Paradise

I submitted the following to the pamphlet, but I guess it sounded too unbelievable or restrictive to print:

I worked full-time through nine Presidential administrations, and I never earned more than $1,700 in any one month. Yet, I raised four children and provided health care for all of us. Richard A. Douglas of Paradise, in his letter of 11/7, stated that a person lives on the cusp of poverty if he "only" earns $5,000 per month. My life challenges that absurdity.

Too many people make no effort to live within their means.. The secret is simplicity itself: If you can't pay for it, don't buy it. The corollary to that is: Spend your money first on the essentials, and acquire them at the lowest price possible. After these expenses are met, you may have to forego any extras.

A good place to start is to sacrifice alcohol and tobacco, and stop accommodating every whim of your children. Modern well-maintained automobiles last for 10-15 years. Eating out is more expensive than home preparation, cable TV is an unnecessary frill, and costly refreshments at public venues should always be avoided.

I could go on, but any fool can figure out other possible savings. Today, I would be living in a virtual paradise if I had $5,000 per month to spend. Of course, my children are grown, and they are using the lessons our life taught us to have a pleasant, if not lavish, existence. We all have health insurance; mine is Medicare, and I thank you all for that portion that your contributions help to fund.