Would have loved to see the video but it was marked PRIVATE and would not play.
Cheyenne Shepardof MA3:12AM December 18, 2011
A) "...even Kirk could do it."? They [ssa.gov] *had* to go there, knowing Takei and Shatner's history? SMH, LoL..
B) This commercial is illogical: makes no sense for Patty Duke (who was never in any "Trek" show/movie) *as* herself [a real person who can get Social Security] to reference Kirk [a fictional character who can't], or, indirectly, reference William Shatner [a Canadian citizen]. From what I saw in the ssa.gov website, you have to be a U.S. citizen to get Social Security (long term)--or become one shortly after you begin to collect.
C) Very bad editing: if you say 'Let me be honest w/you,' you follow that with a statement; you don't ask a question.
PurpleTrekkieof NY11:16AM April 17, 2011
If they make further changes to Social Security, it won't occur to people close to retirement. I'm 60 1/2 and retired on a small pension and have to decide when to start collecting Social Security. I decided to make sure my nest egg doesn't get spent too fast so I make it to at least 63 1/2 before retiring: that resulting in an extra $2000/year in Social Security checks.
I downloaded the SS calculator from the SS website and entered the numbers off my annual statement to get info on how much I'd get any month after reaching 62.
It turns out that if I wait until 63 1/2, I get about $2000 more/year in 2015 [first full year of collecting] than if I begin collecting at 62. At 64, just six more months it's $2800. If I wait until 66, I'd collect $7000 more in 2017 than if I start at 62. All that's based on 3% COLAs.
I figured that if I started collecting at 62 and saved the money, until say 64, then used that savings to makeup for the difference between 62 and 64 rates, I'd need to make 7.4% interest for the saved money to last until age 80.
So it's worth waiting. I could use an extra $2000 or more per year. Right now, I expect to live comfortably with a small pension plus social security but if COLA's don't live up to real inflation, if health care costs continue to rise for Seniors, etc. that extra $2000 might be the difference between a nice vacation and none.
The Mickof MD9:56AM April 10, 2011
I agree... If eligible, collect it while you can. The path we are on now will mean the demise of these programs. Maximize what you can collect, of course. And remember too that you will be taxed on this even though you were already taxed on it when you paid it in.
The other poster was correct in observing that George is wearing a Command gold tunic with captains braid (but it is missing the command insignia breast badge.
Patty is wearing the Sciences division blue tunic with Lt. braid on the sleeve, also missing the sciences breast insignia.
I like the spot, and really think this is a good way to get across the message.
Now if we can only get the government to stop spending trillions on things we don't need (like Obamacare) that are only accellerating the demise of needed programs like this while bankrupting us individually and on a national basis.
Star Trek Fanof MO8:32PM April 08, 2011
This is a great way to get us boomers to take notice of what we can now do at home. I have waited in a looong line at the SS office and it's no picnic.
People of our age remember Patty and Sulu very well. While many of the youngsters may be familiar with Star Trek, perhaps not so much with Patty Duke. It was a pleasure to see her again.
Dianaof FL1:35PM April 08, 2011
The only risk I see to waiting for a larger benefit is this: Will Social Security and Medicare exist? Many of us baby boomers fear that these programs and the size of benefits will be cut by Congress. I say, get it now. Don't forget the time value of money. Even if you don't need it, get it, invest it, and it's yours until Uncle Sam cuts it off.
Patriciaof TX1:35PM April 08, 2011
Look closely...he is a captain...check the bars on his sleeve...Admiral? I don't think so...
Mikeof VA1:25PM April 08, 2011
At least they could have made him "Captain Sulu", or even Admiral. he deserves it!
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Cheyenne Shepard of MA 3:12AM December 18, 2011
PurpleTrekkie of NY 11:16AM April 17, 2011
The Mick of MD 9:56AM April 10, 2011
Star Trek Fan of MO 8:32PM April 08, 2011
Diana of FL 1:35PM April 08, 2011
Patricia of TX 1:35PM April 08, 2011
Mike of VA 1:25PM April 08, 2011
Carol Geyer of OH 1:06PM April 08, 2011