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Post by 3piggles on Oct 4, 2016 20:55:22 GMT
Jo, we were indiscriminate spenders for years, which is why we don't really have a great nest egg for our retirement. We tended to buy things on impulse, and waste a lot of money. Then we hit rock bottom, financially, and had to make ends meet with almost nothing, as everthing went to paying the bills. We actually did pretty well, and learned to be happy with smaller meals and cheaper food. Unfortunately, whenever we have the chance, we still tend to splurge, so I keep a very tight rein on the finances. That was easier before we had ATM and credit cards, and when we had to pay cash. It was much easier to get Vic to stop buying, if he could see how much money he had to spend, and knew there wasn't any more. He decided rather than cash, he could manage the budget using the debt card, which has not been the case. So I'm trying to find ways to keep him on budget, and it's not easy. If he has money left over that could go to the next time he goes food shopping, he'll spend it on something he wants, figuring he has extra money. It's not easy, especially if everyone isn't on the same page, or if the two of you have radically different habits. I think he'll slow down with the spending, once he retires and is on a limited income. I certainly hope it helps
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 5, 2016 8:30:09 GMT
Thank you Piggles love for opening up to me about your circumstances, it is pretty much the same with us at the moment. The reason for this is that because of Paul's extra income, the council have taken it all from us in rent and council tax and we are worse off than we ever were. I don't know what we are going to do. I am angry that we have to worry about such a small amount in this day and age when there are people with so much but it has always been the case. The trouble is also that Paul keeps moaning at me for paying people saying they are not important. These people have to be paid or we are in worse trouble and of course it is all my fault. I hope this isn't going to drive a wedge between us again.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 5, 2016 19:56:02 GMT
Been there. Vic does not understand about bill paying. He thought, if a bill was due on the first, he could send the payment on the first. Then the late charges started to pile up, and we got further behind. Also, if payments hadn't cleared, so the money was still in the checking account, he would spend it. Then the payments hit the checking account, and there wasn't enough money in there. More late fees and bounced check fees. If I didn't manage the money, we went broke, and I couldn't do it when I had a really bad depression. I also totally understand how it comes between a couple, as it did between us for years. He could buy 10 expensive ones to my one inexpensive one, and our lack of money was all my fault for that one inexpensive thing I bought. That's how I fell off the steps and broke my wrists. I was returning the one inexpensive thing I had bought, in an attempt to keep the peace. Passed out and fell off the steps. Eight years later, and they still give me trouble.
If Trump wins the presidential election, and the majority of congress and the senate go to the republicans, I really believe we will lose a lot of our social security. The republican led congress/social security administration, already voted down a cost of living increase for social security, based on gasoline being less expensive than it's been in the past. Apparently a lot more seniors use gas for their cars than eat, pay rent or mortgages, wear clothing OR take the medications that increase in cost substantially, every year. The republicans have talked about privatizing social security and medicare, and getting the government out of them completely. That would mean paying for all of their cost of living increases, while getting none of our own. Not a good time to be a senior citizen.
I really hope the Brexit move doesn't totally cripple the national economy, but I really don't see how it can be done in any way that will help those on limited incomes, or who need government assistance.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 6, 2016 7:53:42 GMT
With any luck someone will shoot him Piggles love. Not in quite so much pain today, I hope it stays like this throughout.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 6, 2016 19:53:32 GMT
Ooh, glad you are feeling better today, and I definitely hope it lasts Isn't it sad that we'd even think about killing Trump if he were elected, and yet I'm surprised no one tried to assassinate Barack Obama. The people who would vote for Trump are the same who would have killed Obama, gun-toting maniacs Not trying to take sides, just basing that on what those people have said. After the massacre of children and teachers in Sandy Hook, NJ, the gun lobby supporters were saying it was too bad, but not bad enough to warrant gun ownership restrictions. One even went as far as to say so what if a bunch of kids gets killed. Not his problem. Why should he give up his guns I'd say the US is a powder keg right now, has been for a while, and I'm surprised it hasn't blown already
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 7, 2016 8:29:51 GMT
I agree with you Piggles love although I am not well up on politics. When Mr Barack was elected I said to Paul "I bet the Klan are happy" and I am surprised there have been no attempts on his life. Very pleased though and I agree with you about the people voting for Trump would be those taking a pot shot at Mr Barack. Even though it is not my country, I am taking sides and a loathe Trump and all he stands for. You are right abouts the guns too hunni, they are too readily available.
