I Had To "DOWNGRADE MY LIFE"...GOING INTO DEBT TO BUY GROCERIES 

People Are LOSING THEIR HOMES TO THESE RISING COSTS ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qPdS1PynFQg.html

A lot of us are one medical emergency from financial ruin.

Don't lose your job. Don't get sick. Don't have an accident.

A perfect storm is brewing in the United States. Inflation, bank collapse, severe drought in the agricultural belt, recession, food shortages, diesel fuel and heating oil shortages, baby formula shortages, available automobile shortages and prices, the price of living place. It's all coming together and it could lead to a real disaster towards the end of this year (or sooner). With inflation currently at about 6%, my primary concern is how to maximize my savings/retirement fund of about $300k which has been sitting duck since forever with zero to no gains.

I was able to hug my son and my dogs this morning. For that im grateful every day.

High prices for everything have severely affected my plan. I'm concerned if people who went through the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am having now. The stock market is worrying me as my income has decreased, and I fear I won't have enough savings for retirement since I can't contribute as much as before.

Never take anything for granted. I went to bed one night, I woke up a widow the next morning. I was 43, all of a sudden our household income was literally cut in half. The house payment, utilities, insurance wasn't cut in half. I nearly lost everything. Luckily I was able to quickly sell my home and move to a 1bed apartment. It wasn't fun, wasn't what I wanted, wasn't how I saw my life going. It CAN happen to anyone,anytime.

People don’t understand that health is very important. I’m a local government administrator I have my masters degree in public administration. Got sick, lost my job of $220k per year because I couldn’t perform. I was let go after 7 yrs at my job. Got on Unemployment benefits of $400 a week. My income went from $18k per month to $1,600 a month. When I was up you could tell me nothing. I was driving the car I wanted to drive eating at most expensive restaurants weekly, taking Hawaii Europe trips every six months. It took six months to get better health wise and ten months to get a job. I’m back currently working in a administration role not making as much as I was, but it’s working out. This really humbled me. Stay humble folks.

I don't like people who belittle others either for being poor.

There's a saying in the corporate world as you scale the corporate ladder "Be kind to people on the way up, because you'll meet them on the way down".

I've ridden the struggle bus for 57 years, but I've always known that kindness didn't cost a penny.

I know someone whose business is on the verge of bankruptcy, a year ago he was living high on the hog. Never take anything for granted and don't be cocky when things are going good.

People that are older don't have the option to work harder. We can't earn more money now that we are old

Most people can’t think past their noses. There is no empathy in this society.

"Pride comes before a fall, a haughty spirit before destruction." Proverbs

ICU nurse here, I’ve met a lot of supposedly well off patients that have been very humbled by a health related event/ accident. Be kind. Appreciate the reminder!

1980 vs 2024 1980 minimum wage federal government 3.35 hour =536.00 a month Average rent 243.00 2024 minimum wage 7.25 hour =1160.00 a month Average rent 2,073.00 CEO Salary 1984 Average 400,000 CEO Salary 2024 17.6 million We are f**ked as a country . things needs to change no one should have to work 2 and 3 jobs just to make it . I really want to see change

My late husband was 58. He got sick. I hung on in 2016. Then had to make decisions in 2017. I hung on till the Fall. First thing to go, one car. Then defaulted on all my debts. Sold the house at the bottom. Bought a shitty trailer in a park in Florida. Hubby died. Sold my other car. Sold my trailer. Lived 8 months in my 5 year old granfsons room. Then a senior subsidized apartment came up. I had applied 2 years previous. I saw the writing on the wall and made decisions for worst case. I like my little apartment. God saw me through. But affording food is tough. ❤

