How one delivery inspired a community
The short video, later shared on social media, shows Fimbres slowly climbing the steps up to the De La Torres' front door and setting the food down. De La Torre posted the video on TikTok, and it quickly went viral, garnering over a million views.
The video's caption reads, "Wifey ordered door dash snacks for the kids today i was like can u stop ordering from there till i saw this. Jose got a tip today props to the old man getting his hussle [sic] early in the am probably cuz he has to not bc he wants to #Mexican power"
Luis De La Torre explained to CBS8 News why he shared it.
"I saw the video and somebody that old to see working still, you know. And he barely could walk up our stairs,” he said.
More than 2,000 people reached out to De La Torre asking how they could help.
Moved by the overwhelming response, De La Torre set up a GoFundMe campaign. In just three days, nearly 1,500 people raised $26,000 for Fimbres. When De La Torre presented him with the check, the man was stunned.
“Oh my goodness,” Fimbres said, laughing. “It's too much! How much I owe you?”
“That’s yours,” De La Torre assured him. “Everybody helped out. Everybody raised money for you.”
Retire richer: The secret to building wealth faster
Most people miss out on key opportunities to grow their wealth. Partnering with the right financial advisor can help you secure a brighter future. Learn how to make your money work harder for you today.
Discover the secretWhy are so many older Americans working longer?
While this story is heartwarming, it highlights an uncomfortable reality: financial insecurity is forcing many older Americans to work longer than expected.
A survey by AARP found that one in five Americans aged 50 and older have no retirement savings, leaving them with few options but to remain in the workforce.
This trend is reflected in national employment data — CBS News reports that one in five people over the age of 65 are still working, doubling the number from the 1980s.
"It's not unambiguously a good thing that more seniors are working,” Pew senior researcher Richard Fry told CBS MoneyWatch. "Partly some of this is that they are choosing to continue to work, but some of them may need to work even if they don't want to because of the precarious state of our retirement system."
The financial strain also extends to middle-aged adults. According to Pew Research, nearly one in seven are financially supporting both an aging parent and a child, adding to the growing burden on families.
The best way to prevent financial strain in later years is to start planning for retirement early. Encourage young people to open an IRA or contribute to a 401(k) if available. Even small contributions can grow over time.
Families can also support aging loved ones by discussing financial planning openly, helping them access benefits they may qualify for and ensuring they have a safety net.
Many states and communities offer assistance for older adults, including lower property taxes, low-income housing assistance, transportation services and energy assistance programs.
While community-driven efforts, like the one that helped Fimbres, show the power of collective generosity, long-term solutions require systemic changes and individual preparation.
Meet your retirement goals effortlessly
The road to retirement may seem long, but with Advisor, you can find a trusted partner to guide you every step of the way
Advisor matches you with vetted financial advisors that offer personalized advice to help you to make the right choices, invest wisely, and secure the retirement you've always dreamed of. Start planning early, and get your retirement mapped out today.
