What is so upsetting to me is all the seniors that worked most of their lives, but at jobs with lower or middle pay and tried to plan for retirement best they could, now find that their money doesn't get much and may be forced to live in the same places that those that never worked and lived on welfare their entire lives live. Sad that our senior former working people have to cut back every year due to rising cost of everything and we are insulted with paltry cost of living raises that don't even make up for 10% of the increases.
And we have people in Congress, who have those huge benefit packages that go with them after they retire, that call Social Security en entitlement as if we didn't put anything in it. Orrin Hatch was one Senator who lost a lot of respect from me when he said (paraphrase) Social security is like welfare.
Even worse are all the desk jockeys that continuously advocate for ever higher retirement ages. May be fine for office or professional workers,but few are the mason's,the carpenters,mailmen,equipment operators whose bodies,are not by broken by years of abuse on the job. These folks will be on disability,way more expensive than SSI.
That's right Peter, but these CEO's, Union bosses, politicians, etc., are willing to gamble because so many of the hard working class never makes it to age 75 and leaving pensions to spouses usually cost the worker 20% of their pension plus their spouse may get a reduced rate. And SSD isn't passed on allowing spouse to collect it and their SSI also, they must pick the higher of the two. It is a win win for everyone but the worn out laborer and their survivor if they have one. I am determine to live to be 100, because I have no survivor to leave it too, so these fat dogs love people like me dying before collecting my due retirement.
If you SAVE for your retirement you won't be financially strapped during your Golden Years. I did this and put a huge amount down on my desert retirement home, then paid off the balance in 12 years. Hal
It just takes one devastating event in a person's life to wipe out everything, Hal. Some people are lucky; others not so much. We also have a comfortable retirement but I don't feel the need to gloat about it.
What I've done with my life is apparently offensive to some. I'm not gloating, Beth...I'm just giving good advice. My generous health care plan is paid for by the Boeing Corporation, who have paid me well over the continuous 36 years that I've worked for them as an Electronic Technician and an Electrical Engineer. As I've said before on this forum, get an education in a Profession or a Skilled Trade, work for a Large Company that can afford to give you Benefits, save a Large Portion of your income and Don't Blow your savings on a New Car every few years! If you people want to circulate a petition to have me booted off this Forum because I've made a success of my life, then go right ahead, because I've been booted before, and know that this action does nothing to comfort the complainers! I'm not tooting my own horn, gang...I'm HONKING it! Harold
You're right, Lon...I never had a Thick Skin! I've always preferred to be sensitive to the comments of others! Hal
@Gloria Mitchell I personally believe that the advice given by @Hal Pollner is perfectly correct. I tried to guide myself as he suggests beginning in my 20s; admittedly, I failed. But I don't feel he is gloating. Even if he IS tooting his horn, given the degree of self-sacrifice and personal commitment he achieved, should he not be allowed to feel proud of himself? Frank
Not disagreeing with any of his advice - but we all are past our prime in securing our fortune. He would be better at talking to the much younger people with his..and I will say noteworthy advice. As for his pride- that is between him and his Maker.
No one wants you kicked off Hal. I do not see or read you as sensitive to anyone. Yes you have succeeded well in life and that is highly commendable. Unfortunately you never fail to mention all that you have done or what all you have. Not everyone has had the opportunity perhaps that you have had. As for you tooting your own horn....kinda like crying wolf- after a while no one cares anymore. Be well Hal.