Thank you. Just what I needed to watch. My wife and I are directors of our farm business and own property, plus small pensions. I am nearly 55, my wife is 52. We have started to save to retire from the farm, and possibly live on rental income, I'd really appreciate you go LIVE and talk about how to earn passive income online and retire comfortably, let’s say $1M.
It isn’t about how much you save, it’s about how you manage your money. Whether you work to earn income or invest, it still boils down to income vs expenses, so yeah you may look into financial advisors for a strategy that suits your timing.
@patrickbrussels4454 that's actually quite impressive, I could use some Info on your FA, I am looking to make a change on my finances this year as well.
@patrickbrussels4454 Thank you for this Pointer. It was easy to find her handler, She seems very proficient and flexible. I booked a call session with her.
Here’s another one to add to your list Geoffrey: As a recently retired clinical social worker, I’ve seen in myself and others the effects the increased amounts of non-structured TIME has on retiree’s behaviors like obsessing on one’s investments by watching the market too closely; expecting folks to return emails or call you back sooner than is reasonable; and blowing normal life challenges out of proportion simply because retirees have far fewer daily challenges as compared to their former working day reality. You might title it: “Time As The Enemy” 😁. Awareness is the first step toward enlightenment. Thanks for your Wise advice.
That’s so true. I could become an advisor (in terms of social impact) to those who are thinking about retirement . I’m alone now with a lot of time. I can’t shop all the time because I can’t spent a lot of money, also I don’t want to accumulate more “stuff”. Questions to ask are, do you have family close by, grandchildren, friends, how is your social life.? Once you home you loose your social network, then what? These things you have to think about.
True. I use that as an advantage...for example wilderness backpacking on weekdays I see no other hikers and I enjoy the solitude. On weekends, I stay home and garden instead of dealing with crowds.
Number 7 is SOOOOO true. Unfortunately, you can't tell someone not to worry. Some people are just natural worry warts. My 81 year old mother who is retired and lives alone worries about everything. She is in good health and has more money than she will ever spend. Yet, she always finds something to worry about. She has honestly always been this way but it has gotten worse the older she has become. One could argue that it's because she is alone, but even when my father was alive, she worried all the time. If only it were so easy to simply not worry!
Another fine video! Thank you for all the valuable tools and tips that you give everyone. I'm 60 years old and a median investor in my 401k. I work for a large employer who I was honored to speak at one of their financial planning events. I was able to encourage young people to start their 401k today. all the tools tips and encouragement you gave me it makes me feel good to be able to pay it forward. thank you for everything you do.
fixable/navigable ...well said! The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. William Arthur Ward
Sound reasoning as always! As a 56-year-old widow who will be eligible for full retirement at 60, it's very easy to worry about my future. I know I have to make sure I will be financially independent and it is important to not just mindlessly blow money. To keep myself from feeling stressed, I choose to change my perspective. Instead of looking at saving and being frugal as suffering to stave away fear, I look at it as a kind of game. It's pretty fun to challenge myself to spend as little as I can in a month, and then try to "beat" that the next month. I wind up feeling like I won or conquered something instead of feeling deprived. I try to do whatever I can to remain positive because, as you said at the beginning of the video, this truly is my next life with a world of possibilities.
I don’t expect an answer to this question, but do you have your own work record with social security? If yes, did you compare collecting your survivors benefit at 60 and your own retirement benefit at 70 versus collecting your own retirement benefit at 62 and your survivor’s benefit at 67? I’m fortunate enough that I can wait till age 70 to collect my maximum retirement benefit. I view social security as insurance against outliving my assets and becoming a financial burden to my children.
@@jameswitte5676 I’m also a recent widow. My husband made significantly more money than I did, even though I’ve worked without lapse since I was 15 years old. Taking survivor benefits at 60 made the most sense for me. I’m also receiving my husband’s federal pension. I’m very fortunate in that my husband thought carefully of my future without him.
@@pamcornelius9122 I’m sorry for your loss, but Im glad your husband planned ahead. A larger survivor’s benefit is one of the reasons why I’m waiting till 70.
I will sacrifice eating in 5-star restaurants, taking rock star vacations and buying new cars in favor of having a big, comfortable, beautiful home full of wonderful things that I have collected over my lifetime. Home is where most retirees spend most of their time - so it should be the nicest thing they own. If my wife and I moved into a smaller place we would have to give up our three-car garage, big yard for our dogs, room to host parties, and space needed when our kids and grandkids come to visit. Also - neighborhoods with smaller homes tend to be cramped and full of renters and/or new families. That is simply not where I would choose to live in my golden years. Yes, I admit taxes are high on expensive homes in good neighborhoods, but still much cheaper than the monthly mortgage payments I had to make for 24 years.
Nobody says that you need to live in a tiny home. You can relocate to a nice home in a different area. I know plenty who do this and are perfectly happy. Their decisions had nothing to do with whether they could afford it, the choice was all about quality of life.
Your analogy on food cost fits me perfectly. There is only so much enjoyment I can be from eating out. Beyond a certain $ it actually makes me not enjoy any of the food or experience.
Beyond the comfort level, stress settles in and enjoyment decreases. I thought I would enjoy San Francisco, had wanted to visit for so long. Once we got there, my hubby and I bickered over the cost of dinning and entertainment. We wind up not enjoying our trip at all.
"Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you". AMEX has a free card that pays 2-3%. You can live without a watch. I wear one that cost $40. that monitors my heart rate and sleep patterns. My phone has a clock, but I'm retired, it usually does not matter what time it is. Or what day. Go out for lunch instead of dinner, prices are half and portions are smaller. Skip dessert, sugar is bad for you.
I think these are fine things, but the #1 thing that will ruin your retirement is marital discord and divorce. You spend 30-40 years with this person and if things go south, financially and psychologically there will be a great deal of suffering. Make sure that you are actively investing in your marriage, ideally at all times, but especially as you go into the life change of retirement.
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I coach my kids in their 20's all the time that if you can't control or change something then you can't get upset or worry about it. Great other points from this video, also
"A fixable versus a navigable challenge." Smart way of looking at most things in life. Increasingly, I find more things are navigable and fewer things are fixable (or must be fixed by me). I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I only wish I'd known about them a few years ago when I decided to retire. Very helpful. (On the other hand, I'm also amazed that I did so many things correctly without knowing it or planning for it. I just lucked out, somehow. Thankfully.)
Really good video, all 7 points very valid. The one that stood out to me most was #2, "significance". As I approach 60 I find myself time after time waiting on big purchases of something I want, and think to myself "will I really use this a lot or will it become a novelty and sit in a room (or worse, a box) after a few months?". Thinking about that, and looking at the stuff I previously purchased that is now sitting idle (and cluttering up the space), has reduced my spending of "disposable income". A more leisurely life is preferable to more things. Travel, on the other hand, is more preferred, and with planning can be done on a budget. Of course with the pandemic I have significantly reduced travel, but day trips and short nearby outings can be done.
I struggled at first with the marginal utility of restaurants. I enjoy restaurant meals, but they're almost never really worth the cost. Budgeting them as entertainment rather than food helps to keep them in perspective.
I agree with you to a point. Where it's valuable it if you want to go with friends or family, you sit down and have a chance to talk to people without worrying about making sure the food is hot when served, you're not rushing around getting drinks. Now that our kids are adults, we take them out to restaurants so we can have two hours to talk to them and be relaxed when we do it.
Hi Geoff, Your videos are very helpful. I hope someday we could sit down and talk in person or on the phone. I have so many questions about retirement.
#3. Marginal Utility. EG: I have a “toy” car (convertible). I could basically buy any car. I almost bought a Bentley (used). The interior smell was amazing. Fortunately, my brain took over and I saw it just as a “look at me” car and they are prone to high maintenance (a real pain). Solution: I got a Mustang GT/PP convertible. It is a total blast to drive and I loan it to responsible friends. The goal was fun. Mission accomplished.
Thank you for another informative video. I have been using a lot of what you spoke about I'm my life for years and I'm not retired yet! It's just good common sense! Thank you again
This vid reinforced something I had realized a few years ago. The greatest feeling of wealth I've ever had in my life was one day when I was 17, my used car had a fresh tune up, oil change, was immaculately detailed, and had a full tank of gas. Throughout the rest of my life owning nice houses, much better cars, and even airplanes I never again felt that same momentary sense of "wealth". The cash flow and maintenance demands of all of these things instead kept me constantly reminded me that there's never enough. I'm not lamenting my circumstances with a first world problem - I consider that I was fortunate to have had certain experiences that these expensive things provided. I'm merely attempting to reinforce on a point that Geoff made in this vid. With my early retirement and downsized, simplified life I'm coming closer to that feeling I had at 17 where my time and assets exceed the demand that stuff has for my time and money.
Absolutely 100%. In my younger days I felt free to quit my job with only $5,000 saved and a fully-paid car. I felt no fear, filled my ample free time with fulfilling activities, and when I needed money got work here and there. I never had "more" in my life.
So true, after a decade of buying luxury items, because I finally can afford to do so. I actually feel better and wealthier once I sold them and minimalized, simplfied, and uncomplicated my life. Who knew how burden I felt owning these stuff?
ABSOLUTELY spot on! I JUST got rid off all my things and only keep what I need. It all fits on my Subaru and I am going to now be able save for retirement and get out of debt. To be free is to live free and the burden of debt has placed a negative part in my life. No more after today I begin my new adventure., I have five years until retirement.
Great video Schmidt! We have a four bedroom house and want something smaller, but I don't want to lose the 2.5% rate and our equity. Something to think about.
This was a spot on vid, the only problem was I expected it to be from surfside or pool side in Fla, lol. We have family in their 50's an 60's that live the Peter Pan life every day, an I constantly tell my better half, " NOT OUR DRAMA", they own it, not us. We use to call the watch syndrome " Keeping Up With the Jone's". Me an my wife have never lived like that, an never will, were to frugal" AKA CHEAP" to live like that, but thats just us, but were happy, healthy an wise, so were all good. Having seen scammers since I was a young boy here in Fla, an having traveled all over the world, an having lived in Las Vegas off an on prior to retiring, I've seen scams left an right. Can't say I can't be scammed, but it would be hard pressed to catch me or the wife, way to many shifty people in this world, unless it was my millionaire cousin from Nigeria calling, informing me I had just hit the lottery, Lmao. Thx for the vid Geoff.
I did more for my kids than what my parents did for me. I paid for their college to have an opportunity in a job market. And it was understood that my support stops after the graduation.
My dad always said we were “off the payroll” when we graduated from college. And fair enough. I paid for my own law school. Hoping to be able to do the same for my kids for their undergrad degrees.
