NEW YORK (CNN/Money) – The Social Security debate is shaping up to be quite a noisy battle of idealogues, politicians, pundits and PR specialists.
That means truth – or at least the whole truth delivered in context – is sometimes sacrificed or exaggerated by both sides in the interest of making their point. Oh, and your friends and neighbors may have a few things wrong, too.
So beware the blarney.
In hopes of setting the record straight (or at least straighter), here is a starter list of myths, half-truths and overblown facts that have been flying around.
(Check back from time to time to see what's been added.)
Half-truth/exaggeration: Social Security is going bankrupt. Social Security is not going bankrupt.
Half-truth/exaggeration: The system is facing an $11 trillion shortfall.
Half-truth/exaggeration: There is a surplus. There is not a surplus.
Myth: Benefits will be cut for today's retirees.
Myth: Social Security benefits are guaranteed.
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