We used to be able to afford a home

DEAR EDITOR:

Yesterday, while in the credit union, a man stated he was upset due to having to pay back his $500 government money that somehow he received.

I may be mistaken, but I thought this payment was for the needy (those of us on GIS) not the greedy. He went on to say it was very difficult for friends of his who had used the money for boats or vacations. Must be nice, I thought. I used my $500 to pay for a levy.

Having said that, I realize how fortunate I am to have a home. Most seniors could have bought a home in the 1960s, 70s or 80s. This was possible, even if you made low wages, particularly if you were male, as they made more money than women who did the same work. In some cases, they still do.

It was once very possible to own your home. Some chose to spend their income on holidays or “toys” such as boats, skidoos, new cars, etc. We chose instead to get an affordable home, which paid off.

This is no longer the case. It now takes two people, at least, working just to pay rent. One cannot save for a down payment when the rents are so high, they defy any savings.

I am so very tired of hearing about “poor” seniors, of which I am one. So many younger people I know who work full time can barely pay rent, unless of course they live with two or three others. They have it much more difficult than we did. Some say they have too high expectations.

Gee, wonder where they got that? I made a low wage, but could afford to pay rent and live alone way back in the 1960s and 70s.

Joy Lang’s recent letter to the editor, “Things are great for the financially set” (Herald, Aug. 13) was so correct.

People with thinking and reasoning skills are difficult to find.

John Thompson and others of his ilk need to look around. Most parents have to work, we need daycare, etc., etc. Thompson needs a reality check.

Then there was Al Marten's letter-perhaps he would like to see a branded scarlet letter on all of the people who have covid? He does not seem to realize that even those vaccinated can 'carry' this virus and the fact that there is a 98% recovery rate seems to escape him.

Yes, four million in the world have died from this-10 million have died from cancer and 18 million from heart ailments. Yes, these are not “contagious’ — at least as far as we know — but put things in perspective people!

We are becoming a nation full of fearthis cannot be good for our health-mentally or physically.

Sandy Hayes Penticton