I was thinking last night how irresponsible I have been with money. I love having the latest tech, I love spoiling my family, I love being able to give to my church and other charities every month. I love being able to travel.
I have not focused on retirement like many of my friends. Yeah, I have a little something set aside, but nothing like I hear my friends talking about their retirement and pensions. I feel like a 53-year-old kid when I hear them talk about their long-term retirement plans. Long-term wha wha what? I could save for tomorrow and travel when I am old, however, the one thing I hear from a lot of older people when I am on my travels is, “I wish I traveled more when I was younger.” That is so true. To me, I want to live now.
My wife reinforces this by always telling me she wants ‘experiences’ over ‘things.’ I did not understand this point when we met 20 years ago. I get it now. She wants to go and do and see things in the world, she wants me and the kids to go and EXPERIENCE THE WORLD!
I have to say she is ABSOLUTELY correct. In the beginning, I took it for granted, I mean I traveled all over the world for 24 years of my life, not realizing how important it has been in my life to experience different cultures, different people, different ways of life. We travel with our kids whenever possible so they can experience the world firsthand and see past our front yard.
Traveling is expensive as I am sure many people can attest to. So is it worth spending money on travel experiences now instead of putting more into a retirement fund and waiting till I am old and retired to travel? Would I even make it to retirement?
In my humble opinion retirement planning is nothing more than BIG business in the United States. These companies are getting rich off the backs of people racing to the retirement endzone. “You have to save for tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. When you get to tomorrow what will you do? Pay for these HUGE medical bills they say you will have? These companies are making big bucks off everyone’s retirement bucks and promising sun fun and travel when you are in your 70’s
FunFact: Did you know retirement itself increases your risk of depression by 40%(Harvard Business Review).
The U.S. can not afford social security which right now doesn’t pay nearly enough for our longer-living society.
Is a 401k really safe? You tell me how many people freak out when the markets crash? You don’t control a 401k and you have limited investment options. Oh yeah that money gets taxed on the way out and the government is going to need a lot more from you in taxes soon https://usdebtclock.org/ (that will make your head spin)
It seems to me that people are racing to retirement like that is the end of the game. Is it? I can’t imagine retiring, maybe changing careers. (Not that I intend to, I would like to stay an insurance agent) but why stop working? I like to work, some days more than others granted, but I like it more than staying home.
A couple of years ago when I had knee surgery the doctor told me that I would have to stay home in bed for eight weeks. I was in shock and said “That’s not going to happen” He and my wife told me that it had to happen (zero weight on the knee) or I would screw up the surgery. I think I made it three or four days before I was able to create a plan to get out of bed, down the stairs, into my truck, and get to the office. My dumbass took a picture of myself at the office and got in trouble with Pamela! I like to work.
Is it just me? I can’t imagine being unemployed. I have worked at McDonald’s, I have been a Lyft driver, I have run behind garbage trucks, I have always been working. (Thank you Mom, she is the hardest working person I know and a great role model) No matter what job was available I would take it.
Last year I read the whole Bible cover to cover, and not once did it mention retirement. There were several passages of parents taking care of children and then those children taking care of parents but nothing on retirement.
I am coming to the end of my rambling. I guess I am going to continue to be a child about this. I will keep putting a little away here and there. However, I am going to keep betting on myself, and if the SHTF you will see a 75-year-old me working at McDonald’s or Walmart or something.
I want to continue to experience the world, get up in the morning with purpose and be part of something bigger than just me racing to the end…retirement.
Life is today, right now, this moment. Don’t waste it. Experience something now don’t wait for tomorrow.
Dan Brewington
Latest posts by Dan Brewington (see all)
- Do the WeatherTech Mats fit my 2022 Tesla Model X? - March 5, 2022
- Delivery Day of my 2022 Tesla Model X Long Range - March 3, 2022
- My First Tesla Video? - February 27, 2022
