I feel like I'm drowning

[-]

MarquesTreasures@reddit

I moved from Florida to South Dakota. life is so much better here.

but the number one factor that improved my life was I lived like a pauper for 5 years and paid off every red cent I owed. no matter where I live, not being in debt is by far the best quality of living factor.

for example, stop chasing the next toy, you don't need the next Iphone, you don't need to live in a house, you don't need a car AND a motorcycle.

[-]

Charming_Butterfly90@reddit

And you pay next to nothing in taxes compared to New England. Florida is a choice.

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I have 4 more years until I get my pension. Planning on leaving after that. Property taxes are $8,880 a year on a 2100 sq ft house.

[-]

OptiGuy4u@reddit

Florida is trying to eliminate all property tax for your primary residence.

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Unfortunately this topic is a headline catch.. haven't seen any momentum on it yet... but will wait and see.

[-]

OptiGuy4u@reddit

It stalled after the house passed it but I expect to see it on a ballot in some form even if it's a huge reduction...here's the AI summary.

the Florida House passed HJR 203 in February 2026 to exempt homesteaded primary residences from all non-school property taxes starting January 1, 2027, the measure died in the Senate when the regular legislative session ended on March 13, 2026.

Current Status: The proposal was removed from a postponed April 28 special session agenda, pushing any future debate to late May or later.

Proposed Changes: HJR 203 aimed to exempt homeowners from city and county taxes (cutting bills by roughly 35% to 50%), while school district levies would remain. Funding Impact: The plan would create an estimated $13.3 billion to $18.3 billion annual revenue gap for local governments, with provisions legally requiring cities to maintain 2024-2025 funding levels for law enforcement.

Next Steps: Any elimination would require a new constitutional amendment to pass both chambers by a 60% supermajority and be approved by 60% of voters in a future election. Currently, all existing property tax obligations and exemptions remain in effect.

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Short-Personality398@reddit

It has to come from somewhere and at a time when the federal government is cutting funds to states

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Short-Personality398@reddit

He’s not being realistic or serious. It’s a gimmick

[-]

Coyote_Hemi_B58@reddit

That sounds like an eternity but it goes fast, I promise. I retired yesterday at 54yo. A year ago I was sure that I would need to work after I retired to supplement my pension, but I don’t. Keep putting as much as you can in your 401k, it’s that and the equity in your house that are gonna matter the most. For me, it all came together right at the end. And I’m in NJ, 8250 property taxes for 1100sf house on .27 of an acre.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the kind words.

[-]

MoeBlacksBack@reddit

I pay 3000 in property taxes in greater Boston for a 1440 sq ft house

[-]

maccaroneski@reddit

Them's rookie numbers cries in Californian

[-]

Complex_Sherbet2@reddit

Donnie, your out of your element in Hyphy

[-]

makebuleaf@reddit

That a deal! In Northern California my property taxes are close to 16k, not including state income tax.

[-]

_P4X-639@reddit

My property taxes in WA on that size house were $12,000. In OR they are $8,000, and I have state income tax.

[-]

DorktorJones@reddit

Oof. Same size house on 36 acres in CO. Taxes were $1100 last year.

[-]

drewlb@reddit

Florida is just going to get worse.

Leave now if you can.

Insurance is just going to go up and up until it can't any more and then at that point the house prices collapse.

[-]

Short-Personality398@reddit

Oh but didn’t you hear? DeSantis promised no property taxes next

[-]

balcon@reddit

I feel like I'm getting beat down by insurance prices and property taxes. It's only going to keep going up. It kind of blows my mind how expensive things have gotten.

Florida insurance issues make the news often and feel for you, op. How are the property taxes there?

[-]

Short-Personality398@reddit

And yet nothing is done about the insurance issues (and they’re real) and we keep voting for a federal government that is cutting funds to the states. And what’s going on with the money spent on alligator alcatrez (bc this state is full of vicious voters)

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Expensive in my world 8,800.

[-]

RCA2CE@reddit

If you're not saving money in your 401K you're in trouble.

I think what you have to do is manage your net worth, not your bills. Not counting the house you live in you have to manage your 401K, Savings, Brokerages etc.

Each week I write them down, all of my account balances and add them up - if they didn't go up, I look for what I have to change. As I see them go up, I worry less about the bills because I know im handling my long term affairs.

So I don't mind juggling bills with my take home pay because Im payroll deducting into my 401k and im managing my other money upward... my paycheck is just to keep the lights on until I retire.

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Short-Personality398@reddit

I don’t think it’s usually advisable to hawk your long term investments to that extent. I’m not even sure I should be looking monthly.

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old_motters@reddit

What a sad way to live! You might get cancer and die at 50, I mean hopefully not but still, why not have some life now rather than postponing it until you retire?

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Top_Buy_6650@reddit

Come to Scotland x

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old_motters@reddit

I probably will. For 6 months of the year at least!

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perhaps_too_emphatic@reddit

Where do I sign up?

[-]

ThatHorsesAss@reddit

I bought my house in Florida in 2008, HO and Flood was about $2700 combined. When I left in 2019(before the house boom🙄) it was $8700. I was already working full time and 2 part time jobs. If I didn’t move then we would have been homeless before now. Still won’t ever retire but things are better than Florida.

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perhaps_too_emphatic@reddit

This is literally why people live in boring, cold, and dreary places. It’s cheaper. And there are still museums and things there.

Consider moving.

[-]

EnjoyingTheRide-0606@reddit

Make a detailed written budget. Budget every single dollar in your paycheck. You’ll feel like you got a raise!!

If you don’t how much to list on each line item then look at your past spending. You’ll kick yourself for how much you blow!!

[-]

Sitcom_kid@reddit

I recommend getting a roommate. People think I'm crazy but it works

[-]

pnw-fun-cpl@reddit

We recently took a vacation to the Florida Keys and the prices for gas and food in restaurants were substantially cheaper than Washington state. At one time we wanted to retire to Florida, after visiting that’s a big nope even with the potential savings in those areas. Next vacation will be the Alabama coast to see how that is.

[-]

snuggas94@reddit

Just moved from WA to AL. Don’t move. We miss the climate, natural beauty, and access to many things. We live in a small town in AL, and frankly it sucks. Even my kids say they want to move back to WA. Alabamians claim that they love living here so much and would never leave. I’m like, “Why?!” Must be connection to many family or something like that. I am hoping to move back to WA, if I can financially swing it, in a few years.

