Thank you Holly , Do you agree, despite the hardship/ experience we suffered as children made us a stronger more determined lady? ...And Yes I have had plenty say oh I understand but , unless they have experienced poverty/ neglect how can they possibly understand, ? We used wool bales for blankets which were made from From hessian, very itchy on the skin, and like you mentioned no such thing as floor coverings if we did it was black strap about a foot wide which was reject conveyor belt from the mines in BH. There was no luxury homes in BH most only had hessian walls inside and the majority of homes in BH only made from corregated iron.many of the old type homes are still used. I knew a family of 21 children who lived in a 2 bedroom home, I went to school with some of the girls and still see them in the shopping centre when I have visited there .
Retiring and living on a Shoestring?
- Thread starter hollydolly
- Start date
hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
I absolutely agree Kadee that what doesn't kill you make you stronger when it comes to poverty.
I do believe that many many people who have gone on to achieve great things have lived through great poverty which made them all the more determined to do what it took to climb right out of that barrel and improve their lot , whether that's to become a famous entrepreneur or like us just achieve a good comfortable life for them and or their own families which they never had the chance to enjoy themselves.
I do believe that many many people who have gone on to achieve great things have lived through great poverty which made them all the more determined to do what it took to climb right out of that barrel and improve their lot , whether that's to become a famous entrepreneur or like us just achieve a good comfortable life for them and or their own families which they never had the chance to enjoy themselves.
I was on a forum that was all ages and more Americans than anything, but just mentioning that I'd moved to Scotland I was accused of bragging. Huh? I'm stating a fact. Should I lie about where I live so I won't be seen as bragging! Ugh. I quit that forum.
We never took vacations when I was a kid unless it was to visit relatives. Couldn't afford it. As an adult I was a divorced mother of two and had to go on welfare while I went to college to get a skill. I know about poor and counting pennies. Traveled in the 90's because of a boyfriend, but never left the US except for Ontario until I was 46 and that was two years before I moved to the UK.
Anyway, I love looking at others travel photos and hearing about their trips, and I like sharing mine as well.
Well, we have threads in the photography section with all kinds of places - UK only, Europe, and we should also have some for Australia and other places. It can be a mistake asking me to post photos as I have over 8,000 in my Flickr albums!
Poverty can certainly make you appreciate what you have when you're no longer poor! And many great people became ambitious due to being raised in poverty.
Son_of_Perdition
Senior Member
The question is not whether we're having a hard time financially, getting old is a new paradigm that I had to adapt to. Throughout my career I made questionable choices that at the time I thought were sound. I recovered each time, repeating my comment, 'Well if nothing else I certainly learned a lesson from that.' Things change, what we thought our 'golden years' were going to be like, travelling around the country on a whim, having enjoyable visits with friends and relatives, living the good life with no worries have turned out to be nothing like that.
My health has hindered my travel, my focus is now on, did I remember to take my medicine, I can't eat that like I used too, I'm on a first name basis with my primary care provider. Health care becomes a major player in your financial well being and when we were younger most of us thought we were bullet proof. I planned to have my SS, pension and 401K there to sustain me until I passed. I now have to make sure I have enough to make all my maximum annual co-pays and have enough saved to cover final expenses. We moved here to escape the bitter winters, 2 of our 3 children & married granddaughter followed us. At first we spend a lot of time watching grand kids and g-grand kids to help their parents with expenses.
We told them when we retired and gave everything away they didn't want, we have paid for their education and weddings, now it was our time. At some point we finally just had to cut the cord and say 'NO!, you'll have deal with it'. We do watch the kids occasionally but for the most part their parents have shouldered the responsibility, the other thing I've learned, not to step in and try to save the day, I realize most of my advice is taken with a grain of salt anyway. So, I quit giving it. We're doing ok we have no debt, no fancy phones or tablets, each a laptop, basic satellite TV and DSL rather than cable internet. We streamlined our auto insurance and drive older vehicles that are paid off. Our hobbies are inexpensive but enjoyable and travel is mostly a thing of the past. Our only questionable luxury is we buy alot of our food prepared and frozen for quick and balanced meals, my wife has earned her retirement too.
