Monthly Archives: August 2025

August 19 2025

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School has started back up again here in Oklahoma. It’s still blazing hot most days as August is always the hottest time of year this far south. But the first Husker football game is a week from Thursday and on ESPN. It’s been a while since the Huskers played the first game of the season on one of the big traditional networks. I look forward to it.

Health wise I have stabilized. My blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels have been normal for the past several months. My joints, well, it depends on the day. Some days they feel great. Some days they feel like they are in their 90s. At least I live with family and can get help out on bad days.

I’m still saving money with every paycheck. I just like having a little extra money that I don’t have to commit to anything. Even though I make just less than 1000 dollars a month, I do have over 1000 dollars saved in case of an emergency. Sadly, slightly over half of Americans can’t claim that.

Summer 2025 and Mental Illness

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I’ve been spending more time alone than usual this summer. My mom is done with physical therapy on her knee surgery. She’s getting around as good as ever after a couple months of regular therapy. I’m happy my mom is more mobile. But I am concerned about my desire to be more isolated than usual.

Summers are usually a tough time for me, tougher than normal. Haven’t had any major meltdowns this summer, but have had a couple sessions where I was alright after several minutes of ranting and raving. I see my psychiatrist this week. I plan on telling her I isolate more than normal and it concerns me. While I have never been Mr. Social Hour, it is concerning when I had days I flat out said I don’t care if I ever make any new friends or acquaintances. 45 years old is too young to give up on new people, schizophrenia or not.

Even though I make less than 1000 dollars a month, I still manage to have a decent time on such low wages. I pay rent every month, buy some groceries (I usually buy the non perishable food while mom and dad by vegetables, fresh meat, etc.), and manage to put a little into savings every month.

Splurging for me involves zero alcohol beer, chicken wings (I’m a sucker for garlic parmesan and medium hot wings from Pizza Hut), and Husker football games. The new season starts in a few weeks. Nebraska is expected to have a pretty decent team as most of our starters from last year’s team are coming back. I hope they are right.

I’ve also been losing fat all summer. My arms no longer jiggle, most of the fat around my lower stomach is gone. I’ve lost all the fat around my thighs. My calf muscles are huge even though I don’t walk much. I am able to walk from my recliner to my bed or my wheelchair. But I really don’t have much of a desire to leave my room.

I still socialize even though I don’t have much desire to leave my room. I have college friends I talk to a couple times a month. I talk to my brother usually once a week. I see my parents a few times a day.

I still get most of my sleep during the day. It’s been really hot here in Oklahoma lately. Typical August. Should start cooling off in a month or so. First football game is last weekend in August. First games are notorious for high temperatures.

I dream more these days. And I remember them better too. Most dreams involve me being back in childhood home town or in college. I sometimes dream about being back in Kearney and unable to find my apartment. I sometimes dream about floods and even modern ice ages. When I fall asleep during podcasts, which I do a couple times per week, I can hear the dialog in my dreams. I sometimes dream about being able to walk long distances again and even navigate stairs.

My pains have also changed. Some days I have no pain in my knees at all. Other days I hurt enough to know getting up would not be a good idea. I have more good days than I did even six months ago.

I think one of the reasons I spend so much time alone is because I want to be alone most of the time. Living in the suburbs, there are always people nearby. But in the small towns I used to live in, I couldn’t go anywhere without my neighbors knowing or commenting. It got real annoying. One thing I love about suburban living is the opportunity to be unseen and unnoticed when I want to be alone. I love the variety in restaurants too. I’m thankful my parents like trying new restaurants and bringing me some food when they get home.

I spend so much time alone because I can get most of my socializing done online or on the phone. Most of my groceries can be delivered via Kroger, Wal Mart, or even Door Dash. I can get almost everything from Amazon within two days as Oklahoma City has at least one huge Amazon facility.

Now that I have a home health care nurse who sees me once a week and a doctor come in every four to six weeks, I don’t even have to leave home for health care really. Haven’t been to a hospital in almost a year. I actually prefer doctors and nurses who make house calls. House calls were normal for generations. I’m glad they are an option again.

