On Mon, 10 Apr 2006 18:24:34 -0400, "Mr. Opus McDopus"
wrote:

Dave, you make assumptions that everyone is able to save, like you did.
Hell, the government has made it as difficult as possible for people to save
but the most modest amounts, i.e. IRAs, Keoghs, 401Ks... What the
government wants and all business and industry, is for people to spend,
spend, spend. Moreover, the government assists the aforementioned entities
via legislation, and prevents the working man/woman from saving for their
retirement as they see fit. It's all about consumerism (Capitalism), and we
as Americans have bought into this charade. When your
government--Republicans and Democrats--tell you for decades on end that
deficits don't matter, what is the average Joe to believe!

What you say may be true, Mark, but most people are not saving because
they think their future will be taken care of by..... someone..... the
government? There is no need for anyone to spend more than they make,
and that includes the U.S. Gov and state govs, but they do. If people
use them as an example, then they are being fooled. Most of my
friends are saving something, putting something aside for either
education of their kids, or for their retirement. I know my daughters
are and my two oldest grandsons are, knowing that there ain't anyone
out there gonna help them when the time comes.

Jeff says that NC employees get a fairly nice retirement pay, and are
allowed to have 401Ks. That is the kind of job I was refering to,
something that would allow you to retire with a pay-off or an annuity
after 20 years. If you could put a little each month into an IRA or a
401K, all the more better. I'm not in your shoes, Mark, but if I
were, I would try to stay with the state until you can retire with a
pay-off.

I sincerely hope you make it.

Dave