According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, retirement is pricey.
Household who are 65 and older spend an average of $45,756 a year or $3,800 a month.
And as 57 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings according to GoBankingRates survey, folks are looking cut corners wherever necessary.
Hailing from Spring, Texas, Terry Robinson has one crafty plan for the next stage in his life.
Instead of forking over his hard earned money to retire in a retirement community — he will spend his years at a Holiday Inn because it will be significantly cheaper.
Robinson posted to Facebook sharing his retirement plan — which has since gone viral. He shares:
“No nursing home for us. We’ll be checking into a Holiday Inn! With the average cost for a nursing home care costing $188.00 per day, there is a better way when we get old and too feeble.”
“I’ve already checked on reservations at the Holiday Inn. For a combined long term stay discount and senior discount, it’s $59.23 per night.”
Instead of a nursing home, Robinson launches into detail about the benefits of living at a Holiday Inn.
“Breakfast is included, and some have happy hours in the afternoon,” he penned. “That leaves $128.77 a day for lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want, or room service, laundry, gratuities and special TV movies.”
“Plus, they provide a spa, swimming pool, a workout room, a lounge and washer-dryer, etc. “
And he would save a load of money on toiletries as they are complimentary.
“Most [hotels] have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap.”
In addition, he believes the staff would treat him much better than in a retirement home.
“$5-worth of tips a day and you’ll have the entire staff scrambling to help you. They treat you like a customer, not a patient.”
He has also figured out his transportation situation.
“There’s a city bus stop out front, and seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up (if you fake a decent limp). To meet other nice people, call a church bus on Sundays.”
And in regards to travel, taking the bus is just the tip of the iceberg.
“For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there. While you’re at the airport, fly somewhere. Otherwise, the cash keeps building up.”
Another positive? Terry discovered that there is no wait for a Holiday Inn.
“It takes months to get into decent nursing homes. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today.”
In addition – since the chain is everywhere – he is not tied to one location (although the rate may not be as affordable in other locations.)
“And you’re not stuck in one place forever — you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city. Want to see Hawaii? They have Holiday Inn there too.”
And home repairs in a hotel? Hardly an issue!
“TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem. They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience.”
He also feels very sure that the Holiday Inn staff will be able to look out for his health as well.
“The Inn has a night security person and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are ok. If not, they’ll call an ambulance . . . Or the undertaker.”
“If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life,” he alleges (although we are not too sure about the upgrade claim.)
And when family comes to town? Terry’s got that covered too.
“They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days mini-vacation. The grand-kids can use the pool.”
Not a plan if I do say so myself.
“What more could I ask for? So, when I reach that golden age, I’ll face it with a grin.”
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