Why Are People So Poor?

[lankeela]

I have never been well off, worked all my life and only recently qualified for my state pension so have virtually retired with my very small wage covering my dog showing hobby. I am actually as well off now as I have ever been, with a regular pension payment which easily covers my housing cost (part owned house and part rented) plus council tax (with single person discount). I run a vehicle, keep several dogs, and eat well. Got an electric heater and immersion for hot water. I honestly don't understand why some of these old people are in such a bad way.

[douglas9401]

No? Somebody will be along shortly to post about fags, drink and big-screen TVs.

It's just how it's always been in this country of extremes.

[Hymie]

Wow - I’m impressed that you can do all that on the state pension of around £10k.

[lankeela]

I don't understand why Doris has to use her free bus pass to ride around all day on a bus to keep warm.

[-SharonA-]

Having too many kids!

[ToraToraTora]

lack of provision is the main reason.

[ToraToraTora]

For most of us it starts with education, getting a career, making enough to live and provide for the future. Sadly many just drift along hoping to get lucky. The fact is that 99.99% of people got to where they got to by their own endeavour or indeed lack of it.

[lankeela]

But I never provided for my future - I only get the basic state pension just gone up to around £180. The little I earn on top (about £150 a month) pays for my dogs and dog show entries/fuel. Rent on half the house is about £200, council tax £105, then I've got a mobile, broadband, tv licence, water rates, van insurance, a few bits like HP ink, and still manage to eat well and have the heating on when I want to. Surely if these old people are struggling they would get pension credits too and housing benefit and council tax paid.

[ToraToraTora]

well done for making it work Lanks but your expenses are minimal compared to many. Eg Rents are a lot higher for most who are renting for example. Also you clearly live within your means, many do not and end up in debt and debt is expensive too.

[ToraToraTora]

"Rent on half the house is about £200" - where can you rent a house for £400? I know people who's rent alone is £800+ for a modest semi!

[lankeela]

My house is shared ownership - I paid off the morgage on my half and the rent on the other half is £200 - its a small one bedroom house in Norfolk. But don't the elderly get help with rent if they are only on a pension? I don't because I still earn a little - but would probably be better off retiring completely. I did have old debts which I have managed to pay off by taking out a very small workplace pension so haven't got any of that left. I can't believe the likes of Doris on the bus lives beyond her means. I have a friend in her 80's who has dementia, she now has a carer allowance but she still has plenty of money left each month. She doesn't go anywhere but always has her heating on and I get her shopping which is certainly not beans on toast once a day yet one on the news tonight claims to only be able to eat one meal a day.

[Canary42]

/// The fact is that 99.99% of people got to where they got to by their own endeavour or indeed lack of it.///


Link please - or is this just another of your Boris-lies.

[ToraToraTora]

why do you think that may not be the case?

[gulliver1]

What vehicle do you run Lanky ?

[lankeela]

A Citroen Berlingo van.

[gulliver1]

22.08, Ok , thank you.

[Hopkirk]

Your rent is incredibly low.

[tiggerblue10]

Does the state pension get paid weekly or monthly?

[goodgoalie]

Normally every four weeks on the same day - which day depends on your NI number, the final letter, I think.

[goodgoalie]

Sorry, it's the last two digits of your NI number:
https://www.gov.uk/state-pension/what-youll-get

[bednobs]

But you did plan for your future. You bought half a house.