How many old broads will it take to make the mortgage? I ponder this question from time to time.
Once upon a time I had 401(k)s and annuities. Those days are gone and not likely to ever come again. The house is gone and with it the prospect of living on a reverse mortgage or selling and enjoying the equity (remember those days?). It’s highly unlikely that after my husband is gone I will swept off my feet by a single, wealthy man who wants nothing more in life than to take care of me. After all, I already have that, except for the wealthy part, and finding it twice is pushing the odds.
Since I plan on living at least another 25 or 30 years something will have to be done. My vision is a compound of some kind, in a pleasant climate, where a core group of women live supported by whatever incomes we all have – Medicare, retirement, etc.
Everyone gets their own private space with amenities. There will be additional residential spaces available for short or long term rent for guests, students, and creative individuals who need a private place to work. I see a pottery studio, a dark room, painting studios, and classrooms. Add a communal area with a huge fireplace and view of the trees and ocean (hey, why not?), a kitchen for the guests (shall we provide meals?), and a pool or at least a pool boy. A combination artist’s colony and retirement home. An old beach motel converted to this purpose might work.
I can start collecting Medicare in a little under 18 months so I know how much I’ll have to chip in. Who else wants to play?