Financing Student Loans

Larry from Ravena, N.Y., suggests lowering the age of full Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare eligibility to 60. His goal is to create new job openings and to stimulate the economy. Fichtner proposes an alternate plan — do not deduct payroll taxes for workers above a certain age. He believes this would encourage companies to hire older workers and people to continue working in their 60's. Anrig sympathizes with Larry's goal and says that people should be discussing ways to help older Americans who are struggling.

Chris from North Hollywood, Calif., wants to tie repayment of student loans to school performance based on how much a student earns in the workforce. Fichtner worries that forcing universities to repay the debt of unsuccessful students would discourage schools from taking disadvantaged students who could benefit most from a prestigious education. Anrig agrees that something should be done to curb growing student loan debt but doesn't think that this is the best solution to the problem.

Music: "21st Century Breakdown" by Green Day