I totally agree with Celivia’s earlier post & the others that follow.

I’m from a society where we live at home until we’re ready to start our own family, or unless we study or work too far away. As soon as we start earning money, part of it goes to help out with family expenses. This figure varies depending on income as well as family finances and has nothing to do with ‘board’. Our parents have paid for everything, so it is now time to give something back.

My parents did not need my money but they took it anyway. When I had saved enough for a European holiday, they unexpectedly doubled my budget as a gift. They accepted my money so as to teach me lessons in responsibility. In the end what I received far exceeded what I gave, in more ways than one.

Living at home does give us a chance to build big fat bank accounts for when we’re ready to set up our own homes. Setting up & maintaining a house is not only an expensive exercise, it’s pretty lonely coming home to an empty house, then cook for one. I don’t think living at home makes anyone less independent. We become responsible adults as soon as we start contributing to the running of the family home.
We also learn how to share, and get on with other people.

My teenaged sons are becoming really interesting young adults and we have a great time together. One day they’ll want to explore the world and when that happens, I’d like to think that the time spent at home laid the foundation for their financial and emotional wellbeing. In the meantime, I’ll treasure every moment – we never know how much time we have with our loved ones.

Starglow

Hi Elbows

I’m with you there. When my mum had a severe stroke, we knew that she’d be really upset if she were revived and ended up in a body that had completely broken down. Even then, it was heartbreaking to decide on a Do Not Resuscitate order.

It is possible to prepare a medical power of attorney to specify conditions for a DNR order, organ donation, etc. This relieves loved ones of further responsibilities for painful decisions at an already distressing time.

Interestingly enough, it was a financial planner who discussed this with me as part of investing and estate planning. So it does have something to do with IP.

May peace be with you.

Starglow

Sounds like you’ve met my sister. Would love to send it to her, only I’d end up in the sin bin – again! Thanks for the chuckle.

Starglow

This was forwarded by a friend who had enough of
“the rules” from the female side.

The Guys’ Rules
Please note… these are all numbered “1” ON PURPOSE!

1. Men ARE NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly Acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it. That’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won’t dress like the Victoria’s Secret girls, don’t expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you’re fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it
done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit.
We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say “nothing,” We will act lik> nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don’t want an answer to,expect an answer you don’t want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine…Really

1. Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; But did you know men really don’t mind that? It’s like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can – to give them a laugh.
Pass this to as many women as you can – to give them a clue!

“Every generation needs a new revolution.” – Thomas Jefferson

Starglow

I joined an Amway network several years ago because I liked the products. I soon became totally captivated by the motivational programs. That was where I picked up the habit of listening to motivational tapes, reading books on personal development & ‘building equity’ in myself.

I never did build a network but it was still a life-changing experience. Network marketing invariably includes a system that prepares people for team building and leadership roles. The training I undertook helped me become far more positive and emotionally resilient. This laid a strong foundation for the work I do today.

We may not agree with some of the tactics used by people in network marketing. These are mostly beginners making their early mistakes. To get an idea of how powerful network marketing can be, take a look at those who had made it to the top. I found them to be absolutely inspirational.

Starglow

I’m renting a gorgeous property & love people who believe in –ve gearing. The owner paid over $550k & is subsidizing my rent with his pay packet as it is only $350 p/w AND I get a tax deduction on that as I have a home office.

If I had owned the property, my mortgage payment would’ve been more than the rent and would not have been tax deductible. In terms of opportunity cost, money that would’ve otherwise have gone into the property would not have given me anywhere near the return that my investments had.

When I sold my first PPOR after 4 years, very little had come off my principal. I might as well had been paying rent, as interest home mortgage was still dead money. For me the difference between paying rent & mortgage is that with rent, I get to invest my capital, gear it & enjoy tax deductible interest payments and associated expenses. Income streams from my investments can then pay for my PPOR, if I ever feel the urge to own one.

Starglow