It’s all about the money, honey.
When I was consulting advisors I worked with a fantastic advisor out of Oklahoma and she hosted a local radio show entitled “It’s all about the money, honey.” She has a brilliant mind and is extremely entertaining to go along with the southern twang in her voice, it makes for a perfect brand for her show. However, its not always all about the money, is it?
Steve Jobs was dying of terminal cancer when he said “In the end, my wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. At this moment, lying on my bed and recalling my life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in have paled and become meaningless in the face of my death.”
Steve Jobs happens to have had the same type of cancer that my father has been diagnosed with. The cancer itself is a slow developing and growing cancer, which is a good thing. The bad side of it is that because it is so slow, it is usually caught late so no cure is possible. You can live 10, 15, even 20 years or longer managing the cancer, but death as with all of us is inevitable. This disease causes more reflection knowing that you are terminal and knowing that the date is closer than it should.
My Dad reminds us all the time in various ways that creating memories and therefore being able to learn from and look back at those memories that have been created is the meaning of life.
Why Retire is a question we often pose in our workshops, and answers are really all over the place with a few staples to be mixed in. Travel seems to be #1 on the bucket list for our clients. From Portugal to Columbia to Puerto Rico to National Parks, there is athirst for travel for today’s retirees. Spending time with Grandkids probably comes next.
Spending money to create memories and experiences is something you likely won’t regret in the future. Most people talk about a bucket list, but I’m rarely presented with a hard copy of everyone’s bucket list. Also consider the fact that we don’t have to spend money to accomplish some bucket list items. Here’s a handful of great ones to put on your to-do list in 2024!
1) Write your own eulogy
2) Watch a sunrise and sunset in the same day.
3) Throw a coin in a fountain and make a wish
4) Write a hand written note
5) Get a caricature done
Money does open doors and provide for a lot of opportunities in life, but its not ALL about the money, honey!
—Billy Voyles, Founder & President of Fundamental Wealth Designs
