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2026

I usually do a simple "wishing you" holiday post, and I will still offer up a wish. That said, changes are coming directly ahead in 2026 that will cause people a lot of suffering and grief, particularly those with serious health conditions who can't afford to pay for health insurance anymore. I can still maintain coverage myself without dipping into my retirement account, but only because my guy will be helping me pay the ridiculous premiums I must fork over until I turn 65 later this year (and since I've financially supported him for the last 25 years, this is only right.)

My advice on the outrageous health insurance situation is to seek support and low-cost or free medical treatment via programs in your state (NAFCC is a good place to start), as well as ask family for help with paying for health insurance if possible.

Because of the health insurance situation and the rising cost of basically everything I am planning a no-spend year in 2026. I've done single months in the past when I stop spending except for the absolute necessities like food and meds, but I actually need to do a full twelve months this time around. That is why I've been stocking up on yarn, fabric and other supplies, so I'll have enough to see me through to 2027. To be accountable to myself I'm going to keep a monthly ledger and blog about what I spent at the end of each month.

As in years past I have no New Year's resolutions. I intend to be grateful to be alive, which is becoming more and more a privilege at my age, and put my efforts into working, creating and (hopefully) inspiring others to do the same.

I know it will be easy during the year ahead to become depressed, mired down in despair and utterly disillusioned about, well, everything. Really, I'm right there with you. But given a choice between diving into the abyss or reaching for the light no matter how difficult it might be, I think I'd rather stick to the latter. Let's be valiant, turn our back on the darkness and hatred, and try to hang in and support each other. Let's opt for providing kindness and understanding to others in what is going to be a very tough time, always -- and maybe we'll all get through 2026 intact.

Happy New Year, everyone.

Image credit: Image by Animal Planet from Pixabay

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