Am I alone...

RetSol

...in finding that the MSE Forum  is like a wise, elderly parent? 

I started consulting this site when I took my pension early at the age of 55 and a half.  That was nearly 2 years ago now and I have dipped in and out of the Forum since then.  I looked at it a lot 18 months - 2 years ago, took a break and then came back a few months ago.

Now, I feel that I have gleaned sufficient knowledge (a) to know where I stand financially, (b) about my attitude to risk and (c) to be aware of the risks that I am taking.   

I also know what I don't know. 

For those who are interested in the Johari Window,  I think that, financially, I am at the stage of conscious competence - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence.

I am not sure that unconscious competence is a useful concept in the sphere of personal finance and investing.  In personal finance, consciousness is all! 

That said, none of us has a crystal ball.

I didn't know where to post this but thank you to @martin lewis, @Sea_Shell, @Linton, @hugheskevi, @Thrugelmir, @[Deleted User], @colsten, @dunstonh, @eskbanker, @Albermarle, @Silvertabby, @Notepad_Phil, @Marcon, @Audaxerand lots of others.

In many respects, my parents were not able to help me navigate my economic and social dilemmas as a member of the Gen X generation and, as a consequence, I struggled for a very long time. 

But, on a financial level, the participants in  this Forum have helped me enormously in the recent past and, for that, I am very grateful.

Sea_Shell

I'm touched that you feel any of my posts have helped you, enough to deserve a mention ♥️

I mainly just waffle 😉

Helpful waffling is now a thing!! 😇

Thank you.



ETA - and you're definitely not alone as I too have learned so much since I've been a regular here.   So it's a thanks to everyone from me too.

RetSol

Helpful waffling is now a thing!! 😇

I live alone.  

I am single and have no children or close family.  I am making my decisions for and with myself.  That's both a blessing and a curse.  

I don't have anyone to waffle with so your wafflings (if that's what they are) are most welcome, @S@Sea_Shell!

TripleH

The waffles here are gluten free, zero calorie and vegan friendly.

I function independently and always have done, but that doesn't mean I don't miss 'listerning' to others.

kimwp

Not sure about elderly parent, but definitely a pool of wisdom I know I can rely on.