I was laid off from my job this past Wednesday after 13 1/2 years. I was totally blindsided by this. My official last day is January 2, 2025. I was hoping to work where I was for as long as I could. I am not prepared for retirement. I have so much to do before the end of January when my company health insurance will no longer will cover us. COBRA is outrageously expensive. I already started the ball rolling and am in the midst of my application for Social Security and Medicare for myself, but my worry, concern, is to make sure Nicole and Ethan are covered, protected.
Financially, I don’t know. I have a financial advisor who I will be meeting with next week to go over everything. I don’t have a pension from my job. I have put away money here and there. Everything we had went into purchasing our little place years ago. My Social Security will help, but it will not be nearly what I hoped it would be if I could have waited two more years to withdraw.
If anyone knows any of any resource, agencies that I could explore, that would be greatly appreciated. I know these things vary from state to state, but the way my head is spinning, at least it would give me an idea of what to look for.
Thank you.
Keith, if you want to PM me, I think I’m about your age and have once been through something similar – I may be able to suggest some avenues to you.
I will over the weekend Adam. Thanks!
Another curve ball from life. Sorry to hear this. Be sure to check for health insurance for you wife and son on the Affordable Care Act web sites. It can be very helpful.
Looking into it Ted. Thank you!
I’m already retired, and on my own terms, so I have nothing to offer, Keith, other than disdain for a company to let someone with your longevity go right around Christmas.
Hopefully, Adam and Ted have offered good advice. Check into Affordable Care before Trump tries to dismantle it. Good luck to you.
Speaking to lots of people Lois. It helps gathering all the information I can. Thanks!
Keith, I am so sorry this happened to you. As you may recall, the same happened to Randy after nearly 40 years with the same company. Totally blindsided. I feel for you and your sweet family. I empathize. I understand. I hope you are at least offered a severance package. I don’t have any specific advice other than what your other commenters have offered. I do know, that somehow you will get through this. You are strong. You’re already working on it. I care. And, again, I am deeply sorry this happened to you.
Thanks Audrey. The adrenaline rush of this has kept me on the phone, emailing, etc.. I am not ready to retire. I have my work to do and I feel an intense need to give things back either to photo community or elsewhere. I am still very much concerned about health insurance for Nicole and Ethan. Everything is so time sensitive and with the upcoming holidays, even more so.
Keith, I certainly understand your concerns about health insurance coverage. It’s expensive and difficult to navigate. I am incredibly grateful for Medicare, which has saved us thousands of dollars. I know that doesn’t help Nicole and Ethan. It sounds like you are working hard to figure things out. And, yes, you do have much yet to give to the photo community.