Life on Social Security & Retirement - I Live Like a Queen Now But...
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- Опубліковано 17 січ 2023
- #livingonsocialsecurity
#seniorsonsocialsecurity
#rentpricesinTexas
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itscarolagain@gmail.com
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I have found very few women over 65 that live in a vehicle AND have a UA-cam channel but if you know of some please let me know. Box Van Dee and Lindy are two such ladies. You will find Glorious Life on Wheels interviewing many seniors though. Letty is in her 70's and may be living full time in her van now, I'm not sure.
Tell them Plain Vanilla Grandma sent you please!
search on UA-cam for:
🚙Glorious Life on Wheels
🚙Box Van Dee
🚙L.A.V.A Lindy's Awesome Van Adventure
🚙Living Life With Letty in a Van
🚙Vivian's Van Adventures
🚙Minivan Lee's This Nomadic Life
🚙You and Me Living Free
🚙Where Is Tiffany
🚙Butterfly Tracks
🚙Blue Wonder Lady
🚙RVrebel Girl
My husband and I live on social security and two small pensions. Our house is mortgage free, however the taxes, insurance and utilities continue to go up in price. It costs us $850.00 per month to live in a paid for house and that does not cover any repairs or maintenance. We are fine now, however someday the surviving spouse will need to bear this burden alone. Take care.
Hi Linda, That will be alot for 1 person. 😕 But thank goodness your home is paid for.
We also live in a paid for house, my insurance alone is $1k, a month
@cotsmuscle property tax +900,, one month. I am tired of mowing my lawn anymore 😢. I will think about it tomorrow 😂
I am a single person living on Social Security no pension my home is also paid for but my costs about half of yours
About the same for us
I am a 68 yr. Old full time traveler whom chose to sell my house and live in a minivan . I travel with a 9 yr. Old golden retriever.
I sold all my belongings. My family is all deceased. I feel so much better about not worrying about all the up keep of a house. I am healthier and for the past 2 years have not regretted my decision.
I follow the good weather and spend most my time outside.
I have a bed ,refrigerator/freezer, toilet and a generator.
Will travel as long as I'm healthy.
Hi Maryann! Welcome to my channel! I admire you so much for living life like you want to. Do you post videos? I will see if I can find your channel and sub!
Good Morning Carol!
I haven't started a u tube channel yet.
Thank you for your kind words.
I do hope I can help anyone considering this lifestyle.
There's always the ups and downs..but I am a survivor and I love the freedom of moving anywhere.
I just saw your videos yesterday ..now I need to catch up
GREAT JOB!
Wow. Good for you.
Way to go!
Sixty-four here, chose to minimize and live in my big hi-top camper eight years ago with my 3 cats (only one for the last 5 yrs.) while still working full time. Very recently retired, no rent/utilities, no debt. Have bed, stove, water, cooler that plugs into ciggy lighter, solar and USB lights, adequate storage, room to workout if weather prevents my hikes. Cat has her litterbox, I have mine😉. I know this lifestyle isn't doable or desirable for everyone, but for me, can't beat it.
Happy travels, be well.
What a crying shame!Social security should provide bett🎉er for our seniors.
My mom used to manage apartment complex that was for low income over 55 y.o. The rent was subsidized by HUD and cost 25% of income. That included utilities. Was a great place to live.
It's 30% where I live
Hi Carol. I wish our government would help seniors and veterans. It’s so sad to me. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Bonnie! I pop over and watch your channel but I don't want to enter your give-a-ways so I seldom comment. You are as beautiful as ever! And yes, our government should at least take better care of our veterans!!
They would rather help illegal immigrants
@@keepingitreal618exactly what I was going to say!! How can they help our own seniors and Veterans when they are giving thousands of dollars every month to people who aren't supposed to be here? Everyone who's on Social Security and struggling should be out in the streets protesting because it's outrageous what is going on..
Need to help ILLEGALS, ask Wrong Way Joe as you vote for him
The government is helping her with reduced rent, and she might get other assistance or be able to apply for it if she chose to. The Government does help seniors and veterans quite a bit if you look around.
I going to move into villas at pine grove. Lufkin tx. Brand new. 1 and 2 bedrooms. 55+ independent seniors. They go by your income. Gated community. Covered parking. All appliances. Washer and dryer hook ups. Pool, doggie park, 3 stories with elevators. Patio, community room. Work out room, library room with computer. Extra washer and dryer facility room.
Oh wow! That sounds WONDERFUL!!!! I hope you will send me pictures after you move in. I'm really happy for you. I will Google and see where Lufkin is! I just did... wow! By a national forest! It must be a gorgeous area!!!!
My rent is continually going up, increased $200 this year. Live nearDallas. It’s getting way too expensive and landlords do not like older renters. I’ve been getting the impression he wants me to move. So I am. I will send him a letter that I’m gone after I’ve moved because I can’t stand him harassing me any more. Luckily I can afford a nice little house in another state where the economy is more reasonable. Thank God I won’t have a landlord harassing me anymore.
Good for you. God Bless you!❤❤ Love from Grandma Debbie 🙋🧑🦽 and Dexter-Dog 🐕🐾🏠
Good for you, Sally. Let us know how you are doing after you move. I hope it is a wonderful experience!
That's horrible people can be cruel.
