Re: [pf] consumption / brainwashing

by prichter1

21 December 2000 13:18 UTC

In a message dated 12/20/00 9:54:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
smithkc@home.com (Kelley Smith) writes:

> n an affluent society, the minimum threshold for participation is expensive
>  (house, car, phone, utility connections, correct wardrobe....). If only the
>  standards of society weren't so high! I want to say that if the "bar were
>  lowered" then people would not feel so compelled to "look out for number
>  one'--accumulating retirement accounts, regardless of where or how the
>  dividends and stock appreciation are achieved..... But maybe I'm just 
making
>  excuses for everyone (including myself?!)

I don't think you are just making excuses for everyone. This is an issue that 
scares me and one that I would like to talk about.  I don't have much lined 
up in the way of retirement and I am in my fifties. I have always worked in 
fields that are not "rewarded" monetarily nor did I ever have access to a 
401K or its predecessors.  And now I am working part time because that is how 
my body and mind and spirit work best.  I have to tell you that the economic 
"insecurity" that I am facing often keeps me awake at night.  And every other 
week I keep telling myself that I need to get another job.

Since I am not a homeowner and find saving difficult on a less than $18k/yr 
salary (my son is still in college),  sometimes I think that I am crazy. And 
the questions people ask (recently: "What are you doing to fill up the rest 
of your time?").  But it is the retirement issue that dominates for me. 

Anyone escape these fears? And want to talk about it?

Blessings, Priscilla