Reply 3877#3877 bala's post
As Sanggye said, it is the "love of money" that causes problems. I have never had that problem. When I was well enough to work, I earned enough to live on and save a bit, but also used some of it to help others, either by donation or by helping those I knew personally in a practical way (ie: bringing some groceries over, getting something for their children). I don't need to be wealthy, but it would be nice to be well enough to work. On a pension, you don't have the option of taking an extra shift when you need a bit extra. I've never been a waster, or one to spend on needless things. I am, by nature, a saver. It's just that it's hard to save more than a very little bit when you live paycheck to paycheck. The repairs to my car cost more than anticipated (taxes alone were almost $90), so even though I had been saving up for it, I still came up short, and had to put the overage on my credit card.
People who go through millions like it's nothing do not have my pity. There is nothing wrong with having nice things, if they are within ones means. Too many these days seem to think they need everything NOW, rather than saving and working towards earning the extras they would like.
No system is ideal. I'm grateful for the pension I get, because at this point, I am not able to work at all. Thankfully, I am allowed to earn a bit extra without it affecting my pension, and I've done so in the past, when well enough to take on occasional work. That just has not been the case in several years.