Lindy is a good example of how the government forces seniors onto their medical plans, limits the amount of money we can make, then doesn’t allow us to get affordable housing, or food. I have been diagnosed with an illness that I need Dupixent for. My insurance leaves me with a copay of $2,900 for a 28 day supply. Dupixent says if you can’t afford it they will pay the copay unless you are on government ins. So that excludes every single senior that needs this med. I never though America was like this until I became a senior.
Oh my gosh.... they will help you UNLESS you are on Medicare? Wow, yes, that eliminates every senior citizen. One time my psychiatrist prescribed an additional drug to boost my antidepressant. It was a new drug, name brand & no generic. I went to pick up the prescription and my portion would hace been over $900 a month. Why he even prescribed that to me knowing my income status... I saw him at the clinic for low income people. 🙄
Unfortunately the US is all about money. I have lived outside of the US for more than 10 years and other countries are not like the US in that respect. They take care of their citizens regardless of how much money they have.
I suffer with seasonal depression and the winters in Canada are brutal for me. I react badly to all antidepressants fortunately i can take a sleeping pill. So for six months of the year at least i can sleep. I may be depressed but i am not exhausted.
You can't blame it on the government. This is a lifetime of choices and not planning for the future. Americans would rather live beyond their means than to save for retirement.
Seniors are now the largest group in the homeless population. And seniors are the fastest growing population group in the homeless. Living in your car and being homeless, while it may seem attractive to some, is very hard on you both physically and psychologically. I hope you don’t end up doing that. Blessings to you
Extremely concerning
Truthfully, I know I can't live in a vehicle in the heat where I live. Sometimes I think it is going to come to that, but I will just have to do something else. However, as you said, seniors are the largest group in the homeless population, and probably thought they would never end up there.
Hi Carol! I can really relate to wanting to live somewhere else, I've been in the Midwest most of my life; at 67 I yearn for a different climate, view, and way of life. I live with my daughter and struggle with it - one day I'm happy and content in my (small) cozy bedroom and grateful for her having me here and the next day I'm plotting how I can get out of here and spend the last part of my life on my own. It's very hard to relinquish the role of head of your house when you live with an adult child, it's kind of a constant power issue. I dream of getting in the car and hitting the road!
Hi Patricia! I totally understand you! I'm so glad you visited with me. We are now expecting 8" of snow overnight!
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol , we're supposed to get a few inches too - we're stocked with plenty of snacks and books!
But it’s HER house. Not YOURS. So ungrateful. You’re just like my mom.
Hit the road. You’d be doing her a favor.
I'm originally from the Midwest too.
@@Mexicobeanpole , Please have respect for Carol and her channel. No need to make nasty comments based on incorrect assumptions.
Great share, Carol. 2 bedroom apartments here start at around $1800. I can’t imagine what someone on Social Security would do here. I’m glad that you have a place and I pray that you never have to make a decision like that. ❤❤❤
Oh wow! Just wow!
Thank you Carol. This is the truth of seniors situations and people don't understand why we won't move in with our children .
Lindy I watch you
I grew up watching The Waltons with 3 generations living together and it seems so sweet and fun and perfect but when I lived with my kids I didn't feel that way. I felt like a 3rd wheel in the way, and never felt like it was home.
Ive been watching you for about a month now too Lindy!
I can afford to stay in my mortgage-free home I will not be moving in with my children
Thank you. Just what I needed to watch.
My wife and I are directors of our farm business and own property, plus small pensions. I am nearly 55, my wife is 52.
We have started to save to retire from the farm, and possibly live on rental income, I'd really appreciate you go LIVE and talk about how to earn passive income online and retire comfortably, let’s say $1M.
you should consider financial planning
It isn’t about how much you save, it’s about how you manage your money. Whether you work to earn income or invest, it still boils down to income vs expenses, so yeah you may look into financial advisors for a strategy that suits your timing.
@@jessicasquire I totally agree, I'm 60 and newly retired with about 1.2 million outside retirement funds, no debt, and very small dollars in retirement funds compared to my portfolio balance over the past 3 years till date. tbh, the role of the investment advisor can only be overlooked, not denied. just have to do your research in finding a reputable one.
@@patrickbrussels4454 that's actually quite impressive, I could use some Info on your FA, I am looking to make a change on my finances this year as well.
@@Erikkurilla01 My specialist is *STEPHANIE KOPP MEEKS* I found her on a CNBC interview where she was highlighted and contacted her a while later. She has since give passage and leave focuses on the protections I center around. You can turn her upward on the web assuming you care oversight. I fundamentally follow her exchange design and haven't lamented doing as such.
I just now watched this video today. It is an excellent video. I hope I never have to live in a car or RV. I have car insecurities, so I'd be afraid the car would break down. And I don't know how to fix cars, and people take advantage of it, I've been ripped off by car mechanics so many times. Plus, I hate driving with a passion. I always have a fear of having a wreck. But I don't know how people afford rent. I just moved out of my one-bedroom apartment, it was $750 which was dirt cheap, but the lease ran out, and I think someone said the new lease was about 200 more. My daughter's lease also expired, so we moved in together in a 4-bedroom. This town has so many homeless people. There are signs up for jobs all over, but they probably don't pay enough to pay rent. I'm happy I'm living with my daughter, and I have my own bedroom, and it's convenient because I babysit her kids. At the old apartment, I shopped at Kroger & Publix. In this apartment, I shop at Food Lion because it is convenient. Walmart is also convenient, but there is no way I'm shopping at Walmart, it triggers my anxiety so badly. My ideal set-up would be an apartment, a grocery store, a post office, a library, a park, a gym, a church, a restaurant, an optical shop, & a smoothie shop all in the same shopping center - no driving required!
