Jay Pillay: There’s a tattoo around…

Yes, that’s a photo of my tattoo. It’s not a printing error. I can read it in front of a mirror. It reminds me of the period of total dependence on someone else – thank you for my lifeline, Mom. It also reminds that total dependence may occur again.

I’ll wear your shoes now, and speak to myself. In many ways, my monthly income has become my new lifeline. And I’m the manager. I’m the manager? Meaning?

· I must plan for what’s certain. If I have dependents, what will they do when my salary stops dropping into my bank each month? Will my Tom @ 4 be okay until he’s Tom @ 20, earning his own salary? Plan.

· Retirement. It’s more likely that death will not occur before I’m 60. I must plan for two events at retirement: reduced income, and increased available time.

· Debilitating disease, or disability – nobody wishes for these. Effective planning is the key. The body Mom left me is guaranteed for life (see above). To make my body last, I must care for it first.

· Any substantial purchases I’m planning to make? I can think of a house, a car, a major holiday. All are possible. Plan from now. The future announces itself at every naked glance in the mirror.

· Whatever income I’m on, I need a monthly list that tells me what goes where. It’s a life support system – not a budget.

· Annual expenses are a devil. But I know them. I must accumulate the right monthly amount, 12 times. The devils become angels.

I’m done with staring at my belly button. Here’s your shoes. Go get your own tattoo.

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