Aging and Finances

Every time I open the paper or log onto my computer I see articles about prices. Gas will never go low again, home heating oil will go up lots this winter, food costs more due to gas prices and will cost even more due to the Mid West floods. My local paper says we should prepare for higher electric costs - why? Utilities use oil too!

Those on fixed or semi-fixed incomes will not have an easy time this winter - especially those living in the North East. Home heating oil is the same as diesel and that's more costly than gas for your car - unless of course if you already have a diesel engine.

Will Social Security payments go up? Yea - the usual minuscule amount which is never enough to cover the REAL increased costs of living - and you know Medicare Part A will increase - hence I worry because the real cost of living this winter will be so very much higher than any increases in SSI.

Politicians in New England are already thinking how to deal with this potential looming disaster where people may have to make choices between heating homes or buying food. Add in medical costs and we have all the makings for a major disaster in the East and in other parts of the country.

We need to make serious changes in our country - and I hope they start getting made now so we are ready for next Fall and Winter BEFORE we get to those seasons.