Member-only story
Why I’m Building My Own Safety Net
Plan Me
There’s a big difference between surviving and thriving. Social Security has helped me survive — and I’m grateful for that. But it’s not security. It’s not enough for the dreams I still have, the goals I’m working toward, or the life I believe I’m still meant to live.
Security, to me, means having options. It means being able to fix the car when it breaks down or treat myself to a weekend getaway without panicking about next month’s bills. It means being able to give to others instead of always being the one in need. And let’s be real — it means not having to choose between medicine and groceries.
Social Security wasn’t built for that kind of life. It was built to keep you afloat, not to help you soar.
The System Wasn’t Designed With Me in Mind
Here’s the hard truth: the system wasn’t designed for a disabled Black woman who had to retire early due to a chronic illness. The math never worked in my favor. And even if I’d followed all the rules and saved everything I was “supposed” to, it still wouldn’t have been enough. Life had other plans.
Multiple sclerosis didn’t send me a warning. Neither did the economy, or inflation, or the rising cost of groceries that has me side-eying a carton of eggs like it’s a luxury item.
