Thank you for the thoughtful reply, Mel.

I do have some hopes for SSN, assuming it hasn't been limited or gutted by the time I get there (I'm 57). Along with those hopes I plan to shrink my lifestyle as far as I can by reducing physical stuff (3300+ books) and moving to a smaller space.

It probably won't be enough. For one, I have family members to care for. For another, there are chances of economic instability which can make life much harder. And I'm terrified of medical costs. Honestly, some days I am grateful for the insurance policy which my family can live on when I die.