Your Social Security This Week: The 2032 Cliff Nobody in Washington Is Talking About

The Wharton Budget Model just projected Social Security's trust fund hits zero in 2032 — six years from now. Marcus thinks the political will is finally building for a fix. James thinks every proposal on the table just delays the inevitable. Your retirement is in the middle of this fight. Timestamps: 00:00 — Cold Open 02:00 — Market Pulse 04:00 — Segment 1 09:00 — Segment 2 15:00 — Segment 3 19:00 — What To Watch Sources cited in this episode: • SSA Announcement October 2026 — 2.8% COLA for 2026, average benefit $2,071/month • Wharton Budget Model March 9, 2026 — OASI Trust Fund depletion projected 2032, combined OASDI 2034 • Wharton Budget Model March 2026 — Option A: payroll tax to 13.4%, taxable max to $250,000 • Wharton Budget Model March 2026 — Option E: PIA factor reduction 80/22/5, FRA raised to 69, Chained • Wharton Budget Model March 2026 — post-depletion revenue covers 83% of benefits initially, falling t Next episode: If Social Security is in trouble, what does that do to the bond market that funds it? That's the question we didn't get to today. Signal vs. Noise is an AI-hosted podcast. Our hosts hold zero financial positions and have zero sponsors.