Gen X Retirement Plan: Eating Cat Food

I am upset because my generation will not have the “Golden Years” that senior citizens enjoy today. I fear the elderly Baby Boomer population will bankrupt the system and leave nothing but problems for their grandchildren. The images of growing older that many investment companies and stock brokers advertise on TV is just a pipe dream for most of us. They are selling a wonderful idea, but it isn’t OUR reality. Living paycheck to paycheck, most people my age don’t entertain the idea of retiring and living on the beach until we die. We know that the day we kick off, our boss will be wondering why we’re late. There will be no pension, no health coverage, and no Social Security.

When I was a little girl growing up in America, I didn’t see my future in fairy tale terms, but I certainly couldn’t forsee all the hard times I might face. I never thought, Gee, I want to grow up and be underappreciated, overworked and constantly stressed out at my job, if I’m lucky enough to have one. I never dreamed that being able to afford a doctor visit would be the biggest perk I might ever hope for. 

Flash from the future: I see an advertisement on my iTV. They show an elderly man and his pet. Some sweet music plays behind the advertisers’ slogan promoting pet and owner unity. It’s obviously dinner time and a steaming dish of food is brought to the table and served, both to human and animal. Are they suggesting we share our meal with our beloved, furry little companion? That is exactly what they’ll be suggesting. Because we’ll be eating cat food.

This will undoubtedly have some goverment voucher program behind it.

Now that is living the dream.