I feel like I did something wrong. I've been putting money into a 401k for decades. Not the maximum amount, because I can't afford that without severely cutting back on day-to-day expenses, but a decent amount. I have a good job that pays well. But I seriously don't think I'll ever have enough set aside to be retired full time. Maybe if I bought a home earlier I would have equity from that. But as things stand I will be paying off a a mortgage for a long time. And then I suppose I will move into some sort of retirement community if I can afford it.
Given my parents' age, it's likely that they'll need more help from me and my siblings while I'm still working full-time. I have one sister who lives near them and I am next closest at 300 miles away. The others are on the other side of the country; they are very generous with financial help. One good thing about my current job (if it lasts) is that I could work remotely from my parents' house if I needed to spend more time there to help take care of them.
I agree that being a caretaker is definitely not easy. I know people who have cared for their parents for years, including setting up an apartment for them within their own homes. I'm always amazed at the emotional strength that they show.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles