JaredS Wrote:

In an attempt to work around that, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told House Ways and Means Committee Chair Richard Neal that he will require IRS employees to return to work, without pay, to help with the filing season and to begin issuing refunds.

Good points. That's more clear now. So how long do you expect the shutdown to last?

JaredS Wrote:

As if the immediate impact on individuals and families isn't bad enough, the trickle down effect on local grocery and convenience stores that rely on customers with SNAP benefits can turn this into one of the worst manufactured crises to hit our country in many years and its ramifications will be felt for years to come.

I usually expect for shutdowns to go to the last second and end just before they start to do lasting damage. But this is no ordinary administration.

Am curious of the part where you say 'for years to come'. I get that this will be bad and agree with you otherwise. But what do you mean by that exactly? How will this reverberate years down the road? Wouldn't things get back on track more or less once the govt opens back up?

Or do you mean like looming govt shutdowns down the road, for years to come?

HollisM Wrote:

Does anyone think they should expand the qualifications for loan forgiveness? Should it stay at the 100% level, or be changed?

If you're looking for a good in-depth video on SS changes for 2019 as well, I would recommend this one:

“This is about moving the so-called Overton window.” Clever. That's a line from the article. Old, tried-and-true political trick. Basically means move the extremes of the conversation (what the left wants vs what the right wants) that way when there is a 'compromise' in the future, it will actually be closer to the left's side (or whoever moves the Overton window).

The right did that with countless things Obama tried for. And that's largely how they became successful and thwarted Dems efforts for the last majority a decade. I don't think Medicare for All will happen in the next decade even, but having that be the new goal post for the Dems likely could mean small steps toward it, instead of away. Look out though, Overton window works both ways.. wonder what the right will start saying they want, to combat this tactic.

Social Security will see several changes for 2019. 6 in particular worth mentioning here:

1. Beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase in payments. The COLA (cost of living adjustment) is going to be raised again, so everyone receiving benefits should expect a slightly bigger monthly check, to combat annual inflation.

2. Maximum taxable earnings will increase to $132,900. This was $128,400 in 2018. The rate is staying the same at 6.2%. So this will help fund the program but those making higher incomes should expect to pay a bit more on a few thousand of their earnings.

3. Full retirement age will continue to increase. The retirement age is actually set to increase by 2 months every year until it hits the full age of 67. So for 2019 it'll be 66 years and 6 months of age for everyone turning 62 in 2019.

4. Earnings limits will increase. The increase is from $17,040 in 2018 to $17,640, a $600 increase.

5. Social Security disability thresholds will increase. This is a modest change but worth mentioning for those that are getting SS with disabilities. Those that are legally blind will see an increase max of $70, to make it $2040 a month. And for everyone else, a $40 increase max to $1220.

6. You can view your COLA notice online. This is the first time you will be able to view your COLA notice online. You used to have to wait for this in the mail. Use this official SSA.gov portal link to sign up and view it.

I got all this info from Investopedia.

JaredS Wrote:

J.K.Logic Wrote: Does seem to be more up in the air than I thought. I wouldn't be so sure it doesn't go through the Supreme Court and they decide to rule with the judge. Trump did make the court majority conservative.

I long ago stopped making predictions about Supreme Court rulings, but I would be shocked if Chief Justice Roberts overrules his own 2012 opinion largely upholding Obamacare. He is well aware of the politicization of the Courts and has to know him doing an about face and sabotaging Obamacare after voting to uphold it will be a self-inflicting wound he may not be able to dig himself out of.

Nothing surprises me anymore though, so take what I say with a grain of salt.