2010: Another Odyssey
“Another Odyssey in 2010″ may be a better title than the one I used for this post.
We have all (a lot of us) come into this decade knowing that we will not see a “cost of living” increase in our social security or federal pensions. The reason is that there is no corresponding index (CPI) increase that warrants more income needs in 2010 than in 2009. I also have taken a few economic and statistical courses. Enough training and course work to know that you can make numbers say anything you want (to say) with enough attention to the requirement you want to justify.
Does anyone really believe this with a national unemployment rate of 10%; one out of ten people actually looking for a job can not find one?
I have a little problem myself. The cost of energy, medical requirements, insurance costs, lower health benefits with higher deductibles. That does not include higher cost of many food products, higher automotive gasoline costs, shelter prices and others.
I for one have a lot of health insurance requirements ($800 per month) to go along with high family medical requirements ($500 per month not covered by insurance). I for one can not refinance my home to lower payments and have lost home value to the point that I can not obtain a home loan to fix/maintain my older home. My cars (both over ten years old) have to be kept (no budget available, no income to buy new) and they have had some big repair costs in last couple of years. I have had water damage that my home owners insurance does not cover for flooring where it can not be proven that it was not from seeping, or structural integrity. I live on a sloping lot (yard descending from home about six inches to about thirty in twenty five foot run). I live on a lot that is not included in a 100 year flood plane. I had purchased water damage insurance in case of damage from inside my home. So I pulled up the padding to avoid mold and other probable issues.
I am not one to complain, usually. My family is living on a fixed income so increasing medical and health care costs, coupled with being at a point where my home and cars need “added” care, are cause for “alarm”.
I am working on my resolution for 2010, my 2010 financial plan and and my 2010 life plan. I am already tired so I am going to take a break for now and go shower (in less than high enough water temperature to enjoy the relaxational benefit).
Oh! Moreover, I am very thankful for all the blessings I have in my life. I am not overly concerned with the future as I know my God will provide what I need when it becomes a large enough issue (that I need his help or intervention). Some people call it a just-in-time thing like saving costs by obtaining materials just as they are needed (just-in-time inventory).
I for one do believe in obtaining spiritual guidance while also believing in Gestalt and Existentialism. I also believe that you can manifest anything you need (per doctors Chopra and Dyer). The reality of instantiation, soul, universal, and potentiality quietens my mind. I no longer try to over-think or worry (anxiously) what “may” come. I accept that I am and that I will be.
May the new decade provide your every need (in your own odyssey with your own help).
God bless.