jelloshots4all
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Post by jelloshots4all on Jun 3, 2020 20:58:41 GMT -5
I have friends I used to be close to. It faded several years ago after our kids baseball.
She got a high end Jeep for her bday, they bought their son a jeep for his 16th bday, bought a jet ski for their cabin up north (they have several high end SVUs as well).
Now they are buying this spa pool. Huge and has to be $20k.
Her husband has a good job and she finished her degree as a Dr in psychology, but bitched the whole time about how much debt they were in with school.
I can't talk to anyone IRL about this. Some days I can't people. They are HUGE about keeping up with the Jones! And frankly our Jones friends have a lot of money. I don't give a shit. I make those rich bitches help donate to charities.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Jun 3, 2020 22:16:46 GMT -5
My DH and I have this discussion every few months - how do people who make the same or less than we do have so much more "stuff?" My only answer is that they don't save for retirement and that they spend every penny they make on monthly payments for all their "stuff." Cars, campers, boats, ATVs, etc. And we make good money for our area! Though, we are poor YMers because our combined income is less than what a typical single income seems to be on here. Edit to add: I would love a pool or swim spa though!
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jun 3, 2020 22:29:37 GMT -5
I was hearing my sister tell me about her youngest bitching about the 2007 car she was driving. I told her that both TD and I drive 2007 models and will drive them until they croak....and we can buy whatever car we want, for cash. Not gonna happen though.
My sister thinks it is because of social media influencing, I should have told her that both she and her DH pretty much enhanced this from their childhood. FWIW, both are within 10 years from retirement and have no where near the money they need for retirement. You can’t tell them anything.
I still think my sister is going to wind up living in our basement.
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oped
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Post by oped on Jun 4, 2020 6:04:55 GMT -5
I’m going to be honest. I used my snowflake money to get my swim spa. I generally save that except to help family and occasional travel but I used a huge chunk just on me. Felt guilty, actually made my father tell me it was ok, but so glad I did.
I know my sister tends to let her friends think they live in debt rather than say dad gave them a chunk of money. So maybe something like that?
I will say in my research the swim spa was cheaper than a pool for us.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2020 6:45:35 GMT -5
My only answer is that they don't save for retirement and that they spend every penny they make on monthly payments for all their "stuff." Cars, campers, boats, ATVs, etc. This is what bothers me. I know there's a segment of the population that has a hard time saving anything- HCOL area, gig economy, no highly-marketable skills, maybe not even the smarts to get those skills. And then there are the people who COULD save but spend it on Stuff. Their long-term care plan is "qualify for Medicaid" and they'll be whining after they retire about how hard it is to live on just their pitiful SS checks. I'm reading that RVs are getting popular now because you can travel without the risks associated with hotels and restaurants. The was also a news article (undoubtedly meant also to fire up demand) about how hard it is to get Ford and GM cars because Detroit shut down for awhile. There are waiting lists for F-150s and people are frantic to get a new car because "their leases are up". I can't wait to see what happens to the RV and truck owners when the price of gas goes up again.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Jun 4, 2020 7:08:57 GMT -5
Why are you mad that people that can afford to buy things, well, buy things? Why does that make them "rich bitches"? And how do you know the intricate details of their finances? Maybe they are good at investing? I have a great income but I have also built an rental real estate portfolio. Should those of us with disposable income have to give away every cent we make to make you happy?
"I make those rich bitches help donate to charities"
How do you know those rich bitches do not already donate to charities? I donate to charities that are near and dear to me but I do not advertise my donations to anyone. Nor would I ever let someone guilt me into charities that aren't near and dear to me. No matter what names they called me.
