Self-Employment Tax Shock, Social Security Insolvency, & A Widow's Retirement Plan (4/25/2026)

A simple tax question turns into a bigger realization: even if you don't owe income tax, you can still owe thousands in self-employment tax. Brian and Alex break down why a new graduate's tax bill didn't disappear after the standard deduction—and how Social Security and Medicare taxes quietly hit 1099 income at ~15%, catching a lot of people off guard. They shift into the real math behind Social Security—how a system that started at 1% contributions grew to over 15%, why it's under pressure, and what would actually have to change to keep it functioning. They challenge common fears around "running out of money" while explaining why the system is more likely to be altered than disappear. The duo also tackles concentrated stock risk, using a long-term Micron example to illustrate the tension between holding winners and having a plan to exit. A standout segment features a recent widow navigating retirement with limited assets, raising key questions around survivor benefits, Social Security timing, and turning $250K into sustainable income.   Listen, Watch, Subscribe, Ask! https://www.therealmoneypros.com Hosts: Brian Wiley & Alex Lundgren ————————————————————— Ataraxis PEO https://ataraxispeo.com Tree City Advisors of Apollon: https://www.treecityadvisors.com Apollon Wealth Management: https://apollonwealthmanagement.com/ —————————————————————