Independent
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 4,629
Many good points above.
I agree with the OP that the last 100 years in the US is probably better than "average". I'm expecting less economic growth in the next 40 years and lower returns.
I also agree that it's impossible to plan for everything. In addition to hyperinflation or terrorists unleasing some fearsome virus, we can worry about the Yellostone volcano putting another 100 cubic miles of ash into the atmosphere. I can't protect myself against all of them.
One of those flexibility tactics is to think about the things that seem like "necessities" today that I lived without 50 years ago. I've done enough thinking about that to be reasonably confidendt that I can reduce my spending a long way and still have a "decent" life (if there is a functioning society around me).
Finally, as already said, death is the only certainty. Our biggest expenses can be trying to postpone it, but at some point most people accept it as inevitable.
I agree with the OP that the last 100 years in the US is probably better than "average". I'm expecting less economic growth in the next 40 years and lower returns.
I also agree that it's impossible to plan for everything. In addition to hyperinflation or terrorists unleasing some fearsome virus, we can worry about the Yellostone volcano putting another 100 cubic miles of ash into the atmosphere. I can't protect myself against all of them.
One of those flexibility tactics is to think about the things that seem like "necessities" today that I lived without 50 years ago. I've done enough thinking about that to be reasonably confidendt that I can reduce my spending a long way and still have a "decent" life (if there is a functioning society around me).
Finally, as already said, death is the only certainty. Our biggest expenses can be trying to postpone it, but at some point most people accept it as inevitable.