Not debt free in the golden years

Jane Sptk

New Member
Location
Midwest
Hi I'm new to senior forums. I'm 73 and my 53 yr old daughter has been staying with us for the last 8 Mos. and my gs has been unemployed for 10 ms. My daughter having medical problems and not able to do alot of things. So we've gone into alot of debt to credit cards and have a sizeable bank loan we're trying to pay back.
I'm sure alot of seniors are in the same situation taking care of family. But I wish at this age we weren't in so much debt.
 

You & your husband are the ship that's keeping the family afloat. The problem is the ship is overcrowded, and leaking. And to be honest, your 'gs' doesn't sound like he's waiting for a slot to open up for a NASA rocket scientist. Yes, you care about the people you love, but if your ship sinks, you all go down. I used to be in debt, and it's a weight I was always carrying around with me. I hope your struggle eases up.
 
Hi I'm new to senior forums. I'm 73 and my 53 yr old daughter has been staying with us for the last 8 Mos. and my gs has been unemployed for 10 ms. My daughter having medical problems and not able to do alot of things. So we've gone into alot of debt to credit cards and have a sizeable bank loan we're trying to pay back.
I'm sure alot of seniors are in the same situation taking care of family. But I wish at this age we weren't in so much debt.
Welcome jane...

Welcometogroup.gif
 
I think they call us the "sandwich generation" Some Boomers are helping their parents and their children. I'm not clear on whether the bulk of the debt was caused by helping your daughter and GS. It may be hard to find work these days for a myriad of reasons. One way is to find out if anyone the family knows...knows of a place that's hiring.

It would be good if your grandson not only starts working but realizes after finding work that he must contribute to your household. Does your daughter qualify for any kind of aid? Perhaps a legitimate debt consolidation agency could help you manage your debt. Hoping you can work things out before as @fuzzybuddy said...you wind up sinking. That being said...


Welcome Glitter Butterfly.gif
 
Yes, you care about the people you love, but if your ship sinks, you all go down.
well stated, Fuzzy

Ya'll need some counseling.......and soon

There's programs for those situations
Search them out

Cut up them credit cards
Eat bread and mayo sandwiches
Dink water, not soda
Put a livable budget together
Tell the bank what you can do
Most times they'll work with reality

Do you have equity in your home?
If so, you might be able to tap it to dig out from under that pile of debt
Not really the best way to go, as interest rates are quite high right now, but beats credit card interest.

Otherwise, going bankrupt would clean the slate, if that's even an option

Otherwise, find a way to consolidate your debt into one doable monthy payment

As @fuzzybuddy sez. ya'll will be on the street

Don't know what part of the country you reside, but two incomes should be enough to see a light at the end of the tunnel if rents arent too nuts

I'm only writing this because I've been in your shoes

When our son went schizoid, I ran up some incredible debt to get him situated

It took five years to get everything paid off, but you and yours have to garner a mind set to get 'er done

You can do it, but it takes commitment from all parties

Consider cutting the cable and internet
Make things less inviting
Your GS and daughter might just find some sort of employment......any
It'll be a help, not a hindrance

You'll need more than luck
You'll need stamina

I wish you well
 
Last edited:
well stated, Fuzzy

Ya'll need some counseling.......and soon

There's programs for those situations
Search them out

Cut up them credit cards
Eat bread and mayo sandwiches
Dink water, not soda
Put a livable budget together
Tell the bank what you can do
Most times they'll work with reality

Do you have equity in your home?
If so, you might be able to tap it to dig out from under that pile of debt
Not really the best way to go, as interest rates are quite high right now, but beats credit card interest.

Otherwise, going bankrupt would clean the slate, if that's even an option

Otherwise, find a way to consolidate your debt into one doable monthy payment

As @fuzzybuddy sez. ya'll will be on the street

Don't know what part of the country you reside, but two incomes should be enough to see a light at the end of the tunnel if rents arent too nuts

I'm only writing this because I've been in your shoes

When our son went schizoid, I ran up some incredible debt to get him situated

It took five years to get everything paid off, but you and yours have to garner a mind set to get 'er done

You can do it, but it takes commitment from all parties

Consider cutting the cable and internet
Make things less inviting
Your GS and daughter might just find some sort of employment......any
It'll be a help, not a hindrance

You'll need more than luck
You'll need stamina

I wish you well
Excellent advice, as always, @Gary O' :)

I'm 77 and recently lost my husband quite suddenly. I also lost his pension and now live only on SS. I've trimmed our previous living expenses down to the bare necessities. I cut the cable and don't miss it. I am frugal with grocery shopping, etc., etc. You get the picture.

I'm sure there's a lot more to your story @Jane Sptk . Does your daughter qualify for any kind of disability? How old is your grandson? What kind of work does he do? I see signs in windows everywhere looking for help.

I'm sure there's help out there for you. You shouldn't have to lose everything. Talk to the bank. They have advisors that can help you.
 
I get the feeling that perhaps just telling SOMEONE about your fears and angst is what this is about. This is a great venue for advice, friendship, support. If you want help…ask. Most people have had both ups and downs. Most have families that have various interactions with them. Do not give up…get mad and proactive rather than reactive. Welcome…take a breath and join in.
 
Hi I'm new to senior forums. I'm 73 and my 53 yr old daughter has been staying with us for the last 8 Mos. and my gs has been unemployed for 10 ms. My daughter having medical problems and not able to do alot of things. So we've gone into alot of debt to credit cards and have a sizeable bank loan we're trying to pay back.
I'm sure alot of seniors are in the same situation taking care of family. But I wish at this age we weren't in so much debt.
Welcome and I hope things work out for you soon.
 
I wouldn’t turn unsecured credit card debt into secured debt by borrowing from your house. You can always go bankrupt from unsecured debt if things are really bad. Your gs needs a job now. Welcome to the forum!!
 
This is, has been, and always will be.....
The plight of those who somehow...someway... thought that they didn't have to save and invest and have the house PAID OFF!..... before age 65
And...for some reason, the same people attract the sponges in the family who ...ALSO... never made any financial plans.

(and stuck to them) 🫣
 


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