I’m opposed to raising to 70 the age at which Americans can begin collecting our social security retirement benefits. If we weren’t funding war and destruction against our alleged enemies then this money could go to propping up the social security retirement trust fund.

The fact is too many Americans are forced to work in their sixties because they can’t afford to retire. This is no joke. Going to diners with my mother she remarked that the senior citizen waitresses surely must need to work. That they weren’t waiting tables because they wanted to.

Who knows. There are people who want to keep working in their sixties. So be this.

The issue to parse is how exactly you and I can retire at 65 or 67. Like said funding a 401(k) or 403(b) can enable us to do this. Relying solely on a pension as stated before is not the way to go.

Take heart. Our finances don’t have to be complicated or laborious.

My take is that staying out of debt counts more than adhering to a strict budget. I’m no fan of budgeting. I think what makes more sense is spending less than you earn. Funding with your paycheck the things you value. Prioritizing spending on those items. Cut down or cut out spending on everything else.

Yes, I’m all for fast fashion if you can’t afford clothes that cost more. Simply take care of your clothing items and keep them in good condition. To delay having to buy new clothes frequently.

I’m just as guilty of having gotten items online from SHEIN at a ridiculously low cost. I don’t really recommend this as the fact is the clothing is likely churned out in a sweatshop.

Only I can understand what it’s like to be crunched for cash. I’m not going to judge. My life motto is: No Judgement.

A person doesn’t need to buy things to be happy. Enjoying free or low-cost experiences is the better route to pure joy.

Finding joy in each day can be possible when you live on a low income. It’s called not comparing ourselves to people who seem to have it better in life.

After I run through this blog entry carnival on finances I’m going to return to talking about DEI topics.