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Ok_Wheel_3643@reddit

Redneck

[-]

pnw-fun-cpl@reddit

Better than living in New Orleans asshole

[-]

Ok_Wheel_3643@reddit

Just telling you like it is.

[-]

ThisusernameThen@reddit

gif

[-]

kalelopaka@reddit

It’s the poor economy that has everyone struggling to survive.

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More_Bluejay9938@reddit

Florida too. It’s so terrible. I hate it here.

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krneki534@reddit

I'm 50 and I have ~500 Eur of monthly expenses. The fuck are you doing to run out of money all the time?

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SurprisedWildebeest@reddit

You probably aren’t paying ~1300€ in health insurance, 300€ in medication, 200€ in car insurance, 300€ in home insurance, 200€ in flood insurance, and 400€ in property taxes monthly on top of things like groceries & heat.

[-]

krneki534@reddit

I drive a 10 years old car I bought with a card, direct transaction.
I don't take any pills or any medicine as I don't have any issue (knock on wood).
The home insurance is basic, against fire, so it is cheap ~100-200 Eur/year IIRC.
Property taxes are ~260 Eur/year

I cook my own food and the house is heated with electricity (solar panels help)

[-]

SurprisedWildebeest@reddit

I drive a car even older than that that I bought for cash. I cook my own food and my house is heated with gas, so even cheaper than electric. My electric bill is tiny.

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krneki534@reddit

this is the way

[-]

SurprisedWildebeest@reddit

Sure but I still have ~2400 Euro monthly in expenses that you don’t. I live in a medium cost of living town in the midwest US.

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krneki534@reddit

improve it, like you did with many other things

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

You don't live in USA. Come here and I would love to see how you make it

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krneki534@reddit

ah, a dooomer

[-]

SurprisedWildebeest@reddit

These ARE the improved amounts.

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LonesomeBulldog@reddit

My property taxes in Texas are $18,000/year. Home insurance is $5,800/year.

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krneki534@reddit

I heard that everything is bigger in Texas

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RepresentativeYam363@reddit

I spoke with someone nearing retirement that lives in FL the other day. She said a lot of folks that own their home outright and have no mortgage loan are just doing without home insurance all together and putting that money into an account for if something does happen. I guess similar to my high deductible health insurance and saving the difference in HSA. The difference is I a, still working and the high deductible still covers a chunk of if something catastrophic happens. Still, cancer diagnosis and treatment would probably wipe me out whether I had expensive healthcare premium/plan or the high deductible plan.

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krneki534@reddit

with cancer you can die or get broke

It's best not to think about it

[-]

RepresentativeYam363@reddit

My home insurance is $10k/ year. I agree US has a big affordability issue. It is not sustainable or Gen X will never get to retire. Some Boomers seem happy working till death, and Gem X was overshadowed and passed up for promotion and leadership positions. That left me disenfranchised. I think a lot of Gen X probably feel this way and are counting down the days to retirement. If I affordability and taking away social security is going to cause us to work longer, we will transition from Boo,er boss to a Millennial boss while we are forced to work into our “golden years” of retirement. Depressing!

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Jocks_Strapped@reddit

just my power bill is $494...

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krneki534@reddit

install solar panels and some batteries?

[-]

Phobos1982@reddit

Who’s gonna pay for that?

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krneki534@reddit

you are

and the sooner you do it, the more money will be left. but yeah, it sucks until you can switch, such is life.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I looked into solar. Costs are expensive and hurricanes will rip those off and throw them down the street.

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Jocks_Strapped@reddit

I've looked into it. The power company doesn't like it and I don't have $12,000 laying around. I do need a new roof and still waiting on Elons solar shingles

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krneki534@reddit

it will get better and cheaper with time, so check again every few years

500 *12 = 6000$ for one year

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Where do you live? I want to be there.

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krneki534@reddit

find you own tree

I live in the least densely populated EU nation, this is why life quality is so high.

[-]

warrenao@reddit

The fuck are you doing to run out of money all the time?

Living in an oligarch-dominated nation and continuing to vote GOP will contribute to that more than many realize.

[-]

krneki534@reddit

I'm sure your rural folks are as baffled as me

[-]

warrenao@reddit

…No, those are, by and large, the ones most likely to vote for the oligarch-supporting, nation-invading, tariff-levying, social-assistance-gutting party and being in the deepest financial straits: Wondering why they have a bloody nose while ceaselessly punching themselves in the face.

[-]

krneki534@reddit

You waste too much energy thinking about politics, you should use this time to think about stuff that helps you

[-]

Ok_Industry3016@reddit

I'm an MBA, let me try to help.

1 Make minimum payments

2 Eat bologna sandwiches

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

My mortgage is $3,800 a month (principal $2,545... additional amount is home, flood and taxes. My health insurance costs are $1,200 a month ( I am married and have 2 dependents). Car insurance $400, electricity $350... (TECO keeps raising rates to cover hurricane costs). I shop at Walmart for food and buy clothes at second hand stores. Of course there are miscellaneous costs each month too..

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

You’re paying California prices in Florida? 😦

Did you know the biggest group now moving to Tennessee are Floridians?

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

My friend just left Fl to go there.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

Tennessee has the blessing and curse of being relatively affordable AND having four seasons but not crazy Midwestern or northern winter.

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Ok_Industry3016@reddit

Yep own 30 acres of forestry land in TN. Live up north. TN is awesome.

[-]

Fluffymanolo@reddit

TECO is supposed to be lowering rates soon. Only other thing would be to see if refinancing the mortgage can give you some wiggle room to get some other things caught up then start paying extra to get it paid off. That's if finding a new better paying job is out of the question of course.

We were thinking about moving back to SE Louisiana and were all ready to start seriously looking at homes. They are a little less expensive there. Then I priced homeowners and it was twice what we're paying in Florida. This was north of the lake and I-12 in a no flood zone.... Plus state income tax, plus higher property taxes... We're staying in Florida for the foreseeable future...

[-]

jdr90210@reddit

CA, yes plus a soon to be ex, drowning.

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Aware-Owl4346@reddit

This is the right post if you're looking for some sympathy and validation. But without info and numbers, nobody can give you answers. Do you do spreadsheets? At least for your known recurring costs?

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Dunno_If_I_Won@reddit

I'm guessing OP knows deep down that this is a spending problem.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I wish. I shop for groceries at Walmart and second hand stores for clothes. I am not in any other debt but mortgage and car payment. Sometimes I watch others go bankrupt in Florida and wondering if they are the ones doing it right. You get to keep your house and car here when you do go bankrupt

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I_Hate_Wet_Socks@reddit

Also do you have a budget or track ALL your spending? That will tell you everything you need to know about whete your money is going. Its definitely eye opening.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Not in debt... just expensive to live here.