Self awareness is a lost art in American society…so is kindness

I'm glad you brought up the " Bragging Brads." I got hit with a Triple Wammy. All within 2 years I lost the roof off my house, got diagnosed with cancer and the banks closed! I was a single mother. I managed to raise my child who is doing fabulous but lost everything else. All I hear from gloaters is how well they planned. Well, I planned too. But, I didn't plan This. I'm grateful that I did plan and had savings at that time. But, that only goes so far and I'm disabled. I'm not a drug addict or alcoholic. I've worked hard and HONESTLY my whole life . I paid my taxes. I'm not looking for any sympathy or handouts. All I want is Respect. Please don't give me 'that look' when you pass me by. I love this one. "Oh...I would Never let that happen to ME." I hope it doesn't. It CAN happen to YOU. Be kind. ~ 🦋

Anything Insurance touches it ruins.. remember before pet insurance it was CHEAP to take your pet to the Vet? Now forget it. We need to have a Insurance reset.

I think all politicians should buy their own groceries with their own money and not ours.

Empathy is usually hard earned, and some folks, never attain it.

I remember the good old days when these heatwaves were called summertime.

I just sold my beautiful home to go live my dream life with my partner in his $1.5M home in California - until he passed away suddenly... Now I don't have my old home - nor his home - and I"m living in my sister's dining room... sigh --- Like you said Michael - one of those unforseen situations - that changed my life overnight! We cannot judge for we do not know other people's stories.... Let us be more KIND to one another during these challenging times! Om Shanti -

At least we finally beat Medicare!

Well said. I’ll never make fun of people struggling

People are materialistic, they don't want to cut back nor do they know how !

Agree Michael, don’t get ahead of yourself because life can flip on a dime through bad luck and no fault of your own. Let’s always support each other constructively regardless of our respective bank balances.

I’ve learned once my wife and I got ahead not to take our foot off the gas. Keep pushing while you can because some day you won’t be able to. You can never see the curve ahead in your life that can slow you down. Thank you for your videos!

The saying "Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes" is applicable here.

Politics and COVID really hardened society as a whole and wiped out empathy and compassion 🙏

That Brad guy reminds of a lot of politicians whose wealth and way of life has blinded them to the plight of others. As long as it doesn't effect them, it doesn't seem to matter. Never belittle anyone that is working and struggling to make ends meet.

I call it the “I-got-mine-so-eff-you” crowd. Never was the lack of compassion so evident during the lockdown that destroyed many jobs/lives. The lap top class and wealthy weren’t affected, but many of us lost our businesses, jobs, homes, horse and dogs due to the foolishness over Covid policy. I am 60 years old and lost everything. I am too old to crawl back out of poverty. It’s depressing trying to get employed at my age despite the fact I am still super healthy and athletic. I work 6 days a week, full time and overtime just to camp out in a tiny 30 year old travel trailer. No eating out, haircuts, or new clothes. I eat only 2 meals and , yes, I am skinny.

U ROCK !!! Some people have sold their soul for some money which they will loose we are all on the titanic … Prince said in the song” your better off checking your souls alright”!

So true in insurance! My mom was an insurance agent for a long while out they eventually fired her for approving a claim for a cancer patient that my mom said was completely valid. She said they were trained to look for every loophole possible to deny and my mom didn’t have the heart to do that with legitimate claims. Those who did screw people over got promotions tho 🙄

While people are struggling, wealthy retail corporations are trying to convince communities to get rid of dollar stores......And local leaders are falling for it.

Life can be very hard. Don’t give up guys and keep moving forward even if it’s in small steps.

As someone who grew up very poor, lived on the streets for 2 yrs. Finally got my act together and joined the military. Married, 2 kids. Owned a home & rental home in N.J. . Owned & sold a small trucking company. While still working a full time job, and now financial good. One thing I always remember is where I started and came from. People are financially strapped. Family's are hurting. This guy Brad is an self centered fool. Always remember where you came from and help others if you can.

This is a pitiful country to live in these days.

Some people are so selfish that they don't care about people less fortunate.

I told a friend that the economy is so tough right now, that I am so grateful for the job I have … she said that nothing is wrong with the economy and that prices that rose is just normal- she said that! I was really surprised she believed it

My husband works in the automotive industry and we swore to never need government handouts again just a few years ago. Well they cut his hours so much we had to swallow our pride and ask for assistance again. I’m unable to work at the moment for health reasons and the medical bills keep rolling in yall. It’s no joke and people are heartless if they brag about their vacations, etc because not everyone can do those things AND afford to feed their kids. Have a heart and be kind.

