Marion, 70, raised two sons in Washington as a single mother, often juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Following several surgeries that prevented her from working, she opted for a new living arrangement to save costs: sharing a home with roommates.
Known to Business Insider but identified by a pseudonym for privacy, Marion sold most of her possessions and relocated to rural Ohio, moving in with her sister and her sister’s boyfriend. Struggling to afford rent in Washington, she now pays approximately $500 in Ohio, allowing her to save money and manage her medical expenses more comfortably.
Nonetheless, living on a limited income remains tough. Marion receives $1,662 from Social Security, which barely covers her basic needs.
“I now have roommates for the first time in my life, but it’s a way to live comfortably,” she said. “You got to do what you got to do.”
Marion grew up in a military family and experienced frequent relocations across the United States. She became a mother at 17 and raised her children in a middle-class environment while working various jobs—primarily as a cocktail waitress and in restaurant management for over three decades.
Facing significant medical issues, Marion retired early over two decades ago, relying on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments that were substantially less than her previous earnings. She eventually filed for bankruptcy and lost her condo, moving in with her mother until her passing.
Struggling financially, Marion learned to make adjustments in her life to save money, such as cleaning houses and selling handmade crafts. For many years, she lived alone in Washington, making personal sacrifices to ensure her children had a good upbringing.
The onset of the pandemic allowed her some financial relief, but escalating rent forced her to seek alternatives. After weighing her options, Marion decided to move to Ohio where she could afford lower rent while enjoying a safer environment.
Now residing with her sister and her sister’s boyfriend in a five-bedroom rental, Marion manages her expenses by contributing between $500 to $600 monthly. Although she has made adjustments to adapt to living with family, including coping with leaving her grandchildren behind, she continues to pursue her passion for art.
Despite her reduced housing costs, financial strain remains. She has had to forgo certain medical screenings due to their costs. Marion is concerned about her long-term financial situation and hopes to save enough to support herself without burdening her sons.
“My biggest thing right now is trying to save up enough money so that I can pay for cremation,” she shared. “I don’t want my kids to get stuck paying for any kind of funeral.”