re: In just a few years, the average retiree will be receiving 37% more in SS than he paid in

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I have no interest in paying more into the government coffers under the guise of keeping SS solvent. I wouldn't be surprised if they implement a means test by the time I retire.

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Re: Means Testing

First, SS’s payout formula is bracketed. It favors lower-wage workers. The SS payment system entails three brackets or average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) "bend points." SS payment is allocated at 90% of the first $1,115 of AIME, 32% of AIME between $1,115 and $6,721, and 15% of AIME over $6,721. ( LINK).

So, although higher-wage workers receive larger monthly checks in absolute terms, they receive less back in Social Security benefits per dollar of tax paid over their lifetimes. At the extremes, the difference in the implicit rate of return on those contributions is enormous.

Second is income taxation. Once a beneficiary’s total income (including half of Social Security benefits) exceeds $25,000 ($32,000 for a married couple), SS payments are taxable, up to inclusion of one-half of benefits. When income (including half of Social Security benefits) exceeds $34,000 ($44,000 for a married couple) the portion of benefits included in taxable income escalates, up to a maximum inclusion of 85% of benefits. This provision is designed to have no effect on the low-income elderly, while gradually increasing its impact as total incomes rise.

So SS is basically means tested now.