Lived in a trailer park, had fast food every day, hand me downs, the whole nine yards.

Mind you it wasn't construction or manual work, but still - -6 days a week, late nights, fast food at my desk, and since age 24 - it was my net worth invested - - and I know how it I to make huge money one month, and to lose huge money another month.  

Thankful to be on this side of the dirt, America, water, food, shelter & you guys sharing.

We did not go cheap on food, drinks, and décor.

My siblings and I will likely have to make up for some of the savings gap between cost of living, inflation and inadequate social safety nets and programs for elders.Already many Generation X'ers (1965-1980) and san (1981-1996) have either taken on the financial burdens of their parents in the form of medical, food or housing OR have began managing or inheriting the businesses and portfolios established. 

@Donna Henry when you go out to a sit down restaurant and drop $60, you could have purchased food and drink for $15 and just done it yourself at home.

One of the companies that I know do this, it was a weird story, workers were housed on a double bunk beds like a military camp, and operated similar to one, they hired one to cook food and do errands.

But it sounds like if you’re content retiring in the middle of nowhere driving around in your used vehicle to the fast food drive thru, then it really doesn’t matter what moves u make regarding your investments.

We set aside cash for each of our spending categories (food, fun, hair, gas, etc.) into a cash envelop wallet similar to this.

Also, keep in mind that the published 6.8% inflation rate does not include food or energy.