I don’t even consider that SS will be an option for me if the day comes in the future for me to retire. I am just saving and investing with the idea that these are the only funds that will be available for me. I don’t expect to get anything from SS if I someday make it to retirement age - though I certainly pay into it. I just consider it another tax, from which I will likely never get anything back.
I’m 50 and pretty much planning for 0 SS to be around by the time I get there. Trying to make it on my own well enough that SS would just be my fun money to use on the kids/grandkids/vacations, etc.