How to Overcome 12 Retirement Challenges

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I understand once you begin your SS Benefits, this is the amount you are guaranteed for life, no matter how bad one's circumstances might be. Due thru no fault of my own, as with many others, I had a great job at which I earned approx $24,000 /yr. To me, that was a good income. I was able to pay my bills with probably just a little money left over, but I sure felt luckier than a lot of others who had it a lot tougher than I did.
I was born in 1952, when suddenly at age 51, I found myself in a situation of which I could not change, with a prognosis of worsening but not life-threatening. My disability is not physical. My diagnosis was most depressing, very dismal, life altering situation of which I had no control. I had no other alternative and at the urging or insistance of my many health care providers,I had to apply for my SS Benefits. My doctor just reaffirmed with SS, my conditioned has, indeed, worsened. Needless to say, I'm not sure what would have happened to me without these Benefits. I'm truly thankful.
However, being a strong, viable contributor to the workforce, I lost many, many years of waiting to apply for my SS Benefits. I had a retirement plan. I had an employer matching retirement plan, I would put a few dollars into the company annunity, if I received a tax refund, I would purchase an IRA, and planned on working until I was at least age 66.
My benefits will not change. Might you offer me some advice on this matter? I would appreciate your input. Darla

Darla Lorenz of WI 10:39PM May 12, 2012

Lisa, at this point, I do not care for the Democrats or Repulicans. All make promises and do not stick to them. I am for the one who has the best plan. More Amercians are going this route since we are sick of both. When I was younger I could not understand why politics was not discussed at the table. Heaven forbid it is done these days. People would be at each others throats.

Lynda Doberman of VA 11:17AM May 11, 2012

First, why do the secret words have to be so hard? I made an entire comment, and did not key in the right words - poof! So iritating. Come on US News and all the others that do this, give us a break.
I commented what about seniors without 2 SS checks, that is not listed except for those that were widowed. Many people including me have had spouses that have flown the coop. My feelings is fine, I'm happier.
But to get to my point, it is hard for non-couples to exist on one SS check. I am not 65, but will be 56. I cope with a disability check because I retired. I will not get my full income until 65. My ex decided to want a divorce right when the economy went under. We had to sell our house and get 1/2 of the price we paid for. But thank goodness, we had a builder and did not have to forclose/bank take over.
There are moments in your life you have no control over. I wanted to get a town house, but had to pay a lawyer, so I'm in an apt. I could pay less but have a Doberman who affects where I live.
Something important this report left out, is where are you living? Can you move to a place that if afforable? That is what I am looking into. Plus trying to find a part-time job to help out with bills. Besides, that I am happy.
Hope to all struggling that this article, and places to live with a SS check will help out. It's worth the pain of moving to be free of money woes.

Lynda Doberman of VA 11:10AM May 11, 2012

Bill commented that he's worried about people believing Republicans have the answers for average income people, and that the rules are made by the rich for the rich. A bipartisan study showed that Democrats tend to earn more than Republicans. So if Bill is worried about the rich making the rules, he needs to blame the Democrats. Incredible

Lisa of CO 12:41AM March 17, 2012

HOW CAN YOU PLAN AHEAD WHEN LIFE IS SO UNCERTAIN. mY HOUSE LOST 40,000 IN VALUE. fOOD PRICES HAVE RISEN SO HIGH. THE FARMERS ARE DOING WELL AT OUR EXPENSE WHAT ARE WE SENIORS TO DO. WE ARE LIVING LONGER DUE TO UP GRADES MEDICINE AND SOCIETY HAS NO PLACE FOR US. SOMEBODY EXPLAIN THIS.

DARLENE KAISER of IL 9:45AM January 24, 2012

One thing that could change is that people with lower incomes and perhaps no jobs is to change the way the government thinks about ss ... I retired early however still wanted to work meaning still paying into social security and medicare but last year made more than I could so had to pay back half of what I drew over the alloted amount ... I am on ss for the reduced amount for the rest of my life so why not allow me to work and make more money now when I can ...

Joseph of AZ 11:01AM October 18, 2011

I would imagine as the article says we are in a period of great uncertainty when it comes to retirement. the problem I have is the continued belief by many that the republicans have answers for an average income worker. the laws are made by the rich for the rich and never has it been more obvious.

bill of MS 3:08PM September 12, 2011

I was lay off from my job in 2001 at age 52, due to my age and the situation those days it became impossible to find a job, sold my condo then my car and little by little everything I owned, did not find work except for some part times at $7.- Hrs. I got sick and due to health problems I had to file for early retirament at age 62 with only $700 dollars a month, no health insurance, and obviously unable to pay rent and food anywhere in the State, so I, an American citizen had to move to a third world counrty where I was able to rent a room in poor and dangerous neighborhood, I don't have any family left nor country that I can call my own, so much for the american dream. I'm very sad.

Loren Marsh of FL 8:33AM September 12, 2011

We know other people are struggling with income, and we have worked for many years to arrive at this point. Decreasing Social Security, may help the budget, but it will cause MANY people like us to g under. We are in our mid 70's, and hope this will never happen. Hopefully there will be a COLA for 2012. Prices on everything, have almost doubled in this period. I COLA will aid man people. If my comments are falling on deaf ears, than there will be sadness, and dispare, for a lot of elderly. We depend on SS as our main source of income.
Thank You
We know you are doing your best, but cutting us, will just make things worse.

DANIEL E REICH of OR 12:26PM September 07, 2011

Ever wonder about the common homeless? A few years ago, looking for greener pastures I went to Reno. Not to gamble really, just to find a better paying job. I've been a cook most of my life, and never broke $2000 a month. I lived in my car while job hunting, had a seizure and broke my back, then had my car stolen. Fortunately I'm a Veteran and they helped me a lot and I got a small non service connected pension. The DAV stepped up the game, and helped me get my Social Security disability also. So I get the grand total of $974 to try to live on. I'd like to see anyone with no assets to speak of live healthy on that.
I read this article hoping they said something valuable.................NOT

Ronald Stewart of OR 8:16PM July 28, 2011