My health has hindered my travel, my focus is now on, did I remember to take my medicine, I can't eat that like I used too, I'm on a first name basis with my primary care provider. Health care becomes a major player in your financial well being and when we were younger most of us thought we were bullet proof. I planned to have my SS, pension and 401K there to sustain me until I passed. I now have to make sure I have enough to make all my maximum annual co-pays and have enough saved to cover final expenses. We moved here to escape the bitter winters, 2 of our 3 children & married granddaughter followed us. At first we spend a lot of time watching grand kids and g-grand kids to help their parents with expenses.
We told them when we retired and gave everything away they didn't want, we have paid for their education and weddings, now it was our time. At some point we finally just had to cut the cord and say 'NO!, you'll have deal with it'. We do watch the kids occasionally but for the most part their parents have shouldered the responsibility, the other thing I've learned, not to step in and try to save the day, I realize most of my advice is taken with a grain of salt anyway. So, I quit giving it. We're doing ok we have no debt, no fancy phones or tablets, each a laptop, basic satellite TV and DSL rather than cable internet. We streamlined our auto insurance and drive older vehicles that are paid off. Our hobbies are inexpensive but enjoyable and travel is mostly a thing of the past. Our only questionable luxury is we buy alot of our food prepared and frozen for quick and balanced meals, my wife has earned her retirement too.
ndynt
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Florida
My life has been the opposite of yours and Kadee's, Holly. Had everything growing up, did all the right things as an adult...but, was lost it all with illnesses. Therefore, I am one of those living on a shoestring, rather only a half of a shoestring, Holly. But, I do not feel offended, or feel you or others are flaunting anything when you share experiences/pictures. In fact enjoy all of it.
But, I do not feel offended, or feel you or others are flaunting anything when you share experiences/pictures. In fact enjoy all of it.
I think sharing our lives with each other is one of the wonderful things about this bb. I don't see posts about owning homes, travel, etc. as bragging at all. It's what comes through in the attitude that's important. If it's friendly, well, we all have different amounts in the bank, and who cares?
For those who are truly struggling financially, it's probably good that some of these forums provide new ideas or information that can help people cope. And most of us are using pseudonyms, so we remain anonymous. All of this communication (as long as it's safe) is one of the great things about the Internet.
For those who are truly struggling financially, it's probably good that some of these forums provide new ideas or information that can help people cope. And most of us are using pseudonyms, so we remain anonymous. All of this communication (as long as it's safe) is one of the great things about the Internet.
ndynt
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Florida
Indisputable. I know I comfortably share more on here, than I have ever, in all the years I have been on the internet. Perhaps because everyone is so open and accepting and approximately in the same age span (60 and above).Very true. It's such a good group of people here.
Do people who have succeeded in accumulating money and possessions believe that those who have less have made mistakes and are in need of financial advice? Possibly but not always.
From what I have seen, many people who are struggling financially have had life events occur which have created their circumstances. Those who are very comfortable financially often received help from their families or have inherited their nest-eggs, or have been advantaged in other ways, to account for their success. And of course many have worked very hard and still working hard well into their retirement years to achieve their financial goals.
From what I have seen, many people who are struggling financially have had life events occur which have created their circumstances. Those who are very comfortable financially often received help from their families or have inherited their nest-eggs, or have been advantaged in other ways, to account for their success. And of course many have worked very hard and still working hard well into their retirement years to achieve their financial goals.
Josiah
Senior Member
- Location
- 50 miles east of Cincinnati, OH
I'm sure you are right Cookie. On the other hand I have read enough about how low the national savings rate has become, and seen enough statistics about how few Americans (I don't know about Canadians) are making necessary provisions for their retirement to feel that something is wrong somewhere. I'm a staunch Democrat, but I still feel individual responsibility has some role to play and a lot of individuals are just not being sufficiently responsible. The real question here is whether in light of the failure of individual responsibility, government programs will have to be beefed up to take up the slack and provide for the people's welfare.
True government programs might help, things like workshops and classes are good. But don't assume everyone functions the same way... people are not robots... they are humans with different levels of understanding and functioning and not everyone wants the same things.
