this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2026
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Work Reform

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[–] bitteroldcoot@piefed.social 25 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Well a million dollars isn't that much anymore.

And no matter how good the facade, I will always reflect my white trash roots.

And now I cant really remember what the point is I was going to make. Damnit. I hate it when that happens.

Oh well, never mind.

[–] Bustedknuckles@lemmy.world 20 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Feels like being a millionaire now is what it takes to live without fear of incipient poverty

[–] bitteroldcoot@piefed.social 15 points 1 day ago (3 children)

I don't think even a million would do that anymore.

My brother's dog ended up having Addison's. The vet bill was about $10,000. It all happened so fast. He is a really beloved pet and my brothers best friend. How do you say to the Vet just kill him, I can't afford it.

He did retire with a million. And has been living on it and SS. But the pile is diminishing quickly and both he and his wife have developed serious medical issues. And the car on its last legs.

And he looks at how many years the doctor gave him to live, then at the size of the bills, and the pile of the cash and the numbers just don't work out.

And I know this means nothing to 30 something looking at a lifetime of Walmart wages. But with his health fading it still is scary.

[–] amorpheus@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

But the pile is diminishing quickly and both he and his wife have developed serious medical issues. And the car on its last legs.

This sounds like the main problem is that his healthcare money is used to bomb Iran, and other misadventures. In the civilized world, we retire early if we are able and willing. If health issues come up, you don't need to burn up your savings to survive.

[–] Bustedknuckles@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

Medical bills can eat a ton of savings. My plan is to die early and not tell my kids about said plan

[–] the_q@piefed.social -2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I'm sorry about the dog, but that informs the level of lifestyle he and his wife have. A million dollars can last a lot longer if you live minimally versus comfortably.

[–] bitteroldcoot@piefed.social 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

And you would mistaken about "level of lifestyle'.

They are not country club set. They are in danger of dropping into poverty. They live in NJ and the tax burden and cost of living is very high. So much so i keep trying to convince them to leave, just because the numbers don't work out. But their house is near all the hospitals and all their friends, but they really can't afford to live there anymore.

It happens to a lot of seniors. They think they will live in their home forever, then the area gentrifies, taxes go up and inflation kicks in and they end up struggling.

[–] the_q@piefed.social 1 points 1 day ago (2 children)

No I'm pretty sure I'm right about their lifestyle. Your reply confirms it. People assume their level of wealth and comfort is the baseline. Being close to their friends and hospitals is their justification for inaction. You are right in trying to get them to move though. A million dollars goes a lot farther in Alabama than in New York.

[–] bitteroldcoot@piefed.social 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Okay, you are obviously just a troll. I'm done here.

[–] the_q@piefed.social -1 points 1 day ago

I'm not a troll. Just because you don't like what I'm saying doesn't discredit what I've said. You can be done though. Best of luck to your friends.

[–] snooggums@piefed.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

All the best doctors are in Alabama.

[–] the_q@piefed.social -3 points 1 day ago

You're almost getting it...