Free Republic

But is that actually a good thing?Retiring on Social Security alone is a dangerous thing. That’s because those benefits will only replace about 40% of the typical worker’s pre-retirement income, and most seniors need about twice as much money to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.But the reality is that a lot of people do end up retiring solely or largely on Social Security. And it’s those same people who are apt to be the most impacted by Social Security raises.Each year, benefits are subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, based on inflation levels. Since inflation has been sky-high this year,...

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use. Illinois-based toy maker Hedstrom Corp. has discontinued operations, shutting down six plants — including a rotational molding operation in Ashland, Ohio, and a swing-set factory in Bedford, Pa., that does blow molding. Hedstrom said it could file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in four years. Meanwhile, local managers at the Ashland plant are interested in buying the rotomolding operation, said Martin Irvine, Ashland economic development director. “They´ve been in discussions with several different investment groups. Over the last week or so they have made offers to buy the...