Foxy,

You could have fooled me.

Paul, scoff if you like, but my point is/was that, as you put it, the sugar coated doughnut was from a private industry source, which by your attitude, should make you very happy that I'm not "sponging" off the govt.
As for your beef about the antics with govt and super, I must say that, even though there would have been SOME money in the kitty, it would never ever be enough to live off for the rest of ones days.
Unless retirees, get REAL discounts and REAL money saving benefits, and not the tokenism that is the current offerings, it will never be possible to live comfortably without some kind of income booster or topper-upper.
My wife and I live very frugal lifestyles.
We actually enjoy being together and never felt the need to seek other forms of enjoyment or interaction.
Apart from family, we each only have one or two friends (of our own) who we get together with once a week, me for lunch, (that's why I mentioned Sizzlers, because their good value for money, because their business model is 'buffet' or 'all you can eat'), and she for coffee with her friends.
No fancy pompous going out to dinner at some so-called fine dining rip-off, sure we still go out for dinner, but it's very rare and it would be for an occasion mostly to do with the family.

Mr O,

You said - "You could have fooled me".

No. that was not my intention.

Besides, it's better to let people think you're
a fool. Then to speak and confirm it! :-)

So watch what you post.

What ALTRAV & Paul1405 appear to not think about is that if everyone were to manage as they do, who would do the menial, low paid work that doesn't afford saving ?
Look at housing for example. Can anyone seriously say the rents are realistic ? Just because people cough up exorbitant rents does not equate to a reasonable standard of living.
If we really want fairness at a level that enables people to save sufficiently for old age then we must first curb the excessive charges businesses demand in return for low quality service.
Let those who "don't sponge off the Govt" actually not sponge off the Govt & see how they manage !

Foxy,

Trust me, I'll be the first to admit what I am and happy to do so. Nothing gives me more pleasure than being what I am. How many people can say that?

Mr O,

You may be happy with how you are, but "self-love"
only goes so far.

How do others feel about you?

After all you don't live in a bubble and our
inter-actions with others reflect on us and how
we're perceived.

Kisses on the mirror is not a good look for most people.