Friend of mine was hurt in a hit n run. He was also robbed while unconscious. He's been off work 3 weeks so far. He can't pay rent and is still sorting out disability claim. 1 emergency can put you out on the street.

I have a pension and a decent job and even my wallet is feeling pinched. I recognize that my position in life is paritally due to luck and being in the right place at the right time. You need both hard work and opportunities to be well off.

Everyone around the world need to just stop paying insurance. It should be illegal to pay for something that may happen and if nothing ever happens you’re out of money. And if something does happen, there are millions of loop holes to keep them from paying. How is this legal?!?!

Only when the tide goes out do you learn who has been swimming naked--Warren Buffett

I make less than $40,000 a year. I was laid off during Covid and decided not to go back to my career in the medical field. Now I work part time. But it was because of my career that I was able to buy a house and I have a 401(k). The house is small and the 401(k) is not huge, but both are a whole lot better than nothing. I am extremely thankful for what I have. Because I could not afford any of it now.

Thank you, Michael, for the compassion you have shown for those less fortunate. We all admire and respect you.

Your audience appreciates your perseverance and dedication.

Two severe medical events led us to sell our home at a substantial loss of equity during the Great Financial Crises, moved to our much smaller condo. Paid down medical debt and now trying to save/recoup. No bankruptcies, paid off all debt. Lived very frugally to do these things. We know what happened to us can happen to anyone, through no fault of their own.

I use to be like that guy when i was making 2 grand a week as an industrial electrical helper. Now im door dashing full time barely making it. I am now humbled and i will hold on to my next job for dear life.

Amazing video!! I can recall when I was homeless and faced many things in life until $70,000 biweekly began rolling in and my life went from a homeless nobody to a different person with good things to offer!!!!

Our quality of life in general has been downgraded.

Always stay humble, never think you are better than anyone. Count all your blessings. Have an attitude of gratitude. 🙏

I plan to retire at 62 in another country outside the US that is free, safe and very cheap with a high quality of life. I could fully just rely on only my SS if I wanted to when that times arrives but I'll also have at least one pension, a 403 (b) and a very prolific lnvestment account with my Abby Joseph Cohen my FA. Retiring comfortably in the US these days is almost impossible.

I thank god every day 🙏 For giving me the ability To make living. Have job to go to . Able to spend less and save more for rainy days And won't fall for consumerism. And just buy what needed but not Wanted.

I agree with you about food. I have cut down my portion sizes but I eat healthy food. I don't need any meds at all. I cook all my meals from scratch. My Italian grandmother knew how to make tasty meals that were not expensive.

One lesson I've learnt from millionaires is to always put your money to work no matter how small. Don't get discouraged just because you can "only" invest like $100 per month. It can compound tremendous wealth over the course of decades. The important thing is that you keep going!

"If you have nothing good to say, then don't say anything at all." This is a lesson that should have been taught to everyone as a child.

Some of these people looking down on others financially act like something bad can’t happen to them. Then when it does they blame others. Keep working hard. Hard times don’t last forever everyone.❤❤❤❤

Thanks for addressing this issue - we are all one step away from a tragedy in our lives. Be it our job, family or health.

LMAO. I had a car drive through the window of my restaurant. I took a zillion pictures. My wife didn’t understand why. The insurance tried to fight that it happened despite police report and newspaper report. When they started to say something it was nice to say, what angle photo would you like to see of what item?

Thanks Michael for the show. I worked in Az outside during 124 degree heat. It did cause me to slow down. Every half hour it was drinking water and a short rest. I'm an Az native used to the heat but hot is hot. I am blessed to be retired now and thankful for social security. Good insight for those not so fortunate as we are.

Excellent episode. Everyone is just an illness away from total horror.

