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Posted November 7, 2008
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Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Single Handed
I don't have any way to send a video, but I can tell you my story.
I'm 57, single, never married, no kids, and am presently on social security disability. I am grateful for but hate being dependent on this. I used up my savings waiting to get disability. Now after paying billls and insurance, I have just over $200/month to use for groceries, car, expenses that come up and entertainment. I rarely go anywhere that costs money, and if so its not much.
I pay all my bills as soon as I get my disability check deposited. I have one small balance on a credit card of $400 with a $500 limit. I am almost finished paying on a vet bill - I do have two cats - that is a couple of years old, and that money will go to the credit card when the vet bill is paid in full. Some days of every week, my car sits idle and I go nowhere, so gas isn't much. But my car is 10 years old and does need some work, which I cannot pay for now. Recently I put my utilities on average payment plans to help with their growing costs.
A huge expense for me is medical insurance. I have Medicare, and the State pays my premiums because I am considered low income. But a supplimental policy is $153/month, and car insurance for liability alone and rental insurance is $52.month.
And my last problem is that I owe $32,000 in student loans and have no way to pay on these. Ti sis disturbing to me and a constant source of stress, knowing that I owe anyone this much money!
I have two goals that I don't know how to achieve. One is to find work I can do, preferably my own business and to get off of disability.
My other desire is to have a way to save some money. I know I don't have much now to work with, but I really miss having money to be abailable if something happens. I also worry about what I'll do a few years from now when I'm older and have nothing more than Social Security.
I believe there are a lot of people in this country who are like me: single, very limited income, and no savings. Single people are often overlooked when talking about finances unless they are widows or widowers. In my demographic there are many single people who are living alone and need help to prepare for the rest of their lives.
There are so many rules with government monies that I never know what I am allowed to save how to make a move to get off of government help. I never thought I'd be in this position when I was healthy. I have a great mind and want to work, but I need someone to guide me through the steps to make me independent financially. Please consider me for your counsel! Thank you.
- TAGS:
- headline_news,
- money_coach,
- clark_howard
- GROUPS:
- Morning Express,
- HLNtv,
- My life
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