my dad retired at 59.


I’ll still be working at 59.
He had a pension.
I have a 401k I fund when I can afford to.
He bought his house at 28.
I’m 31 staring at a down payment I can’t touch.
He paid $90 a month for health insurance.
I pay $430 for a plan that still left me with a $3,200 bill last year.
Last Sunday he looked across the dinner table and said:
“You just need to be smarter with money son.”
I smiled.
Didn’t mention the economy he thrived in doesn’t exist anymore.
Didn’t mention I’m funding his Social Security while mine gets gutted.
Didn’t mention the ladder he climbed got pulled up the second he reached the top.
Didn’t mention I followed his exact blueprint and ended up somewhere completely different.
Just said “I know dad.”
Cut my chicken.
And stared at a plate I was grateful for while quietly doing math in my head about next month’s rent.
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
  • Reward
  • Comment
  • Repost
  • Share
Comment
Add a comment
Add a comment
No comments
  • Pinned