Good morning An. I sincerely hope I never have to live in a car but it makes me feel better to have a plan b. I'm glad you are sharing a house with your daughter and grandkids. I'm like you in that I would like everything I need in one place like little towns in cozy mysteries where you can walk to get everywhere within a couple of blocks.
I know I'm very blessed to live where I do and I love living here. I wish they would create a doggy park with grass for our dogs.... maybe someday. I have suggested it would be a lot less trouble than the pool.😁
Hello! I just found your channel and enjoyed your video! I also am a senior living alone. No way will I ever have a room mate, and I wouldn't want to be a nomad either. I live in a town of 6,500 in north western Illinois, and my 2 bedroom/1 bath apt. is $595 per month, and I love it! I just sold my 3 bedroom/2 bath mobile home two years ago as my health was/is failing, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about repairs and upkeep any more. I subscribed and will look forward to seeing more of your videos! Take care!
Thank you for subscribing! It is nice to meet you. Wow! Your rent is wonderful!
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol Yes, it's one of the perks of living in a "smallish" town. Take care!!
You're very blessed with your current housing! and for not a ton of money and you're allowed to have pets. Love it!
Hi Carol…rents are outrageous in Massachusetts. Senior apartments where I live all have waiting lists and usually a third of your income. Regular apartments are closer to 2000 a month. My grandchildren share a 3 bedroom for 2600. Plus they pay utilities. It’s crazy
Hi Sandra, A 3 bedroom for $2600 + utilities! Wow! My son lives in Seattle, very expensive place to live, and for quite a few years rented a house with roommates because everything is so expensive.
Did you ask if they accept your Housing Choice voucher (Section8)? Did you know your voucher is portable? You can use it at any property that accepts section 8. Most all of senior housing accepts it. My mother lived in a brand new apartment with her voucher. That was in Austin. She had a very spacious 2 bedroom apartment. Check it out.
Thank you for the info!
Please look into the book "Nomadland" by Jessica Bruder. It's an amazing account of real people living in vehicles. It was made into a film but I recommend the book! The book also touches on how many of these people spend January in Quartzsite AZ, and the situations that got them there. Fascinating read!
I will see if our library has it! Thanks!
I don't know how any of us make it on Social Security with the rent and utilities etc. It's very sad
It really is. I know I have more than most because I have my retirement but I still struggle. And pray that Texas Municipal Retirement System never goes belly up!
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol oh I know
I have a paid for mortgage so I don't worry about rent I feel my utilities insurance and real estate taxes are affordable been living on social security for 5 years
Social Security was never meant to provide enough money to live on 100%. People are supposed to save some money to live on but instead buy big houses and cars and live like there's no tomorrow.
We were never meant to live only on Social Security. It was to supplement us and we were supposed to save money for retirement.
great insight..i lost my husband of 40 years to brain cancer in October of last year.
I am 60 and he was 67... I vacillate between so many scenarios. I live in the house we bought together about 25 years ago the mortgage is $845 for a 1600 square foot house. We put time and money into it 4 upgrades. A small mortgage balance is the only debt I have at this time however the thought of maintaining the size of a house and the age of it is a worry. However if I were to sell... I would have Equity but what would I buy in Xchange...theres more to it but like i said your video is eye opening.
You are fortunate to have a 2 bed 2 bath lower income apartment for 1 person. Where I live they would only allow a 1 bedroom. Enjoying your videos 😊
Esther, I'm sorry your husband passed. You must have known each other since you were a teenager. I can't even imagine how deep the pain must be to have him with you for 40 years and then gone. I would suggest waiting at least another year before making any big decisions, such as keeping or selling the house.
Give yourself at least a year before you make any big financial decisions after a death. Don’t make the same mistake so many have after the death of a mate. “From decisions made in grief you will soon be seeking a release.”
Hi Carol ~ I’m so glad to run across your video! Our country needs to be of more assistance to retirees who have worked all their lives. I’ll keep you in my prayers. I hope it doesn’t come to the point where you have to live in a car. Sending love and blessings from Ohio. 💕🙏💕
Hi Miss Bee and welcome to my channel! I am happy you found me!!!❤️
I know what you mean. I enjoy living alone as well. I love my grown children very much however I want them to have their own space and I want mine.
It just blows my mind how much rent is. How will we survive?⬆️😄😃↕️
The price of everything! I don't know Vicki. It is scary.
