There
is so much in the news lately about planning for retirement. We have at least
40 years to start putting some money away to take care of ourselves when we get
older. Yes but you say, what about the current house, kids and bills? There
just isn’t anything leftover. Well I disagree. I see how people spend their
money. The kids have to have candy and soda at the movies or the parents have
to have the next version of the iPad, cellphone or tablet. Perhaps it’s the
necessity of eating lunch hour or going to Starbucks…
Yes you can enjoy your life when you’re young but one must pay the piper when
they are finished playing as the saying goes. Whether its small change or dollars
saved, there are ways to do it. Something has to be given up in order to have
something later. Sorry but one cannot have their cake and eat it too. Why is it
the government’s responsibility to provide for all that a person can’t pay for?
I’m not talking about those truly in need. I give plenty to charity and believe
in helping those less fortunate. I’m talking t people that get caught up in
living the good life and then wonder why they are still working at 72 because
they can’t retire….as they don’t have enough money to live on.
Let’s break this down. Daily Starbucks is $25 A week just for the world week.
Then lunch is another $50 if it’s kept simple. What’s wrong with fixing a
teabag in the office or a cup of coffee? And there are a ton of options to save
money lunchtime from prepared meals from the store to actually making something
or even just sandwiches from home. If one adds up 40 years of teabags and
lunches from home we have lots of money. Ok not enough? Vacations once a year
versus every holiday.. staycations can be fun too. An event locally can be fun
and usually a lot less expensive than a quick trip to the Caribbean over four day break. An exaggeration? Perhaps, but
I know people like this…
I might be the exception but I took my lunch to work most days, ate a nice
salad at the salad bar otherwise, was careful about electronic consumerism and
was moderate about vacations. I paid extra on my mortgage to pay it off by retirement
and saved yearly. I can now reap the benefits of the savings that I slowly put
away year after year. In other words, I’m living the American dream. I worked
my 40 years in a normal corporate job, saved my money and now can pay my bills
and do a fair amount of travelling. I feel blessed that I have the money for
doctor bills, household expenses and a trip here and there. Being in abundance
by giving to charity means that God lets me keep the rest.
In summary, personal accountability is the way to go; slow and steady for 40
years not trying to screw the system in the last few years to make up for what
you did or didn’t do all along. We pay into social security and Medicare so
these are earned benefits not optional entitlements. That’s my version of the
story and I’m sticking with it! Comments are always welcome.