I honestly do not understand the hate. It comes across as jealousy...they have more than me so I hate their spending. Or, they make different choices than I do with their money so clearly they are rich bithces.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2020 7:59:13 GMT -5
Why are you mad that people that can afford to buy things, well, buy things? Why does that make them "rich bitches"? And how do you know the intricate details of their finances? I know you directed this at the OP and not at me but to a certain extent you're right- what they spend their money on is not my business- UNTIL they need to rely on income-based social programs because they have low income or no assets, typically in retirement. Then it IS my business because I'm expected to prop them up with my taxes (and so are my son and DIL and, in the future, their kids). And another reason that's not really my business but it certainly affects their kids- are they putting money away for college? My parents put us all through college- granted, it was state schools and it was the 1970s before costs got crazy- but they chose saving for education over boats, RVs, new cars every few years, etc. The first time I flew on a plane I was 16. It was Columbus, OH to Akron-Canton. And I paid for it with babysitting money. I'm glad my parents made those choices instead of spending every dime. Ah- and another thing that affects the kids- my Mom died in 2016 and Dad is 89 and about to go into a Skilled Nursing Facility following a stroke over Easter weekend (he's now in rehab). While my siblings in the area, bless them, have gone above and beyond seeing to his needs while he was in Independent Living (visiting, bringing him to their homes for dinner, taking him to doc appointments), no one had to take him in or do everything he couldn't do for himself while "aging in place". They are not frantically scrambling for a nursing home that takes Medicaid- Dad has the resources for whatever facility is close by and serves his needs. None of us cares if we get a dime after dad leaves this world and we are profoundly grateful that he has the resources he needs for his own care,
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Jun 4, 2020 8:05:28 GMT -5
I had more disposable income when I worked as a cashier than I do now. Back then I didn't save for retirement. Didn't have a 401k available and had never heard of IRAs. Now I make double what I made then and I had less money to spend.
I don't know how people do it. I mentioned in another thread that recently I went to my manager's house for a work related meeting, and visited a coworker socially. They both live in beautiful houses with nice yards in beautiful towns. I live in a very simple condo in a poor town.
All I know is that living here for the last 12 years has allowed me to save and invest. It wouldn't be possible if I moved somewhere fancy. So my decision is to stay here and continue to invest.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2020 8:10:13 GMT -5
Why are you mad that people that can afford to buy things, well, buy things? Why does that make them "rich bitches"? And how do you know the intricate details of their finances? I know you directed this at the OP and not at me but to a certain extent you're right- what they spend their money on is not my business- UNTIL they need to rely on income-based social programs because they have low income or no assets, typically in retirement. Then it IS my business because I'm expected to prop them up with my taxes (and so are my son and DIL and, in the future, their kids). This latest pandemic deal is a good example. Suddenly all those with no savings or ability to cover their loans are in need of a massive bailout...and given one. For the most part, I don't care what people spend their money on, but I do sometimes wonder why I bother being responsible.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 4, 2020 8:28:46 GMT -5
I think there's a balance between spending now vs spending later (saving for retirement). My family could have a much bigger/nicer house, newer vehicles, and all sorts of the toys you see, and have little to nothing saved for retirement. So when these people that do have all the fancy stuff look for sympathy when they get into a bind, it's hard to stomach.
As far as LTC is concerned, though, that's a whole different animal. The cost of that is absolutely ridiculous, and I don't think it's fair to expect people, who've never even close to hitting $100k I'm income in their working years, to never enjoy their hard-earned money over the decades in order to pay $10,000+ a month for crappy care in a crappy place.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2020 8:30:00 GMT -5
For the most part, I don't care what people spend their money on, but I do sometimes wonder why I bother being responsible. I know- I try to remind myself that life on the taxpayers' dime- Section 8 housing, food stamps, Meals on Wheels, etc. is not exactly cushy. I'm also concerned that as states pay a bigger and bigger share of LTC costs through Medicaid the number and quality of places that accept Medicaid beds will decrease. The ones that accept Medicaid patients now typically do so because they have to in order to qualify to get Medicare rehab patients, who are more profitable. Some just decide that it's not worth it. Last year I read a sad story about a LTC facility in Boston that just closed its doors, scattering residents wherever they could place them. I'm hoping that my last few years on this earth will be better than that.
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jelloshots4all
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Post by jelloshots4all on Jun 4, 2020 8:42:03 GMT -5
oped I'm glad you got a spa pool. They look really cool!
No, I do not know their total financial situation. However, for years as she was completing school, she did share that her student loans were over $100K, and she was making very little money as an intern. They have 2 boys that won't start college for a couple years, so hopefully they have saved.