@@amyyates8273 Good for you Amy. I'm sure you became financially responsible at the early age like my kids did by earning their allowances. When you earn, you learn to appreciate so much more.
Hi Geoff, I really like your videos and commonsense approach. I am in Australia so it takes a little to translate from some of your terms IRS, 401K etc. But most of your life strategies and needs/wants really resonate. I get a lot of reinforcement from your information for my retirement strategy. Great work.
Due to covid the company offered a good package, I took it. Sadly my spouse passed away a few month after that. I did get paid out a little life insurance and paid off my condominium. I don’t have much, but I can manage. I don’t care about what others have or don’t have. I learned to be content. I’m debt free, never had debt anyway. I do admit if I had to pay a rent I would really struggle. Thanks for great video once again!
You can live in Maryland and have insurance with another company stationed in another state. I know you know this, just wanted to make sure. Also, you can check around the country and see if you can lower the annual insurance payment. I once did this for my church, you never know.
It comes down to what's important to you. Some people like and are willing to spend the extra money on a Mercedes, Rolex, etc... Understand why you're doing something, make sure it's what you want, and offset by cutting back in other areas. I own a Rolex & an Omega Globemaster. Love both watches. However, I also drive an 11 years old car with 215,000 miles and plan to keep it for another few years. Love it. Zero desire to get a more expensive vehicle whatsoever. Also haven't traveled anywhere in almost 20 years. Not a problem. Don't miss the airport at all. Choices, guys...
@@millyk5685 The key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them. An important key to investing is to remember that stocks are not lottery tickets. get a financial assistant
@@idellameyer7411 thanks for the info . I just searched her online out of curiosity and found her website. Impressive resume! I will connect with her for more guidance
This is one of your better videos. Everybody knows about the traps of buying 2nd homes, or investments "guaranteed" to give 10% returns, but these are ways of changing your thinking about who you are and how to make choices that will make you happy.
Some people are just not market/math smart, Find it boring or don’t have the time to commit and learn. And at the end of the day, Investing comes with risk and a lot of people don’t want to deal with it.
One of my coworkers told another that he was worried because he believed that I was as poor as a church mouse. The coworker told me and we had a good chuckle. It was my boss that didn't have any money, but he had nice things and that country club membership. I was never rolling in the dough, but I managed to hold on to what I had just a little better.
@@HolySchmidt Thanks. But my brother used to call me an amateur. :) Not counting charities and gifts, I spent less than I got in SS last year. Not on purpose. I bought a Mac Mini last year. My electric usage is now 25% less.
I work with a financial advisor, and they had a meeting of clients at a nice restaurant, and I noted that everybody who came, who actually had real wealth drove an old Toyota or Honda. And I mentioned to my spouse and we chuckled that the people buying expensive cars during their working years basically are driving themselves primarily to a longer working life for no net gain. And I'm not opposed to buying great cars, but a little common sense (e.g. if you have to lease it, you can't afford it) goes a long way in enjoying life.
The "scarcity mindset" has helped us save over $25,000 per year in health insurance premiums because we limit our 401k withdrawls so our gross income is low enough to qualify for Obamacare until medicare at age 65.
I am very frugal with money when it comes to certain things. I like good quality things, but when I buy something it has to be useful and have value to me. I don't buy things to show off. I will buy an expensive watch for the workmanship, and the design that goes in to it. Most of the watches I ware are low cost Casio and Timex. I keep these things to myself. I will wear my sleeve over any type of watch to avoid banging it in to things. I like a comfortable car that is a nice ride. I buy a colour that does not attract attention. I don't go around showing it off to anyone. When buying clothes I buy ones that will last a very long time and have a life time warranty if possible. I am not a person who goes for latest style. I am wearing clothes that are in the 20 to 40 year old range. I try to keep shoes for at least 3 to 5 years if I can. These are outdoor type clothing and hiking shoes. I don't even own a suit or dress shoes. I have no need for a suit and dress shoes. Most of the furniture in my home is used, and I refinished them myself. The only thing I buy new are appliances to have reliability and safety. If a room needs painting I will go to a paint store and buy what I need, and do it myself. I was brought up in a low income home. When I was a kid we were so poor my parents were not able to buy me a bicycle. When I finished school, I worked hard, invested, and saved all my life. I live in a very conservative type of fashion. Over last 45 years I never took a vacation. If I went somewhere it was for a reason and not for sitting and doing nothing for a few weeks. I don't enjoy going to bars and clubs. If I dine out it is of good quality, but I don't indulge just to eat a lot, and it has nothing to do with the cost. It is just the way I am. The very few people who know me think I am a cheap skate, but this is the way I am and I will not change. I don't care what people think of me...
You always have good advice for us, Geoff. Which hotel to frequent can only be determined by one key feature. The one closest to the guitar shop gets my vote. 😁
You don't have the law of diminishing marginal utility quite right. The law is that marginal utility diminishes as one consumes each additional unit of the good. Product mix, however, does fit within this discussion where MU(x)/P(x) should equal MU(y)/P(y). When that mix is not equal, it means that the good for which the ratio is higher is more desirable in that mix. So, in the steak example, it's possible that the MU of that steak is so high that the price spent is worth it. But, on the second night, the MU is lower, the price is the same, and other options for dinner may be more economically efficient.
