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In 2004, I was laid off from a job making a NICE salary. Was there for 11 years, but they needed to cut costs, so they laid me off, a senior engineer, and kept 2 junior engineers. (The company also almost went under because of that decision, the junior engineers could not do the job I was doing, and they lost 2/3rds of their business because of it).
For 18 months, after that, I worked 2-3-4 part time jobs a week, keeping things afloat. Mortgage, car payments, 2 children, medical, dental, food, etc etc etc. NO government dole, no welfare, no medicaid, nothing.
I found a full time job in 2005, and moved to a nice full time job in 2006, making less than HALF what I used to make. BUT, I knew I had the skill, and would move up, and I did. I am STILL making only about 2/3rds what I used to make, but I am saving in a 401K, building a pension, and living within my means.
The highlighted phrase is the key.
Many people don't understand it, seriously.
I make more than I ever expected to make.
That said, I really don't need or want anything. I do have a disability that's expensive to treat and it's all out of pocket, but I can afford it.
I travel for entertainment.
I live in Europe so it's easy for me and I have a VW campervan so it's relatively inexpensive except for the winter when I have to stay in accommodations with heat.
My lifestyle hasn't changed much since I was part of the working poor maintaining a house with two jobs.
Many people don't understand this.
Growing up poor did help.
Rent cannot cost more than the sale value of 10 acres. When money is needed, one must sell assets.
Try reading his post, it certainly can.
And what happens once that money is gone?
Life expectancy keeps increasing.
An average 2-bedroom apartment near where I live in the US is about $1,500/month.
Plus utilities.
That's $18,000/year. Add utilities and you're over $20k/year.
If you live for more than 10 years even if the selling price was $200k, what do you do?
Reality is a little different from what people think others should do.
You want everyone to relocate to a cheap place with jobs and no social contacts?
It's not always so easy to move away from families and friends as you age.
In downsizing, older people go first.
Then the person is without a job and social circle.
You want everyone to relocate to a cheap place with jobs and no social contacts?
It's not always so easy to move away from families and friends as you age.
.
So what? The present situation is disasterous. There is NOTHING to lose.
I agree with you about the wasteful spending. My husband and I had no kids, but we never made much money...and were still able to retire at age 52---and with no pensions and with having to pay insurance out of pocket.
But while I agree with you about the self-discipline and don't want to get into a battle over religion, if it takes "God's blessings" to do it, then a good number of people are in trouble because God doesn't seem to bless everyone, or at least definitely not equally with things like health, decent and stable jobs, and yes, the intellect and wherewithal to make good decisions!
If you didn't raise kids, you have no idea how much they cost!
If you didn't raise kids, you have no idea how much they cost!
There are those with kids that still saved. It's not just folks with no kids.
It sometimes depends on how savvy you were with your money, the lifestyle you chose comparable to your income and budgeting your finances with "paying yourself" as the first priority.
Try reading his post, it certainly can.
And what happens once that money is gone?
Life expectancy keeps increasing.
An average 2-bedroom apartment near where I live in the US is about $1,500/month.
Plus utilities.
That's $18,000/year. Add utilities and you're over $20k/year.
If you live for more than 10 years even if the selling price was $200k, what do you do?
Reality is a little different from what people think others should do.
You want everyone to relocate to a cheap place with jobs and no social contacts?
It's not always so easy to move away from families and friends as you age.
In downsizing, older people go first.
Then the person is without a job and social circle.
?? Question ?? On this post, you state the average price of an Apt. where you live in the U.S., and in the previous post you say you live in Europe?
?? Question ?? On this post, you state the average price of an Apt. where you live in the U.S., and in the previous post you say you live in Europe?
When I live in the US (and I do every now and again because of my employment contracts), the average rent is $1,500 for a 2 bedroom apartment.
I happen to own a few houses and rent them out.
But I'll be retiring in a few years, maybe.
I've got a good work situation and have no real desire to give it up.
If you didn't raise kids, you have no idea how much they cost!
I raised 2 and 1 is autistic. I know what kids cost and no I didn't use state finianced services because quite frankly what the state offers isn't good enough for my child and is about 30 years out of date.
I also paid for college for my wifes daughter. I admit college in Thailand is peanuts compared to the USA. Yet some how on middle class income I was able to save. I know I know I owe to Obama and the democrats and republican party's. Why if it were not for me paying SS I would be a failure. Or if I didnt pay it then I would have a lot more than I do now.
The bottom line is that it is about choices. For most who dont have some bad choices were made.
1. Dont have kids you cant afford.
2. Dont finance toys.
3. Get rid of expensive habits.
4. Dont look for others to take care of you.
5. Never trust big brother to do whats best for you. Only you know what is best for you.
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