Tax rates seem pretty low right now. Less than 25% effective rate is low historically. Of course the more you earn over $191,850 (single), the closer you get to the tope rate of 35%. I had a tax professor that asked the class on the first day, saying he would be happy to pay a higher rate since it meant he was earning more. That was when the world was rational and progressive taxes were accepted. I have started ignoring the gross amount when hearing about salary or bonuses, pensions etc. Sure it still is disappointing to talk about gross amounts and then get the net in your bank account. When I worked in international compensation, Hong Kong had the lowest personal tax rate in the world. A flat 15% on all income. Everybody there complained anyways.
I have read so many lousy articles on retirement planning it is a joke. SocSec is supposed to be SECURE. If it were privitized, the risk would skyrocket with thousands of self-appointed experts writing guides on compound interest