I lost my job at the end of last year, so I went on unemployment. That was a new experience for me! In the 40+ years of working I had never filed for unemployment. Of course, some of those years were spent raising children so I didn't always work. Who knew....when you raise children and do all those "menial" jobs such as taxi driver, nurse, dentist, cook, housekeeper, etc., you aren't putting any money into your unemployment account NOR are you putting anything into your Social Security account! I knew that....just didn't pay attention. I guess it wasn't a priority thought on my priority thought list during those years of mud pies, broken limbs, stitched up hands, etc.
My unemployment runs out in July. I got $135 a week for 20 weeks (approx)...that was what I worked for at minimum wage (or less) for 40+ years. Wow...imagine that!!!!
I decided that since I can't make much money in the working world...I would just retire. So I filed for my Social Security payments to begin the month of June 2011. I actually will make a promotion....I will receive $19 more a month then..than I do now!!
I am appreciative of the fact that I have the option to continue to work, as long as it is under the income guidelines, no problem there. Of course, with gas prices skyrocketing and food prices increasing I will have to find a part time job somewhere very close. It wouldn't be profitable to get a part time job in Kearney as that is driving nearly 60 miles a day. I could get a full time job there but by the time I pay the gas and extra food money, I would be back to profiting part time wages.
I think I should have put back even $5 a check in an account..left it there and forgot I had it. Then with the interest rates I could have at least added another $175 a month to my well earned and established Social Security check.
Of course I am to young for Medicare and make to much for Medicaid. So me and my COPD continue to find options for medications and can affored two trips a year to a Doctor at $67 to $85 an office call and that is without any tests!!!
Oh the fun of retirement! What made me think this would be the "Golden" years?
