Lesson: How much is enough?

I’m assuming you’re aware of the kerfuffle over a government document stating the Japanese will need to save ￥20,000,000 to supplement their retirement income. Of course, you have your thoughts on whether that is realistic. From the news reports, this amount took many Japanese by surprise and caused them to express anger and shock at the government. This reaction then caused Taro Aso to walk it back and refuse to accept the document. You can deny the truth, but that doesn’t make it less truthful. The thing to remember here is that all of the Western world is in the same boat. National pension plans will not provide anyone with enough money to live comfortably in their retirement. A retired Canadian couple could hope to receive about $3,000 per month from their national pensions if they worked and paid the maximum amount possible. ￥20,000,000 may seem like a lot of money, but as you read the articles, you’ll realize that much more is recommended in other countries. If you haven’t before, now may be a good time to panic, ah, I mean save.