Charlotte's scratch post

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

This is my first so don't know what to expect. I know they'll make me feel at ease tomorrow. Half tomorrow and finish in a couple of weeks.

Over time i want my whole upper arms and chest area done.

Charlotte

[Dawn Kellie]

It's more of an annoying discomfort, less pain. The only one I found really painful was on my ribs. Don't be afraid to ask for a break, the artist understands

[Lori Dee ✅]

Numbing cream is a huge help, especially for the first time. I got some from a tattoo supply shop, so your artist may have some there. If you have some at home, apply it about 30 minutes before your appointment and you'll be good to go.

😀

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Had the lovely discussion with colleagues about work and that I'm almost certainly going to have to work full time until nearly 70. Im already completely shattered by the end of the week i seriously dont know if that'll be possible. But the projected funds needed for retirement in 2050 are way off what I could ever have saved. Im just going to live for now and hope i don't make it anywhere near that point. Just get the house paid off for my partner to at least live more comfortably.

Charlotte 😻

[ChrissyRyan]

Had the lovely discussion with colleagues about work and that I'm almost certainly going to have to work full time until nearly 70. Im already completely shattered by the end of the week i seriously dont know if that'll be possible. But the projected funds needed for retirement in 2050 are way off what I could ever have saved. Im just going to live for now and hope i don't make it anywhere near that point. Just get the house paid off for my partner to at least live more comfortably.

Charlotte 😻

Charlotte,

Planning for the future is indeed important.  I would not let it trouble you so much that you cannot function clearly or get ill.  Does your partner also work?

Chrissy

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Charlotte,

Planning for the future is indeed important.  I would not let it trouble you so much that you cannot function clearly or get ill.  Does your partner also work?

Chrissy

No I'm the only one working. I'm not going to let it bother me as honestly I'll be surprised if i get near that age. As long as i can leave my bf ok I'll be fine. He's 12 years younger so more likely to live after me.

Charlotte

[Stottie Girl]

Had the lovely discussion with colleagues about work and that I'm almost certainly going to have to work full time until nearly 70. Im already completely shattered by the end of the week i seriously dont know if that'll be possible. But the projected funds needed for retirement in 2050 are way off what I could ever have saved. Im just going to live for now and hope i don't make it anywhere near that point. Just get the house paid off for my partner to at least live more comfortably.

Charlotte 😻

I've totally buggered up my financial planning. Made redundant twice, was self employed for 11 years whilst not paying into a pension, Then lost two jobs through anxiety and depression. Apart from my time at British Gas I have never had a decent salary. My pensions are spread over 5 different funds.

I am very very lucky I am an only child so I will end up inheriting otherwise I would be well and truly knackered!

Nobody cares about their pensions when they are younger though. By the time you realise, it's often too late.

If you dislike your job and want a decent pension you could always try to get into the civil service if there are any offices around your way. They pay pension contributions between 5-8% what you put in. That's not a bad return really. The down side is you are working for the civil service! It wasn't for me but some might like it.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

I've totally buggered up my financial planning. Made redundant twice, was self employed for 11 years whilst not paying into a pension, Then lost two jobs through anxiety and depression. Apart from my time at British Gas I have never had a decent salary. My pensions are spread over 5 different funds.

I am very very lucky I am an only child so I will end up inheriting otherwise I would be well and truly knackered!

Nobody cares about their pensions when they are younger though. By the time you realise, it's often too late.

If you dislike your job and want a decent pension you could always try to get into the civil service if there are any offices around your way. They pay pension contributions between 5-8% what you put in. That's not a bad return really. The down side is you are working for the civil service! It wasn't for me but some might like it.

Similar here with low wages. I'm only paid well now and thats been since about 2020. Before that I was on low wages all my life. Ive saved since 18 but all them years equate to a few thousand at best. My projected pot is 100k. That won't go far by then and only finish paying my mortgage age 66 as didn't get a property until 2019.

I might get some portion of inheritance sometime but doubt it will be loads as shared. There is talk of needing 500k by the time i retire!

[Stottie Girl]

Similar here with low wages. I'm only paid well now and thats been since about 2020. Before that I was on low wages all my life. Ive saved since 18 but all them years equate to a few thousand at best. My projected pot is 100k. That won't go far by then and only finish paying my mortgage age 66 as didn't get a property until 2019.

I might get some portion of inheritance sometime but doubt it will be loads as shared. There is talk of needing 500k by the time i retire!

Nobody will have £500,000 pots as a normal amount by then Charlotte. There is a big big problem coming down the line if you ask me. Gen x as a whole have not been planning this well!

[ChrissyRyan]

Start somewhere for savings.  It will add up in time.  Interest rates may actually increase soon, which is good for savers who wisely choose what cash equivalent they invest that cash in.

Actually, rates have been moving up in the USA recently.  This also means that mortgage rates have moved up some.

[Lori Dee ✅]

The very best thing you can do at any age is to get out of debt. It takes discipline and willpower, but it can be done. I have done it several times in my life.

It means skimping on things that are not essential and using that money to pay toward your lowest debt. Once that is paid, use what you would have spent on that debt as payment for the next.

It takes time and planning but it is certainly achievable. Once you have only the day to day expenses (rent, food, utilities), you can start stashing money away in savings.

Fortunately, our Forum Admin, Danielle is a Certified Financial Planner. If you are serious about it, send her a PM and see if she can help you get organized.

[ChrissyRyan]

With so much in the way of useful suggestions for staying out of debt and planning for the future, taking appropriate astute action is quite important.  While there can be some arguments for debt for what should be appreciating assets, and for the wealthy and some businesses, and for unusual low interest rate loans than can be turned around and invested at a higher rate (requiring discipline to do this), debt is something usually to be avoided and paid off as soon as practical if it exists.

By the way, the Bible mentions money and how to handle it a lot.  It is also good reading.  Perhaps other religions also have money handling advice too.

Unfortunately, the US Congress spends money it does not have and we are woefully in debt as a nation.