You are right that you can lose all your possessions in a day. It happened to me at age 53, now I am 77 and things are okay and good. No room for any criticism of other folks for not having money.

HOW TO ACQUIRE WEALTH.

Nothing will change in our society until there is an inner, spiritual change. Human Revolution. 🕊️

The rich class lives in their own world wearing their pink glasses and don't see what is happening in the real world out here !

Dont worry it will catch up with Brad

Had medical emergencies here for entire family. Been in ruin for a while. It’s called empathy, and yes people should have it….they choose not to.

I learned to make soap, I make shampoo bars, foaming hand soap, face bars and body, way more healthy than the store bought detergent soap, and when people find out they want to buy it. You can also get a 5$ bag of flour and make quite a few loafs of bread I do and it taste better and is better for you than the store bought that never seems to go bad, the birds even avoid it, both are easy to do and saves money.

Micheal, I very much agree with you position about Brads attitude. I think it is good for people to be humble and to try to understand each other, while at the same time it is ok to be critical and skeptical of others as well, when warranted. I was raised by a single mom in my Grandparents home. My mom worked all the time and was rarely home, my Grandpa worked at home but was wealthy, but very frugal and down to earth. I was called spoil by other kids and people do to the home I lived in, what they did not know is that we had no AC and they had central AC, they had all kinds of fancy food and my grandma made everything from scratch, I would get yelled at for leaving lights on, ect, things those that were not "spoiled" never had to worry about. My grandparents went on long vacations, two months or more (they were in their 70s already) and since my mom worked all the time I learned to cook my own food, do my own laundry, and basically take care of my self for most of the day, things none of the other kids I knew had to do, but remember I was the "spoiled one". I was even told by my Uncle one day that none of what my Grandpa had was mine, fair enough, something I already very well understood, but he had to make sure I knew my place. I got a college degree, I worked my ass off, I got a good job and retired early, I was the only grandchild who made it on their own out of the five of us. I like normal down to earth people and have met too many "Brads", who I find to be some of the most disgusting people in the world and who because of their arrogance, egos, and inflated images of themselves are in fact a big reason for a lot of the problems mankind has. On the other hand over the years I have seen another side of humanity, the habitual scammer, the have to keep up with the Jones, the wont do anything unless they are paid types and their are a lot of them out there, of all races and all economic classes, and they are nothing but users who live off of others and do little or nothing in return. Well, like I said I retired and I am ok, but I do not know how long that will last do to all the inflation and debt our nation and bad decisions our leaders and our fellow citizens make. I cut my own grass, do many of my own home repairs, I try to spend wisely, I try to live within my means, yet I see so many of my neighbors and former coworkers live large and constantly complaining about money, and who are very very jealous of anyone they think is doing better than them, and also look down on anyone who they think are not doing as well as them. Its insane, and its wrong. Humans have become their own worse enemies, and that is sad.

We had a baby born during Covid, I buried myself in debt to provide for my family with the same level of quality and am just starting to get out of it. I swear the timing of these economic events are terrible for my generation. graduated high school in 2000.

Spending (A LOT) more on insurance than on food is just insane. Medical and insurance industries are going to break our backs. Cost of living is out of control.

I got in line behind an older gentleman today that was on the phone with his wife. they were trying to decide what to put back because the total was too high. I felt so bad, and it really seemed like this was something new they were going through, so I paid for them. Sad thing is I had to put it on my credit card

I love your videos, your speaking the truth about what’s happening, don’t listen to the news

You are Correct! Life is subject to change WITHOUT notice.

It all goes back to energy. Lower energy prices equals less inflation. The money printing has been devastating as well.

I couldn’t even downgrade my life when I been trying to upgrade it for years😢😢The goal posts keep moving every time I take 1 step forward.

Michael , “I hope you live long and prosper”. You have discussed many daunting facts trying to inform us ALL. You are a super hard working person - I watch your videos nightly. Thank you

Good grief, the man is not in touch with the rest of us. I lost my job last year and had to change my life completely... I had to learn to live with the amount of money I bring home. .. and although my boss offered a full time position I picked up an additional 2 hours a day because I am now enjoying my extra time. Everyone situation is different.

