Retirement! A time in people’s lives that they dream of wait for longingly, and too often do not plan for. Retirement is not for the young! The best benefit is that I can nap whenever I want! And believe me, I want to nap often! I was enjoying a snuggly spring nap on a cold 28-degree spring day, and we should let the current weather dictate when spring is, not some date on the calendar. In the distance, I heard the mail car drop off my mail. Being retired, I have little things I look forward to, such as phone calls and texts, and I like getting the mail most days. I call my dogs, “Let’s go get the mail!” they happily join me as we trek out to the mailbox. The mail can bring discount coupons for pizza or burgers and birthday or anniversary cards. It may contain the local newspaper with ads for items on sale and local happenings. We approached the mailbox with excited anticipation. I looked into the mailbox with the glee of a child opening Christmas presents. I found: No cards, newspapers, or ads, just bills!
I understand the whole economy gig, as I began working when I was 12. I’m still employed part-time today, but bills are an unwanted pestilence on retired folks and many others trying to survive in our high-inflation economy. Recent ALICE data has shown that of the 4,000 Michigan residents, 39% or 1.5 million struggle to meet their monthly living expenses. Wow! Upon retirement, I learned the term “Fixed Income.” This is a misnomer; my income is not fixed; it’s “Broken!” once you’re retired, your income will not go up enough to keep up with inflation. Yes, Social Security gives a slight yearly increase, and at the same time, it takes up to half of it and increases Medicare costs. Then, of course, your Medi-Gap insurance goes up also.
Some people, like me, are lucky with their health and can work a part-time job to increase their income. For most of my adult life, I remember hearing monthly about; “Cost Of Living” increases; I do not remember decreases! Also, the cost-of-living compounds each year. Many people just adjust their lifestyle to meet these new costs. Look at the cost of groceries and their increases, health insurance costs more than most people’s house payments. A friend of mine was ill last year, and between premiums and deductible costs, it was more than half of their entire retirement income for the year. Cars cost as much as houses did 20 years ago. Home and auto insurance continues to cost more. Dining out and recreation activities: Going to a movie, a baseball or football game, and having popcorn, hot dogs, and pop for a family cost more than the tickets! “Sin” Taxes, as they call them on alcohol and cigarettes, make a bottle of holiday cheer unaffordable, and many people have resorted to rolling their own smokes. I do not recommend alcohol and cigarettes. I have heard they plan to initiate a “Fat Tax” on snack items and pop! They even considered adding toilet paper to the tax rolls! Talk about your cost of living!
In Michigan, Governor Snyder decided a few years back to initiate a State tax on retirement income, and you pay tax on Social Security. The Headley amendment helps seniors with property taxes, but they still go up with the housing market. There are senior discounts at many places: senior coffee, lunch specials, and dining before 5:00 p.m. discounts. Many seniors are okay with eating early; they take time to digest before going to bed.
We should consider earned privileges for people over 62 years old. How about not paying taxes on retirement or SS income? What about making health care more affordable? Reducing property tax by charging no tax on the first $100,000. Senior discounts on eating out no matter what time of day. Senior prices on movies, popcorn, and pop. And what about practicing some consideration, respect, and kindness toward the elderly? After all, we all hope to become elderly someday. You wake up one morning and have joined the club; you are a senior citizen. Some people have been ravaged by illness; some are frail due to the aging process. Movies like “Grumpy Old Men” and many comedies often make fun of people getting older.
Most older people are caring, fun-loving folks with many life experiences. You can learn a lot from them if you choose to, as they are walking history books! In many cultures, the elderly are revered and looked up to. Sometimes, the elderly need a little help and understanding, so consider offering to help them if they need help. Remember them during the holidays, which can be a very lonely time for them. It may improve the quality of your life! You may volunteer at a senior center or your church or just visit with the elderly in your neighborhood. Many programs are available to help with food, heating costs, and even some household repairs; call 211 to help find resources. Of course, many are world-class “Nappers!” It is time for me to resume my nap!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – Joel Author of: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer”. joelmvernier@aol.com
