[markids77]

Originally Posted by lspencer534

That depends on what you consider as rich. There are about 700 retired Senators now, collecting an average of about $70,000 per year, less than half their full salary of $174,000. They do of course get full medical benefits for life. Franken made about $50,000 in SNL residuals in 2012 (last year I could find a figure for) and an unknown amount of book royalties. His books were popular when first released, but they're old now.

So he collects at least $120,000 a year after his resignation....but he's 66-years-old, and the residuals and royalties will eventually end. He will get COLA increases (tied to Social Security amounts) in his retirement pay.

Not destitute by any means, but he better have an ample self-funded retirement account.

The 70K with paid health insurance would cover my current standard of living almost adequately, and $120K would allow extravagances like guided hunts for pheasant in the Dakotas, and cast and blasts for birds and monster pike in Canada. Plus a real Choo Choo Elkie! Our needs are possibly simpler than either a disgraced Senator or retired southern lawyer.