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<ul class="summary-list"><li>I had my first child when I was 22 and weeks after graduating from nursing school.</li><li>My baby was early, and I had postpartum complications, so we stayed in the hospital.</li></ul>A sharp knock interrupted my afternoon dozing, and I sat up in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/best-adjustable-bed-frame">hospital bed</a>, expecting to see my mom or maybe one of my sisters walk in. Instead, a woman with bouncy orange-tinted hair wearing an official badge emerged through the doorway."Hi, Chaunie!" she announced brightly. "I'm the nurse manager from upstairs. You had an interview scheduled today, and well, since you're here, I thought I'd pop down and say hello," she laughed.I attempted to chuckle alongside her, but at only a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moms-postpartum-what-they-wish-their-partners-knew-2023-9">few days postpartum</a> and while having complications from giving birth, I have to admit, I felt anything but jovial.I was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/fever-temperature-symptoms-treatment">feverish from an infection</a>, traumatized from being separated from my baby, who was in the NICU and unable to breastfeed her, and exhausted from not sleeping essentially since I had gone into labor. The last thing I expected was to host a job interview from my hospital bed.<h2 id="550e3379-f53f-428a-ab5c-c858e215b4a7">I had forgotten I had a job interview</h2>The truth is, I had completely <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/not-getting-hired-what-could-be-doing-wrong-job-interview-2024-8">forgotten my scheduled job interview</a> that day. After becoming pregnant during my senior year of nursing school, I set up an interview at a local hospital as close to my graduation date as possible.My <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/married-husband-when-i-was-19-not-everyone-supported-us-2023-5">husband was still in college</a> — he wouldn't graduate for another year — so our livelihood rested on my very pregnant shoulders, and I took all the steps I could to secure income quickly for us.However, I ended up giving birth earlier than expected and then wound up being admitted to the same hospital where my interview was scheduled. Everything happened so fast that I had completely forgotten about the job interview. But apparently, the hospital had not.I honestly can't tell you how the manager found out I was there or if she had asked me if it was OK to stop in. Everything that happened near my child's birth and thereafter is a bit of a blur. I don't remember having any warning that my future manager would pop in that day, but I do remember that I was pretty mortified. I hadn't showered, I was miserable and in pain, and all I wanted was to be at home with my baby, not chat about work.<h2 id="8a6b6cb7-a327-49ed-bcef-f0be64a9da77">I needed the job</h2>But at freshly 22, a brand-new mom, and with no "real" work experience since I had graduated from college only weeks prior, I had no idea of what was "normal" and what was not. I needed the job and the money at that time, so I did my best to be pleasant and cheerful with the nurse manager despite my uncombed hair and hospital gown that was definitely sporting leaking breast milk stains.Looking back, part of me wonders if the nurse manager that day was just being nice or if it crossed the boundaries of professionalism. I honestly don't know. I wasn't necessarily upset about her stopping in, but it did make me feel a little strange and maybe even exposed at a vulnerable time in my life.I ended up starting work at six weeks postpartum to the day, and my experience as a first-time working mother was brutal. I worked a full-time night shift as a nurse and as a brand-new mom, did not have access to childcare, so I stayed awake during the day and took care of my baby. There were times when I stayed awake for over 72 hours straight, and truth be told, I just thought that was what adulthood and motherhood meant — misery. There are so many things I accepted and put up with as a new mom and a new nurse that now, looking back, I know were incredibly harmful. I wish that I could have laid down boundaries to prioritize my own health and well-being, but the truth is, I didn't know that I could. What I did know was that I needed a job, and I needed the money, and I simply expected that life as a working mother would be extremely difficult.I went on to have four more babies, but my experience as a working mom has always been that first day in the hospital — when even while feeling sick, miserable, and exhausted, it also means grinning, bearing it, and hoping for the best.

I interviewed for my first job after college from a hospital bed. I had just given birth.

