4656 stories and counting. Share the next one. What does economic struggle look like?

• I was laid off over 5 years ago and am struggling without much hope to survive. I have severe cases of stress and anxiety all because of money issues. Food, clothing, automobile all are questionable. I have a very old 1994 car with over 218.000 miles on it and should it decide to give out, I will not have any transportation. I live alone. I at this time am supposed to have a follow up mammogram. It was supposed to have been done in January. I cannot get to the place where I could get the follow-up mammogram or whatever they need to do to determine whether or not I have breast cancer. I also need other areas checked too to ensure that I do not have cancer. What am I supposed to do? Medicare part D does so little to help with medical expenses for the elderly--including me. We need more help. What is wrong with you people always wanting to take away from the elderly and give to the extremely rich???? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??? Kay Eden Prairie, MN May 9, 2012
• My mother had $1,000,000 stolen by her caregiver using a signature stamp within weeks. SB 586 was a bill that was authored by Senator Fran Pavley after I brought this story to her attention. I testified at every committe and made it through all of them only to have Governor Brown of California veto it due to pressure from the banking industry. I have tried to get banks to offer special savings to help protect seniors so that they can place a cap on their account but the banks don't want any type of regulations imposed so Helen Wofford who will be released from prison next month will go right back out and do this again. I have am writing a book on my story and hope to get it published to help others. NBC and CBS News did segments on this story and people don't realize how easy it is to steal a fortune with a $19.99 stamp. Liz Woodland hills, CA April 30, 2012
• I am 63 years old. Since November 2010 I don't have job. Actually I am collecting unemployment beneficts, but it isn't enough for pay rent, energy, gas and all my bills. I live alone. I could find this web site and I hope that I will can help and orientation to my life. juan Tampa, FL April 13, 2012
• The Elderly is suffering beyond understanding. We need to support our Elderly more effectively.I know our State of PA does not have any Grandparents rights, keeping many Grandparents them from being able to see their Grandchildren,for reasons beyond their control. Elder Abuse and Elder Financial Abuse is a big business, as this issue has touched our father an honorable man who served in the US AirForce defending this country for 25 years. When he was in his Elder years our country has turned their backs on him, while the Judicial System watch as a Bogus Exeuctor disapated everything he worked for in his life time. His estate sold at an Auction, including Christmas &, Birthday Presents devastating the family of the Elderly Parent. Dishonesty, lies and forgery of his Will disapted my honorable father, the rights for his family to maintain his legacy,and the heirlooms of his U S AirForce serving this country. Elder Abuse Laws did not help our father, at any level. His neglect was reported, his family asking for help, was unsucessful, to get him the help needed to Stop the Elderly Financial Abuse and physical neglect Please Stop Elderly Financial Abuse or Neglect loopholes in the laws to stop this crime from being a Big Business any longer.. Nancy Sinking Spring, PA March 15, 2012
• I am a lung cancer survior.Elderly and on fixed income.No money for dentures,glasses and need a toilet fridge and air conditioner.I carry water to flush toilet Judith Sarasota Fla. judith Sarasota, FL February 8, 2012
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  I'll be 67 next month. That is just one step closer to being in a Nursing Home. I dread that and figure I will just go ahead and pass rather then be in a nursing home. I live with a friend and when she is mad she tells me that is where I am headed and she don't mean a nicer place. I gave up my house but with medical costs I just can't make it. Every year I have to pay several thousand dollars in co-pay, and that dang "donut hole" (isn't something sweet) it eats my purse dry. Oh, and some drugs my insurace won't cover. Medicine or food? I remember hearing about that when I was a youngin but now its me. Sandra Reno, NV February 3, 2012
• I am 60 years old and living on social security disability. The amount I receive per month is not enough to pay all the bills I have and then have enough for groceries and medicine. I live with family and doen't even pay rent, which I also couldn't afford. I found this web site with the hope that I can learn - is there any foudation or funds that are for seniors who need that amount extra to get through the month and pay rent. I need about $1,000 per month extra and have no idea how to find it. My disability does not allow me to work at any regular job. Thanks if anyone has a comment or information on what to do. I'm despairing of any answer. Theresa Henderson, NV January 28, 2012
• i am a 55yr. old, who is trying to relocate to the cincinnati,OH area so that i may further my education at the Ohio Art Institute. Today my un-employment insurance ran out, so i'm stuck, I'm in great health, with no real ailing problems, and i know that with a little assistance i can go back to school and in a couple be a valuable asset to the workforce of our country and be self-sufficient. I've been looking but can't seem to find immediate help, rents due in a week, utilities, and i don't know where to turn in the middle of the greatest country on earth. Got any suggestions folks, I'm open to them, school starts in april? tommie muncie, IN January 23, 2012
• I am a 72 year old female who lives on Social Security. If this is stopped or changes to vouchers I will not be able to remain in our home because I have a house note each month. I can't afford the luxury of life as it is. If anything changes I will be forced to live on the street as a homeless person. I have worked all my life and am still struggling from day to day. Dorothy Washington, DC January 18, 2012
• I am 73 years old almost completely blind raising 3 grandchildren on $865/mo. I could not live without Social Security and missing one would leave me destitute. I am trying to put my grandchildren through college so they an do better but cuts in Pell grants are threatening that. Please support elderly and children - making a civil society a reality. (Submitted for Balibie by another grandmother.) Balibie Mize, MS January 13, 2012