Facing Freedom

Prints, phone cases, coffee mugs, and more available on FineArt America.

I want to retire but I can’t do the math. I have no idea how long I expect to live, so how could I possibly know whether or not I have enough money to last me until I die?

Back in the day, retirement was simple — 65, gold watch, have a nice life with a pension. You know, a monthly income that lasted until death – sorta like old school marriage.

If you got sick or senile (old school for Alzheimer’s) you lived with one of your children in their assisted living facility. (Although the thought of living with my children is not one that I cherish)

Nursing homes were a last resort, when the family couldn’t provide for their elder’s medical needs.

I remember a time when just about everyone I knew had Grandma and Grandpa living with them, teaching them wonderful things like “pull my finger” or how to crochet a shawl. When families took care of each other.

My how times have changed — not always for the better.