I just watched this vlog and found you...BLESS YOU BLESS YOU BLESS YOU...for sharing your social security /retirement story...if someone does not understand how a single retired lady has to struggle to have a place to live and provide for their needs..God help them..they need a reality check..I am 61 disabled from being electrocuted on my job in 1993..it took me until 2013 to get my disability approved..and my disability check with this new last raise is now 314..a month..up from 279..that's right ladies out there..not everyone draws that's of dollars a month on disability nor social security..if you are one that does draw thousands from either a month feel blessed...Ms Vanilla Grammaw...you rock sweety...love your happy joy that shines through you..and your precious furbabies are angels on earth...❤from a Indiana girl living on the Virginia Tennessee line
Sherry, YOU are a blessing to me. I'm horrified at the low amount you get. 😳 My rent just went up l, as did electricity and water. A big blow to me. 😕
Aww..thank you precious friend..yes after years of fighting for my disability..the state of Virginia would not count my out of state work credits...with my Virginia work credits...so that's why my amount is low..it was 404..but after they take Medicare and taxes..I was getting 279..now with new raise its the 314..or something like that..I am blessed my husband retired 10 years ago from vdot ..so his retirement check pays the almost 700 dollars for our supplement insurance that picks up Medicare's not covered amounts mostly...we live on his social security and my small check...luckily we had only paid 20,000 for a 600 Sq ft home built in 1953...in 2002..and paid it off in 10 yrs...otherwise..we would be in a rent controlled place...it's sad to say there are many elderly where we live..barely getting by...they count down to even pennies when grocery shopping...they use food banks when possible..some qualify for medicaid to go with Medicare...we draw a tad to much together for me to qualify for medicaid supplement..but if something ever happened to my husband..I would qualify for alittle help..not alot..because we do own this tiny older home..I would have to sell it to qualify for alittle more..I couldn't afford taxes on it and on our 23 yr old suv..and water power food ..home and suv insurance...it's sad that so many women struggle as they age..to feel safe and secure...hugs sweet new friend
Thank you Carol for shedding light on the struggle of living on social security. I remember Carol Burnett in a movie called Stone Pillows as a woman who ended up homeless.... Our struggle is real 🙏🙏💞
Wasnt that Lucille Ball? Not sure..😊
Yes ma'am, it is. Im just grateful to not live on a 3rd world country.
Hi Esther, Yes, it was Lucille Ball. I had never heard of it but I googled to see who starred.
@@esthers9140 thanks Esther. My C.R.S. kicked in 😂👍
@@3generations393 🤣I have that too sometimes!
I love the name! My parents always picked plain vanilla when we’d go for ice cream and I never knew why lol with all the flavors out there lol but now as a grown up I prefer creamy vanilla lol
It's the latest thing to be a nomad in an RV or a car or a van I think it's cool if you can do it do it
So sad that there isn't any more help out there for seniors, I'm in Texas as well and it's just getting so expensive, love how honest you are,😊
Yes ma'am, EVERYTHING seems to go up every week. I'm so proud of you and your no spend efforts. You are doing great!
Exactly..free lunch for kids but meals on wheeels...6 month waitlist...Texas used to be affordable.
I own my home. I live in Crockett TX. We have several places here for seniors that is based on your income too. There should more places because rent has just gotten crazy for a lot of people.
I just found your channel. I will be 66 in a few months and will work until I am 70 to collect my full benefit. This is not what I expected my life would be at my age. I live in So. CA and work 60 hrs a week. I am blessed that my mortgage will be paid of at the end of this year but I have a $800 HOA fee. I live in a 18,000 resident, 55+ community.
The cost of living in CA is astronomical. One bedroom apt. average around $2300. You can not rent a room in someone’s home for less than $1000 and most times that does not include kitchen privileges. Here most landlords require that you make 3 times the rent to qualify unless you have a co-signer and than they need to make even more times the rent.
Sounds like what’s happening up here in Vancouver Canada Sizemore.😱
Hi Suzen! Welcome to my channel! I'm happy you found me. Thank you for letting me know you were here today. This life is not what I expected either. I had to go on SS Disability when I was 56. I had planned to work until 65-70 or as long as I could do it. Im really blessed though and don't want for anything. I couldn't make it in a more expensive city though. My friend Lindy that lives in a van lives somewhere in southern CA. Thanks again for visiting with me!
Those rates track with what is happening in Toronto and in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada as well. It's just impossible for everyday folks these days. A house that used to cost $200K about 10 years ago, cost about $900K today! I don't know anyone's salary or pension/income that has increased to match that markup. And that's just the housing, not to mention the fuel, groceries, electricity etc.! It's just maddening and so frustrating!
@@nkuniverse7856
My parents bought a newly built small tract house in 1956 for $15,000. The value of this house now is $750,000. This is a small home in now not such a good area.
Have you checked out your local Community Resource Center. They provide senior services one of which is transportation to and from grocery stores as well as shopping. In my town this service is free.
Yes I have. I have encouraged everyone to contact their Senior Citizens organization to find info where they live. Here we have a social services group called Council on the Aging that has a lot of info on help for seniors.
My rent goes up each time SS raises the payment. Again, cancels out the raise!
That’s the unfortunate part. The give it with one hand but take it away with the other.
And the Medicare premium goes up each time too
I Live in Amarillo too
& it Would Get far too HOT & COLD
to Live in a Vehicle!
Hi Dawn, Yes, it is way too hot here to live in a vehicle. As well as too cold for anyone my age. 😕
I know this is an older video but I just watched it for the first time, discovered your channel, and subscribed of course. I used to live in a senior independent living apartment in North Idaho and I bought a van and lived in it for a while but I didn't adjust well to that lifestyle. I didn't like having to worry about where I was going to park to sleep every night. I spent too much money on gas. I know I should have parked and stayed in a place two weeks at a time but it just didn't work out that way for me. The hardest part was that I couldn't afford a good build-out and the van never met my real needs. I'm an artist and I needed a place to create art. Well, I bought an old mobile home on a small property. Then... well, long story. I'm going to make a video about it. I am sometimes sorry I left the senior apartment. I identify with your need and desire to live in a beautiful place. God bless you and may you receive everything you need most. God bless you and come visit my channel too - let's be friends. All the best to you.
