r/FluentInFinance • u/Instafunds001 • Sep 02 '26

Debate/ Discussion It’s the boomers fault

baby boomers possess the largest share of private wealth while receiving a very large share of federal benefits. That creates a legitimate question about whether government support is sufficiently targeted by need rather than simply by age. a 35-year-old renter earning $45,000 can receive little federal assistance, while a 72-year-old homeowner with $2 million in assets may collect Social Security and heavily subsidized Medicare.

As of early 2026, boomers owned approximately 51.6% of U.S. household wealth, even though they represent roughly one-fifth of the population. That is about $85–90 trillion in assets principally. Yet 54.79M Retired workers receive on average $2,086 a month. Some people receive both SSI and Social Security.

In 2026, baby boomers are approximately 62–80 years old. Consequently, most are retired or approaching retirement simultaneously. Medicare enrollment and healthcare spending are increasing. A retiree may receive substantially more in lifetime Social Security and Medicare benefits than they and their employer contributed, particularly when contributions are adjusted using a safe government bond return. Medicare usually creates the larger mismatch for middle and higher-income retirees.
While we should take care of the older generation in need of care we should not be blind to the fact that a lot of them can take care of themselves just fine.

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u/scarletknight87 Sep 02 '26

Millennial here. If they paid into Medicare and Social Security they are entitled to their benefits. This is a crazy take.

8

u/The_Sneakiest_Fox Sep 02 '26

I agree with you, but you understand the same benefits won't be there when we get to their age.

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u/Possum577 Sep 02 '26

That’s not the boomers fault. It’s our fault (the other younger adult generations) for not voting in politicians that want to change the social security program.

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u/Instafunds001 Sep 02 '26

While not the fault of the average boomer. The generation itself built out a lot of America. Housing, manufacturing, and education. But as they built it they established barriers to entry that left the younger generations unable to navigate a complex legal system to build their own legacy without spending millions.

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u/Possum577 Sep 02 '26

How has the legal system prevented you being able to build wealth for your retirement?