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OptiGuy4u@reddit

Good point. We use the goodbudget app and account for every dollar.

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I_Hate_Wet_Socks@reddit

You still have to make the house and car payments even if you qualify to keep them.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Agree. But you can run up your cards and live the life until bankruptcy.

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Every_Selection_6419@reddit

And still need insurance & have taxes.

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jhm-YNWA@reddit

Took me a really long time to accept this answer but once I did, life and my bank balance got better.

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Just facts. No debts thankfully. Expensive as ever to live in Tampa. I buy clothes at second hand stores and groceries at Walmart.

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Icky-Tree-Branch@reddit

Oh, damn. I know it’s crazy there now. I’m originally from Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel, and I can’t believe how it’s no longer cheap and rural. Tampa must be far worse.

[-]

imrickjamesbioch@reddit

Ease up, bwahaha… Im not gonna ask who you voted for but the fake Christian party controls most of FL, and all branches of the federal government so good luck with getting off that hamster wheel anytime soon…

My best advice is hopefully you and those in our generation got an 401k or IRA you are stashing money away for retirement. An I not sure how many years left til retirement but if you are looking at 10+ years, any extra income not put towards bills should be dumped into the stock market in a etf at a minimum. I wouldn’t even think of making any major purchases like a new care or even a expensive vacation til you retire and can afford it.

Best of luck OP!

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Thanks... I have been fighting the system forever in Florida. Blue blood here. 4 more years until I get my pension and then taking off

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Dunno_If_I_Won@reddit

If you're making a good salary, then this is a you problem, not a genX issue. Go to r/personalfinance and alt out your numbers.

Your insurance and taxes are high presumably because your house and cars are expensive...these factors were within your control.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Curious. How much is your mortgage and I Don't live outside of my means. I have to work 4 more years for my pension. I have been eyeing California to move to after retirement. It's a heck of a lot cheaper there and No debts except mortgage and car payment. I shop at Walmart and second hand stores.

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Every_Selection_6419@reddit

Wait, who told you it was cheaper in California? Are you looking to move to Bakersfield or Fresno?

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

My mortgage is $3,800 a month (principal $2,545... additional amount is home, flood and taxes. My health insurance costs are $1,200 a month (1 am married and have 2 dependents). Car insurance $400, electricity $350... (TECO keeps raising rates to cover hurricane costs). I shop at Walmart for food and buy clothes at second hand stores. Of course there are miscellaneous costs each month too.. not sure where in California.. but it will be cheaper area than what I'm paying now in Tampa

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Every_Selection_6419@reddit

(Laughs in former Californian)

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Dunno_If_I_Won@reddit

$3,200/month. Did a 15 year refi at 2.25 percent. Final payment is in 10 years. At that I terest rate I'm not paying it off a day early.

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

It’s not bougie in my area of SoCal and OP would have exactly the same costs. Unless you consider San Bernardino “bougie.”

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

My mortgage is $3,800 a month (principal $2,545... additional amount is home, flood and taxes. My health insurance costs are $1,200 a month (1 am married and have 2 dependents). Car insurance $400, electricity $350... (TECO keeps raising rates to cover hurricane costs). I shop at Walmart for food and buy clothes at second hand stores. Of course there are miscellaneous costs each month too..

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

Oh hell no, it’s not cheaper here. I live in the Inland Empire, which is not considered a desirable area of Southern California, and your costs will be 100% the same. Plus the state income tax. The only thing going for you is that property taxes don’t go up dramatically. And we have the fire insurance equivalent of your hurricane insurance.

Totally not the state to look to for cheap.

[-]

RedJerzey@reddit

My taxes are going up 15% this year. Already paying $10k.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

So sorry

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stuck_behind_a_truck@reddit

Which taxes? Property taxes? That would be insane.

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OperaBunny@reddit

My insurance company sort of blamed the increased costs on the high maintenance of EVs like Teslas, as they're much more expensive to insure and the cost trickles down to even 25 year old vehicles that aren't even made anymore. Don't feel bad, several people are in the same boat, but won't admit, and will keep up appearances just for the sake of it.

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smoothrj@reddit

Insurance companies always have something to blame for them taking huge profits

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Inkdman73@reddit

The call is coming from inside the house-

[-]

WileyCoyote7@reddit

I was feeling like you, but I spoke to my doctor and he recommended I try a new prescription:

My life is no better off, but at least now I don’t care. Ask your doctor if Fukitol is right for you!

[-]

OperaBunny@reddit

If only it were real, every generation would be taking it. LOL!!

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I think we could be friends

[-]

Ok-Offer-541@reddit

gif

[-]

ShirazGypsy@reddit

Fuck Florida. I was born and raised in that state my whole life and finally escaped 6 weeks ago. I moved to Denver, a “high cost of living” city, and I swear to god, it’s cheaper than Florida. My rent is expensive, but I’m living in a super expensive neighborhood, so that’s by choice. But gas is 75 cent cheaper a gallon, my electricity bill is $75 vs $450 in Florida, water 40 vs 75 in Fl, city is smaller and everything is closer and more convenient, so I’m putting less miles on my car.

And I can actually GO OUTSIDE WITHOUT SWEATING SWAMP ASS

[-]

DramaticErraticism@reddit

But after 7-9% income tax on every check, is it really that different? Seems like that is a huge bonus to living in FL.

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ShirazGypsy@reddit

Its 4.5%

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chicagoliz@reddit

A friend of mine has a friend who lives in Florida. She told me what her friend pays for car insurance and I couldn't believe it. With climate change and the risk of flooding, car insurance and homeowner's insurance are only going to get more expensive. I don't see how this is sustainable. When private insurance companies exit the market, the only option left will be some kind of government insurance and I know Floridians won't do that because that's socialism.

[-]

ShirazGypsy@reddit

Florida already has Citizens United, which is basically public government home insurance because so many people can’t get insured through the private market

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I would absolutely pay govt insurance. It is crazy here

[-]

lazygerm@reddit

I'm happy for you, and I think you cracked that nut open.

HCOL areas, and I live in Boston metro, are more expensive than Florida. But you get better services for your money, and save money in other areas as you've mentioned.

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Left_Jeweler_7538@reddit

I would have to say. Great move. I could not deal with that humidity for one thing!

[-]

PinkyLeopard2922@reddit

Our electric has raised rates a ton over the last couple of years. Nothing like using less kwh and your bill is higher.