I'm so glad you are here!
I’m also in low income senior housing and I’m so grateful for it. Thankfully with this housing, I have enough income to cover my basic expenses and a little left over. But I have to budget very intentionally. When I first retired, I got a small trailer with the intention of living and traveling full time (I did a video of my build out). Trust me, it’s not a good life. It’s very difficult, especially the older you get. If I lost my housing, no way I would try that again.
👋 Hi grandmaspocketbook... truthfully, I realize at my age there is no way I could live in a vehicle, although if things get much more expensive I don't see much else as a possibility. But, yes, I can see that the older we are, the more miserable it would be. I'm going to come check out your channel right now!
Housing costs are crazy. My wife and I are fortunate because we managed to pay our house off a couple of years after we retired. However we still pay around $500 a month to live in our own house (property tax, utilities, heat, maintenance, etc.). We are fortunate to have affordable housing because we live in a summer resort area right next to a popular national park. Because of the national park there is almost no rental housing that doesn't rent by the week. On our road there are eight houses and five of them are weekly rentals during the tourist season and empty the rest of the year. Those houses rent for around $2,000 per week and they are not fancy. There are currently two new houses being built on our road that will be used as weekly rentals. Census data shows that half of the houses in our town are in the weekly rental market. There is a small low income housing complex here, but it has only 22 units and the wait list is years long.
I have seen videos about elderly people living in vehicles. To me, the biggest financial barrier to that lifestyle is buying the vehicle. If you are just getting by, it is very hard to save the money to buy a reliable vehicle to live in. Also, the lifestyle looks hard to me although if you find a community of people to travel with it could be easier. My parents lived in an RV after they retired until my mother died and enjoyed the lifestyle largely because of the community they found. It would be much harder now than it was for them back in the late 70s because of the large number of people living in vehicles now. That s because of the crowding in popular areas like Arizona in winter.
Oh wow! You live next to a national park! It must be beautiful!!! Yes, affording a vehicle would take a lot of money. It is just a tough situation. 😬😕
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol Yes living next to a national park is nice, except for the 4 million plus tourists every summer.
I also live in Amarillo. I am on social security and will start receiving pension from my old employer in sept of this year. I made a mistake of pulling my entire 401k out year one of my retirement. I used it to pay off debt, bought furniture and a used higher end car. I had them take the taxes out of the 401k, but they did not take out near enough. I have a class b rv camper van which I now make payments on. I did this so I could live in the van after watching the same you tube channels. It is not as easy as you think and many communities are passing laws to prevent people from living in their vans or vehicles. Right now I am in a national park doing seasonal work , living in their rv park. But it is still very hard to make ends meet and keep up with rv related expenses. Now I found that the insurance I bought thru . Gov. Has caused me some sort of tax issue, so I had to cancel that and a week after that ended up in the hospital , emergency surgery, with almost a quarter of a million dollar bill for a three day hospital bill and surgery. I have never in my life been without health insurance until now. And I cannot hardly even believe this. On top of that as mentioned the taxes taken out for the 401k were not correct, and the irs bill is huge. There will be a 225 dollar a month irs bill to pay and they kept my income tax return this year. Then my Medicare starts this year, so I get something in the mail that says that in 2021 I earned too much money so they are going to charge me a total of 564 dollars a month for the privilege of getting Medicare. I only had that income for one year of my life and that was due to the 401k I mentioned above. I certainly do not have that now. I truly cannot believe this is happening. The 401k was not even that much. At the time of my divorce just a few years before I was married living in California with my husband. I had to give him so much money at the time of divorce because since he would not work I was the primary breadwinner as a nurse. The courts gave him large sums of money that took me some years to pay. So I had only put into the 401k for a few years. So, now am being forced to sell my van, and give up my travel dreams. My brother is building me a tiny one bedroom studio apartment in their blue metal barn type building on their property just outside Amarillo. I have agreed to pay them 400 dollars a month to cover expenses and will move in there December when it is expected to be finished. It is one room. Only bathroom will be walled off and very tiny. But I am grateful to have it. I have worked very very hard my entire life, always paid all my bills and did the right thing. 14:37 I am very shocked to find myself in this position. I had a health issue and had to retire at age 62 instead of waiting until full retirement. I wish I had gone through the hassle of going onto disability first, but that is only one of multiple mistakes I made at retirement. But, one thing I can tell you is be careful about the van life thing. It is not as easy as it sounds in the videos and more and more communities are making any type of vehicle living more and more difficult. And the government is even starting to make camping for free on public lands more difficult. If you do decide to do it I highly advise you find a way to try it out before giving up your apartment.
Well hi Jackie! I am truly sorry all those things have happened. That is just tragic. I will only end up in a vehicle as a very, very last resort! I think there are so many people living in vehicles finding a place to park is goingcto be impossible to find before long. Do you watch Glorious Life on Wheels?
You are very lucky to have such a wonderful and caring brother. I hope he has a very very long life. If he is married or has children, you need to try to save something up for later when your brother is gone, his family might sell the place. Good Luck!
You can contest the IRMAA, the extra Medicare is charging you. If last years income was low, there is a simple form to fill out, google it online, then fill out the form and take it and a copy of last years taxes to your Social Security office. I did that a couple weeks ago, and got refunded the extra money from the beginning of the year to now and they are no longer taking the extra out.
