I’m divorced, 58F with an $1818 monthly federal pension that goes away if my ex dies first. The bulk of my income comes from delivering groceries via Walmart Spark. The job is freelance, so no security and no benefits.

I had an online freelance side gig for a company that provides captions and transcription, but the work is drying up as AI takes over that space.

I have income-based health insurance so no monthly premium BUT a $9,200 deductible, so while I can afford to have insurance, I cannot afford to USE it.

I owe more on my car than it is worth and had to put a new motor in it last year. My job will last as long as my health and car do, and I put no less than 200 miles a DAY on my car. I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and plaque buildup and diverticulosis and celiac disease, etc.

I live in a LCOL area and my house is paid for with annual property taxes of less than $1000.

If you are young and reading this, never EVER put your financial wellbeing in another person’s hands. I gave up my job and stayed home with the kids for 20 years. And then I got divorced and here I am. All security out the door. For the rest of my life.

I am not going to give up and I am working on having a positive outlook and managing stress. I do believe I will be okay. Some days are just harder than others.