I have to really chuckle at the whole watch thing. I've never been into status anything, but evenso, the two things I have worn that people have consistently commented on and complimented me over: a pair of thrifted green corduroy overalls and a charms choker I put together from cheap bits from Michael's Craft store! Go figure! Dress for yourself...don't ever dress for others. Period.
The biggest downsize to wealth, is that your entire identity becomes based on it. When those people look into the mirror, they don't necessarily like what they see.
It all depends on their advanced age and mental abilities. My 96 year old Mom is fairly sharp and content, but we buy her groceries (she pays), clean her house, check up on her bills and money, clean out the fridge etc. A neighbor mows her lawn and takes out her trash. Sometimes it seems like a lot for me since I'm in my 70s with some health issues. Unfortunately there isn't enough money to pay for these services.
Another great video, Thanks. I thought the "Target on your back" was going to be about not trusting your investments. I have that from experience. I have been ripped off by supposed finacial institutions and my current investments are doing very poorly and have been for 6 months.
I watch your videos but honestly, I thought this was going to be clickbait. I was wrong. Good things to be aware of during retirement. I do love nice watches….Hah!
#2 downside of significance. I heard a story long ago; a rich man goes to a cigar store and buys a five cent cigar. The proprietor of the store says “why does your son buys an expensive cigar and you buy a cheap cigar?” The rich man says; yeah, I know, but I didn’t have a rich father.
I prefer the family owned neighborhood restaurants over the fancy ones. I am very happy with my $37 Timex and my Camry I bought with 12000 miles 5 years ago. Put my sons through college with no student debt. (absolutely hate young people getting so much student debt. We as a society need to do better) No financial worries in my semi-retirement, I am only working part time because I want to stay engaged. The next time the "IRS" calls me I am going to ask "How did you catch me". When I have time I like to waste their time.
Rigidity cost my Dad his 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. All 6 of us kids moved out and then Mom died. We all begged Dad to sell the house but he stubbornly refused.
While I haven't been using the term Marginal Utility, this has informed most of my consumer decisions (and I'm sure those of many others) for most of my adult life. And I think I'm set for retirement, with Marginal Utility 'marginally' contributing to that.
I don't know seems like having a big house it's about the same as having a small house out here I have all my toys utilities and taxes about the same as having a junk
Re the watch story: I bought a new Mini when I retired ("if I'm going to have a midlife crisis, it better be now!") and, a year later, driving around in this thing- I still get the fine feeling of satisfaction which I first experienced. What is wealth for? To reduce the decision to acquire "unnecessary" items (which, strictly speaking, is most of them) to merely fulfilling needs which, theoretically, could be met by clouds drifting by- depends on what thrill you get from clouds drifting by. In my case, I make no distinction as to the "virtue" of my psychological satisfaction in owning this car, be it vanity, thrills, whatever. I get a lot more utility from having that money on the road, that sitting in a bank account. But, I could afford it.
I am very aware of the BS marketing everywhere to be fashionable and own total BS... Sorry... I won't fall for it. Rather be humble and not a debt slave.
I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I don't like the clips inserted into your videos and the new thumbnails. I find them distracting and the difference in production values is jarring.
Thank you. Just what I needed to watch.
My wife and I are directors of our farm business and own property, plus small pensions. I am nearly 55, my wife is 52.
We have started to save to retire from the farm, and possibly live on rental income, I'd really appreciate you go LIVE and talk about how to earn passive income online and retire comfortably, let’s say $1M.
you should consider financial planning.
It isn’t about how much you save, it’s about how you manage your money. Whether you work to earn income or invest, it still boils down to income vs expenses, so yeah you may look into financial advisors for a strategy that suits your timing.
@patrickbrussels4454 that's actually quite impressive, I could use some Info on your FA, I am looking to make a change on my finances this year as well.
@patrickbrussels4454 Thank you for this Pointer. It was easy to find her handler, She seems very proficient and flexible. I booked a call session with her.
Here’s another one to add to your list Geoffrey: As a recently retired clinical social worker, I’ve seen in myself and others the effects the increased amounts of non-structured TIME has on retiree’s behaviors like obsessing on one’s investments by watching the market too closely; expecting folks to return emails or call you back sooner than is reasonable; and blowing normal life challenges out of proportion simply because retirees have far fewer daily challenges as compared to their former working day reality. You might title it: “Time As The Enemy” 😁. Awareness is the first step toward enlightenment. Thanks for your Wise advice.
Yes as I have experienced a Zero Schedule since June 2021. Even as a toddler, I attended church every Sunday for example.
That’s so true. I could become an advisor (in terms of social impact) to those who are thinking about retirement . I’m alone now with a lot of time. I can’t shop all the time because I can’t spent a lot of money, also I don’t want to accumulate more “stuff”. Questions to ask are, do you have family close by, grandchildren, friends, how is your social life.? Once you home you loose your social network, then what? These things you have to think about.
True. I use that as an advantage...for example wilderness backpacking on weekdays I see no other hikers and I enjoy the solitude. On weekends, I stay home and garden instead of dealing with crowds.
A lot of those working at Walmart and Home Depot aren’t doing it for the $
This is the highest quality Financial advice channel I have found on RUclips.
Number 7 is SOOOOO true. Unfortunately, you can't tell someone not to worry. Some people are just natural worry warts. My 81 year old mother who is retired and lives alone worries about everything. She is in good health and has more money than she will ever spend. Yet, she always finds something to worry about. She has honestly always been this way but it has gotten worse the older she has become. One could argue that it's because she is alone, but even when my father was alive, she worried all the time. If only it were so easy to simply not worry!