Great video Carol! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Renting, owing - the prices of both have sky-rocketed! I currently own a townhome with my mom. But as it has stairs and is quite expensive (we bought when the prices spiked) I don't know if we will have to move at some point as she ages and health concerns increase. But man oh man - to afford anything is pretty impossible and it doesn't look like prices will drop substantially any time soon. I think even in the suburbs where I live, a 3 bedroom rents for about $2500/month and that's without a washer/dryer in your unit! If it's an older building, the units may not even have AC. And I think utilities are on top of the $2500+. How are regular people supposed to afford a place to live??!!!
Those prices are horrible! It is just a scary situation for everyone who is a senior citizen unless they have tons of money. 😳
Consider options like a stair lift vs moving. Or turning a dining room into a bedroom. My laundry room is in the basement but i can connect a small portable washer in the bathroom and hang clothes on a clothes horse to dry.
I watch many on UA-cam that live in their vans etc. I appreciate you sharing the rent in your area. Bless you.
I watch several people that live in their vehicle. I really like Vivian's Van Adventures and Glorious Life on Wheels.
Have a great night. I love your videos! Such a sweet lady❤
Thank you Cindy! I'm glad you visited with me tonight!
I also live in low income/subsidized senior housing in NY state. We have more benefits available here. I have a studio apartment that is really nice but small. It is in the downtown area so I did not need a car. Including my cellphone and internet, my monthly living expense is less than $300. If I was you, I would not want to give up the washer and dryer in your apartment. I have to use a laundry room downstairs and it is not ideal. Right now our elevator has been broke since Christmas Day so I have not been able to go downstairs since then. The local news is coming here tomorrow to check it out. So I have had to do my laundry in my bathroom. Not fun at all!
Oh Kathleen! I hope the news coming out will help get the apartment owners to fix that elevator quickly. Doing laundry in the bathtub... ugh. Has to be hard on you on your knees, bending over, trying to wring out the water. Sending you hugs!🤗
Hi Lovie, boy costs are outrageous everywhere! We just have to keep on keeping on! Great video :)
Yes! Thank you! I about fainted at the price of peaches here today. The walmart app said average price for one yellow peach is $1.82 !!!😳🍑
Hi Carol. I'be been watching Lindy for the last month or so....i'm drawn to tiny house living and her channel popped up in my feed. Shes awesome.
I love to watch things about tiny houses! I would love to have one!
Thanks
Yes I watch all of those videos and wonder the same way you do and greatly admire those women.
Hi Judith, I admire them too. BRAVE ladies and gentlemen to live in a vehicle.
Family matters!
Hi Carol. Yes ma'am, family is my everything.
You can come and live with me , after working 40 yrs. , I own a 5 bedroom home.
You are a very smart woman Cecilia!
I know a handful of elderly women who live on their own and I can’t help but feel if they would just rent out rooms, it would help out everyone that’s there. However, finding a dependable, trustworthy adult could be quite challenging and a bit frightening too.
Blessings for you
Thank you.! To you as well.
Just came across your channel- love this video 👍🏼
Hi Maureen, Thank you! Welcome to my channel! I'm glad you are here!
Hello from North Carolina. Just discovered you. Thanks for sharing.❤
Hello there! Welcome to my channel, Lynn!
There is a “ hue and cry” for “ affordable “ housing !” Actually we need MORE affordable as well AS LOW Income for veterans and Seniors. There is a definite difference. I volunteer in GRAND RAPIDS, Mi. Low income housing is Scarce. Enjoyed your insight. ❤
Amazing buddy hopefully the days Will be more successful always
Life is good!
You are such a good grandma.Your kids would not let you live in a car
Thx for sharing
Thanks for watching!
I live in Killen Texas my apartment is550. Ot goes up 50 bucks every year..no improvements no upgrades. I dont get subsidy. I get 1200 a month none of my kids live here. I pay electric so its avg about 68. Water 35 to 45 a month 20 for phone I get free internet. My phome is 20. Ots a duplex not in the best area..but i have a yard a little fence for the cat and bunny. I have a portable washer I put in the tub and hang out( i have a dryer but its silly when theres free sun) i get extra help which is like medicaid...its tight. I have a 20 uear old car...minimal. i guess I will die here because I cant afford to move. Getting old sucks ...especially when you have cancer...so...yeah its crazy.
Oh Kandace, I'm sorry to hear you have cancer. I hope you have good Dr's and are getting the best treatment available.
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol got the leasion taken off. Clean margins..it will be ok. Thanks so much🙏
I have that small washer/spin dryer too on a board across my bathtub. Fabulous! I also sewed reusable cloth pads for women's issues and save about $60 a month. Old clothes can be recycled, and hand stitch if you need to. Lots of YT tutorials on it.
@@kandacepatterson7965Yay😅!! ❤
My daughter keeps on me that i need to move from the small village to the nearest city and that oh yeah i can give up my car. I finally had enough and said can you understand i can't. Afford to move! Utilities taxes and insurance is less than $700 a month. Rent would take up all my government pension, i would lose access to my family doctor and altho i only have vision in one eye ( she doesn't know that) i can still drive but i am very careful with expenditures. Fuel is $1.55\ltr or $5.04 a gallon so all trips are planned.
