I am a sixty-six-year-old retiree living on a fixed income. Years ago, when my family and I invested in a timeshare, it seemed like a wise financial decision. A timeshare allowed us as a young family to afford multiple vacations. However, as time passed, my financial and health situations changed. I recently tried to cancel my timeshare with Bluegreen Vacations and was faced with an outrageous demand: pay $3,500 for just ten days' consideration with no guarantee of cancellation. This burden, particularly in retirement, is simply unjustifiable and unsustainable.

This isn't just my story; it's a widespread issue affecting countless seniors across the nation. The lack of viable options to exit timeshare contracts has trapped many seniors in financially strenuous situations, often exacerbated by declining health and fixed incomes. In many cases, the sales tactics used during purchase were deceptive or misleading, leaving individuals without clear understanding of the financial and legal commitments they were shouldering.

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly half of seniors report spending more than they can afford on timeshare-related expenses. Additionally, a Consumer Reports survey found that 85% of timeshare owners regret their purchase, with many of them citing the need for more transparency and fair exit strategies.

We need legislative change to protect seniors from becoming financially depleted and stressed during what should be their carefree years. Laws must be enacted that allow seniors aged 65 and above to cancel or exit timeshare contracts without penalty, especially when facing financial hardship, health decline, or when originally lured into contracts by manipulative sales tactics.

I urge lawmakers to prioritize and pass legislation that protects our senior citizens' financial and emotional well-being. It's time to provide us with an easy, affordable, and guaranteed way out of timeshares when they no longer serve our best interests. Sign this petition if you believe in supporting seniors in securing a financially stable and dignified retirement. Together, we can make a difference for every senior in this situation. Sign to demand justice and fair treatment now.