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jschaffe76@reddit

I’m going to agree with everyone that says get out of Florida.

I live in a great college town in the Midwest. My 1300 foot townhouse (2 bed, 2 1/2 bath) costs me $824 a month (that includes mortgage, insurance and property taxes). I do still pay $133 a month in HOA.

I’m a single Mom who works in a staff position for a large public university. I agree that everything is getting more expensive, but I’m still able to save each month. I am frugal, but I have wiggle room that I’d never have in a lot of other places.

[-]

golgol12@reddit

My suggestion is to move out of Florida. In 25-50 years, you will literally be drowning, and you'll lose all the equity in your house as it becomes unsellable.

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Grafakos@reddit

Seems like the insurance industry, through high premiums (and in some cases, refusal to provide coverage at all) is basically sending this message to all Florida residents, especially those near the coasts. But people keep moving in.

[-]

Admirable-Currency89@reddit

The actuaries always know. They are paid to know.

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Low-Ad-8269@reddit

You must be younger GenX. At this point, many GenXrs would have paid their mortgage or be close. Florida has become more like California where residents pay a 'paradise tax'.

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uncirculated_luster@reddit

I think a lot of people also bought homes that were far too expensive. Even with a high income, a high mortgage payment can sink a budget. I have two homes, one is paid, and I rent it--a little below market as the renter is gold and multi-year. I live in the other... even though my income is quite high, my mortgage payment is under 10% of my monthly income. I live in a house that is tax-assessed at 400k, which I bought for 220k and a VA loan. I could have stretched and lived in a million-dollar home on the water with a dock and a 6k+ monthly payment, but no way. I also started with a 60k a year income in 2003 when I graduated college in my 30s.

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Low-Ad-8269@reddit

Good point. Some GenX buyers probably bought when home prices started to shoot up prior to that devastating 2008 crash. I bought in the 90s.

[-]

uncirculated_luster@reddit

exactly. I forgot about that timing...

[-]

OGMom2022@reddit

I’m so sorry. I’m in the same boat and it can get really depressing. Like, why?

[-]

Terrible_Housing_433@reddit

I pay for the highest end insurance at my well-paying job (I support a family of four on my own) in a pricey area. I picked the insurance specifically because I’d rather have high premiums than surprise costs. This month alone, I’ve had $2000 in medical bills that insurance is refusing to pay.

Not looking for advice, just commiserating. We are all being fucked over and I don’t know how bad it has to get before we overthrow this system.

[-]

Key-Contest-2879@reddit

My wife and I have no children. When ACA kicked in (2010) my insurance premiums for the two of us went from $350/month to $1200/month. I also lost 20 weeks of work.

So we dropped the insurance, saving us $14400/year.

When we have needed medical care, we say we’re cash pay (no insurance). Prices are better, and no unnecessary extra tests.

Also Medicare is just around the corner, so there’s that.

Anyways, we each have to navigate this shit show the best we can.

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Been thinking about doing this

[-]

sweetleaf230@reddit

I thought about doing this too. So thankful I didn't though bc cancer treatment is not cheap!

[-]

PositivityChamberNW@reddit

I have the same premiums set up, am facing a n upcoming surgery that will probably be denied.....fuckin' Bastards🤦‍♂️🖕

[-]

RedditSkippy@reddit

I assume that in a few years most property in Florida will be uninsurable.

[-]

OptiGuy4u@reddit

It's tough enough now that I wouldn't be surprised. I'm 1/2 mile from the gulf with 1900sq ft and I pay 5k a year even though I've lived here for 27 years and have never had a hurricane claim.

[-]

it_diedinhermouth@reddit

If you can sell the house do it. Think about your health. Life should be challenging but not desperate.

The challenge is to find a better balance. The desperation will come as things remain difficult and you run out of energy.

[-]

Tropisueno@reddit

Adjust your expectations.

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Special-Original-215@reddit

Well at least you don't have income tax.

Maybe downsize the house

[-]

Cheese-Manipulator@reddit

Moving to NC was one of my best decisions.

[-]

romeodread@reddit

And because of this, North Carolina is starting to become more and more expensive to live. Especially the Charlotte area.

[-]

Disc04Life@reddit

Shhhhhh

[-]

StrawberryKiss2559@reddit

Which city?

[-]

RedHarleyQuinn@reddit

Same. Make a decent check but it doesn’t feel like it. I am one of us who was babysitting and dog walking by 11, had a W2 job at 15 1/2 and am just sort of burnt out on working all around. It’s been 40 years officially on the clock. I’m tired, boss.

[-]

Ok-Offer-541@reddit

I’m tired too, friend.

[-]

Firstcounselor@reddit

I like the Green Mile reference, whether or not it was intentional. 👏

[-]

RedHarleyQuinn@reddit

Totally intentional. Awesome movie.

[-]

evilJaze@reddit

I was thinking the same thing the other day. I had a paper route at 11, shoveled driveways and cut grass until my first McJob when I was 15. We grew up poor so I've always had at least one job (at one point in my teens, I had three part-time jobs at the same time plus high school) except for the first year of university when I lived off of generous grants. I'm tired too. At least the finish line is in sight.

[-]

ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Started babysitting at 13 and working at 14

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RedQueenWhiteQueen@reddit

Paper route, pet-sitting, calligraphy side hustle at 12, W-2 by 17, work study in college at $4/hour, and off-campus jobs too when I could find them, because work study had a limit on what you could make. Eventually lucky enough to retire just shy of 56 (really, 2 years after I had become completely burned out) and sometimes feel guilty about it. Then I remember the time I had three jobs in three adjacent counties and no car.

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uggins8888@reddit

10 years to go. I know. Save all you can!

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Firstcounselor@reddit

I’m sorry, that sounds exhausting.

You have a choice though. Either stay on the hamster wheel for the rest of your life or get off. Both options are scary, but one brings change and hope.

Uprooting your life and starting over is a daunting thought. But what if in one year you could be in a new location, in a job you love, in an area you like, and more manageable finances? Would it be worth the change? It’s out there. You just have to decide how badly you want it.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

4 more years until I get my pension.

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Key-Contest-2879@reddit

This is the way. Jumping off the cliff is terrifying.

Realizing you can fly is exhilarating.

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analogpursuits@reddit

We did it. Absolutely miserable before. Absolutely delighted after. Retired early. Never looking back.

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Firstcounselor@reddit

Love it! Mind sharing where you left and where you landed? Doesn’t need to be too specific. I’m in Washington state where costs are going insanely high. While I love it here, if the new millionaire income tax is lowered to impact everyone, I might hightail it outta here.