Hello Carol, Thank you for your wonderful informative video. Great information and so appreciated. Maybe next time we can see a quick peek at your sweet pup.God Bless you. Sincerely from Grandma Debbie 🙋🧑🦽 and Dexter-Dog 🐕🐾 my sweet tiny rescued Chihuahua companion 🐕 living a quiet crafty life 🏠 in southern California.❤️🙋🧑🦽🐾🐕🏠🙏✝️🌴🏖️
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
I stuck with you to the end. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓
💗Thank you NonnaGrace!💗
That’s a nice large plot of land to walk the dogs. I bet they love it! That looks like a nice complex. You’re blessed to have a good deal like that. The Quartzsite, AZ. can be dangerous. My husband has drive by in his travels and he said it was not good! He actually said it was awful. The grass is not greener. Be grateful. The people in Quartzsite are people that are not as blessed as you are.
I'm going to make a new video explaining that there is no way I can live in a vehicle. I'm not sure what plan B will be but I'm taking it one day at a time.
Thanks for this information.
Thank you for visiting with me!
My friend Carol. Good that you have a nice affordable apartment. You are close to your grandchildren and children. You can come to Canada and live close to Mrs. Betty and I…lol.
Thanks for sharing your living expenses with us. I retire soon and our family income will be cut by 1/3.
Hi Gary! It would be nice to live near you and Mrs. Betty but I wouldn't be able to handle all your cold weather. You sure live in a beautiful place though!
Very aware of the channel you speak of and listen to Carol often. She is such a caring person. Also aware of senior woman living in their cars and who knows when that day might come and not far off in the future. It is a sad day this has to happen When so many have poor health as well. Very scary but people do what they have to do.
Hi Sharon, It definitely is scary to think of ending up living in a vehicle and I am astonished at how many senior women do. 😟
Hi, I just found your channel, very interesting. Best of luck.
My Social Security videos are so old, I need to make new ones. Stay tuned!
Thanks for explaining why you wouldn't get a roommate. I always wondered that with so many elderly people living alone and didn't understand why.
Carol , it just crazy everywhere right now we are having the same in Vancouver.
Grocery housing is scary … I totally get not wanting to live with your kids I’m with you on that one … a cool little mini Van in court-side could be fun not sure for how long as long as we have our health:) xx
As long as we have our health it would be doable. I worry about some of the ladies I watch, what will happen when it just becomes too much or they can't drive or can't climb in a van.
Love vibes😊
Hi Celia, Thank you for visiting with me! 😊
Lovely lady!
Thank you!
you have a great attitude
Thank you, Sheila!
Hello Carol, GLOW sent me. Everything you mentioned in your video is so right on. Very sad. It's not easy being a single woman struggling to keep a roof over your head. There are a lot of women who do live in their viechels. Where there's a will, theres a way. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Welcome to my channel Brenda! I am so appreciative of Carol giving me a shout out! She is a sweetheart! Thank you for being here today and I'm really glad you are here!
I wish rents were that low where I am. Need to keep working to cover my rent etc.
@noreenn6976....same where I live. I have seen studio apts start at 1600/month w/ nothing included. 1 BR are going for 1800 and up.
@@kathyleighton9091 sigh.
I wish I could work a job. I will sell my car soon. I am staying in my condo, but the prices keep going up for everything. God Bless.
Hi Bonnie, I understand. I would love to have a job too.... well, not really love, but a job to earn money would be a good thing. I have some medical issues that prevent me from trying to work, plus I'm 70, and my stamina isn't what it used to be. I'm sorry you are going to have to give up your car. I understand that, too. For some of us, a car is a luxury we just can no longer afford. Take care. Let me know how you are doing. I care.
I hope you are able to stay in your apartment as long as you want. I hope when you choose to move, or when your health determines you must move, I hope you are able to live with family in some kind of in-law unit or something. I hope I can add an ADU to my yard for my mom when she's unable to live alone.
I hope you can too.
Your hair is so cute!
Thank you!! You are so kind. Casey cut my bangs and I dragged out the velcro rollers.😁
Ive stuck with you till end of video! ❤
Thank you, Suzie !
You seem so sweet! I always assume that I would live in Mexico or Italy where it is cheaper when I retire but maybe I would miss my family more than I think I will.
I would be lost without my family.
Just a thought. Could your kids build you a “ granny space”. I know Texas has no basements. If your kids could move to The Midwest, you could have a lower level @ granny cabin@. ❤
Ty carol for telling us your situation ..im
Soon to retire myself and im scared as not sure if i can make it on ssi alone but i will find out…i work far from where i live and i just cant do the 82 miles one way anymore…
Its too much….
But soon we will find out if i can make it or not…ty for being you❤️
You will make it somehow. I'm about to have to get a lot more creative on budget.
I watch lots of tiny house videos, and some van life and rv living. We live in a single wide trailer (mobile home) with about the same sq. footage as your apartment. One of our sons had built a cabin on our property a few years ago, but there was a fire about a year ago, and it's not habitable. He has a tiny shell cabin now that he is finishing out. I could comfortably live in one that size. My biggest issue is that I couldn't climb stairs or a ladder. Very rarely there's a video with a single level. I understand about not wanting to live with adult children.
I think tiny homes are so cute and I would love one but no, I couldnt climb a ladder or stairs to sleep in a loft, especially when you can't stand up in the lofts.
Commenting for the algorithm.
Thank you!
Hey Carol! That apartment that has been built sounds so incredibly expensive. Like you would need to pay for your dogs rent. That is so expensive wow. So interesting to hear all this though! Also did you do something to your hair? It has so much volume and looks so good!