<keyword id="19909056" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamata-Banerjee" source="keywords">Mamata Banerjee</keyword>, the <keyword id="19924917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chief-Minister" source="keywords">Chief Minister</keyword> of <keyword id="19896517" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="West-Bengal" source="keywords">West Bengal</keyword> and leader of the <keyword id="19968095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Trinamool-Congress" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Trinamool Congress" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Trinamool Congress">Trinamool Congress</keyword> (TMC), has been a dominant force in the state's politics for over a decade. Recently, she offered to resign amidst the ongoing <keyword id="23154517" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="R-G-Kar-Hospital-protests" source="keywords">R.G. Kar Hospital protests</keyword>, where junior doctors have been on strike demanding justice for a murdered colleague. While Banerjee’s offer to step down seems more symbolic, aimed at quelling tensions, it raises important questions about what would happen if she were to actually resign as Chief Minister. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process and its implications for West Bengal: <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:16pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">1. Resignation</h3>If Mamata Banerjee were to formally submit her resignation, the process would begin with her presenting a written resignation letter to the <keyword id="23154515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Governor-of-West-Bengal" source="keywords">Governor of West Bengal</keyword>. This is the standard protocol for any Chief Minister in India. The resignation is at the discretion of the Governor, who typically accepts it unless there is a compelling reason not to. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113307547" title="West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee offers to resign after agitating doctors refuse to meet without live streaming" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Once the resignation is accepted, Banerjee would cease to be the CM immediately. However, the Governor might request her to continue as a caretaker CM until a new government is formed. In this role, Banerjee would oversee a temporary government with limited powers, unable to make significant policy decisions or pass new laws. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:16pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">2. Election of a new leader</h3>Mamata Banerjee’s resignation would leave a significant leadership vacuum within the Trinamool Congress, which currently has a strong majority in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Given her deep-rooted influence over the party, it’s likely that the TMC would convene an emergency meeting to elect a new leader. Banerjee’s close associates, such as her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, could be contenders for the CM post. Alternatively, the party could look for a senior and experienced leader to stabilise the situation until the next elections. However, given Banerjee’s control over the party, she may still wield significant influence from behind the scenes, even if she officially steps down. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:16pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">3. Role of the Governor</h3>In the absence of a clear successor, the Governor plays a key role. The Governor might invite the TMC to form the government again by electing a new leader, but if the party fails to show a majority or experiences factionalism, the Governor could explore other options. This could include inviting the opposition to form the government if they demonstrate the numbers, or even recommending <keyword id="23154516" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Presidents-Rule" source="keywords">President’s Rule</keyword> in the state under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, where the central government takes over the state's administration. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112644728" title="Bengal in state of flux, people lost faith in present government: Governor CV Ananda Bose" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h3>4. <keyword id="20554823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vote-of-confidence" source="keywords">Vote of confidence</keyword></h3>Once a new leader is chosen by the TMC, they will be sworn in as the next Chief Minister. However, they would need to prove their majority on the floor of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. This process, known as a vote of confidence, is crucial in determining whether the new CM has the support of the majority of the legislators. If the party remains united, this step should be straightforward. However, in the event of internal splits within the TMC or if Banerjee’s resignation triggers political instability, the new leader may struggle to secure the necessary support, potentially leading to fresh elections. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:16pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">5. Impact on West Bengal’s <keyword id="20142886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-landscape" source="keywords">political landscape</keyword></h3>Mamata Banerjee’s resignation would have a profound impact on the political landscape of West Bengal. She has been the face of the TMC and has led the party to consecutive electoral victories, defeating formidable opponents like the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her departure from the top post could trigger a realignment within the state’s political sphere. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113087561" title="Calcutta High Court seeks CBI report on nasty social media posts on RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>If Banerjee were to leave active politics, it could embolden opposition parties like the BJP, which has been trying to expand its footprint in the state. Additionally, there could be a power struggle within the TMC itself, especially if no clear successor emerges. <h3 style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:16pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">6. President’s Rule as a last resort</h3>In an extreme scenario, where the TMC fails to elect a new leader or where political instability leads to a breakdown of governance, the Governor could recommend President’s Rule. Under this provision, the state government is suspended, and the central government takes direct control of the state’s administration. President’s Rule is generally viewed as a last resort and can be imposed if no party can form a stable government. However, given the TMC’s strong majority in the assembly, this is an unlikely scenario unless there is significant internal fragmentation within the party. In short, if Mamata Banerjee resigns, West Bengal’s political future would hinge on how swiftly a new leader is appointed by her party and how successfully they can prove majority support in the assembly. Should this process falter, the state could face either interim governance under a caretaker government or even the possibility of President’s Rule, depending on the stability of the assembly.

