I keep hearing that we need to fix the Social Security System and Medicare. The programs are running out of money. That may be true but being retired, your Mom and I do receive their benefits. January 1, Social Security will be increased 1.7% to account for inflation. Our monthly benefit goes up. I guess they will fix the system next year…yeah right.
I know most of you haven’t read the book “Moneyball” but it is about the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team named Billy Beane. He uses computers, statistics and knowledge of baseball to win baseball games. The payroll of his team is the lowest in baseball. This year the Oakland team made it into the playoffs proving again that lots of money doesn’t get you victories. Go Billy Beane.
I have a friend that exercises at the same Health Club that I do. He has been planning retirement carefully for years. Retirement came quicker than he planned. He suddenly got “canned”. I can identify with that. The question is “what do you do”? “What do you do?” What do you do when you are under 60 years of age and you don’t qualify for government benefits. The answer is you “stop”. Relax. Take inventory of your financial situation, give the “middle finger salute” to the company that prematurely retired you because of your age (which is discrimination by the way) and have a beer. After working out a reasonable severance package and checking retirement savings it seems the “sun will come out tomorrow”. Add in potential offers of part time work because of his work knowledge, his life actually may get better.
Turn to the one you love and give them a hug. Focus on important things in life.
Love,
Dad