Feel a bit better today, pain isn't too bad. Paul seems to be getting stronger by the day I am pleased to say.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 8, 2016 14:57:19 GMT
Excellent news about Paul, and I'm glad you are doing a bit better daily, too! I know the cold I need so much to stop the pain in my legs is going to cause pain in other parts. Still, it's worth it to me to have the problems I can't control, lessened by the cold. I can put pain patches on the parts I know will ache. Our country's politics seem to be following similar paths. The haters won the Brexit vote, and now they're threatening to send all immigrants back to their home countries. That will include two of our former members, one a resident of Switzerland who has lived in the UK for almost 20 years, and been married to an Englishman for 15. The other an Italian who lives in the UK with her boyfriend of many, many years. If May has her way, both will be deported Two wonderful people will be sent packing because of sweeping legislation passed by a haters Exactly what the government would try to do here, if Trump were elected. LGBT rights would be fought at the cost of more millions or billions of dollars of taxpayer money. Women's right would be challenged at the cost of more millions or billions of taxpayer dollars. It doesn't matter that their laws never survive court challenges, they just keep throwing our money on their hatred. Does the UK have anything like the supreme court, that could stop the unchecked deportation of immigrants? I know most of the bigoted laws passed in the US are and will be challenged and overturned in court, all the way to the top court in the land. Politics has gotten really offensive
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Post by Bean on Oct 8, 2016 16:08:33 GMT
I don't think there's a real issue of people who have been living legally over here for years all being sent back suddenly? The tabloid press have created that feeling, and I can also totally understand why people who are from other countries are currently feeling unwelcome. But the immigration part of Brexit (and Article 50 hasn't even been triggered yet) would be more about limiting the movement of certain groups in the future. We have loads of people living in other EU countries too, so it's a 2 way process to work out how it'll work in the future.
I can foresee that there might be more paperwork making it complicated for EU citizens already resident, especially if they don't have ties, haven't worked and don't know how the system works. But Theresa May herself was in the Remain campaign, so as much as her politics aren't generally my thing, I have some trust that she'll get a decent deal. Of course we'll have to see - you never know what's round the corner with anything, least of all politics.
Glad you and Paul are both on the up, Jo.
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 8, 2016 18:45:56 GMT
Vicky T has already encountered people shouting at her to go back where she came from. I've heard her speak on videos of the piggies, some she even posted on here, and I couldn't tell she was from Switzerland. She said it makes her very nervous, especially as some of the shouters get very threatening, approaching as if they're going to do harm. She said she's afraid to go a lot of places, now, without her husband along, after 20 years. So even if they're not deported, the whole Brexit mentality is approving of such actions, making it very difficult on immigrants who stay.
Here in the US, we're suffering from the same perception of approval of all of the hatred for LGBT, women in positions of power, immigrants, etc., through Donald Trumps campaign rhetoric. It doesn't always require actual legal action by the government to set off a dangerous movement.
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Post by Bean on Oct 9, 2016 8:22:31 GMT
That's awful. We live in such a mixed area, both in terms of people who have been here for generations and other people who have travelled recently - we have local friends from everywhere including France, Italy, Poland, Brazil, Hungary, Australia, America, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. Although some of them have been affected emotionally by the vote (as have many of us Brits), on a local level they know they are very welcome and don't have any problems with being abused. I know some areas, especially more rural ones, wouldn't provide that feeling, and it's so sad people feel that way.
Of course incidents happen - there was a racially motivated incident against some Polish men in one area a couple of months ago, but the reaction against it was pretty fierce. It was pretty clear what the majority feeling was.
So many people who voted to leave did so for reasons that have now proved to be false (such as the NHS getting billions of pounds that's currently being paid to the EU) and feel cheated now. Others did genuinely think that we're too mighty to be bogged down by other people's rules and regulations. As has been said before, not all Brexiters are racist. However, all racists are probably Brexiters!
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 9, 2016 23:09:18 GMT
I totally agree that not all Bexiters are racists, but those who are seem to feel empowered by winning the vote, so I'm really glad the response to the Polish man being harassed was quick and to the point. I really do wish, for the sake of all the UK residents, that the Brexit axe would fall, one way of another, so the recovery could begin. There are going to be some major changes, and probably not for the better for anyone who needs government assistance. While no one wants to start paying more or receiving less, knowing what's coming at least gives people a chance to plan a bit. If Donald Trump is elected, I think the two worst things that will happen are the general tone of the haters feeling empowered by that win, and taking it out on anyone they want. Unchecked racism. Also, I see a huge increase in the amount of tax money spent challenging all of his whims in court. I think he will lose pretty much any racist or bigoted law he passes, but it will cost the tax payers millions, as it already has over the last 8 years, fighting everything Obama passed. I'm really annoyed at the cuts to social services, with hundreds of millions of dollars are spent fighting laws that have already lost in court. I really can't wait for this election to be over, whomever wins. Facebook, the news, and every other TV ad is a nasty dig at a candidate. Nothing like an election to bring out the worst in Americans
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Post by Bean on Oct 10, 2016 6:56:52 GMT
I don't blame you wishing it could all be over - it's all pretty painful to watch. I was out last night so haven't seen how the second debate went, and whether Clinton attacked Trump over the video that came out, and he started on at her about her husband's behaviour and her defence of him..... Ugh!
How are you, Jo? Hope you have a good week ahead of you.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 10, 2016 8:38:51 GMT
Thanks for asking Bean love, I have had a very bad eighteen hours. It started yesterday when I was sitting having a coffee and I suddenly went hot all over. I walked into my bedroom and suddenly became very tired, I sat down and started feeling sick. I have been sick continually until up to a couple of hours ago. No idea at all what it is.