What will happen if Mamata Banerjee actually resigns as the Chief Minister of West Bengal?

<keyword id="23031470" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ventive-hospitality" source="keywords">Ventive Hospitality</keyword>, a joint venture between Blackstone Group and <keyword id="21088756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="panchshil" source="keywords">Panchshil</keyword> Realty, on Tuesday filed preliminary papers with capital markets regulator Sebi to raise Rs 2,000 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The Pune-based company's IPO is completely a fresh issue of equity shares with no offer-for-sale (OFS) component, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). Also, the company may consider a pre-IPO placement aggregating up to Rs 400 crore. If such placement is undertaken, the issue size will be reduced. Proceeds of the IPO to the tune of Rs 1,600 crore will be used for debt payment. As per the draft papers, <keyword id="23114126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ventive" source="keywords">Ventive</keyword> Hospitality has a borrowing of Rs 412.60 crore as of March 2024. Ventive Hospitality is a hospitality asset owner primarily focused on luxury offerings across business and leisure segments in India and the <keyword id="19926427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maldives" source="keywords">Maldives</keyword>. At present, Panchshil holds a 60 per cent stake in Ventive, while Blackstone owns the remaining 40 per cent stake. As of March 2024, the company's portfolio comprised 11 operational hospitality assets comprising 2,036 keys, of which six are operated by or franchised from Marriott, two are operated by or franchised from Hilton and the remaining three are operated by other hotel operators. Some of its hospitality assets are Anantara Maldives, Conrad Maldives, JW Marriott, Pune and The Ritz-Carlton, Pune. JM Financial, Axis Capital, ICICI Securities, IIFL Securities, <keyword id="20424038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kotak-mahindra-capital-company" source="keywords">Kotak Mahindra Capital Company</keyword>, <keyword id="19951017" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sbi-capital-markets" source="keywords">SBI Capital Markets</keyword> and HSBC Securities and Capital Markets(India) Private Ltd are the book running lead managers for the issue. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ather-energy-looks-to-raise-3100-crore-files-ipo-papers-with-sebi/articleshow/113214971.cms">Ather Energy looks to raise ₹3,100 crore, files IPO papers with SEBI</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/iphone-16-pro-iphone-16-pro-max-india-price-specifications/articleshow/113204340.cms">iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max with bigger displays, A18 Pro chipset launched starting at ₹1,19,900</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-16-iphone-16-plus-price-specs/articleshow/113203568.cms">iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus with A18 chipset launched starting at ₹79,900</a>