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analogpursuits@reddit

Central CA-->central OR. Nicer people, WAAAAY nicer drivers, lower COL (although gas pump numbers are mimicking those we left last year!). Helps that the VA decided to finally start paying me for injuries I've suffered from for 30 years. This move was a long time coming.

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Ok-Offer-541@reddit

I’m in CA and feeling the same way. Barely make enough for mortgage (that just went UP due to taxes increasing) and utilities. No money left for groceries…that are going up by the day! Having to fall back on credit cards to get by and going into debt. Some days I don’t even care anymore. I’m just done. And tired of the rat race. 😔😢💔

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Terrible_Housing_433@reddit

We bought our house at an excellent price and my mortgage was $2,100 for a few years. Then all of a sudden, over the last 3 years, it’s gone to $2,700, solely due to taxes and insurance. Car insurance more than doubled after my husband was hit by a drunk driver and his car was totaled (so our insurance went from $250 to $500 before we even bought a replacement car).

I’m not making an extra $850 per month compared to 2010. In fact, due to cancer, the husband no longer works. So I’m paying $850 more just for the house and cars, and our income is half of what it was.

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Ok-Offer-541@reddit

Gosh I’m so sorry. 😞 are you in CA as well? Everything has gone up. I blame all the fires for the insurance rate increases. 😖 Horrible time we are living in.

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

[removed]

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

{community_rule_7}

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Phobos1982@reddit

FL is surprisingly expensive. I live in the DC area and was shocked at the prices down there.

My total ‘mandatory’ expenses are around 2500 usd per month. I live well below my means.

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TheJokersChild@reddit

Just moved from the DC area to VT. You wouldn't believe how similar the cost of living is (except for Excelon's $300 electric bills this winter). We've got almost no houses here, and the ones we do have are either on too much land or need too much work to be affordable since they're all so old - like 1800s old. Apartments are pushing $2 grand a month closer to civilization, which we fight fiercely to keep out of our state, so you either have to spend up to be closer to work, or live in-means but drive an hour each way.

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Quix66@reddit

Can you buy a cheaper house to take the pressure off?

Or move out of state or to a cheaper region of Florida?

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I have 4 more years until my pension. Then I will leave Florida

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abbagodz@reddit

I've lived in Florida for the past eighteen years and totally agree. The state (and the area I live) has done a complete 180 since moving here. The only thingvthst hasn't changed are the wages. This state still believe were back in the 80's!

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kriskupn@reddit

Hey, we get paid in sunshine!!! ☀️ 😬😅

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abbagodz@reddit

Yeah, I was told about the 'Sunshine Tax' when I moved here.

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Zealousideal-Smoke29@reddit

I’ve lived in multiple states across the country due to moving for different career choices. I finally had enough and wanted to go back to grad school and live near my family in central Florida. I’m continually amazed just how low wages are in this state and how “anti worker” most of the laws are. As soon as I finish grad school (engineering), I’m moving out again. I’ll fly back and visit regularly but the wages here in general, are pitiful!

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567Anonymous@reddit

Can you get a roommate? Pay down your mortgage…

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

{community rule 7}

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deleted_by_reddit@reddit

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thetraffic@reddit

Fealing this in coastal South Carolina. With my house paid off, in 20 years taxes and insurance could be between 2 to 3k a month or more? I have a pension but that is kind of steep. Should i hunker down make my house as hurricane proof as i can and drop insurance? People already do this on the beaches. I've started by cutting down all the water oaks in my yard.

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PinkyLeopard2922@reddit

Something like 20% of home owners in Florida are self insuring, which is much higher than other places. We are trying to pay our house off and will be considering doing the same. Our house is like 15 or so miles inland from Tampa Bay but our whole area did still take a walloping in 2024. No damage though to our house. I think we are probably at more risk for flooding which is a whole other animal and a whole other insurance policy but that one is only like $600 a year.

We owned a house in South Carolina (midlands) that flooded and we did NOT have flood insurance. That was a nightmare. I never would have dreamed that house could get flooded but if enough water comes down ANY house can flood.

There have been news stories warning about the dangers of self insuring but interestingly enough, the people warning about it are insurance companies. Hmmmm

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chicagoliz@reddit

One thing about self-insuring is that it is not an option if you have a mortgage, if you have less than 20% equity, it is a requirement to have insurance. I realize this is probably not an issue for you, but for the real estate market as a whole, anyone who can't pay more than 20% down will be entirely shut out. That will have an effect on the market as a whole.

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PinkyLeopard2922@reddit

Oh I agree...the market here is already terrible. We have grown children that will likely never be able to buy a house here, at least not anywhere near us. Very unpopular opinion but I would honestly prefer that we did NOT get this huge increase in value since we bought our house and that other people with normal jobs could still buy houses.

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chicagoliz@reddit

Yeah, this is a problem in a lot of places. But if FL becomes uninsurable it's going to be all that much worse in FL.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Same story.. live in Tampa 2024 killed us. Flooded even by USF (inland).

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BitterPillPusher2@reddit

I am in Texas, and our property taxes and insurance have gone up exponentially here too.

But we bought our house 20 years ago, and did not buy more house than we could afford. We have stayed here and didn't feel the need to "upgrade" to a bigger house. We drive our cars into the ground. Doing that has given us a cushion to absorb the increased prices of everything and allowed us to save for the kids college and retirement. Basically, we've just lived below our means. Could you move to a less expensive house?

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Cheese-Manipulator@reddit

Same. Bought a small, older, house in 2015. Refinanced it at 2.375%. Have only one 2015 car I take care of. Don't blow money on expensive toys but we still take nice vacations. No CC debt, no food deliveries, only 1 streaming service, etc. Also live away from the coast and in a lower cost state so reasonable taxes and insurance costs. Got a very nice retirement saved up in the process.

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cruisereg@reddit

This is the real answer - buy less shit! Just eliminating car payments is a freedom I cannot give up.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I wish... I bought 2015. I could sell my house and buy something that would be much smaller and have about the same mortgage payment. It's the taxes and insurance cost here that are out of control

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Cheese-Manipulator@reddit

But you don't pay income tax there

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BitterPillPusher2@reddit

To be fair, we do usually buy new cars. But then we just keep them until the wheels fall off.

When we bought our house, we were pre-approved for something ridiculous like a $600K loan. We bought a $270K house, with the actual loan amount being closer to $225K. Mind you, this was 21 years ago, so $225K went a lot further. But the point being, we didn't borrow $600K just because the bank was willing to give it to us.

