Probably one of the most common causes of cognitive dissonance many JWs face is the choice to plan for retirement. If you're a good JW, then you should believe that the end will be coming soon, surely before you retire. That's what I did when I was younger, blowing decades that could've been better spent because I believed the end was coming, so any planning was a waste of time. After I woke up I started to focus on reality and make good financial plans and habits. Here's my experiences of talking with several JWs on the topic:
When my 401k was brought up, one sister offered her 2¢, saying 'Just be careful you don't put too much stock in that, because the end is really closer than ever. It's not even going to be, like, even another 10 years the way things are.'
Another brother, when I was giving him advice about planning for his future said 'Noooo, I don't want to be sidetracked by that or get materialistic'. I said 'It isn't about living lavishly, it's about having funds for your children, unexpected events and so you don't have to work until you're elderly'. He replies 'Well, I just can't handle that. Last time I saved money I bought a nice car. This is better for me spiritually.'
Then there's the other brother I talked to. He's a sincere believer, but he's also one of the sweetest guys I know. All of his kids are either inactive or disfellowshipped, but they all have successful careers and happy families, and he associates with them freely. He also is not a stickler and is super easygoing and loving. And when talking with him about financial matters, he brings up retirement like it's a given, and he has already taken steps in that regard.
Of course we know that the WTS is the biggest hypocrite in this regard, playing the stock market, flipping real estate and amassing funds.
So what have been your experiences with JWs in this regard?