by Maxi

“You’re not getting a raise.” Has the boss ever told you that after you waited all year? Utilities, groceries, gas … just about everything has gone up and now you aren’t getting that piddly a_ _  raise he gives once a year.

At first you’re like, huh? What’s he talking about? It’s not even ten dollars a month, what’s the big deal?

It really doesn’t hit you until a few months later when you’re at  McDonalds with the wife and kids. They want one of those little chipmunks that are so popular now. You reach for that place in your wallet where you always stash a couple of bucks. Damn it, you had to spend it for gas to get to work last week.

You turn to your wife in frustration as the heat rises up your neck and spreads across your face. It lasts only a minute; you turn your head hoping the kids didn’t notice. The rage inside will last much, much longer.

That anger is pretty much what my husband, David and I feel right now.

A few months ago, a letter came telling us that we would not be getting our Social Security cost-of-living increase for the next two years. Also, our Medicare payments have increased—soon by 50%—while the benefits decrease.

I had rotator cuff surgery in November. There were things I needed that should  be covered by Medicare. I felt that father’s rage as I reached for my debit card to pay $20 for an out-of-pocket expense.

What is your rage level?

May Your Glass Always Be Half Full

Read a chapter at: maximalone.com