Most people I know who are old and broke just made some really poor decisions, some were due to greed.
Like cashing in their 401k because the money was just “sitting there”. Or retiring too early because they could. Or trading their retirement savings for an RV. My mother blew through half a million $ in 22 years, just buying books and clothes and supporting my sibling.
I have a friend like that. Blew about half a million bucks in about 10 years and has nothing to show for it. Her hubby died and she got $175k in life insurance to start. Then sold 2 houses that were paid for that they owned. She bought another house but only paid $40k down on it and 4 years later they were foreclosing on her. She retired and took the cash and spent it. Actually it was more than half a million she blew. Meanwhile, we paid off our house, hubby and I retired and we are living high on the hog. According to her. And it eats on her so she says crap to me. We were like sisters and now because of her attitude rarely talk. Sad.
Sometimes all the right lifetime choices aren't enough..........
My mother blew through half a million $ in 22 years, just buying books and clothes and supporting my sibling.