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If you follow me on social media or listen to my podcast regularly, you’re probably aware that I’ve gone through a personal transformation. Thanks to some expert personal training and a ton of hard work, I’ve lost 60 pounds and am in some of the best shape of my life
According to his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, not even the great Warren Buffett was immune to pandemic-induced market volatility. Berkshire Hathaway’s 2020 earnings were down 48% compared to 2019. For the year, Berkshire Hathaway’s stock rose 2.4%, a relatively small ROI by Mr. Buffett’s lofty standards.
So why do many pro-retirement retirees look up from those bucket lists in a year or two and find that they haven’t crossed off anything? Why do some retirees who are excited to play sports, develop hobbies, travel, and spend time with their loved ones end up spending most of their time on the couch?
In 2019 my family took a vacation to Cabo. When I looked at the photos from that trip, I didn't like what I saw. The bottom line was, I had let myself get out of shape. I was overweight, feeling lethargic, and the pictures really brought home the fact that I needed to make some changes. On my own, I started eating better and exercising more. But I knew that wouldn't be enough to get the results I wanted. So, I did what I've advised folks to do hundreds of times in my financial planning blogs and on my podcast: I called in the pros!
A recent newsletter from health, wealth, and personal growth expert Brian Clark got me thinking about what one of my favorite books, The Alchemist, can teach us about the journey towards retirement.
When we’ve talked to folks whom I would consider “successful retirees” on this show, there’s a common theme: stay active. Whether you continue to work, start volunteering, or throw yourself into a favorite sport or hobby, retirees have to make an intentional effort to maintain connections to their communities and their loved ones.