It just made me shake my head when she posted it on FB yesterday. I do agree that they care more about stuff. And she likes attention, so I'm not surprised about her bragging posts on FB.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Jun 4, 2020 8:45:37 GMT -5
WOW! 20K on a spa pool?? Jeez, DH and I are going to make do with a $500 above ground pool from Stock and Field...and if that sucker goes on sale before we 'have the money' to buy it, I'ma gonna buy it anyway!
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gs11rmb
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Post by gs11rmb on Jun 4, 2020 8:51:01 GMT -5
WOW! 20K on a spa pool?? Jeez, DH and I are going to make do with a $500 above ground pool from Stock and Field...and if that sucker goes on sale before we 'have the money' to buy it, I'ma gonna buy it anyway! $500 - you are living far too high on the hog!!! Ours cost $157 from Target. Just teasing
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CCL
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Post by CCL on Jun 4, 2020 8:51:23 GMT -5
My only answer is that they don't save for retirement and that they spend every penny they make on monthly payments for all their "stuff." Cars, campers, boats, ATVs, etc. This is what bothers me. I know there's a segment of the population that has a hard time saving anything- HCOL area, gig economy, no highly-marketable skills, maybe not even the smarts to get those skills. And then there are the people who COULD save but spend it on Stuff. Their long-term care plan is "qualify for Medicaid" and they'll be whining after they retire about how hard it is to live on just their pitiful SS checks. I'm reading that RVs are getting popular now because you can travel without the risks associated with hotels and restaurants. The was also a news article (undoubtedly meant also to fire up demand) about how hard it is to get Ford and GM cars because Detroit shut down for awhile. There are waiting lists for F-150s and people are frantic to get a new car because "their leases are up". I can't wait to see what happens to the RV and truck owners when the price of gas goes up again. IME, campgrounds are usually full and often not located wear you want to go. It can sometimes be difficult and costly to store and maintain those RVs, too.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 4, 2020 8:58:23 GMT -5
Now I want one. We almost bought a couple houses with in-ground pools, but didn't want the headache and cost of maintenance. To put one in is probably $50k, but they don't add hardly anything to the cost of a house around here. Regular spas just seem like a big, expensive, bathtub. These seem like exactly something I would enjoy. I'd also like a camper now, but that's not happening either. We'd have to buy a big truck to pull the thing, and figure out where to store it. Sounds like a big, expensive headache, unfortunately.
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oped
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Post by oped on Jun 4, 2020 10:20:15 GMT -5
Benefits of the swim spa... no fencing because it has a secure cover. no increase in taxes because it is not permanent. I used it in the winter this year... not as much as I would have liked, but that is an issue I hope to rectify and has more to do with wind than other things, we live in a windy place and the cover isn't secure when open... we are working on this. It did increase my electric bill but it was hard to isolate by how much... i did not find them unreasonable. I kept it at a reasonable temp for exercise... but benefit is it can be increased and the unit used as a giant hot tub which daughter has done on occasion for parties.
You can't do big party swimming. Gentle exercising with max me and mr. ...usually its just me. I'm the one who feels most grounded in water and misses it the most when I can't swim, so it works for us.
I bought factory direct (if you are in north central pa) which helped some with the price, there is also concrete pad, electric work, delivery depending on where you want it to go and water to fill it.
I'm planning on getting new water in the next month. Learning curve I made some mistakes this winter I had to correct and the water is ok but I'd like to clean everything out good and start over.
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oped
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Post by oped on Jun 4, 2020 10:31:38 GMT -5
I know this wasn't the intent of the OP lol... but a minor sidetrack...
