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.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Thanks. I'll have paid my surgeries and student loan fully in about 3 yesrs. I'll decide then if I want to focus on saving anything for later or just pay my mortgage off quicker. In September my mortgage rate will increase from 2.1% to probably 6%. That itself will cost an extra £200 at least per month.

I don't want to gamble loads on later life but might do a bit more. Only really for my partners sake when I'm gone.

Charlotte X

[Stottie Girl]

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.

I would definitely sceond this. I'm debt free currently but have a £500 self imposed limit on anything I buy and only 1 item at a time until the previous one is paid off. if it cost more than £500 I either save up the difference or save the whole amount I think it makes you appreciate things more too. I have twice been in a debt spiral when I was in my twenties and it can easilly wreck your life.

For what it's worth, I totally understand your position on this Charlotte. You just want the operations out of the way so you can concentrate on a new you.

What annoys me is those that don't do anything to plan for the future end up getting more state pension in the long run. I mean they won't be rich but they will get by and have spent their whole life just blowing all their money having fun. I suppose there are different ways to look at it really. After all none of us can guarantee we will even reach retirement.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

I would definitely sceond this. I'm debt free currently but have a £500 self imposed limit on anything I buy and only 1 item at a time until the previous one is paid off. if it cost more than £500 I either save up the difference or save the whole amount I think it makes you appreciate things more too. I have twice been in a debt spiral when I was in my twenties and it can easilly wreck your life.

For what it's worth, I totally understand your position on this Charlotte. You just want the operations out of the way so you can concentrate on a new you.

What annoys me is those that don't do anything to plan for the future end up getting more state pension in the long run. I mean they won't be rich but they will get by and have spent their whole life just blowing all their money having fun. I suppose there are different ways to look at it really. After all none of us can guarantee we will even reach retirement.

Well ive basically been in work since i was 16 and never out if it. I went to university as a 29 year old, so had to save years before that so i had money to live on, and worked part time for the full 3 years. Then straight back into work. In theory my pension should be good, but bad wages until years after uni messed that up. Now I'm paid well, but to me living life now is important as i know many people who died before retirement or got there but constantly ill. Then it's a complete waste. You cant go back and do it all again. My dad never made 50. If its genetic I've had it!

[Stottie Girl]

There's something to be said for that Charlotte. At 50 years old I've officially entered "snipers alley"! My awareness of mortality has increased, there's no guarantee I will make it to retirement so you have to have balance. I know a lot of my parents friends who saved like mad and denied themselves the nicer things in life then died in their early 60's. Such a waste. I don't have much but I will use it to fund the best life I can while I'm still here.

It's a morbid thought really, sorry about that! Think cheery thoughts, butterflies and unicorns🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

My parents ex neighbour has just died in his early 60's. They had moved house to a remote part of Northumberland just two days earlier. He was just about to start a new life and settle into retirement. Tragic

[davina61]

Thats why I keep busy, no time to pass!!!

[Dawn Kellie]

My wife and I figure we will die doing our jobs. We made some poor financial decisions and are digging our way out.

[Dawn Kellie]

How did the tattoo go today?

[ChrissyRyan]

Do you get the tattoo?


Chrissy