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Issues in Economics Today
Issues in Economics Today
Robert Guell, Indiana State University

Social Security

Glossary


asset substitution effect  Government is saving for you, thus you will save less for yourself.
average index of monthly earnings (AIME)  The monthly average of the 35 highest earnings years adjusted for wage inflation
bankrupt  The state of having insufficient assets to pay obligations.
bequest effect  People save more to give larger gifts to their descendants, thus increasing national savings.
externalities  Effects created by an unregulated market on people other than the buyer or seller
fully funded pension  A system that has an amount currently invested that is sufficient to pay every benefit dollar it is required to pay in the future.
induced retirement effect  People need to save more if they are going to retire earlier than they would have without Social Security.
maximum taxable earnings  The maximum of taxable earnings subject to the payroll tax.
means test  Determination of the amount of one's government benefit on the basis of income or wealth.
pay-as-you-go pension  A system where current workers' taxes are used to pay pensions to current retirees.
payroll taxes  Taxes owned on what workers earn from their work.
primary insurance amount (PIA)  The amount single retirees receive in a monthly check if they retire and their retirement age.
retirement age  The age at which retirees get full benefits.
Social Security Trust Fund  A fund established in 1982 to hold government debt which will be sold as necessary when tax revenues are less than benefits.




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