Donuts 'n Disaster | Retirement

by RonKnowles

I was having coffee and donuts with neighbors this morning as we do every Friday when the fast-paced conversation suddenly jackknifed in the middle of the table just like a big rig would, causing a verbal pile up about the unemployment situation in Oregon. Presently we're at a little over twelve percent with rural counties running higher than that. Oregon! One of the first to get hit in the ass and the last to recover.

Our donut crew consists entirely of seniors who in case you didnt know it are also affected by the socialistic policies (thats my opinion) of this administration that are resulting in the meltdown of our U.S. economy. Who we voted for at this juncture really doesnt matter, even if we cant recognize what the real reasons are for the job losses and high prices or who is behind it all. What is important is were all Americans and we all feel the results.

Maria, the 85-year old matriarch widow who sat on my right has a pretty good retirement income and for the most part doesn't have to worry. She can have a gardener mow her lawn, she take trips and really doesn't do without. But she is very concerned for her kids who all live in California, which is experiencing an economic meltdown.

Pete sat on my left. He's in his seventies, has some disorder that causes him to shake a lot yet doesn't let it affect his great sense of humor. He seems to ignore the economic plight of our country as he says he can't do anything about it anyway. Across the table, his wife Doris looks worried. They've already had to sell their home because it was too much to afford and now they live in an apartment. What with Pete's health I'm sure she wonders what will become of her when he passes away.

Then there was Bob and his wife Paula at the table. Bob is a diabetic who recently had stomach surgery. He's in his mid-sixties and officially retired, as is his wife, also in her sixties. But Bob still does accounting and taxes for small companies and organizations to bring in extra money. They're not immune to the economic pinch, either..

Me? I'm sixty-six and supposed to be retired. Odd how folks think that when you reach that age you can really kick back and enjoy. Well people, here's a big news flash for you. A lot of us can not afford to retire, ever. As I see it, if the economy maintains its present course there will be no retirement for anyone.

Let's use me as an example. I compose articles to submit online. This is one of many published on the Internet. Since Social Security doesn't pay me enough to live on and I have no pension, this is how I make my living. No complaints! It's my reality and so long as I can still continue writing, I'll survive and thrive.

In any case, next Friday the donut crew will gather around the table again, I suppose. The talk will be about the news or whatever and life will continue. At least until the day comes when one of us eats their final donut. Until then, our gathering represents a microcosm of seniors who are pretty much ignored in this country including how our sabotaged economy is affecting us.

I find it interesting how politicians become so concerned about seniors at election time. They'll promise everything they can for us when it's not theirs to promise. Their rhetoric is convincing, slick and attracts the votes of so many gullible, trusting seniors. But when they're voted into office they're not to be found and their promises fade to dust just as the politicians know that those seniors who elected them will soon do. But no matter, our politicians know there's a whole new crop of seniors that should be just about ready to be manipulated during the next election cycle.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, Ron Knowles reveals insightful information on how to learn and earn at home from his website and even authors an educational newsletter that helps people decide on the best vehicle for doing so. For those who need to make more money and stay at home, his system is insightful.