Social Security's Trust Fund Runs Dry in 2033—Triggering a 25% Automatic Benefit Cut

The 2025 trustees report moves the insolvency date forward one year to 2033. After that, payroll taxes will only cover 75% of promised benefits, forcing an automatic across-the-board cut for every retiree. For near-term retirees and long-term investors modeling their finances, this is no longer a distant threat—it's now inside the planning window.