I haven’t driven a car in six years. I don’t miss it. I can get everything delivered. If I need a ride, I can hire an Uber or Lyft. My parents still have a car. My brother has a Tesla with self driving capabilities. I don’t need a car anymore, not even in the suburbs. I always thought the idea that everyone needed a car was ridiculous. I’m glad I now live in a time and place where I don’t need a car. Heck, the only time I really need to leave home is for medical emergency. I guess if I have to be chronic mentally ill and have bad mobility, most times and places are worse than 2025 Oklahoma City.

One of the things I am saving up for is a home humanoid robot. Sure it is several years off, but I am saving up for home humanoid help robot to help around the house, especially if my mobility never comes back. I don’t think most people realize how big robotics are going to be. Wouldn’t surprise me if robotics are bigger than even automotive in 10 years. I’m still amazed at how fast people adopted smart phones and Chatbots.

Thriving on the Edge of Change: How SSDI Recipients Can Prepare for the AI Revolution and Capitalize on Emerging Opportunities by 2030

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Introduction

The world stands on the brink of an artificial intelligence (AI) revolution that promises to redefine industries, reshape economies, and transform the way humans live and work. While this change can be intimidating, it also brings unprecedented opportunities. For individuals on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the future may feel uncertain—but with thoughtful planning, skill development, and strategic choices, it’s possible not only to weather the transition but to thrive in it.

This essay offers a roadmap for SSDI recipients to prepare for the ongoing technological transformation, understand how to earn supplemental income legally under SSA guidelines, and explore investment strategies that align with their circumstances and goals—all within the time horizon of 2025 to 2030.

Part I: Understanding the AI Revolution and Why It Matters

What Is the AI Revolution?

Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence—such as learning, problem-solving, visual recognition, and language understanding. Over the next decade, AI is expected to be embedded in:

  • Healthcare
  • Finance
  • Retail
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Customer service
  • Creative industries

For people with disabilities, this revolution can be both empowering and disruptive.

Risks and Benefits for SSDI Recipients

Risks:

  • Automation may eliminate some of the few jobs currently accessible to people with limited mobility or stamina.
  • Cost of living may increase due to AI-driven inflation in some sectors.
  • Technological change may outpace traditional disability support systems.

Benefits:

  • AI tools can increase independence (e.g., AI assistants, voice control, predictive text).
  • Remote and freelance work will become more available and flexible.
  • Investing in AI-related industries could grow personal wealth, even on a fixed income.

Part II: Legal Considerations for SSDI Recipients

Before engaging in work or investing, SSDI recipients must understand the rules of the program to avoid jeopardizing their benefits.

Earning Income on SSDI

You can work while receiving SSDI, but your income must not exceed certain thresholds. As of 2025:

  • Trial Work Period (TWP): You can earn any amount for 9 months without affecting your benefits.
  • Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): After TWP, earning more than $1,550/month (non-blind) may affect eligibility.
  • Ticket to Work Program: Offers support for training, job referrals, and work incentives.

Investing on SSDI

Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is not means-tested, which means you can own stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other assets without it affecting your benefits—as long as you’re not working above the income threshold.

Part III: Gaining Future-Proof Skills from Home

Many SSDI recipients face physical, cognitive, or mental health barriers that make traditional employment difficult. The good news is that many AI-related jobs and income streams are remote and flexible.

Accessible, Low-Cost Learning Platforms

  1. Coursera, Udemy, edX, Khan Academy: Offer free and low-cost courses in AI, digital marketing, finance, and more.
  2. LinkedIn Learning: Particularly strong for resume-ready certifications.
  3. Google and Microsoft Learning Paths: Free beginner courses in cloud computing, AI, and productivity tools.

Skills to Learn by 2030

  • Digital Literacy: Basic computer, internet, and app usage.
  • Data Annotation & AI Training Jobs: Many companies hire remote workers to label data.
  • Prompt Engineering: Writing prompts for AI systems (like ChatGPT) is becoming a valued skill.
  • Freelance Writing & Editing: Especially for blog content, marketing, or technical writing.
  • Graphic Design with AI Tools: Using Canva, Midjourney, or DALL-E.
  • Low-Code Development: Creating simple apps or automations without coding.

Part IV: Remote Money-Making Opportunities in the Age of AI

Here are legitimate, flexible income ideas compatible with SSDI rules:

1. AI-Powered Freelancing

Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour let you sell services such as:

  • Content writing (with AI assistance)
  • Transcription and captioning
  • Virtual assistance
  • SEO optimization
  • Voiceovers or video narration

You can use AI to enhance your output without violating terms of service—as long as you’re upfront with clients.

