Old, Happy People Know How To Live!

Today, most Americans are working harder than ever, just to get by with their current expenses (that they brought upon themselves, by the way)!

Now, as this large majority keeps adding more and more things to their plates (like two or more car payments, or unnecessary timeshares that they never use) they are taking that same amount of dough away from their retirement funds, of which they’ll sadly learn to regret when that “far-off” date finally gets here. So when the small minority of smart-savers (who can actually see the forest beyond the trees) are able to relax and enjoy their golden years comfortably, the majority will sadly be working until they fall over dead (but don’t worry: they’ll have tons of stories about what they once owned, of which they no longer have because, “They don’t make them like they used to”). Therefore, the smartest thing young people can do in life is to learn some useful advice from old, happy, well-off people!

Below is a collection of what I’ve learned from those “in the know” (and who, coincidentally, smell like Aqua Velva and mothballs combined):

Start counting your cash. Not only should you outline a personal budget for daily living, you need to make sure you really stick to it. As you can imagine, every penny counts when you’re no longer employed — so live like this could happen to you tomorrow!

Find a financial planner. “No,” you’re not too young, and “Yes,” you should discuss asset allocation strategies with a professional. However, not all of us think of such things when we are young and invincible. If you’ve never met with a financial planner, do it this week. This is the best way to protect yourself as early in life as possible!

Take care of yourself. Now, more than ever, you need to start an exercise regime. Why? Well, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the old heads say, so stay on top of all regular checkups. Get a flu shot every year, get eyeglasses if you need them and try to stay away from your sick friends.

Don’t ease up on debt. Give it a one-two punch! Do you feel like you deserve a break from aggressively paying bills? You’re wrong! While your lifestyle in this economy may have slowed down a little, your finance charges certainly have not. Credit card debt isn’t just affecting college students and spendthrifts: it’s taking a toll on almost everyone else, as well.

Stop giving handouts. Some people give and give until there is nothing left; if you have a family of moochers who are depending on your income to bail them out of all kinds of trouble, cut them off now. This is easier said than done for many people, but you can’t let family take advantage of you until you’re broke!

Don’t postpone estate planning. While it may be a crappy topic to talk about, you really shouldn’t postpone the matter of your estate planning. Ensure that all your last wishes are legally documented, even if you are the last surviving member of your family (this way the government won’t take everything when you’re gone). No family? Then give it all to charity!

Taking the sensible path with your money has never been more important than this moment in time. Most young people are throwing caution to the wind, and living as if every day is their last (truth: it’s not). On the contrary, you should be living like you have a whole lot of life left in you! In fact, in these trying times, you need to feel more alive than ever (to help you maintain a positive outlook, and to know that everything happens in cycles and will definitely be getting better after a short while). In other words, you need to turn your current income into a solid foundation for your future.

Thank you, old people … I thought you were crazy when I was younger, but now I am starting to see where you are coming from, and I want to live there too!