I wish you all a life of COMPLETE ABUNDANCE!🙏⭐️
Thanks for the kind thoughts
Another fine video! Thank you for all the valuable tools and tips that you give everyone. I'm 60 years old and a median investor in my 401k. I work for a large employer who I was honored to speak at one of their financial planning events. I was able to encourage young people to start their 401k today. all the tools tips and encouragement you gave me it makes me feel good to be able to pay it forward. thank you for everything you do.
To get significance try helping others in need and/or learning a new skill e.g. software development, woodworking, etc....
fixable/navigable ...well said!
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. William Arthur Ward
Sound reasoning as always! As a 56-year-old widow who will be eligible for full retirement at 60, it's very easy to worry about my future. I know I have to make sure I will be financially independent and it is important to not just mindlessly blow money. To keep myself from feeling stressed, I choose to change my perspective. Instead of looking at saving and being frugal as suffering to stave away fear, I look at it as a kind of game. It's pretty fun to challenge myself to spend as little as I can in a month, and then try to "beat" that the next month. I wind up feeling like I won or conquered something instead of feeling deprived. I try to do whatever I can to remain positive because, as you said at the beginning of the video, this truly is my next life with a world of possibilities.
I don’t expect an answer to this question, but do you have your own work record with social security? If yes, did you compare collecting your survivors benefit at 60 and your own retirement benefit at 70 versus collecting your own retirement benefit at 62 and your survivor’s benefit at 67? I’m fortunate enough that I can wait till age 70 to collect my maximum retirement benefit. I view social security as insurance against outliving my assets and becoming a financial burden to my children.
@@jameswitte5676 I’m also a recent widow. My husband made significantly more money than I did, even though I’ve worked without lapse since I was 15 years old. Taking survivor benefits at 60 made the most sense for me. I’m also receiving my husband’s federal pension. I’m very fortunate in that my husband thought carefully of my future without him.
@@pamcornelius9122 I’m sorry for your loss, but Im glad your husband planned ahead. A larger survivor’s benefit is one of the reasons why I’m waiting till 70.
I will sacrifice eating in 5-star restaurants, taking rock star vacations and buying new cars in favor of having a big, comfortable, beautiful home full of wonderful things that I have collected over my lifetime. Home is where most retirees spend most of their time - so it should be the nicest thing they own. If my wife and I moved into a smaller place we would have to give up our three-car garage, big yard for our dogs, room to host parties, and space needed when our kids and grandkids come to visit. Also - neighborhoods with smaller homes tend to be cramped and full of renters and/or new families. That is simply not where I would choose to live in my golden years. Yes, I admit taxes are high on expensive homes in good neighborhoods, but still much cheaper than the monthly mortgage payments I had to make for 24 years.
I agree 💯%
Up to you. Some of us lack large family ties and prefer to be less restrained by a large home to be enslaved to.
Nobody says that you need to live in a tiny home. You can relocate to a nice home in a different area. I know plenty who do this and are perfectly happy. Their decisions had nothing to do with whether they could afford it, the choice was all about quality of life.
Your analogy on food cost fits me perfectly. There is only so much enjoyment I can be from eating out. Beyond a certain $ it actually makes me not enjoy any of the food or experience.
Beyond the comfort level, stress settles in and enjoyment decreases.
I thought I would enjoy San Francisco, had wanted to visit for so long. Once we got there, my hubby and I bickered over the cost of dinning and entertainment. We wind up not enjoying our trip at all.
"Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you". AMEX has a free card that pays 2-3%. You can live without a watch. I wear one that cost $40. that monitors my heart rate and sleep patterns. My phone has a clock, but I'm retired, it usually does not matter what time it is. Or what day. Go out for lunch instead of dinner, prices are half and portions are smaller. Skip dessert, sugar is bad for you.
Early Bird specials!!
Agreed but a nice watch is fine 🙂
As someone who will be retiring in the next few years, I can tell you these are lifelong rules to live by not just for retirees.
I think these are fine things, but the #1 thing that will ruin your retirement is marital discord and divorce. You spend 30-40 years with this person and if things go south, financially and psychologically there will be a great deal of suffering. Make sure that you are actively investing in your marriage, ideally at all times, but especially as you go into the life change of retirement.
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I coach my kids in their 20's all the time that if you can't control or change something then you can't get upset or worry about it. Great other points from this video, also
"A fixable versus a navigable challenge." Smart way of looking at most things in life. Increasingly, I find more things are navigable and fewer things are fixable (or must be fixed by me). I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I only wish I'd known about them a few years ago when I decided to retire. Very helpful. (On the other hand, I'm also amazed that I did so many things correctly without knowing it or planning for it. I just lucked out, somehow. Thankfully.)
Really good video, all 7 points very valid. The one that stood out to me most was #2, "significance". As I approach 60 I find myself time after time waiting on big purchases of something I want, and think to myself "will I really use this a lot or will it become a novelty and sit in a room (or worse, a box) after a few months?". Thinking about that, and looking at the stuff I previously purchased that is now sitting idle (and cluttering up the space), has reduced my spending of "disposable income". A more leisurely life is preferable to more things. Travel, on the other hand, is more preferred, and with planning can be done on a budget. Of course with the pandemic I have significantly reduced travel, but day trips and short nearby outings can be done.