Paul is getting stronger by the day and he is certainly happier. Still not too good when I am ill though, he doesn't seem to know how to be comforting. Still, I suppose there are many men life that lol!
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 10, 2016 22:09:51 GMT
Vic has never been very good about dealing with me being sick. If he doesn't bother me to death, he ignores me to death I think it's a guy thing. I'm sorry you've been sick. Did you feel it coming on, or did it just hit you out of nowhere? I hope you are feeling a whole lot better now I haven't watched any of the debates. I won't have that man in my house. I'm voting for Clinton as the lesser of two evils. At least with her, we'll get the same old thing. We might even get some improvements, and we'll definitely get a supreme court justice who is a liberal. I'm also really hoping the people have had enough of 8 years of congress stalling everything from paying government bills to passing any form of useful legislation, and finally to refusing to do their jobs and hold hearings on Obama's supreme court justice nominee. They are actually breaking the law, but no one does anything about it. I was watching Focus on Europe the other day, and they were interviewing Norwegians about their involvement in the EU without being members. Apparently a lot of Norwegians would like to see even less involvement, as they are paying a high price for non-membership rights a lot of Norwegians don't care to have. It's basically about buying access to the EU markets for Norwegian good. One thing they do get to do, though, is charge a lot more for imported goods such as cheese, that is also produced in Norway, so the Norwegian option if a much better value. The news man was British, living in Berlin. He discussed a lot of issues pro and con about being in the EU or not being in the EU, and I thought he did an excellent job. He did both sides of each issue with equal interviews, so no slant to the reporting. There really is life outside the EU, though it will take some major planning after all this time. Has there been anything more about Scotland or Wales leaving the UK? It's all over Facebook, but how much of it is new, I don't know.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 11, 2016 8:26:47 GMT
It came from nowhere Piggles love but I am feeling better now. Paul is doing really well and I am really enjoying the time we are spending together. We are not eating out this week though as it would be silly due to the finances but I am looking forward to next week.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Oct 11, 2016 10:40:24 GMT
Oh poor you, Jo - sounds like it might have been a bug? I'm glad you're feeling better now anyway, and it's probably best to keep your food plain for a day or so rather than having a meal out in case your stomach's still a bit delicate. Next week your meal out will taste even better for having had a week off!
Glad Paul is doing well, even if he's not the best nurse! Last time I had a stomach bug, my husband came upstairs to check on me (I'd gone up feeling iffy) just as I'd started being sick. He kept asking (through the bathroom door) 'Are you alright?!', but I could barely even breathe between spasms, let alone speak - but then he was getting worried because I wasn't answering, and I thought he might break the door down at one point! It's nice to have a bit of tlc and someone bringing you the occasional drink etc, but I'd rather be ignored than fussed over!
I've not heard much more about Scotland and Wales separating from the UK. To be honest, I am giving the news a bit of a wide berth at the moment and just reading selected stuff online. I don't like the priority they give to certain stories, even in the serious news - celebrity type stuff over international crises, and the US election stuff is just depressing.
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Post by 3piggles on Oct 11, 2016 21:54:33 GMT
Glad you are feeling better, Jo Also glad you are having some quality time with Paul. Sometimes life just gets in the way of us remembering why we got together in the first place. Having health issues interfere, and it's even harder. Having a week off gives you longer to savor the food at the restaurant, next time you eat out. You'll enjoy it even more I also prefer to be left alone when I'm sick. It would be nice to have someone do what needs to be done, so I don't have to, but otherwise. I have had times, though, when I needed help just getting out of bed to get to the bathroom, and then it's nice to have someone available. I've been avoiding the news, too. I'm getting so tired of both sides of this debate. I really want it to be over, whatever the outcome. I can't believe how monstrous the people in this country have become, and how divided they are. Unfortunately, I have very politically active friends on Facebook, so it's almost impossible to even check in for a few minutes, and not get bombarded with politics. I haven't been spending a lot of time on Facebook, either. Our PBS stations have a lot of news options such as NHK news out of Japan, Focus on Europe, BBC World News, etc., so I've been watching those instead of my own.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 13, 2016 7:59:44 GMT
Thank you Piggles love and yes, I am looking forward to our lunch out next week. I think if you are tired through being ill you want peace and quiet but as you say, it is nice to have someone there if you need help. I can get to the bathroom on my own and into the sitting room but that is about it. I cannot stand for more than a few seconds either.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Oct 14, 2016 8:28:16 GMT
Hope that you are totally over the stomach thing now, Jo, and can concentrate on building your strength back up. How are you sleeping at the moment? That always makes such a difference to how you feel.
3piggles, Scotland going for a second referendum on independence is back in the news this week! Can't blame them, but it is sad.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Oct 14, 2016 8:32:22 GMT
Thank you Bean love, I am still feeling a bit delicate and unable to face meals. This do is really taking longer than it should to leave me completely. I am not sleeping too badly; you are right, a lot does depend on it. If I have a bad night I am in more pain the following morning.
Hugs Jo xx
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