I don’t have a million dollars.
I hate to start on a negative note, but it is true. Any YouTube financial guru will tell you that you must save up a million dollars to be able to live in relative comfort later in your Golden Years. Well, these Golden Years ain’t what they’re cracked up to be.
However, I have been blessed to exist just over the edge of poverty. I was widowed when I was 49 years old. I had a low-paying job that had been fine as a second income. Now I was receiving a half pension and what I earned on my own. Then, I lost my job. There was not enough to pay the rent, buy food, and fund the utilities. Well, you get the idea. The day I got home from a job interview to find my electricity turned off was a turning point for me. There was a cold, sleepless night of tears and grief. The next day I went into action, scraped the money together to turn the lights on, and found a new job. I learned to budget, I mean, really budget. Peanut butter and jelly are expensive line items, but they make up an excellent low-budget menu.
Five years later, I met my second husband. I can only say that I have been blessed to spend parts of my life with two wonderful men. We had 12 years together. He was the super-saver! I had not reached that point in my life. I had just been surviving. He taught me to change my mindset but I did not fully embrace it until I lost him too. Due to a small inheritance from my mother and my new status of Social Security pensioner and a second ( This time 100% ) husband-wife pension I was now considered on the cusp of lower middle class and upper poverty. It was an interesting place to be.
I was again facing myself as I stood on the edge. I was living in one of the most expensive states in the USA. My family was in their own life struggles, taking care of their own. I was making monthly payments on the electricity bill. I was eating. And that was that. In California, the term “Affordable Housing” is an oxymoron. My mother lived to 93. My grandmother lived to 100. If I was going to make it to the end of my money (I was 69) well…
So yeah, I moved to another state, on another coast, away from family, away from friends. Many people question me still. I don’t question me. I congratulate me on a job well done. I put money in savings and still actually plan some travels. And, thanks to modern technology, I communicate with family and friends just as much now as before. And I have new friends. Did I mention I have growing savings?
HUD released the 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), Part 1 on December 27, 2024. Since the last report, homelessness in the U.S. has increased by 18%, with approximately 770,000 people experiencing homelessness. Among people experiencing homelessness, 64% were staying in sheltered locations, while 36% were experiencing unsheltered homelessness in places not meant for human habitation. Among seniors, you can up that 36% to 48%, “living” in unlivable locations and situations. The estimated number of homeless individuals over 70 is projected to be around 50,000.
- The population of homeless seniors is increasing due to rising living costs and inadequate pensions.
- Many older homeless individuals suffer from chronic health issues, including mental health disorders.
- A significant percentage of homeless seniors are veterans, often lacking access to necessary services. (Many money-raising efforts have recently been implemented for veterans. I understand that 12% of them have been helped. 82% are still waiting.)
- Shelters often have age restrictions, limiting options for older adults seeking help. (Believe it or not.)
- Social isolation is prevalent among homeless seniors, exacerbating their vulnerability.
The next time you see a homeless senior, please consider giving him/her that five-dollar bill you were going to use for coffee. Then, go home and start that savings account you always meant to start. Do it now while you can still be in charge of your life.
For those of you who have mothers, try to help her figure out her own future.
For those of you who are mothers, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
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