Don’t qualify for low income but struggling with “normal” prices

4 years ago when I got divorced I knew I would be on a tight budget. Luckily we had a house to sell. Rent is too high here so I bought a small condo. I’m an extrovert but still wouldn’t live with anyone. I’d live in a studio before doing that.

Contact your local department of aging through the county or state to see what assistance is available in your area.

I went through my budget and either eliminated or reduced everything that was unnecessary. I used some savings to complete my bucket list travel.

Luckily I have 3 graduate degrees so can still work at a decent rate on a part time basis which I still do at 70. Now that I’m collecting my full SS my budget isn’t as tight but I’m saving more money instead of upgrading my lifestyle.
 

Rae said:
I wish the prices of everything would quit going up so high. It is hard to make ends meet. I am trying to figure out how to cut some of our bills. I really hope that people can get help in these trying times.
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this is so true. At least here in the UK, if you rent your home rather than own it.. if you are on a very low income or lose your job and have no income, Social security benefits will pay the rent... so you don't lose your home...

However if we own our homes there is no such financial help for the mortgage payments
 
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It has always seemed to me that what we think we need to survive differs radically from person to person. I was soooo broke in my 20’s that it gave me great survival skills. Even having plenty to spare I mentally hold back. I feel like Scarlett when she declares “I will never be hungry again” in Gone With The Wind.
 
Muskrat said:
It has always seemed to me that what we think we need to survive differs radically from person to person. I was soooo broke in my 20’s that it gave me great survival skills. Even having plenty to spare I mentally hold back. I feel like Scarlett when she declares “I will never be hungry again” in Gone With The Wind.
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Ditto..... in my early 20's I had a baby.. and a husband who was away at sea with the Royal Navy earning an absolute pittance
By the time I bought everything needed for the baby including her food.., there was a tiny amount left for food for me.. I would go months just eating potatoes and eggs.....I couldn't even afford to buy myself underwear... much less clothing or shoes...
I literally know dozens of ways to cook eggs and potatoes..lol.. but in seriousness, like you..it taught me how to budget to the last penny...
 
hollydolly said:
Ditto..... in my early 20's I had a baby.. and a husband who was away at sea with the Royal Navy earning an absolute pittance
By the time I bought everything needed for the baby including her food.., there was a tiny amount left for food for me.. I would go months just eating potatoes and eggs.....I couldn't even afford to buy myself underwear... much less clothing or shoes...
I literally know dozens of ways to cook eggs and potatoes..lol.. but in seriousness, like you..it taught me how to budget to the last penny...
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US Military dependents qualify for assistance from housing to food to medical and everything inbetween. You did not work?
 
TinaM said:
Are you in this boat? My rent is just at the point where I have had to give up a number of monthly things but I don’t qualify for low income housing.

When I peruse apartments online to consider moving, and it could be anywhere because I don’t have family in the US, the affordable ones all have income restrictions. It’s so frustrating. My current place increases the rent by $100 every year but there aren’t any other choices where I would feel safe and can have my pets with me.

Only other choice is a roommate but I have trouble being around other people 24/7 due to an anxiety disorder.

How in the world do people do it?
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Having a room mate does not mean that you need to be around that person 24/7.
Sure, some compromises will need to be made. Sharing bathroom, kitchen facilities.
When I shared with someone, yes, it drove me a little batty. Having lived on my own forever. I coped by ensconcing myself in my bedroom for a lot of the two years I was in that situation.
I was not nasty towards my flat-mate, civility being the best way forward. I also spent a lot of time outside, doing my artwork pursuits.
When I was not super sensitive I would even sit down and talk to the person.
Yes, it was not my ideal living arrangement but I got through it.
Maybe you could consider looking to share with a lady of similar age, quite, non drinker and not the socialite type.
Place an advert in your local paper asking if there is someone similar to share.
Just a thought. It is very tough when one does not own a home.
 
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