Dear Market Watch,
Thank you for including my sad predicament in your column. Somehow I failed without taking care of myself. I spent money to help my family, but I could not save anything. Two episodes of cancer have pretty depressed me, and I’m her 74 and have to keep working to pay off her $56,000 condo and her $8,000 car.
I want to retire so I can enjoy life for a few years. Is there anyone who can help me? Otherwise I will work until I die. My life has been nothing but misery of work and worrying about whether I will be able to pay my taxes and bills. It never occurred to me that I would have to work at 74.
My right leg is giving me problems.It could become cancer again.It hurts so much that I can hardly get up anymore. I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders and need injections. A bullet in his left knee. I have essential thrombosis and will be on medication for the rest of my life. I have too much iron in my blood so I have to bleed every two weeks until my ferritin levels drop to normal.
So is there anyone who can help me? I beg you.
look: We are in our 60s, my husband is going to work until he dies, and our medical bills are huge.
Dear Reader,
I am very sorry to hear about the struggle you are facing.
It’s difficult to give specific advice given the circumstances, but there are some resources available.
I asked if there is anyone who can help you. My first suggestion is to find a qualified financial her planner who offers pro bono work. There are advisors who work with their clients for free or charge very little.discoverable These advisors A few ways: Financial Planning Association, Board of Certified Financial Planners, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and others. You can also contact the Cancer Society. Many of them have professional networks that they can use to help those in need.
The Financial Planning Association has financial planning for cancer programs, and planners help families understand the financial circumstances behind this terrible disease.of program Developed at the Foundation for Financial Planning, family reachis an organization dedicated to helping people overcome financial obstacles related to cancer.
Need more actionable tips on your retirement savings journey? Read ‘MarketWatch’retirement hack digit
Also find out about possible governmental interests. welfare.govhas tools to categorize eligible programs and benefits, such as healthcare and food. There may be other organizations in your area that help with rental assistance or disability benefits.This website called Need help paying bills We have a list of suggestions and information about free grants, clothing, and job training.
Check your health insurance to make sure you’re adequately covered and that you’re getting the most out of your coverage from the start. This includes copayments, insurance premiums and reasonable prices for appropriate medications.
Check inventory of all assets and liabilities. For example, you said you still have to pay off the condo, but is it the house you plan to live in for the rest of your life? Have you considered to? If so, the sale could bring in extra cash for you to build your nest egg, and you’ll also spend less on taxes and utilities. The same goes for your car. Also applies to You may be able to find a cheaper car. You can also save money that way if you don’t mind after a few years. So that you’re safe (and don’t pay for regular repairs), make sure it’s in acceptable working condition.
See also 6 Places to Get Free Professional Financial Advice Now
And talk to your family and friends. You said you spent your life helping them, but can they help you now? Are there other ways you can get their help, such as
Trying to find small and cheap ways to enjoy life now beyond the obviously very real financial and medical obstacles. It may feel like it, but can you find the perfect spot to sit outside and enjoy the weather, nature, and roaming birds and animals? Is there a library or other center nearby that you can find? Building the relationships you already have, doing things like hosting a potluck with family and friends to spend quality time on a budget Can you? Happiness doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.One expert said that relationships Key To true happiness.
Reader: Do you have any suggestions for this reader? Please add it in the comments below.
Got questions about your own retirement savings?Email us HelpMeRetire@marketwatch.com
#work #day #die #years #savings #battling #medical #problems #retire #enjoy #life #years