[JohnW]

Somewhere along the line there is a happy medium when it comes to balancing out what to spend and what to save. In younger life with children to look after etc. it is sometimes almost impossible to put anything away for retirement. However, it is important that you plan so you can achieve the lifestyle that you want in retirement and when the kids have left home, it becomes easier to do this. Of course, some of us will not make it past 65 or whatever, or we'll pass away soon after we end our working life. "Always look on the bright side" is a good maxim though, plan as though you're going to live to at least 80. After that, when the money has run out, yes, let the state look after you for all the hard work you have put in throughout your life.