4 business days. Bert Emanuel (aka Robert Emanuel Follett) is a longtime artist of pen/ink line...

fineartamerica.com

I'm not a big art fan. Clocks are about the only thing hanging on my walls.

 

[Chuz Life]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

I'm right there with you on the COLA, SS and all. . . But I've been independent for a long time, already. (Though I have never checked to confirm it, I should)

My coping outlook is to consider how much I have gained elsewhere, like my IRA, CD rates, etc.

If I didn't cook an increasing number of meals at home instead of eating out? We would be screwed.

 

[Woodznutz]

Don't forget that SS isn't going to be taxed at the federal level.
That's a Trump thing. Of course, the democrats are in lockstep against it.

We higher earners will still be taxed. I will still pay taxes on 85 percent of my SS benefit.

 

[Meister]

We higher earners will still be taxed.

I don't even get SS. Not enough quarters.

 

[Woodznutz]

I'm right there with you on the COLA, SS and all. . . But I've been independent for a long time, already. (Though I have never checked to confirm it, I should)

My coping outlook is to consider how much I have gained elsewhere, like my IRA, CD rates, etc.

If I didn't cook an increasing number of meals at home instead of eating out? We would be screwed.

I stopped eating out long ago. The value isn't there.

 

[Woodznutz]

I don't even get SS. Not enough quarters.

How old are you?

 

[protectionist]

This poor soul is totally misguided. First off, voting because of one minor issue is stupid. Secondly, voting for any Tax and Spend Democrat is proof that you are dumb as dirt.

One of the risks of doing an OP, is getting responses from IDIOTS.
Can you read ? I said I've become an "Independent", and have no intention of voting for anybody, much less the Democrazies.

Secondly, if you were staring HOMELESSNESS in the face, and struggling to figure out how you could come up with the money to move (to where?) you wouldn't be absurdly calling this a "minor issue."

YOU are the "dumb as dirt"

 

[protectionist]

So you will vote for whoever gives you more money?

You got a problem with that ?

 

[protectionist]

I'm not a big art fan. Clocks are about the only thing hanging on my walls.

To each his own.

 

[protectionist]

I'm right there with you on the COLA, SS and all. . . But I've been independent for a long time, already. (Though I have never checked to confirm it, I should)

My coping outlook is to consider how much I have gained elsewhere, like my IRA, CD rates, etc.

If I didn't cook an increasing number of meals at home instead of eating out? We would be screwed.

I haven't eaten out in 25 years.

 

[Meister]

How old are you?

A young 75.

 

[Thinker101]

I just changed my political party from Republican to Independent. Yes, I agree with Trump on a variety of things BUT there is one glaring (if not terrifying) thing that is staring me in the face, that I don't see anybody even talking about, much less dealing with it. That is the outrageous discrepancy between the yearly Social Security COLA (Cost of living Adjustment) increase in our monthly Social Security check, and the monstrous housing rent increases that landlords have been walloping us with.

So what does this mean in $$ & cents ? The 2025 & 2026 COLAs both were 2.8%. So our Social Security checks went up 2.8%.
This gave me a "whopping" (insulting) $31/month more to my income. At the same time, my apartment rent went up $104. So I LOST $73 per month. That's like going out in the street and being mugged for $73 once every month. Or being mugged for $876 once a year. Or $4,380 every 5 years.

For $4,380, I could buy a helluva nice guitar and mandolin, both of excellent quality.

It would be nice if some politicians were to even BE TALKING ABOUT THIS, much less doing something about it.

So, all you seniors out there, collecting Social Security, have you contacted your folks in Congress ? A 2018 study done by the Senior citizens League showed a noticable 34% loss of buying power since 2000 - and that was before housing rents went on their astronomical surges of the 2020s (and showing no sign of diminishing). REMEMBER >>> If your congressmen don't hear from you, THEY THINK YOURE HAPPY, AND DOING FINE.

Either the rents have to be controlled, or the COLAs need to be increased (or both). Doing nothing is unacceptable. Unless you think getting poorer & poorer with each passing year is acceptable - in which case, you'll need to have your head examined.

Note - 73% of Social Security recipients rely on it for most of their income. 50% rely on it for ALL of their income.

https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf

Just for the heck of it, how did that change your current situation?

 

[Moonglow]

So you will vote for whoever gives you more money?

What time does that happen?