Conventional Wisdom

Conventional wisdom says go to college and you can get a good job. I did. Then the recession hit and I lost my job.

Conventional wisdom says you should have six-months salary in savings in case you lose your job. I did. That is all gone,a long time ago.

Conventional wisdom says put your money into a retirement account and let it grow.
I did. But I eventually had to use most of it just to pay my mortgage and medical bills and avoid living under a bridge.

Conventional wisdom says buy a house... It's your best investment. I did. Now, my house is underwater and is not worth the mortgage we owe on it.

Conventional wisdom says you can refinance your house and use the money from that. I can't. Our house dropped $200,000 in value in the housing bust.

Conventional wisdom says the Golden years of the best. They're not.

Conventional wisdom says everything is all right as long as you have your health.
I don't. I was diagnosed several years ago with a neuromuscular disease. I can't walk. I can't drive. My husband has to cook my meals and cut my meat for me.

Conventional wisdom says things will get better. I certainly hope so.