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skinisblackmetallic@reddit

This seems like a math problem.

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Fudloe@reddit

This helped me out.

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ConfusionHelpful4667@reddit

We sold our large home and moved into a smaller ranch in another state.
Our taxes were $7500/year.
Our utilities were crazy high.
Now they are $600.
Our utilities are at least 50% less.

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girlpaint@reddit

That feel of being on a hamster wheel, just working to pay (high) bills sucks. I'm sorry you're feeling like this. Just know you're not alone.

If you could be doing anything you wanted...where you wanted, what would it be?

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Somewhere affordable

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girlpaint@reddit

Come to New Mexico

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NorthernTransplant94@reddit

I loved the weather there, (I lived in El Paso, TX and worked just over the border in NM) but the lack of green is rough.

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girlpaint@reddit

You learn to appreciate shades of brown and red and pink. And tbh it grreens up fairly well in the summer. But yeah if you want lush and green, NM isn't for you.

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Independent-Fan4343@reddit

Downsized in 2022. The market was just too good. Was able to sell our home and buy a condo outright in WA. Now our housing expenses are down to $900 a month between insurance, taxes, utilities and HOA. Able to do more traveling. Hope to retire at 59. Nothing wrong with living in a small home.

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BahBahSMT@reddit

I live in a 1200sq ft house now and I’m imagining an even smaller house in my future.

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BlownCamaro@reddit

It eases up when you stop chasing what your neighbors/friends have and start living BELOW your means. From that point forward you pay off your credit card debt, your car payment, and then your home. You cancel your subscriptions and your cable. Now you realize you need very little money to make ends meet and your financial stress just vanished. You now have money to invest and watch it grow (if you choose wisely). And possibly you can retire early and live off of your investments or at least move into a lower-paying low-stress job until retirement.

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Odd-Animal-1552@reddit

I live in Florida too. I am not living above my means but when my car insurance and homeowners insurance increase like, $1500-2000 a year, my measly 3% raise can’t keep up. My utilities have tripled. Oh, and shopping around for insurance doesn’t help much when so many insurers won’t cover the state anymore for home or auto. Groceries are way up. And gas. It’s getting harder to break even.

(Yes, I have applied to other jobs. Yes, I’ve shopped around for insurance. Yes, I keep my thermostat at an uncomfortable level. Yes, I quit watering my lawn and now it’s half dead. Yes, I cut unnecessary expenses)

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cruisereg@reddit

I live in Florida too and my homeowners insurance has gone down in the last two years. I also got a rebate check from Progressive because of car insurance reforms. For reference, I pay about $1500/6 months for top coverage on a ‘23 Model Y and ‘23 Hyundai Santa Fe.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Where do you live? Tampa insurance is crazy high

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cruisereg@reddit

Orlando area. Also, Progressive is my only option for the EV. Everything else is like 2x the cost.

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Odd-Animal-1552@reddit

Progressive was way more expensive for my 2021 dodge and 2008 ford. Clean driving record, no accidents. My homeowners went up $900 last year. I’m not in a flood zone. No claims. Every other company I talked to said no Florida policies or they could write a more expensive policy through citizens. I’m glad it’s working out for some people in Florida. I haven’t had that experience at all.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I shop for groceries at Walmart, buy clothes at second hand stores, I do buy new shoes... but struggling to make it here. Thankfully, I don't have any credit card debts. (In all fairness to the conversation... I have 1 teenager at home, but she works for spending $)

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patbagger@reddit

My newest vehicle is a 2015 Honda, my newest toy is a 2016 Harley, I have a mortgage and the usual monthly expenses ( utilities, cell phone, internet, insurance) I don't eat out more then once a week, I don't drink $8+ coffee, I don't take any prescription medicine, I don't drink in bars.

Life is good and I have money left over every month.

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abousono@reddit

Are you really going with the “stop buying Starbucks and don’t eat out. Give up the avocado toast” nonsense talking point? You say that and then say you don’t eat out more than once a week, when most people can’t even do that. I am in no way saying that you should be ashamed for having more than other people. However, that is an extremely out of touch thing to say. A lot of people are struggling and 90% of the time it isn’t because of weak undisciplined character traits. I’m not saying you’re a bad person or have bad intentions but it comes off as severely out of touch.

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patbagger@reddit

Its not a talking point it's what I've done, and I don't give two shits if you don't like it, I listed over $1500 per month that i have saved, and that's real world.

Life is what you make it, if you dont have a skill set that pays the bills then you better find one soon and stop blaming everyone for your poor choices.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I have a great skill set. Just can't make it here. 4 more years until I reach my pension point and then I can leave Florida

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patbagger@reddit

Definitely still better then California

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abousono@reddit

Yeah, I couldn’t care less what you’ve done. My point is that it’s not feasible for most people. It’s not that deep. Your situation is your situation, but you sound like you’re giving advice and your personal experience doesn’t apply to most people. So what’s your point? Unless you’re just bragging. Someone making a post about struggling and you’re implying that you get by because you don’t buy $8 coffee. It doesn’t help at all, so I’m asking what’s the point?

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Pretend-Excuse-8368@reddit

Decrease expenses and increase income is the answer.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I buy clothes at second hand stores, food at Walmart or Aldi's. Thankfully no debt but sooooo hard to make it.

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MsSunshine305@reddit

But do you live in Florida or in the Midwest where apartments are still $500 for a 3 bedroom lol location makes a difference

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patbagger@reddit

No rents here are $1600+ for anything decent

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Shartfer_brains@reddit

You're in good company, unfortunately. Just gotta keep on keepin' on and start making some changes.

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Azerafael@reddit

Only suggesting this as something you may perhaps want to consider. Perhaps consider selling everything off and moving somewhere else overseas where things may be better.

Check online on various expat forums where alternative locations you might like may be viable.

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MsSunshine305@reddit

I’m doing exactly that! You’d be surprised how much better the quality of life is in other countries compared to the US of A, I’m plotting strategically to be gone by age 55…4 1/2 years left 🤞🏽(unless I come into a large sum of money before then lol)

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I have 4 more years until I hit my pension. I am thinking about this.

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draggar@reddit

I wish I had a solution but I don't, only support and agreement. I spent 10 years in Broward and it sucked, even back then (2003-2013). There's a lot to blame but unfortunately those who are to blame are laughing all the way to the bank while us, the people, pay the prices.

