Laid off because of Covid-19 virus just before retirement.

Laid off because of Covid-19 virus just before retirement.

Rental Property Investor · Desoto, TX · Member since 2018 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Happy Easter bigger pockets members! So this is actually happening to a close friend of mine. I am not exactly sure what direction to point him in, so I thought I would open it up for discussion here. He is 67, blue collar worker who started as a welder in his younger years, then had a heart attack, was able to stay with the company and moved into a part supplier position. This is a manufacturing company, he was with them 30 years and got laid off last week due to Covid-19 and no work. He has a 401K that was very low since he borrowed against it to pay medical cost of the heart attack. On top of that his 401K hit him with a 20% penalty to cash it out. Apparently, the age rule only applies to IRA's and not employer 401K. Cash out value after the penalty and it dropping like a rock since it was stock market invested left him with about $8,000. He does get a small social security income. So I explained if he just uses that 8K it will be gone by the end of the year and he will be in a worse situation. So what type of investment would you make with 8K in this strange fear stricken Covid-19 world that we are living in? His wife manages a mobile home park, she hates the headache and doesn't really want to buy and rent one out (although I think it's a great option). The second thought was buying franchise in a small business such as an industrial supply company that he is already familiar with. Given his age though I hate to see him work so hard in a business. What are your thoughts Bigger Pockets community?

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Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
6y

Any investment of $8,000 will carry with it the risk of losing it all.

He ought to look into public assistance for the retired--there are programs out there.

Medical, food assistance, housing assistance, etc...

Just my 2 cents.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6y

    @Timothy Lantry

    Yikes. What a terrible situation. Is he eligible for unemployment, and the $600 a week bonus for the next 4 months? With so little money, a person has to severely cut back on expenses. I’d seek out govt assistance for the elderly. For example, there could be assistance for housing. $8k is so low considering they also need to draw on that money. Perhaps a very conservative ETF with Vanguard? Very low fees. And also withdraw on soc sec and sign up for Medicare if he hasn’t done that yet.

  • Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    6y

    Any investment of $8,000 will carry with it the risk of losing it all.

    He ought to look into public assistance for the retired--there are programs out there.

    Medical, food assistance, housing assistance, etc...

    Just my 2 cents.

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    6y

    What were his plans for retirement?  Did he have a pension or other money that he planned to live on?  He should take advantage of as much of the govt assistance as possible and keep the $8K. 

  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 85 posts · 67 votes
    6y

    He's in no position to invest with that small amount in reserve at his age. The damage that will be done to him by losing 50% is far greater than the reward he'll reap by increasing it 50%. 

    He needs to keep that money in a money market fund for emergencies. The only options are not 'invest it' or 'waste it.' The third option is keep it as an emergency fund.

  • Rental Property Investor · Desoto, TX · Member since 2018 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    6y

    @Anthony Wick yes, he has applied for unemployment, but we all know that is a short term solution and the government is gonna go broke again with all those needy hands out.

  • Rental Property Investor · Northern, CA · Member since 2012 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    6y

    I'm not sure why he had to pay a 20% penalty to cash out his 401k at his age. Age rules don't only apply to IRA's, they apply to 401k's as well.

    In any event, if the $8k is the full extent of his savings, he probably needs to look into saving it until he gets another job and can get another source of income going.  It doesn't sound like he's in a position to retire.

  • Rental Property Investor · Glen Rock, NJ · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    @Timothy Lantry

    Many stores are looking for delivery drivers these days. Perhaps he could look into that.

  • Rental Property Investor · Neenah, WI · Member since 2019 · 154 posts · 105 votes
    6y

    Given his age and financial position I would not be looking at growth.  He would be in survival mode.

    Keep what he has in cash and look for as much assistance as possible.  Those of us who are in better situation pay a lot of taxes and donate to worthy causes.  Reach out to family, the government and local charities.  

    There will eventually be jobs available but until then it's time to hunker down and make it out the other side.

  • Investor · Orlando, FL · Member since 2019 · 19 posts · 19 votes
    6y

    @Timothy Lantry Hey man. I dont know his full financial situations but at 60s and only having 8k in his 401k means he's made a few mistakes with money in his life. He should hang onto that and keep seeking for government assistance. Not a good idea to start a new franchise/business at 60 yo with the last 8k of his money after a heart attack especially if he has no idea as to what to do. If you recommend something and he loses it all will you feel responsible for his lost? Will it ruin your friendship?.....

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