I appreciate you, Michael. I referred you to my 3 children as a resource for economic issues. I'm an ex banker of 30 years. I lent money foe cars, homes, lots and commercial buildings. My wife left and the the pandemic came. Now i run a janitorial company and officiate sports (which I love to do). When Biden took office I've had to work 7 days a week..I get tired. I also don't spend like water. So life does change bro. You're right. One day you're up and the next your not. Keep brining the info and I love the nature shots (that brings relief for some of the topics). Also read The Creature from Jeykll Island - its about the birth of the "Federal Reserve" and taxation brought on by Woodrow Wilson. Thanks and be blessed son.

Thanks, Michael, for speaking the ones struggling. I am on Social Security and have to be careful when shopping to buy healthy food. It’s expensive!

RANT ON MY BROTHER!! 👍🔥

I am $2000 in credit card debt to pay for food and medical bills for this year. Will have to start taking money from 401k soon. Struggling to stay afloat now. Income just won't jeep up with the real cost of living.

Watch food is going to go up even more by the fall because the heat is killing the crops.

Thank you Michael for encouraging compassion.

Amen Michael. I know a person as you are describing and I just told that person that poor people getting poorer is not good for anyone. It destroys lives and affects everyone.

Michael Bordenaro tells it like it is, and he looks good doing it. :-)

I don't know how you do it. Especially on a daily basis. It seems to me when putting out the amount of volume as you do, it would (eventually) become very difficult to cover new topics and/or points that extend and offer even more perspectives of your past video's... Updates, if you will. Yet, you consistently bring quality, factual information. Yes, I know it could be said that "He's already covered this," but it's always good stuff "in addition to" or as those stats change. And you nail it. Also, I'd like to add the compassion you show towards the less fortunate or victims of our economic situations. And it is obvious you do speak from past experiences. I think any of us having gone thru troubled times in our lives don't only hear your words, but actually feel them...as you do. You sir, are a class act. Thank you for what you do.

I’m doing great! Can’t complain. Then again, I’m not overextending myself and making bad financial decisions with my money

I’m an office assistant. I work 2 jobs, one full time one part time. I have 2 years of food stored away properly. Bought it at very low prices much lower than today. I planned and executed my own garden in the back of my apt. I’m in CT. I grew tomatoes, broccoli, Swiss card, red cabbage, potatoes, onions and herbs. I have the means to dehydrate or can everything. I also bought a 5’ cubic freezer and stored a variety of meats. I have a modest solar generator w panel. I paid off my used truck with the Covid checks from govt. I exercise more and only eat 2 meals a day. I’m not on any medication. Organic foods are a new hobby. I don’t get takeout. I quit smoking. I just got a $600 check for a payday loan I opened 10 years ago. Join lawsuits. I stored pet food too. I’m getting rid of cable shortly. I will get trained in carrying shortly. CT is anti-self defense. Do what you can. ❤

Videos just under 20 min is perfect. You do a great job

It’s called compassion and humility and entitlement has supplanted them both!

I cannot stand those kinds of people as well, Michael. Thank you for exposing the lack of compassion and sense of entitlement among family, friends, colleagues at this time.

You are a good hearted, intelligent being. Keep on keeping on. 🏆

IMO this is your most spot on video yet! Re: people don't understand other peoples troubles or care. Being 69 I have seen a number of recessions and have been up and down a number of times. Thank goodness SS and pension have given me a decent living so far, but if inflation continues, things will be changing once again.

You‘re a good man, Michael! I love that you have empathy for people who have to struggle, instead of lecturing them you acknowledge the circumstances that can get people into desperate situations. I live in Germany and used to get packages from my sister in the US, but now I have to support my sister, even though she owns her house and shares her living space with three others, she doesn’t have enough Social Security to cover all of the costs, especially groceries. Food has become outrageously expensive.

I’m working 2 full time jobs. I’m exhausted. Count your blessings, Brad.