Twenty one years ago whilst setting up a small business I had the banking chap round for a chat about insurance and such matters. He went on to me for a good half hour about starting a personal pension plan. I flatly refused.
At the time my parents were staying with us both JW's. When the bank's man left. I went into the living with a drink and we discussed it, my wife and I along with my parents. We felt it would be a lack of faith in the Faithfull Slave who had explained Jesus words (He was their head) that the generation would not pass away. I could have afforded to pay into the pension fund but how could I say I believed the end was near if I did? To do so would mean an element of doubt.
I didn't start one until some ten or so years later when I was leaving the JW's. At this time my contributions were much lower as my circumstances had changed. The financial advisor noticed that I had not taken the plan some ten years earlier and calculated that i could have retired with twice the amount of money if I had.
My retirement looks bleak to say the least. I'm hoping being such good christian men the Governing Body will reimbuse my losses.