Bob’s Journal for 12/30/21

Highlighting a Holiday Conundrum

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day most years, my wife, Elaine, and I like to spend time watching the classic holiday movies and specials.

We enjoy watching a movie when we want to instead of when someone’s broadcasting it, so I used to record them and now mostly track which streaming services they’re on. We watch both the old black-and-white classics, as well as some of the more recent ones.

The main themes of most of them, but not all, tend to fall into one of two categories. There’s the “Scrooge” theme in which the protagonist regrets how he’s lived and tries to make up for it in the time he has left.

Then there’s the “It’s a Wonderful Life” theme in which the protagonist had high expectations for his life when younger and now is disappointed or even depressed that the expectations weren’t met. But with help from others, he changes his focus and expectations and realizes that his life is pretty good.

A thread in both categories is that money, professional or business success, and similar qualities ultimately aren’t what really make life satisfactory or successful. Relationships, life experiences and doing things for and with others matter more in the long run.

I recently came across a quote from actor Ethan Hawke. Speaking of the overdose death of his friend and fellow actor, River Phoenix, Hawke said, “People think getting what you want will make you happy, but a sense of self, purpose and love don’t come from the outside.”

In one of the lesser-known holiday classics, “It Happened on Fifth Avenue,” a homeless man imparts his philosophy and life lessons to the world’s second-richest man throughout the movie, without realizing he’s talking to the world’s second-richest man. Gradually, the wealthy man realizes his priorities and outlook should change.

At the end as he watches the homeless man walk away, the second-richest man in the world says to his wife, “There are richer men than I.”

My focus in Retirement Watch, the Spotlight Series, Bob’s Journal and other work is retirement finance. I want to help you improve and maintain your financial independence. But from time to time, I remind my readers that being financially secure doesn’t guarantee retirement success.

You also have to plan and manage the non-financial aspects of retirement. You need fulfilling relationships and social contacts, activities to keep your mind engaged and learning new things, and a sense of purpose.

In 2021 I’ve enjoyed bringing to you the latest news, insights, and strategies regarding every aspect of your retirement finances. I’m looking forward to continuing this in 2022, and I expect there will be important new developments during the year for me to analyze and report to you.

Elaine and I thank each of you for being part of the rapidly growing Retirement Watch family and are grateful for your support and kind comments during the year. We also appreciate the team supporting us at Eagle Financial Publishing. I hope each of you has a happy and fulfilling New Year.

Next week, I’ll be back with another Bob’s Journal in its regular format.

Bob’s News & Updates

My latest book is “Where’s My Money: Secrets to Getting the Most out of Your Social Security.” It tells you clearly what your benefit options are in different situations and how to determine the best choice for you. You can find it on Amazon.com or Regnery.com.

The number of regular viewers for my Retirement Watch Spotlight Series continues to increase. You should sign up because I make in-depth presentations of key retirement finance topics. You can watch these online seminars from the comfort of your home or office at times you choose. To learn more about my new Spotlight Series, click here.

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