I struggled at first with the marginal utility of restaurants. I enjoy restaurant meals, but they're almost never really worth the cost. Budgeting them as entertainment rather than food helps to keep them in perspective.
I agree with you to a point. Where it's valuable it if you want to go with friends or family, you sit down and have a chance to talk to people without worrying about making sure the food is hot when served, you're not rushing around getting drinks.
Now that our kids are adults, we take them out to restaurants so we can have two hours to talk to them and be relaxed when we do it.
Probably the best analysis on this subject I have ever seen and I work in Finance.
One of the best you tube channels…..
Thanks Lou!
Hi Geoff,
Your videos are very helpful. I hope someday we could sit down and talk in person or on the phone. I have so many questions about retirement.
#3. Marginal Utility. EG: I have a “toy” car (convertible). I could basically buy any car. I almost bought a Bentley (used). The interior smell was amazing. Fortunately, my brain took over and I saw it just as a “look at me” car and they are prone to high maintenance (a real pain). Solution: I got a Mustang GT/PP convertible. It is a total blast to drive and I loan it to responsible friends. The goal was fun. Mission accomplished.
Thank you for this summary. This is great advice as usual from this channel. You are genuine and helpful to many!
Thank you for another informative video. I have been using a lot of what you spoke about I'm my life for years and I'm not retired yet! It's just good common sense! Thank you again
My pleasure Terry.
This vid reinforced something I had realized a few years ago. The greatest feeling of wealth I've ever had in my life was one day when I was 17, my used car had a fresh tune up, oil change, was immaculately detailed, and had a full tank of gas. Throughout the rest of my life owning nice houses, much better cars, and even airplanes I never again felt that same momentary sense of "wealth". The cash flow and maintenance demands of all of these things instead kept me constantly reminded me that there's never enough. I'm not lamenting my circumstances with a first world problem - I consider that I was fortunate to have had certain experiences that these expensive things provided. I'm merely attempting to reinforce on a point that Geoff made in this vid. With my early retirement and downsized, simplified life I'm coming closer to that feeling I had at 17 where my time and assets exceed the demand that stuff has for my time and money.
It's all about the 'differential'- the headroom and excess above your normal expenses, whatever they are. That is a ratio- not a simple number.
Absolutely 100%. In my younger days I felt free to quit my job with only $5,000 saved and a fully-paid car. I felt no fear, filled my ample free time with fulfilling activities, and when I needed money got work here and there. I never had "more" in my life.
So true, after a decade of buying luxury items, because I finally can afford to do so. I actually feel better and wealthier once I sold them and minimalized, simplfied, and uncomplicated my life. Who knew how burden I felt owning these stuff?
ABSOLUTELY spot on! I JUST got rid off all my things and only keep what I need. It all fits on my Subaru and I am going to now be able save for retirement and get out of debt. To be free is to live free and the burden of debt has placed a negative part in my life. No more after today I begin my new adventure., I have five years until retirement.
Jeff, Another OUTSTANDING video!
#2…The downside of significance.
“The whole objective is to feel that way without the jewelry.” (Mike Tyson)
I love that Mile Tyson quote!
Thank you for your wise counsel. Much appreciated!
You bet Michael
Wow. Avoiding worry. That one really hit me. Thanks for saying that.
Re: Point 5. If somebody says they are trying to help you, they are running for office, trying to sell you something or just yanking your chain.
Hear hear!
Even the EMT’s who are attending to you after you collapsed at the grocery store of a massive coronary?
WHo in there right mid pay $5000 or $695 or $250 for a credit card. You are NUTS!
Great video Schmidt! We have a four bedroom house and want something smaller, but I don't want to lose the 2.5% rate and our equity. Something to think about.
This was a spot on vid, the only problem was I expected it to be from surfside or pool side in Fla, lol. We have family in their 50's an 60's that live the Peter Pan life every day, an I constantly tell my better half, " NOT OUR DRAMA", they own it, not us. We use to call the watch syndrome " Keeping Up With the Jone's". Me an my wife have never lived like that, an never will, were to frugal" AKA CHEAP" to live like that, but thats just us, but were happy, healthy an wise, so were all good. Having seen scammers since I was a young boy here in Fla, an having traveled all over the world, an having lived in Las Vegas off an on prior to retiring, I've seen scams left an right. Can't say I can't be scammed, but it would be hard pressed to catch me or the wife, way to many shifty people in this world, unless it was my millionaire cousin from Nigeria calling, informing me I had just hit the lottery, Lmao. Thx for the vid Geoff.
Not even a Time Share? LOL.
@@daviddionne8296 Nope, but my car warranty is good, just dont know why they keep calling tho, huh
WONDERFUL videos you make! I am deeply grateful. Keep up the good work.
Where I live in Texas, many of my neighbors subscribe to the "Big hat, no cattle" philosophy. Lots of show, and probably no (or little) dough.
Love the analogy. Big hat no cattle!
@@HolySchmidt Moo
I did more for my kids than what my parents did for me. I paid for their college to have an opportunity in a job market. And it was understood that my support stops after the graduation.
My dad always said we were “off the payroll” when we graduated from college. And fair enough. I paid for my own law school. Hoping to be able to do the same for my kids for their undergrad degrees.
@@amyyates8273 Good for you Amy. I'm sure you became financially responsible at the early age like my kids did by earning their allowances. When you earn, you learn to appreciate so much more.