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Jun 4, 2020 10:33:39 GMT -5
Why are you mad that people that can afford to buy things, well, buy things? Why does that make them "rich bitches"? And how do you know the intricate details of their finances? I know you directed this at the OP and not at me but to a certain extent you're right- what they spend their money on is not my business- UNTIL they need to rely on income-based social programs because they have low income or no assets, typically in retirement. Then it IS my business because I'm expected to prop them up with my taxes (and so are my son and DIL and, in the future, their kids). And another reason that's not really my business but it certainly affects their kids- are they putting money away for college? My parents put us all through college- granted, it was state schools and it was the 1970s before costs got crazy- but they chose saving for education over boats, RVs, new cars every few years, etc. The first time I flew on a plane I was 16. It was Columbus, OH to Akron-Canton. And I paid for it with babysitting money. I'm glad my parents made those choices instead of spending every dime. Ah- and another thing that affects the kids- my Mom died in 2016 and Dad is 89 and about to go into a Skilled Nursing Facility following a stroke over Easter weekend (he's now in rehab). While my siblings in the area, bless them, have gone above and beyond seeing to his needs while he was in Independent Living (visiting, bringing him to their homes for dinner, taking him to doc appointments), no one had to take him in or do everything he couldn't do for himself while "aging in place". They are not frantically scrambling for a nursing home that takes Medicaid- Dad has the resources for whatever facility is close by and serves his needs. None of us cares if we get a dime after dad leaves this world and we are profoundly grateful that he has the resources he needs for his own care, But again, you are making some REALLY big assumptions that they aren't doing any of those things. I certainly do not advocate spending everything and then living off the government later in live, but that doesn't mean I am going to assume that every highly compensated individual is pissing away every cent they make and will expect the taxpayers to take care of them. I have enough disposable income to cash flow my daughter's education. After years of saying I wouldn't pay for her education, I cash flowed it the first year. Guess what...she floundered as she had zero skin in the game. That was the end of that. Now she works and takes out some loans. That doesn't mean that I might not come in at the end and pay it off but I am not required to nor do I feel obligated to do so. Since she has been paying, she has been doing excellent at school. Because she knows if she f's up, momma aint bailing her out. No one bailed me out so I had no choice but to put my noise to the grind and do well. Better than just paying for the school, I have spend years teaching my daughter about finances. Pointing out the people saddled with $50k in debt and a job making $12 an hour because they had no plan. I also told her that no one should go to college just because...if you don't have a plan, you figure it out. Otherwise, no one should bail your ass out. I gave her the tools to become successful, which in my world, is much better than an open checkbook. I realize that this is a philosophical difference and one that we will never agree on. Just my thoughts...but again, you also didn't call them "rich bitches" and act like everyone should donate every penny they make. I agree with you that everyone should be responsible. I just disagree with making assumptions that high earning people are spending every cent they make.
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stillmovingforward
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Post by stillmovingforward on Jun 4, 2020 10:34:59 GMT -5
I have an RV and it's not expensive if you are smart about what you buy and where you travel. I bought a high end but small RV with a diesel engine. It fits on an extended slab by my garage (no HOA here!), I do most of my own maintenance, and I boondock. Which is parking in remote areas without hookups. These are beautiful locations too! If I want hookups, I travel off season. It's turned out pretty cheap for me, all things considered. I get about 20 miles to the gallon.
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daisy
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Post by daisy on Jun 4, 2020 10:36:45 GMT -5
WOW! 20K on a spa pool?? Jeez, DH and I are going to make do with a $500 above ground pool from Stock and Field...and if that sucker goes on sale before we 'have the money' to buy it, I'ma gonna buy it anyway! $500 - you are living far too high on the hog!!! Ours cost $157 from Target. Just teasing [img src=" WHAAAAATTTT i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/ymamsmiles/idunno.gif" src="https://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff155/JiminiChristmas/ymamsmiles/wink.png"] We didn't look at Target, I guess I need to! Thanks for the tip
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stillmovingforward
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Post by stillmovingforward on Jun 4, 2020 10:37:29 GMT -5
Oh, and it's pretty much my only 'rich bitch' item (I love that, I'm going to use it!) Otherwise, my car is old and paid for, kids pay for most of thier own college, house is old and I've been in it forever, etc.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Jun 4, 2020 10:44:51 GMT -5
I know you directed this at the OP and not at me but to a certain extent you're right- what they spend their money on is not my business- UNTIL they need to rely on income-based social programs because they have low income or no assets, typically in retirement. Then it IS my business because I'm expected to prop them up with my taxes (and so are my son and DIL and, in the future, their kids). This latest pandemic deal is a good example. Suddenly all those with no savings or ability to cover their loans are in need of a massive bailout...and given one. For the most part, I don't care what people spend their money on, but I do sometimes wonder why I bother being responsible. I can speak as someone who lived on the dole as a child. Trust me, it sucks. When you are poor, truly poor, you literally have no choices in life. As a woman with financial means, I now have choices in life. When I felt a true fear for my families' safety, I could very easily uproot us and move to somewhere that made me feel safer (and yes, I realize my post was completely over-the-top, awful and directed at the wrong people ). I can assure you, my mom didn't have those choices and she still doesn't.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2020 10:58:40 GMT -5
This latest pandemic deal is a good example. Suddenly all those with no savings or ability to cover their loans are in need of a massive bailout...and given one. For the most part, I don't care what people spend their money on, but I do sometimes wonder why I bother being responsible. I can speak as someone who lived on the dole as a child. Trust me, it sucks. When you are poor, truly poor, you literally have no choices in life. As a woman with financial means, I now have choices in life. When I felt a true fear for my families' safety, I could very easily uproot us and move to somewhere that made me feel safer (and yes, I realize my post was completely over-the-top, awful and directed at the wrong people ). I can assure you, my mom didn't have those choices and she still doesn't. I wasn't referring to those truly in poverty. I'm talking about the ones "poor" despite a good income because they spend it all and then some and then cry poor when something happens.