Ventive Hospitality files papers with Sebi to raise Rs 2,000-cr via IPO

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Elizabeth McCoy, 61, struggles financially and worries Social Security won't be enough in retirement.</li><li>Medical bills depleted her savings. She and her husband may have to use their 401(k) earlier than planned.</li></ul>Elizabeth McCoy constantly thinks about money. The 61-year-old and her husband are struggling to make ends meet in central Indiana, and she said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-no-savings-snap-benefits-debt-boomers-experiences-2024-6">Social Security checks</a> won't be enough to live on as they age.McCoy said she began receiving monthly Social Security Disability checks about 10 years ago, which are currently $1,620. After a decades-long career in the retail and real estate industries, she hoped she would feel more comfortable in retirement.She expects her SSDI payments will increase by a couple hundred dollars each month once she turns 62 — when she becomes eligible for traditional Social Security — but her budget will be tight. Her husband will also start collecting Social Security once he retires from his full-time job at a home improvement store, she said, although that may not happen anytime soon. To keep the couple <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-crisis-social-security-pensions-student-loan-debt-2024-3">financially afloat</a>, he will have to "work until he just can't," McCoy said.Despite their best savings efforts, McCoy said medical bills and a high cost of living depleted her household finances. She's worried she'll need to dip into the couple's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-is-401k">401(k) account</a> early — running the risk that they <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/social-security-retirement-savings-middle-class-outlive-benefits-income-expenses-2024-8">outlive what's in the bank</a>."We're doing the best," she said. "But to live on Social Security — which is coming very quickly for both of us — is scary."Americans like McCoy are facing major financial decisions in their golden years: how much to save, how much to spend, and whether their income will be enough to pay their bills. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-x-baby-boomers-savings-cant-afford-retirement-2024-4">A fifth of US adults over 50</a> reported having no retirement savings, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-social-security-baby-boomers-without-savings-401k-poverty-2024-8">Social Security often isn't enough</a> to cover the full cost of essentials. Business Insider has heard from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/older-americans-regret-retirement-savings-taking-social-security-early-investments-2024-10">over 1,000 baby boomers</a> grappling with similar retirement challenges.<div type="image" title="An older woman taking a selfie" height="1212" width="945" msid="114913187" hostid="261" sizebytes="45888"></div><h2 id="374a2081-8dfe-454c-b5bd-83c2796b3feb">McCoy said unexpected medical bills derailed her retirement savings</h2>McCoy said her expenses — housing, groceries, utilities, medical care, and more — can feel "frightening." She does some part-time graphic design work, but her monthly income must stay <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html">below $1,550</a> to qualify for SSDI. And, once she and her husband both fully retire, she estimates they will be living on less than $3,000 a month from Social Security — an amount that is slightly above <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/poverty-line-leaves-behind-low-income-americans-snap-medicare-wic-2024-6">the federal poverty line</a>, and too high for most forms of government assistance.The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/housing-crisis-homeowners-struggling-mortgage-interest-rates-insurance-home-equity-2024-6">mortgage</a> on McCoy's Indiana home is one of her top expenses, and she said she will be paying it off "until we're old-old." Her 26-year-old son also lives in the house, she said. He has a full-time job, but local rent is expensive and McCoy said she wants to help him save money. Living with parents is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-living-with-parents-save-money-housing-crisis-cost-2024-2">increasingly common </a>for early-career Gen Zers contending with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/states-rent-going-up-fastest-slowest-cost-burdened-homeowner-expenses-2024-9">skyrocketing rent prices</a>.Although McCoy said she and her husband have shared 401(k) funds — housed in her husband's account — she is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-lives-on-social-security-scared-use-401k-retired-teacher-2024-8">hesitant to use the money</a> too early. They worked hard to ensure they would be financially comfortable in her golden years, and McCoy hoped she wouldn't have to open their 401(k) until <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-401k-pension-real-estate-investments-baby-boomers-2024-6">well into retirement</a>.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-medical-costs-baby-boomers-paying-for-cancer-treatment-2024-9">Medical bills</a> derailed that plan. McCoy said unexpected surgeries and hospital care for herself and her husband depleted their wealth. The couple has some insurance through her husband's job, but <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/medicare-changes-increase-costs-deductibles-prescription-drugs-premiums-copays-2024-10">out-of-pocket costs are steep</a>, McCoy said. Without dipping into her 401(k), she's worried future medical bills could bankrupt her."A really great life financially can quickly go away," she said. "And then you find yourself in your 60s, and you're scrambling to get savings back."McCoy added that her limited budget has taken <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomers-living-social-security-government-aid-snap-loneliness-crisis-isolation-2024-8#:~:text=One%20in%20five%20adults%20don,told%20BI%20they%20feel%20isolated.">a toll on her social life</a>. Friends and neighbors often want to gather for meals at restaurants, an activity McCoy said she can't afford. It feels lonely, she said.For hopeful retirees, McCoy advised building a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/retirement-planning">robust wealth portfolio</a> in cash and investments. She wishes she had been frugal with her spending when she was young, and she said others should consider saving money in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/best-roth-ira-accounts">Roth IRA accounts</a>, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/mutual-funds">mutual funds</a>, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cd-rates-certificate-deposit-high-interest-where-to-invest-now-2024-10">CDs</a>, alongside a 401(k)."My biggest advice to anybody is to be careful and be mindful that things can happen to you," she said. "Life can be tough, and you've got to be prepared."Are you an older adult struggling with finances in retirement? Are you open to sharing your experience with parenting, savings, or your career? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" class="" href="mailto:allisonkelly@businessinsider.com">allisonkelly@businessinsider.com</a>.

