No, it is not a scam

I was feeling sorry for myself recently. Connie’s health issues prevent us from traveling, even going to our Cape house for the time being. I said to myself, time really is running out. 

We seem to be surrounded by illness. Two of our neighbors now in Florida have been taken seriously ill and can’t get home. My brother in law fell on ice and broke his wrist and arm. Connie, my cousin and a close friend are all undergoing cancer treatments.

This retirement thing seems to be going down hill. 

No, that’s not true at all. We are, in fact, experiencing life in older age. Nothing is really a surprise even though we may wish things to be a bit different. And then there is this overriding fact, no matter what, someone is dealing with far worse situations – like our friends in Florida. 

We can afford and receive the health care we need, our out of pocket costs are minimal because of Medicare. That isn’t true for most Americans 

I look back on our sixteen years of retirement with great joy. We visited 45 countries, saw and did amazing things, took several cruises, visited all the states and many national parks. Remodeled our vacation home. Bought my dream car (twice). 

We’ve had the joy of watching our grandchildren grow up, spending lots of time with them and have the privilege of helping fund their college costs. 

I chose when I retired. When we decided a three story house was no longer feasible, we found the ideal 55+ condo less than a mile away – no disruption to our lives. 

Our financial situation is not what I ever expected it to be. It took decades to achieve – along with good fortune. I read the stories of retirees dependent on SS (like my parents were) and wonder how that happens after a lifetime of work. 

I see media posts from people who claim Social Security is a scam, Medicare is a scam, saving now and only getting a few years in retirement is a scam. Nothing that doesn’t provide immediate gratification seems to be a scam to some people. 

One fellow today asked why he should invest $50 and wait for it to grow the next forty years and then have only a few years in retirement when he could enjoy spending it now. Asking that question reflects a too common point of view. 

It’s been one heck of a journey. Life throws things at people over which they have no control, sometimes bad things, but also opportunities. The goal it seems to me is to try and overcome the obstacles, grab hold of every opportunity and keep one eye always on the future – and never give up. 

Too many people do or not do things that cause them harm now or in the future, but life is not a scam.