An honest look at the personal finance crisis | Elizabeth White | TEDxVCU

Elizabeth White is a Harvard MBA and former C-suite executive who never expected to be "Fifty-five, Unemployed and Faking Normal." Author of a book by the same name, she has culled wisdom from the dozens of Boomers she's interviewed and hundreds more she's heard from who, despite monumental financial challenges, are finding ways to look beyond the rubble of what happened to thinking about and putting together the best possible plan B.

[nubeingqueen]

I cried this is me, and I hold no degrees. No one can imagine how you feel. I worked hard had a business owned a townhome and lost it all. I hang on to God, faith and hope. I have worked amazon flex, insta cart, uber and lyft. I still do hair at least once a week and freelance when I can. I totally get it. I pray for you and myself and the plight of all others in this struggle, peace and blessings

[zinajoynes]

This is my life!!! I am in tears because I thought I was alone. Thank you for being my voice.

[richardyasushiii]

Wow, finally – a REAL TED talk. Not idealistic, “abstract” success discussions or puff pieces; but a real discussion of a real situation that lots of people find themselves in. This is the kind of TED talks we need more of.

[cathyecooper]

I just Love this woman's honesty, courage, candidness and a beauty that is all her own. Dignity is "priceless", and she wears it well..

[jeanhensley]

Thank you, Ms. White! I am a nurse, got hurt on the job, workers comp broke me to the bottom. Literally had to start all over again. Just finished my nurse practitioner program, still too broke to take my certification test, furnishing license. I am working on my teaching certificate. Stopped telling people what I am doing because I do not like to hear the comments. I have learned to silently work on my goal(s). I have truly enjoyed your talk!

[dd]

I found myself in a similar situation at 48 . I hunted out an employer in a large city where there was lots of construction work, who was prepared to take me on as an lived in a flat for 4 a single room and living with 7 others while I did my training. I lived on Tuna, Oates, Bananas, Frozen fish fillets and spinach. I was earning $16 an hour.

I got qualified as an electrician, then after 3 more years experience became self employed. I worked hard and built a new home away from the expensive cities. I took pleasure in sunsets and beaches and rivers and forests. I developed a wonderful sense of achievement this way and through tenaciousness I found happiness and contentment.

You can do this. My pathway is only one of many. Find the way through. Do not let your body slacken or rest until you do. Never give up. Be sparten to achieve your goals.Write down your plans and revisit them often. Modify them if need be.

Identify the essential and eliminate the rest.

Be strong. Be staunch. Be unapologetic for doing what you need to do. Good luck.

[BreetiveBEing]

I am watching this on my phone, and a bill collector literally called and interupted my viewing. The struggle is real! I am not a boomer, and no where near retirement age, but this talk spoke to me. Many of my peers have found the same unfortunate market place. The cost of living keeps sky rocketing, but hiring and salaries remain stagnant. I couldn't even afford to complete my degree and have been doing "bridge work" ever since. Saving for school is nearly impossible, especially when the money you already borrowed is demanding to be paid back. As difficult as it was to hear, your message encouraged me.

[cacollins]

Thank you for your courage. I am in exactly the same boat. MBA, broke, living in my son's basement, hiding for the most part while most of my online applications disappear. I've finally taken a job at Home Depot and start tomorrow. I'm hungry and only go up and take food when no one is around because even family feels resentful when you end up like this. Only I don't want to "end up" like this. I want to feel good again.

[rhonamelsky]

She is so right on. I have been experiencing this since my 40s. Everyone said that I would get a job. Now at 55, I am this video. When I got out of college, companies were filled with people of all ages. Now everyone is no older than 30 and they look at me as if I'm from another planet and have no intention of ever hiring me.

[tonifrancis]

I'm 58 in a similarly bleak situation. I can't look ahead even one day or anxiety rushes in. I had to watch this. Because when anxiety and depression creep in planning a strategy isn't in the equation. She is still able to think clearly and intelligently. She is on top of her situation. Thank God she is up there illuminating this crisis.

[charliesangelwannabe]

Same here...I'm 57. Corporate greed is hoarding the money from the sweat of our brows and broken backs. Ageism is real, too.

[BPDBRETT]

Finally a real story that expresses the reality of millions of Americans. Kudos to Ted talks for this presentation. I am tired of working myself to insanity and I have lost hope as a 52 year old CPA.

[JR-bjuf]

When you are unemployed, long term, and the money runs out, you find that there these is no where you can be. Every place of refuge and rest costs money. An apartment, a car, even a seat at Starbucks cost something. You begin to feel like you have no place in the world and that was the hardest thing for me.

[evejones]

I struggle everyday wondering where do I fit in and what does God want me to do.

[EdwardGarrenMFT]

Most folks over 50 are going through this, and men over 45 are vulnerable to it happening too. It happened to me at 50, thankfully I have a clinical license and could go to work for myself. If you're younger, PREPARE TO WORK FOR YOURSELF because that's what it's going to be by the time you're 50, especially if you're male.

[gusjackson]

Is it just me, or is Ms White’s hair spectacular?

[cyberlioness]

I've been living this for the last TEN YEARS. My oldest child is now supporting me. I am 68 so much older than you. I am faking it all the time.

[GirlArmy]

I read an article recently and thought it was such a fantastic idea. A group of seniors (women) pooled their resources and lived together like college sisters! They support each other and are loving their lives united.

[joansiegel]

I spend all my energy 'faking normal" - Thank you for being brave enough to speak the truth.

[laughandluxe]

Yes. I've deprogrammed myself away from consumerism. It saves you a ton!