Just want to add here:
In light of the consumer culture that has been the preferred way of life in the western world, encouraged and condoned by the banks and government, it's not fair to blame the individuals for their roles in lack of savings. The government spends and spends on the military industrial complex, yet whines in fear that their citizens will be too poor at retirement age. I think the government itself needs to take serious responsibility for the problem they themselves have created.
Just want to add here:
In light of the consumer culture that has been the preferred way of life in the western world, encouraged and condoned by the banks and government, it's not fair to blame the individuals for their roles in lack of savings. The government spends and spends on the military industrial complex, yet whines in fear that their citizens will be too poor at retirement age. I think the government itself needs to take serious responsibility for the problem they themselves have created.
SifuPhil
R.I.P. With Us In Spirit Only
- Location
- Pennsylvania, USA
I made the decision many moons ago to do what I loved in life instead of chasing the almighty dollar. I knew what I was getting into, or at least I thought I did.
But many times it's been tougher than I imagined it would be. Still, my stubborn pride has kept me from accepting or even applying for any type of state or Federal aid. I'll accept SS in 5 years only because I've paid into it. I like to think that living in a single small room, eating dry crackers and shivering in the winter, was a wonderful example of what Calvin's Dad (of Calvin and Hobbes) would refer to as "character development".
But many times it's been tougher than I imagined it would be. Still, my stubborn pride has kept me from accepting or even applying for any type of state or Federal aid. I'll accept SS in 5 years only because I've paid into it. I like to think that living in a single small room, eating dry crackers and shivering in the winter, was a wonderful example of what Calvin's Dad (of Calvin and Hobbes) would refer to as "character development".
Bullie76
Member
- Location
- Mississippi
Nothing wrong with that. I took the route my parents wanted me to take. I went to college and got a degree in accounting. I was just an average student and didn't bother sitting for the CPA exam figuring it was just a waste of time. Luckily, I good friend of mind got me a job with his Dad's business and it enabled me to make a good living. The work was boring, but it did provide me with the means to retire early. So I'm not complaining.
So that's the thing. Do what you really want to do when you are young but perhaps struggle on the backside of life. Or go the conservative route with a boring job, but live well in the golden years. Some people are fortunate in that they are to make a good living doing what they really want to do. Too bad we couldn't have been one of those.
ndynt
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Florida
I too chose to do what I loved. Never aimed for the higher paying jobs, in my profession, for I enjoyed working with the indigent population. Positions that did not pay as well. Even though it meant I had to work 2 and sometimes 3 jobs to get where I thought I needed to be. I do not regret it....have many wonderful memories. Especially even now, when someone recognizes me, telling me they remember when I took care of their mom/dad/grandparent...and how much they loved me. Had a woman come up to me at the grocery store a few weeks ago....I took care of her mother 20 odd years ago....hugged me and told me she really loved me. If I ever needed anything to please contact her. Then went up to my son, asking if I was his mother asking how I was really doing, telling him to urge me to contact her for anything. It kind of blew me away....but, things like this made it all worth while.
Yep, I took the conservative route and can truthfully say I've wiped almost every memory of my working years out of my mind (on purpose). Not because it was boring, but other reasons, some unpleasant. It's like my life went up to the day the job started and the next day started at retirement. I don't think that's a good thing, just the way it turned out. Hopefully there are a lot of good years left.
Josiah
Senior Member
- Location
- 50 miles east of Cincinnati, OH
It seems to me that there's a lot of useful jobs that fit in between Phil's Magical Mystery Tour kind of life and Nancy's not all that pleasant work experience. I guess I feel that holding a job and earning a livelihood is part of my social obligation and that obligation includes putting aside enough savings to reasonably carry me through my senior years.
Butterfly
SF VIP
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
I worked all my life, since age 16, and have always been pretty careful with money -- perhaps because I grew up listening to my parents' tales of the Great Depression and their admonitions about that "rainy day." I worked in a field I loved, but had several very difficult bosses,, which seriously took away from job satisfaction. I do OK now, not rich by any stretch, not even middle class judging by the government's numbers, but I have what I need.
ndynt
Senior Member
- Location
- NE Florida
Sometimes, saving enough..paying off a mortgage, buying all new appliances and a vehicle, all the right things....no matter how carefully planned....still does not always work out. Preventing people to have the senior years they anticipated.
applecruncher
SF VIP
- Location
- Ohio USA
In the past 15 +/- yrs I’ve known (or known of) a lot of people who have died between the ages of 45 – 60. (quite a few in their 50s) All had decent jobs at one level or another, and a few had very high-powered careers. A few were relatives, some were friends, and several were former co-workers. Illnesses, heart attacks, aneurysm, auto accidents, one was killed by an angry ex-lover, and there was also one suicide.
