Pension and retirement

[RBatson]

Just last month we were informed that the pension we were planning on was drastically cut. It actually took place the day after I was married My insurance was cut as well(I won't go into that). I was looking at retiring after 33 yrs with a $3k a month retirement. Since the cut and after doing the little formula they give for time credited and time left I'm looking at $1900 for 33yrs of service, at age 52. After paying for insurance I'm left with $850.. So I guess I'm looking at working until I'm 62 to get $3500 and insurance.. what the hell, that's only 43 yrs of service. I've been holding out with this job thinking about the $3k@52 and moving to Fla and now at the age of 35 I see the rug yanked out from under me! Had I known this at the age of 22 I would have moved to Fla and found a job there. I guess I can't complain too much because I still make a decent wage but I can't help but wonder how long it will be until that changes. With Mr. Bush giving immigrants 3 yr work permits I guess there goes more jobs, ultimately affecting mine.

This is happening all over America and I do feel lucky to still have a good job(which could change at any time). I guess I shouldn't be too upset because my pay/insurance/pension is alot better than most working class people but I can't help but feel cheated. I guess we will all have to build our own retirement plan, which is what most companies want now(401k), and hope we planned far enough ahead to see us thoughout our days.

I'm sure alot of you guys are going though this, maybe not.. Its just another reason to look for the Made In America tag when you go to buy something. Even if it cost 10 bucks more, there's more to it than that...

I guess we can't take anything for granted and maybe we should live for the moment and live the life we want because after all nothing is gauranteed.