BoomerVille: Flashbacks of Hooverville

 Let's cut to the worried chase. Okay, after a bad run, the Dow surged yesterday. Today, futures are up:

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Market Summary > E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Average Index Futures

46,813.00

 USD+231.00 (0.50%)today

Apr 1, 5:04 AM CDT • Disclaimer

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But, like almost half of Americas, more and more of us Boomers are looping into doom talk about a whopper of a downturn. The common phrase: "The house of cards will come down." Yahoo Finance reports:

"A recent survey by YouGov found 42% of Americans believe the country will experience a 'total economic collapse' within the next decade ..."

Pile onto that the possibility of a reduction in the monthly Social Security payment in six years. 

Meanwhile Rich Dad Poor Dad has been predicting escalating rates of homelessness for us Boomers. What could come to mind are the images of Hoovervilles. Those constitute the shanties put up for housing from 1929 through 1939. A version of those is already reality for working folks being housed in their cars and rented vans. In some jurisdictions, hygiene and safety facilities are provided. 

As for working conditions, what's going down now in terms of employers having the upper hand could be tame as the economy unravels from a perfect storm economic, political and technological factors banging together. We Boomers heard the horror stories from our parents. Most never healed. Mine were hollowed-out vestiges of human beings.

In coaching I preach: Income. Never go without it. It's not acceptable to sit around applying for a job in your field for years. Grab work, any work to have income. The plus is that opens you to ideas about something better. 

Recently an over-65 client finally picked up a 35-hour gig as a handyman. Within six months he is flooded with concepts for his own handyman enterprise. 

UPDATE:

Today's The Wall Street Journal analysis of economic vulnerabilities and what could be tipping points.

Earning a Good Living in 2026 Involves Mental Combat. The enemy is usually your own thinking.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Solid Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.


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