Financial Woes for Older Women
Older women in Oregon are reporting significantly higher levels of financial insecurity than men, according to a new report from AARP. The survey found fewer than half of women over 50 feel confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Women between the ages of 50 and 64 reported some of the highest levels of concern. Stacy Triplett with AARP Oregon says rising living costs are a major reason.
“They’re feeling things like not being on target for the savings that they’d like to have at this time, facing retirement, or for emergency expenses, they’re also reporting about social security and medicare being available.”
Research also shows women still earn about 84 cents for every dollar men make, and in Oregon more than half of women over 50 are current or former unpaid caregivers for family members. Triplett says healthcare costs are also forcing difficult decisions, with some women reporting they have skipped medical care or medications because of the expense. AARP Oregon will host a free online women’s financial skills workshop on March 26.
Home and Garden Show
Attendance at the Florence Events Center was strong this past weekend for the annual Home and Garden Show, with organizers reporting the largest crowds seen since before the pandemic. Coast Radio’s Jon Thompson says both attendance and vendor participation were among the best in several years. Vendors reported steady traffic throughout the event, and several businesses sold out of their products during the show. Organizers also received positive feedback from attendees and exhibitors, with many vendors describing the weekend as a successful opportunity to connect with customers. The Home and Garden Show is held annually at the Florence Events Center and features local businesses showcasing products and services for home improvement, gardening, and outdoor living.
Cold Weather Shelter to Pack Up this Month
The Florence Cold Weather Shelter will soon close its current location. Organizer Greg Wood says the shelter will move out of the facility on March 25th and volunteers are needed to help dismantle and relocate equipment. Tables, chairs, and other items used during the shelter season will need to be packed up and moved. Wood says volunteers are invited to help from 10 a.m. to noon that day and asks anyone assisting to bring work gloves and a dolly if they have one available. The shelter is currently operating out of the former NAPA building next to Muffler Works along Highway 101.
Sheriff Department Scams
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam targeting the community. Officials say scammers are posing as sheriff’s deputies, often claiming there are warrants, missed jury duty, or other legal issues that require immediate payment. In some cases, the callers also claim bail money is needed to release someone from jail. The sheriff’s office says it will never ask for money by phone, text, or email, and deputies will not call residents about missed jury duty. Scammers often demand payment through cryptocurrency, phone apps, or kiosks and may threaten arrest if payment is not made. Authorities say if you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. and contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
