I'm 52 and thought I'd be financially secure by now. But I'm still facing debt and long-term unemployment.

Tech Insider : Business
Chantrise Holliman headshot
The author is still financially struggling in her 50s.

Courtesy of Dana Lee Jones

My grandmother is 97. She's taught me to lean into what makes you happy, and that quality is better than quantity.

Tech Insider : Business
The author's grandmother enjoying a cocktail.
The author's grandmother is now 97.

Courtesy of Nicole Findlay

When my family of 4 moved to a small town, we downsized. We now spend more time together and less money.

Tech Insider : Business
Family looking out the window at snow.
The author's family (not pictured) spends more time together after their move.

AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

I used to be afraid to dine alone. Now I love it.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Man eating alone
The author used to be afraid of dining alone in public.

Courtesy of the author

My grandfather helped me open an investment account for my 21st birthday. He didn't just give me money — he gave me financial literacy.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her grandfather sitting in a car.
The author is grateful for the gift her grandfather gave her when she turned 21.

Courtesy of Alice Draper

My friend and I hold presentation nights. We get to know each other better, and it helps us understand who we are now.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman hosting presentation night
Rachel Jones and her friend do presentation nights to get to know each other better.

Courtesy of Rachel Jones

My severe allergies dominated my childhood, but immunization shots gave me a new life. Now, I'm a proud cat owner.

Tech Insider : Business
Teddy Rainville and his cat
The author had severe allergies as a kid.

Courtesy of Teddy Rainville

I'm stuck in Puerto Rico for an extra week. It's putting me $3,000 over budget, and I'm worried I'll lose my job.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Kaci Jane Hansen headshot
Kaci Jane Hansen is stuck in Puerto Rico until January 8th because of flight cancellations.

Courtesy of Kaci Jane Hansen

I stopped being the first to reach out to friends. It made me realize I don't need to be liked by everyone.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Lauren Crosby headshot
At 37, the author has decided to stop always being theone who initiates contact with friends.

Courtesy of the author

Now that I'm in my 50s, I regret not trusting my gut more through the years

Tech Insider : Business
The author, Elana Rabinowitz, poses on an overlook.
The author said she once always asked other people for advice before making any decisions, big or small. Now she's learning to trust her gut more.

Courtesy of Elana Rabinowitz

Subscribe to health-freelancer