A retiree says $1,620 monthly Social Security isn't enough to live on, but she's worried about draining her savings too early

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Luxury travel concierge Sienna Charles' clients have an average net worth starting at $100 million.</li><li>Its founder said Instagram catalyzed most of its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ulyssia-residential-cruise-superyacht-around-the-world-2024-9">ultrawealthy travelers</a> to request celebrity-like treatment.</li></ul>Millionaires, they're just like us.When they see Instagram posts of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé surrounded by devoted followers, paparazzi, and motorcades, they also feel envious. The only difference is that when they travel, they can pay to replicate the feeling of fame and prestige.Jaclyn Sienna India, founder and CEO of ultra-luxury travel concierge service <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-billionaire-travelers-do-las-vegas-hotels-restaurants-shows-2024-10">Sienna Charles</a>, told Business Insider that most of her clients now request security and private hotel check-ins, even if they aren't recognizable individuals.She calls this phenomenon the "celebritization" of travel.Ironically, some of her customers, like singer Mariah Carey and former president George W. Bush's family, have obtained A-lister status. However, most of its 100 or so clients are finance executives with an average starting net worth of $100 million — enough to pay the company's annual $75,000 to $150,000 membership fees.A few prefer to stay under the radar. But over the last few years — especially with the proliferation of Instagram — most have started wanting to "feel special, feel like a celebrity, and for people to know how much they're worth," India said.For Sienna Charles' clients, this means requesting security, hotel check-ins from the privacy of their car instead of at the front desk, and a motorcade of four to eight vehicles. They're not for an entourage — just to "arrive in style, emulating the glitz and glam they've seen in movies," a spokesperson said. In other words, "they want to be acknowledged from the first moment," India said, noting that achieving stardom, as Jeff Bezos has done, is their "last frontier."<div type="image" title="Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez on vanity fair red carpet" height="2400" width="3200" msid="113949338" hostid="261" sizebytes="374182"></div>"They're the billionaire next door, and nobody knows who they are," Sienna Charles' CEO said. "Nobody will go above and beyond for them the same way they would for a celebrity. But the one thing that separates them is what they don't have. Recognition."They could strategically buy fame by hiring a publicist and social media team. Or, they could turn to Sienna Charles to provide celebrity-like services, such as a table at an otherwise impossible-to-book restaurant.On the surface, the "celebritization" trend is about recognition and ego.It's a yearning to replicate the celebrity lifestyle, as shown in A-listers' Instagram posts. A desire to experience what it's like to be Rihanna, surrounded by cameras as she walks down the streets of New York City."The amount of wealth these people have amassed is absolutely incredible and only happens to less than 1% of people," India said. "So they should feel special, and I think they want to be recognized."But dig a bit deeper, and it'll also reveal gripes about the hospitality industry.Good luck booking the best hotels and restaurants if you're ultrawealthy but not famous."Nobody's getting recognized unless you are a celebrity," India said. "You could be a billionaire in New York and not even be able to get into the top restaurants."People have to go this length to be treated this special," she added.

Fancy hotels and dinners aren't enough for wealthy travelers anymore — now some want to feel like celebrities with security and motorcades          