Thanks Sam
Good point Amy
excellent video! Things to keep in mind as I move towards retirement (so close....)
Hi Geoff, I really like your videos and commonsense approach. I am in Australia so it takes a little to translate from some of your terms IRS, 401K etc. But most of your life strategies and needs/wants really resonate. I get a lot of reinforcement from your information for my retirement strategy. Great work.
Due to covid the company offered a good package, I took it. Sadly my spouse passed away a few month after that. I did get paid out a little life insurance and paid off my condominium. I don’t have much, but I can manage. I don’t care about what others have or don’t have. I learned to be content. I’m debt free, never had debt anyway. I do admit if I had to pay a rent I would really struggle. Thanks for great video once again!
Please make sure that you have insurance on that condominium, once you do, you will be ok with housing.
@@johnsonajayi7846 yes, I always have had insurance. Although it’s getting harder in our state. Thanks for the advise!
You can live in Maryland and have insurance with another company stationed in another state. I know you know this, just wanted to make sure. Also, you can check around the country and see if you can lower the annual insurance payment. I once did this for my church, you never know.
It comes down to what's important to you. Some people like and are willing to spend the extra money on a Mercedes, Rolex, etc... Understand why you're doing something, make sure it's what you want, and offset by cutting back in other areas. I own a Rolex & an Omega Globemaster. Love both watches. However, I also drive an 11 years old car with 215,000 miles and plan to keep it for another few years. Love it. Zero desire to get a more expensive vehicle whatsoever. Also haven't traveled anywhere in almost 20 years. Not a problem. Don't miss the airport at all. Choices, guys...
Thanks for the comment
You made it and truly understand Life.
Excellent points; a few I hadn't quite considered. Thanks, Geoff! Great ideas for all stages of life.
Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials - much to live on and much to live for. Invest wisely and get good returns.
thank you, can you give a pointer the best investment now ? i am thinking of getting stocks or cryto
@@millyk5685 The key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them. An important key to investing is to remember that stocks are not lottery tickets. get a financial assistant
@@idellameyer7411 I think this is also a great time to invest in private equity and cryto. Can you give a pointer ?
@@melaniewelch9267 I currently work with YVONNE KATHY DEAN a financial expert i met in a seminar
@@idellameyer7411 thanks for the info . I just searched her online out of curiosity and found her website. Impressive resume! I will connect with her for more guidance
This is one of your better videos. Everybody knows about the traps of buying 2nd homes, or investments "guaranteed" to give 10% returns, but these are ways of changing your thinking about who you are and how to make choices that will make you happy.
Some people are just not market/math smart, Find it boring or don’t have the time to commit and learn. And at the end of the day, Investing comes with risk and a lot of people don’t want to deal with it.
Colonel Sanders. Thanks for great videos.
One of my coworkers told another that he was worried because he believed that I was as poor as a church mouse. The coworker told me and we had a good chuckle. It was my boss that didn't have any money, but he had nice things and that country club membership. I was never rolling in the dough, but I managed to hold on to what I had just a little better.
Nice work Dave.
@@HolySchmidt Thanks. But my brother used to call me an amateur. :)
Not counting charities and gifts, I spent less than I got in SS last year. Not on purpose. I bought a Mac Mini last year. My electric usage is now 25% less.
I work with a financial advisor, and they had a meeting of clients at a nice restaurant, and I noted that everybody who came, who actually had real wealth drove an old Toyota or Honda. And I mentioned to my spouse and we chuckled that the people buying expensive cars during their working years basically are driving themselves primarily to a longer working life for no net gain.
And I'm not opposed to buying great cars, but a little common sense (e.g. if you have to lease it, you can't afford it) goes a long way in enjoying life.
The "scarcity mindset" has helped us save over $25,000 per year in health insurance premiums because we limit our 401k withdrawls so our gross income is low enough to qualify for Obamacare until medicare at age 65.
I am very frugal with money when it comes to certain things. I like good quality things, but when I buy something it has to be useful and have value to me. I don't buy things to show off. I will buy an expensive watch for the workmanship, and the design that goes in to it. Most of the watches I ware are low cost Casio and Timex. I keep these things to myself. I will wear my sleeve over any type of watch to avoid banging it in to things. I like a comfortable car that is a nice ride. I buy a colour that does not attract attention. I don't go around showing it off to anyone. When buying clothes I buy ones that will last a very long time and have a life time warranty if possible. I am not a person who goes for latest style. I am wearing clothes that are in the 20 to 40 year old range. I try to keep shoes for at least 3 to 5 years if I can. These are outdoor type clothing and hiking shoes. I don't even own a suit or dress shoes. I have no need for a suit and dress shoes. Most of the furniture in my home is used, and I refinished them myself. The only thing I buy new are appliances to have reliability and safety. If a room needs painting I will go to a paint store and buy what I need, and do it myself.
I was brought up in a low income home. When I was a kid we were so poor my parents were not able to buy me a bicycle. When I finished school, I worked hard, invested, and saved all my life. I live in a very conservative type of fashion. Over last 45 years I never took a vacation. If I went somewhere it was for a reason and not for sitting and doing nothing for a few weeks. I don't enjoy going to bars and clubs. If I dine out it is of good quality, but I don't indulge just to eat a lot, and it has nothing to do with the cost. It is just the way I am. The very few people who know me think I am a cheap skate, but this is the way I am and I will not change. I don't care what people think of me...
