54 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: Living with no Retirement money
I had a neighbor (she's 95) who lived in the same apartment for just about 30 years. Her Social Security was less than $1000 as of 2024. She qualified for snap benefits, Medicaid and a Senior commodity program along with a homemaker aide. The rent on her apartment went according to her income, she paid for electric, home phone, cell phone, internet/TV. She had a nice apartment, clothes and a dog. As of about 6 years ago she got rid of her car and took public transportation. She had everything she really needed but no real extras.
When she did need or want something special her kids or friends helped her out. She made it all work and she never complained. She was a very happy lady. She went to church on a regular basis and there was a drop in center she went to along with some of her friends. She didn't let being poor define who she was nor get her down.
In November she was no longer able to live alone and went to live with one of her children who lives out of state. She had 3 daughters that lived close to her and they were able to help her. She had no savings, retirement, 401k nor emergency fund. When she worked it was at a local nursing home as an aide.
Comment by Jitterbug26 at 06/02/2025 at 01:52 UTC
24 upvotes, 2 direct replies
Sounds like your neighbor was my mom! (Not really - my mom died at 88). But $1,000/month social security, subsidized housing (even little towns have that), Meals on Wheels, Medicaid for life expenses….and us daughters for new clothing, Bath and Body lotion, meals out, etc. You can do it - but you have to be satisfied with little.