It may appear that way to you. But it's the American way! Just trying to explain how old people in this country get by I'm sure they do in Britain as well ....

Understood..

Savings and investments are great, but doesn't anyone remember what just happened to all those investments not too long ago? Many close to retire or already retired lost most if not all.
I know just about all our friends found those retirement savings and investments they had are now worth not much more than the cash they had started with, (we actually ended up with less) Theres no way to save enough unless you are earning way over the 6 figure mark and living like you don't. Even then it can be tough.
I have been to the homes of some of those who saved and did it all right and now in retirement are totally screwed.
I really do hope for the best, but Dh and I are now planning for the worst and keeping our fingers crossed. We are following our kids back to UK probably in 2012 (so long as the house sells, that the only thing that isn't worth less than when we bought)

Normally once your over 65, medical is not a big issue for most people. Medicare covers 100% of your hospital stay after $1,000 deductable and 80% of your outpatient service for $96 per month. Medicare Part D (for about $30 per month) will pick up most of the cost of drugs.

If you want 100% coverage, you can normally get private supplemental or Advantage coverage for about another $100-$200 per month.

Now of course if someone never saved any money and/or worked under the table and paid little into social security and therefore get a small amount of social security benefits at retirement, even those costs can be overwhelming. However people that fall into this category are probably eligible for other government benefits (medicaid, food stamps, heating subsidies, section 8 housing, etc.) but people usually have to jump through hoops to get those benefits in the US.

Thank you, nice to read it in a language I understand. Just so much doom and gloom one has to wonder how it works, again thanks.

No, it's not. It just depends on whose hype you happen to believe.

Ian

This is true! My 68 year old Dad on the other hand lost value on his IRA in the 2000 stock market crash. Today he is not as well off as he originally thought he would be but he's tough old bird. He does quite well on his social security. He is desciplined like his Dad, has worked hard all his life and nothing fazes him. He is optimistic that the present economic climate is only a temporary phase. Historically the US has always survived and overcome and he has faith in the system.
This is something that no one but an American can understand. The resilience of this nation ....

As well they should be. Once you allow your rights to be usurped, it's the end of civilization as we know it.

Ian

I have been here 34 years and I am an American citizen. I have seen many things come and go here, I love this country, but I have many friends who cant afford health insurance, so they neglect their health....I think its a sad situation for the richest country in the world..its time for things to change here. Americans are resilient, but alot of them die to soon because they cant afford healthcare. Just my opinion.

It is what it is.

Some good, some not so good, some crap.

Some of the country is great, some not so, some crap.

Cost of living...well you guessed it, the same theme running.

It's pretty much like that for any country though, so how great it is or isn't all depends on the whole package, what you want out of it, where you end up, how much cash you get to spend and what you do for a living.

It's certainly generally not as good being poor here though, that's pretty much one constant.

Hope you've got a solid home and don't shoot some kid across the street in a moment of panic.

Time better spent getting out the window...

Guns are pretty cool though, and you are allowed them, so why not own one...but personal protection reason is the lamest one to have.

But that's another topic...

You think think after so many years away from the UK the NHS is better? They die to soon because they can't afford the healthcare or because they didn't plan for it?

I sound aggressive, truly I'm not being, I am just very interested in why people think the UK is better?

This is a whole separate issue We are all for healthcare reform! I was watching "Meet the Press" (or was it the Chris Matthews Show) this morning. The statistics mentioned for those without healthcare was staggering. That's a crying shame.
Sorry to hear about your misfortunes after living and working in the US for 34 years There's nothing like losing your money at this stage of the game to put you off -- I truly am sorry!!

I have no illusions about the NHS, I just know I wont go bankrupt should I need it.