I'm Not Normal

[cu@thetop]

GP


But I agree with you about the book, I got about two thirds through it and felt like I was 15 again, and had to put it down. It's all good I'm sure, but with a diploma in financial planning and mortgage broking, and (only...) a decade of buying and selling (dammit! no more selling!) IP's, I didn't think I was learning too much.

Remember it was a book written by a banker encouraging people to save so he had a vested interest.

I think it is good as an educational tool, but its a bit like Noel Whittaker plugging managed funds- he can make a commission on them but not on real estate.

We all have to start somewhere...

 

[Indifference]

Skater, a refreshing little tale. I am trying hard to be on the smarter side of 'normal'.... I am a little more inspired to continue towards that goal now. Little tales like this help maintain the will to act. I have been too normal for too long and know what must be done; my constant inaction annoys me immensely. I'm going to change that! Thanks for the indirect kick in bum I needed today....

On the super debate, it can be quite lucrative in certain professions. There are a fortunate few that can begin receiving benefits from as young as 35-36.... Well there was, until they changed the scheme, but these people still exist and some about to reach their entitlement. This is an exception to the norm though.

 

[Peter 14.7]

Welcome to the Club of realising you are not like 80% of Aussie (whom I call the masses).

I have made a study of the masses and find, surprising regardless of income, the following

• Less than 1 month in savings (aka none).
• Hand to mouth spending.
• Fear credit cards OR maxed out and pay the min. each month.
• New or near new car always on credit.
• PPOR is never paid off.
• Live vicariously through Sport, Kids, etc.
• Love latest gadgets – LCD, Mobiles, etc..- yes bought on Credit
• Holiday in Qld, Bali, anywhere warm and wet.

Wise to keep quiet on your position as the masses don’t like others to be outside the pack. You don’t get depressed about your financial position when everyone else’s is the same.

This topis reminds me that my wife only recently made the realization were not average at a mum evening. They were taking about reno and one was wanting a new kitchen. Only $30k. Wife said – add to your mortgage via LOC. No go – mortgage maxed out. Home worth $300k and mortgage $300k. Then talk moved to getting an IP for retirement. None had one and mused it was mysterious and anyone know some-one with one. Wife (has 4) stayed mum.

After Wife was honestly stunned and asked me how can anyone in their late thirties still have a massive mortgage and no IPs!!! I literally patted her on the head and said, well after 20 years of teaching and investing, it has finally sunk in. We are not normal (either).

Peter

 

[Piston Broke]

Exactly!
Who the hell wants to be normal and be like them?
I sure don't.

 

[Comper100]

I too like to think I have a different head on my shoulders to the masses. Its only very recent but my ideas of what to do with money differ from most people I know and even socialise with. I know some friends of friends that have an amazing head start with cash be it jobs in Mining, inheritance etc and proceed to pour it all down the drain on stupid things.

Keep going, its quite nice being different

 

[kathryn d]

A few months ago my workplace went on workshare. Which means the government is helping a lot of business retain their workers thru the next 12 months, given our economy is tied to the USA economy. If there isn't any work, we go home with almost full pay (its a % and depends on your personal 12 months of income there)
There are at 200 workers, and I had to go to Human Resources to declare any other income or outside jobs ...which can reduce my claim.
I was the only person they had that rentals and was declaring them.

Other times when my coworkers talk about what they would do if they won the lottery. It is always buy this toy or that toy.They would have it spent in 12 months and have nothing to show for it.
I usually keep my mouth shut.At the end of 12 months mine would be worth a whole lot more

 

[Kath Russell]

The reason I'm a member here is because I'm not "normal"! Story of my life...................