Social Security has been effective for 70 years; prior predictions of its demise have been totally overstated.

Latinas' life expectancies are relatively long. When a current retiree hits 65 and begins receiving her benefit check, she can expect to live another 22 years. That life expectancy is higher than white women or men.

I am not criticizing investing in the stock market; I am an investor.

Latinos are disproportionately more likely to be injured on the job than other ethnic groups.

Because of my own experience with market fluctuation, I recognize the great risks one takes on investments. This converts the Social Security safety net into a risky proposition many cannot afford to take.

Our Hispanic community needs to understand how important the Social Security system is for not only its retired citizens, but also its disabled workers.

Almost half of all Latinas currently on Social Security rely exclusively on their benefit check in retirement.