Thread: Question?

Actually, not too bad off, but then again, I already have a decent balance (not what I want to have of course) in TSP. Already knew retirement in the 50's is not in the cards due to the cut to Social Security I get at my age, even before things went south. So no sudden "New" standard here.

Originally Posted by rawiron1

So how are you all enjoying our new standard of lower living?

I'm still trying to adjust to everything that's going on. In the greatest sense it's hard to compare the standard I have.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
Have a home with only a few old blankets, a table, and a wooden chair.

I have such an incredible abundance of everything. China place settings worth easily $1,300 a piece; here I've got hundeds of different settings with tons of gold and very valuable saucers and cups, vases, bowls. Lamps worth $800 or more. Antiques galore -- I mean all over the house. I'd have to think long and hard to even tell you how many blankets, linens, tables, chairs and all that we do have.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
Each person in the family would have the oldest suit or dress, a shirt or blouse.

We have walkin closets loaded with hanging clothes. Shelves piled with a bunch more. Oh my gosh.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
A pair of shoes for the 'head' but none for the wife or children.

My wife and each girl probably have at least 10 or more pairs of shoes. I've got at least 6.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
Would have in their kitchen some matches, a small bag of flour, some sugar and salt. A few moldy potatoes in the garbage would need to be retrieved to provide most of tonight's meal. At most they would have a handful of onions and a dish of dried beans.

I couldn't begin to tell you how much we have. Basement pantry has tons of stuff; kitchen cupboard is full and close to overflowing. Freezer in the garage is stuffed, as is the refrig in the kitchen. We have cabinets on various walls all stacked with 'canned goods' on top.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
Have a Bathroom - with no running water or electricity.

We've got bathrooms all over the house. My room has its own.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
Do not have the government services of:
Postmen
Firement
Hospitals, Clinics, or doctors nearby

We're overflowing with a wide array of everything - pleanty to choose from.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
Have a School 3 miles away with 2 classrooms

Ours has everything imaginable and is highly ranked.

The overwhelming majority of people (at least 2/3rds):
The entire family would have $5 dollars.

I got a check for $600 some dollars the other day and 'shrugged my shoulders - rolled my eyes'. "Well I guess throw it in the bank'. I'm UP 8% in my dang TSP Account this year -- even when 'I'm trying to LOSE because of those neverending 'contributions'.

Robert L. Heilbroner, The Great Ascent: The Struggle for Economic Development in Our Time. pp. 33 - 36.

So I guess when you consider the house we have and especially the location -- with over 2 acres of lawn. All the trees and the 6 acres of soy beans. The rather large garden; gosh maybe 10 blackberry bushes; blueberry bushes; strawberries. Oh gosh and all the terraced flower gardens and other flowers and bushes around the house. Ummm attached 3 car garage - air conditioning - 20 ft ceilings...

I'd say it's 'Tough' -- but we'll survive.

My only debt is a reasonable mortgage payment. But I am keeping a tight fist on my $$$. I work a part time job 2 evenings a week for spending cash. My govy paycheck is to pay the bills, remodel the house (on a budget), and to buy gas and food. I closed out my home credit line and I am not taking any fancy vacations.

I'd put that extra part-time money into a Roth IRA and buy individual stocks that pay good dividends and reinvest that income on auto pilot. Let time help prepare your future.

Originally Posted by rawiron1

My only debt is a reasonable mortgage payment. But I am keeping a tight fist on my $$$. I work a part time job 2 evenings a week for spending cash. My govy paycheck is to pay the bills, remodel the house (on a budget), and to buy gas and food. I closed out my home credit line and I am not taking any fancy vacations.

Hey man, I'm really sorry for sounding like such an idiot.

When I, or my family, go to other places throughout the world. Even right over the border into Mexico ~ there is just no way to compare 'our standard' compared to theirs.

But, I went a bit overboard and I'm sorry for your hardships.