BoomerVille: Tender Mercies

 The majority in BoomerVille exist in a sustained sense of dread. Typically, we hold our breath about money, health and if the children can hang onto their jobs.

However, some days are actually ones in which we not only can exhale but feel satisfied that we made some smart decisions.

For example, those of us who had let go of our lives in HCOL areas such as Metro New York and embraced a fresh start in LCOL locations like Toledo, Ohio have been experiencing Tender Mercies.

My apartment complex is among those in pockets of civilization which aren't raising the rent at lease renewal time. At least not this year. On the table now for me is the possibility of a week at Geneva on the Lake. A snippet of pleasure. 


That's become affordable for my new budget, even with crazy gas prices.

Another smart decision I made was talking turkey with the car insurer. Was I carrying too much coverage? Now my monthly nut is $60 less. That will go down even more at the end of August when, I found out, an accident from seven years ago will vanish from my record. But I have to ask for the reduction.

Except for a sofa and bed, I no longer do retail. Those around town know to ask me about which thrift/consignment shops really provide bargains and which are fronts for clever staging of merchandise. Here is the genuine wood coffee table on which I conduct tarot readings, along with the classic high-back wood chair.


Total cost: $55.

For groceries I stick with the no-ambiance big boxes and monitor sales. Even when I entertain I don't serve national brands. Only private label such as Walmart's Great Value. No longer do I even hide the bags.

So, here I am, blessed financially. For now.

My heart didn't need to sink when the market closed today down. Yes, way down.

50,687.07
today



Jun 3, 4:19 PM EDT • Disclaimer

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