February 28, 2005

Pissed as hell

If you were in the UK, the translation for that title would be "drunk as hell", but it's the Jamaican version I mean.

Read a letter to the editor in the Gleaner today. A man talking about the 60 years old retirement age limit making good teachers leave the classroom. Lemme see if I can find it and link it.....

See it here. Him sound bitter, nuh true?

But there is another thought that comes to mind from reading this letter....

Why does he still need to work at age 60? Is it because he wants to, or NEEDS to? In the case of the latter, that's a lesson for me.

I have been very bad at saving and planning for retirement, partially because I don't think I am going to live very long, despite what that age expectancy test said the other day (in the 90's).

So when I see old people begging on the street, I tend to give them money, thinking to myself that that could well be me at that age. I gave an old man some money today to buy soup. I asked him what happened to his children. He said he only had one daughter and she run away long time. Said is the mother cause problems between them, and is a long story. Anyway he thanked me profusely and I hope is really soup he bought with it.

Posted by yamfoot at February 28, 2005 10:40 PM
Comments

I started putting away for retirement when I turned 22. Security is a big thing for me, I don't plan to have no children to support me in my old age, I can't even rely on getting a few coppers from national insurance/social security, and I don't want to be scrunting, so I started doing for self from early. Don't mind what you feel about your likely longevity or lack thereof, start putting down your money now for later!

Posted by: titilayo at March 1, 2005 10:35 AM

Yes, I have actually got anxious moments when I realize that I am 40 next year and I'm still here! This will be a year for looking for money making opportunities. The thing is, I don't need/want the rigidity of a steady job, so I have to make this contract/consulting thing work.

Hmmm, no kids for me either...I wonder if my dogs will look aafter me???????

Posted by: Michelle at March 1, 2005 06:41 PM

Bwoy, is something I-an-I fret bout all the while still... I doh want to be a burden pon mi pickney either! :-o

Posted by: Mad Bull at March 1, 2005 07:49 PM

Well, I have no pickney to burden, so have been trying to put something away.....particularly since the UHWI aint giving me no pension!

In fact, I fnd many parents EXPEECT their children to look about their welfare when they get old and I think it is wrong to take that approach. First off, there is no gurantee that your children will be able to take on your financial responsibilities. Nutten wrong if they are able to, but I think it is suppem we should all bear in mind. Put somthing away if you can. There is no Social Security that this country is going to provide.

Having said that, if you have had good parents and they need your help and you are able to assist, you'll be blessed for doing so.

Posted by: Dr. D. at March 1, 2005 09:58 PM

I commend all of you who are heavy savers. Had I not gone to school, things would be different.

Posted by: Michelle at March 1, 2005 11:51 PM