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What a wonderful little historical essay, Newenglandgirl. It's an interesting look back which highlights how much better our standard of living is now. Notice I said "standard of living", not quality of life. The two are not necessarily synonymous.
I thought it was especially interesting how much lower the average Social Security benefit was back then, EVEN when adjusted for inflation.
Thanks for posting that - I think it's especially relevant to this thread.
Hmmm many lower wage earners are lower income earners in retirement and have living skills many others don't. They also have family survival skills that many of us might not.
What a wonderful little historical essay, Newenglandgirl. It's an interesting look back which highlights how much better our standard of living is now. Notice I said "standard of living", not quality of life. The two are not necessarily synonymous.
I thought it was especially interesting how much lower the average Social Security benefit was back then, EVEN when adjusted for inflation.
Thanks for posting that - I think it's especially relevant to this thread.
Well, there's much to consider when taking this in. Such as costs nowadays. Back then I think food, shelter, and clothing cost was a lower ratio to income than it is today. Travel was less expensive, but then, only the wealthy traveled much, not so much middle class retirees. Maybe some.
But the point I took away is that people lived plainer yet dignified lives in retirement and didn't have high roller expectations. Their retirement was more centered on family, place of worship, and community. I remember how my parents and their friends retired, with only savings and SS. Most did not have pensions unless they worked for the gov't. My father and his generation read the papers, did house projects, drove their wives a bit crazy, but in the middle class world life was good. I think the quality of life as well as the standard of living were generally good. And my dad had made $150 a week when I was in high school, and we still lived well with a paid-off mortgage.
Well, there's much to consider when taking this in. Such as costs nowadays. Back then I think food, shelter, and clothing cost was a lower ratio to income than it is today. Travel was less expensive, but then, only the wealthy traveled much, not so much middle class retirees. Maybe some.
But the point I took away is that people lived plainer yet dignified lives in retirement and didn't have high roller expectations. Their retirement was more centered on family, place of worship, and community. I remember how my parents and their friends retired, with only savings and SS. Most did not have pensions unless they worked for the gov't. My father and his generation read the papers, did house projects, drove their wives a bit crazy, but in the middle class world life was good. I think the quality of life as well as the standard of living were generally good. And my dad had made $150 a week when I was in high school, and we still lived well with a paid-off mortgage.
Funny, that's exactly what I'm looking for in retirement, plainer yet dignified. Many around me think that's crazy but I want to garden, bake, can and sew, watch the birds and the weather. I don't want to travel or constantly be doing something.
Funny, that's exactly what I'm looking for in retirement, plainer yet dignified. Many around me think that's crazy but I want to garden, bake, can and sew, watch the birds and the weather. I don't want to travel or constantly be doing something.
You want what you want as you know what makes you feel content. Unfortunately there are others who want all us to want what they think should be wanted. As we go through life we adapt to our circumstances or we fail. Those who make it to their mid sixties are probably more adaptive than those who didn't. Eighty even more so. You will love doing the things you have shared. Best of luck in getting there.
Funny, that's exactly what I'm looking for in retirement, plainer yet dignified. Many around me think that's crazy but I want to garden, bake, can and sew, watch the birds and the weather. I don't want to travel or constantly be doing something.
I just got back from traveling, and as I get older, it's clearly not for me, notwithstanding the draw of the destination.
You want what you want as you know what makes you feel content. Unfortunately there are others who want all us to want what they think should be wanted. As we go through life we adapt to our circumstances or we fail. Those who make it to their mid sixties are probably more adaptive than those who didn't. Eighty even more so. You will love doing the things you have shared. Best of luck in getting there.
I just got back from traveling, and as I get older, it's clearly not for me, notwithstanding the draw of the destination.
Yeah I see that in me too. I did a lot of traveling when I was young. I'm good in that department and do not need to take big long trips. Now small trips home (if we do relocate) and to the beach will always be in the future. But I just want money so I can eat well and drink good beer. You know, the important things in life.
I make a bit more than $20 an hour, though not a whole lot more. And, it's only been the last 3 years or so that has been true.
I've been saving/investing slowly but steadily for about 16 years now. It does add up.
My retirement plans include downsizing to a condo, hopefully without a mortgage, but that is not a given. I expect to have about 2k per month from my nest egg and 1k per month in SS benefits.
So, it won't be luxurious, but it will be enough.
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