Another Great video. Thank you
You always have good advice for us, Geoff. Which hotel to frequent can only be determined by one key feature. The one closest to the guitar shop gets my vote. 😁
Very good advice!
Thanks Kat
You don't have the law of diminishing marginal utility quite right. The law is that marginal utility diminishes as one consumes each additional unit of the good. Product mix, however, does fit within this discussion where MU(x)/P(x) should equal MU(y)/P(y). When that mix is not equal, it means that the good for which the ratio is higher is more desirable in that mix. So, in the steak example, it's possible that the MU of that steak is so high that the price spent is worth it. But, on the second night, the MU is lower, the price is the same, and other options for dinner may be more economically efficient.
I have to really chuckle at the whole watch thing. I've never been into status anything, but evenso, the two things I have worn that people have consistently commented on and complimented me over: a pair of thrifted green corduroy overalls and a charms choker I put together from cheap bits from Michael's Craft store! Go figure! Dress for yourself...don't ever dress for others. Period.
The biggest downsize to wealth, is that your entire identity becomes based on it. When those people look into the mirror, they don't necessarily like what they see.
So wise , Thank You
Thanks Henry
Great food for thought....
Thanks John
N>hkt
What about the parents who never ever take care of themselves and the retired children have to take care of their mom and dad??
It all depends on their advanced age and mental abilities. My 96 year old Mom is fairly sharp and content, but we buy her
groceries (she pays), clean her house, check up on her bills and money, clean out the fridge etc. A neighbor mows her lawn
and takes out her trash. Sometimes it seems like a lot for me since I'm in my 70s with some health issues. Unfortunately
there isn't enough money to pay for these services.
Thx so much for these videos!
Another great video, Thanks.
I thought the "Target on your back" was going to be about not trusting your investments. I have that from experience. I have been ripped off by supposed finacial institutions and my current investments are doing very poorly and have been for 6 months.
Everyone's investment results are down the last 6 months. Don't fret if your downturn merely tracks the market as a whole.
I watch your videos but honestly, I thought this was going to be clickbait. I was wrong. Good things to be aware of during retirement. I do love nice watches….Hah!
Good advice!!
Great info!
#2 downside of significance. I heard a story long ago; a rich man goes to a cigar store and buys a five cent cigar. The proprietor of the store says “why does your son buys an expensive cigar and you buy a cheap cigar?” The rich man says; yeah, I know, but I didn’t have a rich father.
I prefer the family owned neighborhood restaurants over the fancy ones. I am very happy with my $37 Timex and my Camry I bought with 12000 miles 5 years ago. Put my sons through college with no student debt. (absolutely hate young people getting so much student debt. We as a society need to do better) No financial worries in my semi-retirement, I am only working part time because I want to stay engaged.
The next time the "IRS" calls me I am going to ask "How did you catch me". When I have time I like to waste their time.
Check out the book 'The Millionaire Next Door'....
I hope I pass #7 when I retire.
At least get a little better every day
I like the last thing best.
Collecting at 62 will ruin your retirement. I don't know any successful people who began collecting a Federal welfare check at 62.
BRILLIANT!😍
Thank you
Rigidity cost my Dad his 4 bedroom, 3 bath home. All 6 of us kids moved out and then Mom died. We all begged Dad to sell the house but he stubbornly refused.
I hear you. Happens too much
Sometimes does not want to deal with Moms stuff. My Dad is like that.
While I haven't been using the term Marginal Utility, this has informed most of my consumer decisions (and I'm sure those of many others) for most of my adult life. And I think I'm set for retirement, with Marginal Utility 'marginally' contributing to that.
#7 will never go away. Not if you are a parent!
We can only try to improve upon that one
#6 was not really all that clear? Can you provide an example. I am a huge worrier.
thanks j
you make me laugh at your ideas of parenting, you must be love by your children very much!
Thanks
I don't know seems like having a big house it's about the same as having a small house out here I have all my toys utilities and taxes about the same as having a junk
Re the watch story: I bought a new Mini when I retired ("if I'm going to have a midlife crisis, it better be now!") and, a year later, driving around in this thing- I still get the fine feeling of satisfaction which I first experienced. What is wealth for? To reduce the decision to acquire "unnecessary" items (which, strictly speaking, is most of them) to merely fulfilling needs which, theoretically, could be met by clouds drifting by- depends on what thrill you get from clouds drifting by. In my case, I make no distinction as to the "virtue" of my psychological satisfaction in owning this car, be it vanity, thrills, whatever. I get a lot more utility from having that money on the road, that sitting in a bank account. But, I could afford it.
The hedge is for those people who want to avoid screaming and splashing around. Like me. 😎
Very sound
I am very aware of the BS marketing everywhere to be fashionable and own total BS... Sorry... I won't fall for it. Rather be humble and not a debt slave.
I liked it
The hedge story was stupid.
Ha ha, Roadking is calling me stupid when he can't correctly spell you're and too. Terrible english like this displays pure stupidity.
I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I don't like the clips inserted into your videos and the new thumbnails. I find them distracting and the difference in production values is jarring.
You are off the tracks. You are too descriptive about the reasons
I never watch this simple BS…but number one is death….continue, sir
You should really charge money for
These videos it's amazing this crap
Is free to watch ....lloll....
Thank you
My pleasure