Core Insights - Millions of retired Americans rely primarily on Social Security for their income, which is not a sustainable financial strategy [2][4] - The average monthly Social Security benefit is approximately $2,015, translating to just over $24,000 annually, which is insufficient for most retirees [4] - Social Security is projected to face significant financial challenges in the next decade, particularly as baby boomers retire, leading to potential benefit cuts unless legislative action is taken [5] Financial Implications - Social Security is expected to replace only about 40% of an average paycheck, which may not be adequate for retirees [4] - The program's trust funds are at risk of depletion, which could necessitate benefit reductions unless new funding sources are identified [5] - Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) often do not keep pace with inflation, particularly in healthcare costs, which disproportionately affect retirees [6][8] Recommendations for Financial Security - Relying solely on Social Security can lead to income shortfalls in retirement, making it essential to consider additional income sources [10] - Investing in ETFs that provide steady income is suggested as a viable strategy to supplement Social Security benefits [10] - Understanding the limitations of Social Security can help individuals plan for a more secure retirement [11]

Core Insights - Monthly-paying exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are gaining popularity among income investors due to their convenience and ability to compound faster compared to traditional quarterly dividend stocks [3][4] Group 1: High-Yield Monthly ETFs - The article highlights three high-yield monthly ETFs: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI), Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD), and Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV) [4][5] - These ETFs offer sustainable yields that can help investors stay ahead of inflation, which is currently at 3.1% [4] Group 2: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) - JEPI is an actively managed fund that combines a defensive portfolio of U.S. large-cap stocks with a systematic options-selling strategy, aiming for lower volatility than the broader market [7] - The ETF has an 8.4% dividend yield and a low expense ratio of 0.35%, or $35 per $10,000 [9] Group 3: Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) - SPHD targets the 75 highest-yielding stocks in the S&P 500 and selects the 50 with the lowest volatility, resulting in a yield of 3.65% and an expense ratio of 0.30%, or $30 per $10,000 [11] - This ETF is designed for investors seeking above-average income with reduced price volatility [10] Group 4: Global X SuperDividend ETF (SDIV) - SDIV focuses on maximizing cash flow by investing in the 100 highest-yielding dividend stocks globally, offering a yield of 10% and an expense ratio of 0.58%, or $58 per $10,000 [14] - The ETF's high yield comes with increased risk, as many holdings may be smaller or cyclical companies [15]