[ThinkDifferent]

Needs based system? Who determines whose "needs"?

I'd make it really simple: abolish payroll taxes, at 67 you get $18,000 a year (twiddle both numbers as needed). Enough to live on, but if you want RVs and vacations you get to save for yourself. There's no reason Warren Buffet should get a bigger government check than a retired coal miner.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

Buffett probably doesn't get a larger SS check, since the max you can draw on SS is about 18-20K per year. Some miners make enough to draw that or close.