2. Online Reselling & Drop Shipping

AI can help identify trends in product demand. Tools like JungleScout (for Amazon) or Zik Analytics (for eBay) assist with product research. You can run a part-time eBay or Etsy store from home.

3. Print-on-Demand

Designing AI-generated T-shirts, mugs, or wall art using sites like:

  • Redbubble
  • TeeSpring
  • Printify (integrates with Etsy)

AI art tools like DALL·E 3, Midjourney, and Canva’s Magic Design make this easier.

4. AI Tutoring and Prompt Testing

Companies pay people to test AI tools or write prompts that train language models. Look for opportunities with:

  • Scale AI
  • Remotasks
  • Appen
  • Hive Micro

5. Digital Content Creation

Even without a huge following, AI can help you:

  • Create a YouTube channel using stock footage and AI voiceovers.
  • Write eBooks with the help of AI and sell on Amazon KDP.
  • Start a niche blog and monetize with ads or affiliate links (AI tools like SurferSEO help optimize content).

Part V: Investing Wisely with Limited Resources

Even on a fixed SSDI income, it’s possible to grow wealth over time by starting small and staying consistent.

1. AI-Related ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)

These funds invest in a basket of AI-related companies and tech innovators:

  • Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
  • ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
  • iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (IRBO)

Benefits:

  • Low barrier to entry (buy fractional shares)
  • Diversification (less risk than individual stocks)

2. Fractional Shares via Apps

Platforms like Robinhood, Public, Fidelity, or Charles Schwab allow you to buy slices of expensive stocks (like NVIDIA, Microsoft, or Alphabet) for as little as $5.

3. Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Invest a small, fixed amount (e.g., $20/month) into ETFs or stocks, regardless of market conditions. This strategy builds wealth while reducing the impact of volatility.

4. Consider “Sin Stocks” or Alternative Investments

Some SSDI recipients with niche interests may invest in:

  • Cannabis stocks (legalized in more states)
  • eSports and Gaming ETFs
  • Green Energy ETFs

Caution: These are riskier, so invest only small amounts you can afford to lose.

Part VI: Leveraging Government and Nonprofit Resources

You don’t have to do everything alone. Many free or subsidized services can help you on this journey.

1. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services

Each state has a VR agency to help people with disabilities:

  • Develop career goals
  • Receive job coaching
  • Pay for online classes or equipment

2. PASS Plan (Plan to Achieve Self-Support)

The SSA PASS program lets you set aside money for work-related goals without it counting against your benefits. You can save for a laptop, online courses, or even a home office.

3. Community Tech Hubs and Libraries

Local nonprofits and public libraries often offer:

  • Free internet
  • Access to premium courses
  • Business workshops and AI info sessions

Part VII: Protecting Your Mental and Financial Health

The AI revolution, while exciting, can be overwhelming. SSDI recipients are more vulnerable to scams, misinformation, and emotional burnout. Here’s how to stay grounded:

Avoiding Scams

  • Never pay upfront to “work from home.”
  • Be skeptical of “get-rich-quick” schemes on YouTube or TikTok.
  • Research companies on the Better Business Bureau or Glassdoor.

Maintaining Wellbeing

  • Join online disability groups focused on freelancing, tech, or investing.
  • Use mental health apps like Calm, Headspace, or Woebot.
  • Schedule breaks to avoid AI fatigue and screen overload.

Conclusion: From Fixed Income to Future Growth

Living on SSDI doesn’t mean you’re shut out of the AI future. In fact, the flexibility and accessibility of AI-powered tools can level the playing field for many people with disabilities. The key is to:

  1. Understand your limits and rights.
  2. Start learning and experimenting from home.
  3. Build micro-income streams that align with your lifestyle.
  4. Invest cautiously and consistently, even if it’s just $10 a month.
  5. Stay informed, stay supported, and stay curious.

By 2030, it’s entirely possible for someone on SSDI today to become an AI-savvy freelancer, a micro-investor, or even a content creator with passive income. With the right mindset and tools, you can thrive in the age of intelligent machines—even on a modest income.