I've cut back a lot and I still feel like I'm paying more. My 401K has taken hit after hit after hit (honestly, vampirism is looking like a good option now so maybe sometime in the next 100 or so years I can retire).

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SGFCardenales@reddit

There’s not a lot to blame. There’s one source of your misery. Hopefully you’ll figure it out.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I understand your thought process of it being me.. but I must finish 4 more years to get a small pension with the state. I find comments like this normally come from intelligence, but also one who is single.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I have to think of my family before saying no to a pension

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app_generated_name@reddit

Multi generational housing is something we need to normalize again. My silent generation parents ran into the same situation. My greatest generation Nana lived with us for her last 6 or 7 years. She had the same problem.

The problem? Life is expensive and it gets worse every year.

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Out_of_Darkness_mc@reddit

We are going to do that! We went in on the house before they completely went out of control price wise…just barely.

Our kids are there now and when we retire or if something happens before then, we will move in!

We’re very excited to all be together!

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RepresentativeYam363@reddit

I advise others do not move to Florida, Texas, California where the it is cost prohibitive to live due to home insurance. Certain states are almost uninsurable. Rising health insurance is everywhere, unfortunately. A result of the broken system and rolling back the Affordable Care Act with no replacement.

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LonesomeBulldog@reddit

My home insurance in Austin just took a big jump to $5,800/year. About a $140/mo increase.

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uggins8888@reddit

Cut all spending and SAVE. All we can do.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Done that and only shop at Walmart for groceries and second hand stores for clothes. Shoes, I do buy new.

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ValgalNP@reddit

I’d move to somewhere more economical if I were you. However moving jobs at our age can be tricky too. Tough call.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I need to work 4 more years in Florida to get my pension. (A small one, but one I need)

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NoMayoForReal@reddit

How rooted are you to Florida and your job? If there is a possibility for remote work or a new job in another state I’d look to go elsewhere. Maybe find that special place where you’d like to retire and work towards moving there. Good luck. We are in FL too and planning our exit.

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Beth_Pleasant@reddit

Seriously, if you don't need to be FL, get out. The only place I would want to be less than FL is TX.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I need to work here 4 more years to get a meager pension.

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app_generated_name@reddit

You'd rather Arkansas?

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bspray@reddit

Yes!

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Beth_Pleasant@reddit

Only the Ozarks. All by myself.

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I-used2B-a-Valkyrie@reddit

I don’t know how feasible it is for you to just pick up and move your life, OP, but a LCOL area might be a big relief for you. (Even outside of FL)

We lived in Orlando in the early 2000’s and it was definitely pricey but not as bad as it is now. Moved to NC and it was insanely better. Better weather, better schools, better economy, better roads and infrastructure. At least, it was for us. Obviously it’s different for everyone.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

Thank you for the kind words. Unfortunately, I have to live here 4 more years and work to get my pension. (Which is peanuts... but at least something).

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allaboutaphie@reddit

You always have the option of selling and downsizing? But I do agree, I would love to retire at 62, but realistically looks like it will be 67, unless I win the lotto (I really need to start playing because buy a ticket 3x a year in a group thing at work..lol).

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CptBronzeBalls@reddit

Your earning potential will decrease and prices will continue to rise. Your best bet is to downsize, move to a cheaper area, and/or look for other ways to simplify or reduce your lifestyle.

Sorry. ‘Murica!

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draggar@reddit

The issue is that OP is in Florida - there are almost no cheaper areas. Even if the land / houses are less expensive, insurance and general cost of living are very high.

Source: I lived in the Fort Lauderdale area for 10 years - in a very cheap area.

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Rare-Assumption5584@reddit

Not so. You and I may live on the coast and pay 20k/yr for taxes and insurance. Inland FL is far more affordable. 3/2 less than 300k. Taxes and insurance <5k/yr.

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ChallengeFine243@reddit (OP)

I live in Tampa. So unaffordable now. Wages are not reflecting how expensive it is to live

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draggar@reddit

I didn't live on the coast, I was closer to the Everglades than the coast (I lived in North Lauderdale). My job also had me all up and down from Miramar to Vero (and over to the gulf coast (Ft Meyers) - no where was less expensive to shop for groceries.

Insurance was expensive and we were not in a flood zone.

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Rare-Assumption5584@reddit

Not disagreeing. Anything south of Martin county is going to be expensive. Housing and insurance are costly. Generally speaking, inland counties are far more affordable.

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SGFCardenales@reddit

The problem in Florida is that it’s gotten much worse lately. There’s a single source of blame, but the majority of Floridians haven’t figured it out yet. Family I had left Florida and moved to DC and it was a huge relief financially to be out of a red state.

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

{community rule 7}

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Beth_Pleasant@reddit

The issue is that OP is in Florida ~~- there are almost no cheaper areas. Even if the land / houses are less expensive, insurance and general cost of living are very high.~~

~~Source: I lived in the Fort Lauderdale area for 10 years - in a very cheap area.~~

Fixed.

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Ceorl_Lounge@reddit

I barely like visiting Florida, can't fathom living there. February in Michigan ain't great, but I can go outside in August and no hurricanes.

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Catnip_75@reddit

It’s all about the wants and needs now. We have cut back a lot on our wants.

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HighSeasArchivist@reddit

My mortgage is 21% of my bring home, and all the rest of my bills added in bring it to 34%. This is by design, because I don't try to buy things on credit just to keep up with others. Some of our decisions stick with us for a very long time, but in the end they were our decisions.

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ONROSREPUS@reddit

Agreed 100%. Keeping up with the Jones's is expensive.

IMO. Buy a cheaper or older car with lower miles. This will reduce your payments and also lower your car insurance. Insurance - shop shop shop. You can find better deals. Home insurance has gone up like crazy in my state as well. I contacted 6 different insurance companies 3 came in cheaper then what I was paying.

Try to change the things that you have control over first. Every little bit helps in the long run.

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HighSeasArchivist@reddit

I haven't had a car payment in over ten years, and while a new car sounds nice, no car sounds as nice as no car payment. I still blow plenty of money on hobbies, but built my life not to be "house poor."

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lovemydogs1969@reddit

This may be an unpopular opinion but cheaper homeowners insurance can screw you over. A lot of those carriers have bad customer service and will fight you on claims. If something bad happens you don’t want any friction with your insurance company. We had an issue with a retailer that delivered and improperly installed a new washing machine which leaked at the hose connection. We caught it fairly early but the water went down the wall to the first floor and ruined our ceiling along with causing buckling in the hardwood floors, and with water we also had to be concerned about mold prevention. Our insurance company sent an adjuster right away, we got plenty of money for the repairs and mediation, and they went after the retailer for the money so we got our deductible back too.