I don’t to be a downer, but I’m betting every one of these people were on their way to making plans for a nice retirement, and sadly it was for naught.
I don’t to be a downer, but I’m betting every one of these people were on their way to making plans for a nice retirement, and sadly it was for naught.
I am new here but this thread has my attention. Although I am few years away from retirement I am always looking at what my financial picture will be like. For my entire career I have made a fairly good living but the majority of my income has always gone my children. They were both highly competitive athletes and as with most sports it was quite expensive. Then once they finished that, then came their educational costs. Then once they graduated I was able to get back on track and started putting some extra money away for myself and my retirement.
However, my health issues put a damper on that. In 2013 I had heart attack and being self-employed I wasn't eligible for any financial assistance and there went my savings. So my retirement picture is not looking too good. Although I have made a considerable change in my lifestyle due to my heart attack my ability to earn income has also had to change. I'm looking at other alternatives to supplement my income so when I do have to retire, we'll be able to live at some sort of comfort level.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is not only the people that gave already retired that have a difficult time financially, there are people like myself (pre-retirees) that have trouble at times as well.
However, my health issues put a damper on that. In 2013 I had heart attack and being self-employed I wasn't eligible for any financial assistance and there went my savings. So my retirement picture is not looking too good. Although I have made a considerable change in my lifestyle due to my heart attack my ability to earn income has also had to change. I'm looking at other alternatives to supplement my income so when I do have to retire, we'll be able to live at some sort of comfort level.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is not only the people that gave already retired that have a difficult time financially, there are people like myself (pre-retirees) that have trouble at times as well.
Josiah
Senior Member
- Location
- 50 miles east of Cincinnati, OH
Good luck in developing that additional income source. Your experience being self-employed will serve you well.
We live on such a shoe string it could really be called a thread but it's a thread woven of love and devotion. What we lack in money we have in imagination and innovation to create alternative methods to our necessities and wants. I truly believe that money (fixed income) is not a real retirement problem. If you are on SS (SS you earned from working your whole life) and medicare with a descent drug plan then it is easy to live and be happy with little money. People who are miserable with little money are dissatisfied for other reasons really or want to live out of their means for what ever reason. We have no desire to keep up with the neighbors or relatives in their very spend y retirements. Our retirement is a warm, comfortable home with enough money for occasional antiquing, a restaurant trip sometimes and maybe a drive to go clamming in Oregon every now and again. I don't know. Just fun that's funny. One thing we detest is a relative or friend who insists on sending us letters or calling and telling us all about their year that's filled with traveling to grand and exotic destinations and how they bought the most beautiful Persian rug and it only cost 10 thousand and stuff like that. That's just plain ole bragging and it shows a decided lack in character. Suffice to say, one does not need loads of money to have a good and loving life. All one needs is to be satisfied with what they do have and set aside a little bit every now and then for some tiny treasures or small adventures. I say this with conviction because we live it every day and are perfectly content with our life. Stop and listen to the birds or smell a rose that you have grown. Simplicity is the key.
I'm so sorry to hear health issues have given you so much financial problems. And it's not uncommon. I'm like you, still working but with a job that is wearing on me though I'm grateful for the income. I'm trying to decide when I can quit. And hoping Walmart or Target will hire me part time.
I'm hoping I'll have enough money until I can draw social security and hoping that will be enough.I agree with you togoodwin. I like to keep it simple. Prefer bragging about what I found for 3 dollars at the thrift store than some expensive item. I know I'll never take trips I may have wanted to but I have an open invite from my best friend in Reno, Nevada for a trip to Lake Tahoe which I plan to take some day.
Sometimes I just sit with my calculator punching the numbers.