Skip to navigationSkip to main contentSkip to right columnADVERTISEMENTSelena Maranjian, The Motley FoolSat, July 18, 2026 at 10:50 PM GMT+2 3 min readSocial Security is facing a funding shortfall -- and, therefore, retirees are facing a possible reduction in income. It may not happen because there are ways to bolster the program, but right now, it's headed for trouble.That may be alarming, but it's probably not the biggest thing to worry about in your retirement.Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »Image source: Getty Images.What's going on with Social Security?Social Security works by collecting taxes from workers and using the revenue to pay benefits to retirees. The system has worked so well for many decades that Social Security has long run a surplus.But that surplus is running dry. With more people living longer and retiring earlier, Social Security is paying out more than it collects. Check out how the ratio of workers to Social Security beneficiaries has shrunk over time.YearRatio of Covered Workers to Beneficiaries194541.919558.619753.219853.319953.320053.320152.820202.720252.62035*2.3Data source: Social Security Administration.*projected, in the 2025 Social Security Trustees reportIf nothing is done to strengthen it,