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Robert Papalia, 74, retired early to care for his ailing wife, Marie.</li><li>The couple's $5,000 monthly pre-tax retirement income is strained by medical bills and taxes.</li></ul>Robert Papalia, 74, had to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-foreign-countries-for-retirement-on-a-budget-affordability-healthcare-2024-9">retire</a> earlier than he planned after his wife Marie, 71, started <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/early-retirement-not-worth-it-dad-sacrificed-frugal-died-2024-9">getting sicker</a>. After working over 30 years at a telephone company, he retired at 60 — five years before he intended — to care for her.The couple, who live in Burlington, New Jersey, have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-lives-on-social-security-struggles-financially-feels-lonely-retirement-2024-9">struggled financially</a> over the last few years. Though they bring in about $5,000 a month in retirement income before taxes, much of that goes toward <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-boomer-cancer-social-security-savings-disability-401k-groceries-inflation-2024-8">medical bills</a>, high property taxes, and costly insurance payments. They're left with little at the end of each month, though Papalia said they're not in dire straits."Do we have money in the bank? Yes. Is it a lot of money? No," Papalia told Business Insider.Many Americans told BI they've struggled to prepare financially for the unexpected, such as a sudden <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-savings-medical-costs-baby-boomers-paying-for-cancer-treatment-2024-9">health emergency</a> or death in the family. As Americans increasingly rely on Social Security and other retirement income to get by, high medical expenses could throw years of retirement planning out of balance.<h2 id="48c12f20-820c-43e2-bbd9-05b8bc4fa53a">Retiring early to be his wife's caretaker</h2>Papalia had a goal to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-xers-financial-independence-retire-early-fire-started-saving-late-2024-6">retire</a> in 2015 at age 65 so he could receive Social Security benefits and have enough saved that money wouldn't be a huge issue. However, in 2010, he retired to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sandwich-generation-caregiving-minimum-wage-2024-5">care for his wife</a> full-time, taking a buyout from his company that lasted until 2014.Marie, a lifelong <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/diet-and-exercise-strategies-for-lower-blood-sugar-reverse-type-2-diabetes-2024-5">diabetic</a>, had dealt with medical issues throughout her life, including vision loss in her right eye, static hypertension, and low blood sugar. She received a prosthetic eye after she experienced retinal damage.Marie's medical care was expensive, and they also cared for two dogs, both of whom had costly medical issues.Marie needed around-the-clock care, and he felt it was worth the financial sacrifice of retiring early to spend every hour with her to ensure she would stay as healthy as possible. She had a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cardiologist-shares-easy-way-avoid-biggest-calorie-heart-health-mistake-2024-6">heart attack</a> in 2012 that forced them to pause their plans to sell their New Jersey house to move to a lower-cost-of-living area in Pennsylvania.In 2014, Marie underwent open heart surgery after doctors discovered a 95% blockage of her heart's main artery. Papalia said that year was when finances became much tighter — he noted Marie took eight or nine prescriptions each day. She's struggled to walk over the last few years and has relied on a wheelchair."I know for a fact that when I look at my wallet at the end of the day now, it's a difference between night and day," Papalia said, comparing finances to 2010.<h2 id="a16b531b-84e1-4e9c-9d53-c3093053c7d6">Scraping by and making sacrifices</h2>Papalia receives $2,132 a month in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-living-on-social-security-retirement-savings-401k-bus-driver-2024-7">Social Security</a> before taxes and insurance and $1,900 from his pension, while Marie gets $1,113 a month from Social Security. Though Papalia said they stayed afloat, some months were particularly tight.Medications could cost $60 to $70 each week, and hospital bills add up to a few hundred dollars every few months, meaning well over 10% of their income goes toward Marie's medical costs. Papalia said his health is stable, though he has acid reflux, neuropathy, and an irregular heartbeat, for which he takes some medications."Without insurance, I'd be living underneath a bridge," Papalia said. "If you don't have insurance, you're playing with fire."They shifted their grocery shopping to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retired-boomer-social-security-roommates-medicare-living-costs-washington-ohio-2024-9">essentials</a> at cheaper stores, and with food inflation over the last few years, they've been even more methodical about purchases. He estimates they spend under $100 on groceries weekly, though they occasionally order takeout. Papalia said pandemic-era stimulus checks helped them afford necessities."We're constantly going to doctors for everything you might imagine: clogged arteries, eye surgery, a situation where she lost toes off her left foot," Papalia said, noting that though they get Medicare, the cost of deductibles and copays adds up.They pay over $10,000 in property taxes each year, and they anticipate that will continue increasing. Their heating bill runs them nearly $300 monthly, while they pay upward of $40 monthly on life insurance. They also pay nearly $300 for car and homeowners insurance a month.Papalia said it's only a matter of time before something goes wrong with the house, driving them into the red. A few years ago, he was given an estimate of $11,000 to fix his roof, but because the original roofing was not up to building codes, it became a $36,000 payment that they won't pay off until 2030."It's a struggle every day, and something's going to pop," Papalia said.Papalia said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-boomer-couple-cant-survive-social-security-pension-living-costs-2024-8">finances were so tight</a> he took out a reverse mortgage on the house, a loan for older Americans to borrow money against their home's equity and supplement their Social Security.He said they rotate between 30 credit cards for various purchases to limit their budget, get rewards, and keep balances on each card low to maintain their credit.Papalia said he's looked into getting a part-time job, though he said he can rarely leave the house given Marie's conditions. Hiring a caretaker would be too expensive, Papalia said."We're just taking it one day at a time," Papalia said. "We're worrying about today and letting tomorrow take care of itself."Are you worried about retirement? Reach out to this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com">nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</a>.

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