01/07/2026
Outlook is cloudy. With housing costs estimated to have risen 11-12% and with Utility bills, food and the cost of nearly everything increasing, Is living an American dream quickly becoming unaffordable and unrealistic?
Retirement on Social Security in 2026 will bring an on average income of $2071 per month. With a one bedroom low income(Section 42 program) rent around $1400 per month, utilities (heat, lights, phone, internet, cable) averaging around $400 and food for one person is around $400 many seniors are already in the red before considering medication, transportation and any orher expenses.
I spent over 10 years working in large multifamily housing. My heart hurts for these families and senior households just getting by. As a single parent, if your kid gets sick and you have to stay home or your car brakes down, You fall and end up in hospital and now have an ambulance and hospital deductible. Congrats now you get to play the “What gets paid this month lottery!”
I have had 70-80 year old men and women in my office crying and about to be homeless because their check is less than the rent.
Oh but wait- Lets cut housing funding because it is lazy people who could be working right? Medicaid or medicare? Foodstamp program? Our elderly and disabled rely on these programs. They cannot work and the workforce is most definately ageist and won’t hire them anyway!
So what can we do?
You can call and write your legislators. They need to hear your story. Send a picture so they see a real person behind the story.
Perhaps, You can seek a room mate (a friend, child, grandchild) , apply for food, housing and heating assistance. Take in a college student by renting a room. This is a win for both of you! Make a monthly spending budget and stick to it! Reach out to your local ADRC (Aging and Disability Office), They often give farmers market vouchers as well as help with Meals On Wheels(which is a donation based meal program). Find an advocate. Someone who is passionate and will be your voice. No kids or family left to advocate for you? A Daily Money Manager can fill that role.
And ya, buy that Powerball ticket (just one) because… we all deserve to dream a little. The Lottery is all we have left in todays economy.
Sources:
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/housing-market-index/articles/housing-market-predictions-for-the-next-5-years
https://share.google/6xdTM5DUKjQuUE5E1
https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01903.html
https://www.unbiased.com/discover/banking/what-is-the-cost-of-living-in-wisconsin -much-do-utilities-cost-in-Wisconsin