Thank you Ivana! Velcro rollers!
I'm a single female on pension from Canada. Market rent in the city I live in is very expensive. It costs anywhere from $1,300.00 to $5,000.00/month. The lowest pension for someone who never worked but lived at least 10 years in Canada is &1,790.00. We also have government sponsored housing where people pay approx. 30% of their gross monthly income. Greetings from Canada.
Wow! Rent is really high your city! It was nice to hear from you!
I know this was a year ago. I live in Pensacola florida Its hard to find a one bedroom unless you are in a complex and they run 1500 plus utilities. and you have to have three times the rent in provable income. I bought a used rv trailer for $8000 and pay $700 lot rent includes utilities. I have mint mobile for $15 a month;
I have greatly reduced my cell phone and internet by bundling with Optimum. I would love to have a 5th wheel in a park to live in!
Goodmorning
Good morning Lindy!
Wow, in TX heat and cold it would be tough to live in a van, maybe something like a toyota sienna hybrid that has auto AC 24/7 where it'll automatically charge the hybrid battery while you are parked using either AC or heat by starting the engine so you can try to be comfortable. And maybe one day HEB will drop a store in the Area...like Lubbock got.
We would love to have a HEB up here! Yes, I have realized there is no way I could live in a vehicle and stay here. Today our high is supposed to be 102°. Even early in the morning, it is like walking into an oven. Thank you for visiting with me!
im blessed because i live with a family member we share the expenses ,i get food stamps as well live in a m/h pay 450 a month only pay electric n propane i do have a car but if i was by myself i wouldn't make it 😢 im single... every one has different ways ideas to live by then self i cant because of my health.
If you had to, I think you would be great at living in a van / RV fixed up with your things and dogs. I watch all the same channels along with Bob Wells as I want to know how living in a vehicle is done just in case. I think there is a group headed up by Bob and a lady friend of his who finds vans for deserving people so you wouldn't have to buy one.
Hello Carol, my son pays a lot for his apartment like that that your talking about. He doesn’t have a garage to sore his car or motorcycle. I hope that day never comes. 💕NonnaGrace
I wish I had saved saved saved for retirement.
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol Thank goodness I was rather frugal all of my life.
I ❤ Lindy!
Me too!
Good morning Carol. Apartments there sound pretty reasonable. My kids are in CO and a 1 bed 1 bath there runs over $1000 a month.. usually around $1200. It's crazy
Prices are just crazy!
It is good to hear from you again!
Wish, I could, get a reduced rent apartment. Putting myself, on their waiting list. Until then, I rent a room. Apartment prices are crazy, here in Seattle area.
Oh Judi! My youngest son lives in Seattle and he has told me about the horribly high rent there. For years he shared renting a house with other people. Now he lives in a tiny apartment in downtown Seattle. I worry if it is a safe location, I don't know. We wish he would move home but he loves it there. I hope you get reduced rent soon. Apply every where you can.
This makes me sad. High rent is a growing problem that the government seems oblivious to. I'm glad you are looking forward and trying your best to prepare for what may come.
Hi Pam, Thank you for stopping by. Let me tell you I'm getting discouraged. My rent just went up $80 and my averaged billing electricity went up $60!😳😳😳😳😳
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol The RTR (Rubber Tramp Rendezvous) in Quartzsite AZ is a place to meet people living in their vehicle and the WRTR (Women's RTR) the week before where you can meet women living the life.
Not the government job to support you. Should have saved for the last 50yrs. Why didn't you? Heck $10/wk or something all those years would have solved your problems. Because you didn't save we all should be taxed to support you? Can't you work part time?
@@bruced.370Hindsight is always 20/20. I'm sure there are things you would go back and change if you could.
You need to come here to Indiana. The apartments here are $480.00 to 800.00/month for apartments. Elderly apartments are as low as $400.00 per month.
Where in IN?
Definitely not the Indy area
Yea but it’s Indiana.
@@zendoll1 Thank you
Your video is very informative. I find it sad and depressing that everyone can't afford a nice place to live.
Hi Linda, It breaks my heart how many senior citizens have to live in a vehicle.
@@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol Yes I've watched some of those videos, and it is heartbreaking.
👍👍👍
I watch some of them
I dont have a vechile either... Im 26. It cost me at some stage $800 just to mainly get to work and back home with many jobs.
Its so difficult to even get a license because even middle class folks dont have as many cars.
Oh, I'm sorry you don't have a car. My son lives in Seattle and does not have a car. Walks, takes the train or a bus everywhere.
💙
oh thats at nice place to walk the dog
Lots of space. Part of that property gets plowed every year and the owner plants something... I'm not sure what but a couple of years ago after it was plowed I found pieces of a hundred dollar bill that had been ripped apart by the plow. I called the bank and they told me if I found the 2 sets of identical numbers that would have been on the bill they would refund me $100 for the pieces. I got back out there and hunted! Amazingly I actually found the proper pieces!
with 4 kids you could rotate thru each ones home... ideal or not. I had a roommate for a bit of time and it was really horrible... So I get what you are saying... Living in your vehicle isn't all bad if you end up there. My current mortgage, Taxes and Insurance will be more than my SS so if I have to retire, I will most likely sell and figure it out even though I love my house.
Hi Annie, So many people have told me the same thing... mortgage for their home is more than their SS will be. 😕