According to a recent article in the Washington Post, staff writer Amy Goldstein reported that the social security and medicare programs are in worse financial shape than reported just a year ago.

"The financial health of the social security system has eroded more sharply in the past year than at any time since the mid 1990's," said Goldstein.

She went on to say that "the social security trust fun will begin to spend more money than it takes in through tax revenues in 2016, one year sooner than predicted a year ago."

What does this mean for people nearing or in retirement? The message is coming through loud and clear that counting on government benefits to fund our retirements could be a huge mistake.

Hopefully, social security will be around for many years to come. But, in the mean time, keep saving and investing for your future.