I did shop around last year because our homeowners insurance increase was steep. But I only shopped companies that have a good customer service reputation. We couldn’t get a better price, sadly. In my state we have had a lot of hurricane damage (NC), most recently in the western mountains, and insurance companies are pricing accordingly. We actually have an insurance commissioner that tries to keep our rates down, but the companies that operate here are saying if they can’t charge higher rates they will pull out of the state. It’s probably the same in other states that have natural disasters on the regular. We all have to pay for it, because these companies aren’t going to operate if they’re not making a profit. Also, our insurance company is a mutual insurance company, and we get small dividends each year. What we get is a pittance though. In the 90’s we used to get a lot more. All of this severe weather and natural disasters means everyone pays the price.

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Trolkarlen@reddit

Florida is the canary in the coal mine for global warming. Insurance rates are skyrocketing because the threat of flooding is rapidly increasing. I really don’t see a lot of hope for the state. It’s flat, surrounded by water, filled with swamps, and the sea levels are rising.

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NeoPrimitiveOasis@reddit

Yet somehow it continues to vote for politicians who "don't believe in" climate change and who actively put in place policies that promote worse climate change. SMH.

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CrankyDoo@reddit

If you think voting for a “climate friendly” politician is going to make one bit of difference in the odds of whether your house gets flooded in 10 years, you’re the fool, not them.

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NeoPrimitiveOasis@reddit

So you somehow believe that politicians who improve the insurance market, buy out the most at-risk properties, build climate resiliency, expand FEMA, and engage in mitigation aren't going to help people? Someone's a fool here but it isn't me.

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CrankyDoo@reddit

And which of those policies you just mentioned are going to reduce the odds of my house getting flooded?

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

{community rule 7}

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

{community rule 7}

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majortomandjerry@reddit

Every year people that say "fuck it, there's nothing we can do", and then do nothing to reduce fossil fuel emissions, is just going to make it worse in the end.

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

{community rule 7}

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

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GenX-ModTeam@reddit

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TC_Stock@reddit

I think his point is that its too late to save Florida. Perhaps another state could be saved though like Louisiana. I mean not that anyone would want to, I'm just being theoretical here.

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sunfish99@reddit

A lot of the population is old and doesn't give a damn what things will be like in 20 years.

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TC_Stock@reddit

Just read a story the other day about the rising cost of living in Fl. All these WFH people are moving there in to live in cookie cutter houses in HOA neighborhoods. Fuck all that.

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cruisereg@reddit

That was true like 4 years ago, those same people are moving OUT Florida because their remote jobs are no longer remote.

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TMCze@reddit

At least you have a job and a home ….

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dwbpainter@reddit

It’s everywhere!

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WingZombie@reddit

Make more or spend less, the only options….easy to say and hard to do. I’ve done multi time zone moves to keep that spend down. I’ve cut out everything except the bare essentials to keep that spend down. It’s hard but it’s a path to happiness

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Rare-Assumption5584@reddit

Y’all are cranky and depressing! It doesn’t have to be life’s a bitch then you die — although it will if you let it. If you want things to change then change them. There’s lots of creative ways to provide income today just gotta think outside the box, or proverbial hamster wheel. :)

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app_generated_name@reddit

You are literally saying "get a new job" and offer no input of value.

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Rare-Assumption5584@reddit

OP literally said he/she feels like they’re drowning and doesn’t want to be on the hamster wheel forever. Change doesn’t happen on its own.

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lowfreq33@reddit

I don’t think you’re going to make it as a motivational speaker.

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TZX13@reddit

Things are not going to ease up in the U.S. they are going to consistently get worse and more expensive

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SouthOrlandoFather@reddit

Florida has had some big real estate swings since 1997. If you bought around 1998 and sold before 2006 you made out excellent. Then if you bought between 2011 and 2015 and still in the house you made out like a bandit.

Now many other times in those timelines that it wasn’t in your favor.

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deep-sea-savior@reddit

Honestly, a lot of it probably has to do with your location. My in-laws live in California and it’s the same story; they don’t want to leave “paradise”, but they’re going to have to work until they die.

You might get lucky and get some kind of bail-out down the road (lottery, inheritance, …), but the only magic bullet in this case is to simply make more than you spend. And if Florida is sucking your paycheck dry, there most likely is no relief in sight. I wish you the best of luck.

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Vandilbg@reddit

I am expecting to move at retirement age to a lower cost of living area. Watching my grandparents and now parents it doesn't ease up. Everything just gets more expensive until you are weighing paying taxes or eating.

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PepperCat1019@reddit

Contact your mortgage company and ask them to move payments to the back of your loan.

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LoveCats-@reddit

I can relate. My husband and I can’t wait to move out of Florida. We make a decent living but we are also aware that we can’t stay here because it’s an expensive state and we won’t be able to afford living here on social security income.

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OkThanks8237@reddit

I'm finally where my income is keeping up with, maybe slightly outpacing my spending. That said I spent all my necessary years not making shit and spending it all. Though im trying now, I will not have enough to retire on and thats a direct result of my life choices. But they say the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is right now.

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gcfio@reddit

Job pay hasn’t kept up with cost of living. I’m in Massachusetts and hcol. My property taxes have gone up by over 1000 for the past 3 years. Insurance goes up by 10-15%. We’re looking to move to a lcol state as getting a nice pay raise is getting hard in your late 50s.

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sfdsquid@reddit

I can't help but fall back on the old adage, "life's a bitch and then you die."

Sorry I don't have better news for you.

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Robbudge@reddit

I hear you, I’m in a similar boat and has a constant fear of loosing my job. At level 52 in the game of life and a being an OG in a millennial occupation. I’m worried about the future especially without any nest egg.

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gohowardtx@reddit

If you look at a justed wages today, the are comparable to wages during the great depression. Do not let anyone tell you it's you!!

The us economy for workers is fucked up. I do not have a solution for you that is not painful.

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Historical_Project86@reddit

I realise that my biggest mistake was getting on the hamster wheel, but I made that choice when I didn't really know any better and didn't have the confidence to not conform.

I forget what it's called, confirmation bias I think, but some people in the comments will tell you that they're great thanks, or that it's as simple as not spending so much.

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FormerLaugh3780@reddit

The filthy whores in the gov't hate you and will continue to devalue the dollar you are using to pay your expenses. Earn more or downsize and cut expenses are your only options.