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Have you ever seen the movie, "All The Money In The World"?
It's the true story of the Getty Oil empire. I'll try not to ruin the movie for you in case you have not seen it yet. But, I'm sure you know where this is going. Mr. Getty was the richest man in the world at the time, however, he dies alone in an empty, cold, castle.
He had alienated every person in his life in pursuit of money. He thought he could replace people with things, but in his final breaths, things brought no comfort and he died a lonely, old, miserable, rich man.
Be careful that you don't end up with a full bank account, but an empty life.
There are 3 keys to a happy retirement, regardless of how much money you have:
Something do. Someone to do it with and not having to worry about money.
Only one of those items is financial, but it's where most people spend all of their time and energy. Trying to get to their retirement number.
Visit any casino in Calgary, or anywhere for that matter, it's filled with Seniors who have no purpose and most likely, little money.
We recently attended the funeral service of an old friend of ours. It was one of the most uplifting services I have ever attended. Bill had spent his 20+ retirement years looking after his ailing wife, a taxi driver for his grandchildren, attending church, encouraging people, looking after his neighbour's dogs and shovelling sidewalks. He was full of joy and lived to be almost 87 years old. A retirement well-lived. He had a reason to get up each day.
Be careful that you don't end up with a full bank account, but an empty life!
We were created to live in connection with one another. Visit a McDonald's anywhere in Canada or the USA and what you'll see most mornings is a bunch of old guys drinking coffee, reading Newspapers, gossiping and conversing about politics. All of this is a front for why there really there: because they love each other and they wouldn't miss it for anything.
These little social gatherings I'm talking about emerge with no planning or coordination by anyone. They emerge because we need each other. We were created as social beings and none of us can successfully survive by ourselves.
The problem in retirement, especially early in retirement, is that our social construct changes from the workplace to the community. If this is not done properly, a person can feel disconnected and displaced in retirement.
We desperately need someone to share life with!
The number one concern for retired and retiring Canadians is outliving their money. The only solution to not running out of money is having a proper spending plan and more guaranteed income, such as CPP, OAS, work pensions and certain types of annuities.
Click here to learn more about creating your Retirement Roadmap. It's the best way to get a clear vision of your future, get your financial house in order, and live your life with purpose.
Retirement Income, Investment & Tax Planning for Those 55+,
Willis J Langford BA, MA, CFP
Nancy R Langford CRS
587-755-0159
Wealth without purpose = a meaningless life
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