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Jun 4, 2020 11:21:33 GMT -5
I can speak as someone who lived on the dole as a child. Trust me, it sucks. When you are poor, truly poor, you literally have no choices in life. As a woman with financial means, I now have choices in life. When I felt a true fear for my families' safety, I could very easily uproot us and move to somewhere that made me feel safer (and yes, I realize my post was completely over-the-top, awful and directed at the wrong people ). I can assure you, my mom didn't have those choices and she still doesn't. I wasn't referring to those truly in poverty. I'm talking about the ones "poor" despite a good income because they spend it all and then some and then cry poor when something happens. Gotcha...yeah, I have no sympathy for them! But I also wouldn't want to be them when they get old and have to live in a government funded nursing home.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Jun 4, 2020 11:38:26 GMT -5
I often look around and wonder how people afford what they do.
I'm assuming they finance everything and they are one of two missed paychecks away from disaster.
I'll do me, they do them, and I'll just stay in my bubble.
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apple 2
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Post by apple 2 on Jun 4, 2020 11:52:16 GMT -5
I often look around and wonder how people afford what they do. I'm assuming they finance everything and they are one of two missed paychecks away from disaster. I'll do me, they do them, and I'll just stay in my bubble. I totally agree, I've never had a car loan. I drive cars that are nice and whats special about them is they are paid for. Living beyond ones means just doesn't work for me.
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cktc
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Post by cktc on Jun 4, 2020 11:59:57 GMT -5
I've been e-window shopping for a swim spa and an RV We won't be buying either, but its nice to imagine being a Jones.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jun 4, 2020 12:03:09 GMT -5
For the most part, I don't care what people spend their money on, but I do sometimes wonder why I bother being responsible. I know- I try to remind myself that life on the taxpayers' dime- Section 8 housing, food stamps, Meals on Wheels, etc. is not exactly cushy. I'm also concerned that as states pay a bigger and bigger share of LTC costs through Medicaid the number and quality of places that accept Medicaid beds will decrease. The ones that accept Medicaid patients now typically do so because they have to in order to qualify to get Medicare rehab patients, who are more profitable. Some just decide that it's not worth it. Last year I read a sad story about a LTC facility in Boston that just closed its doors, scattering residents wherever they could place them. I'm hoping that my last few years on this earth will be better than that. Meals on Wheels is not income based, it is need based. My dad used to deliver for them, and the vast majority of his route paid for this service. It is a phenomenal service for those who are housebound, not necessarily poor. BTW....at least in upstate NY, the meals aren’t bad. If the cooks over prepared, drivers could buy a meal and I’ve tried them. I have had much worse food in restaurants.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 4, 2020 13:36:03 GMT -5
My parents received Meals on Wheels for about 10 years before they died. Yes, they paid for them and the food was good.
Since Covid-19 hit, they are sending 7 frozen meals a week to each recipient and the one here opened it up to all seniors.
My parents were able to pay for the meals, but it is not required.
My parents received the meals due to health issues, not money issues.
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