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Way to not answer my question, Mark!  |
Ha ha! I guess I did pass on it, huh. That's a tough question. I guess just thinking it through is an excercise in goal setting...I see where you are going.
Hmmmm. How's this:
1. I want my family to be secure in their future. I want to have the cash, and the knowledge to pass on to them. So that I know they are always secure.
2. I want free time to spend with them and my wife for enjoyment. I want free time to be able to be involved in thier lives, so that one day when they leave, I won't feel like I missed it. And they will always look forward to coming home to visit. And they will call for advice because they know they can trust me. I they know that I care and want to help, not judge.
3. I want to provide a good example of doing good for society. I know it is in my heart to do good things, but I don't have the time. It seems lately thatlife is a marathon, every day is work, eat dinner, play a little, get the kids ready for bed, be exhausted, go to bed, then do it again the next day.
Sometimes I fanticise about winning the lottery. But not for the reasons some people do. Not for cars, mansions, and lavish lifestyles. But for the security of knowing that no matter how old my kids are, I will always be able to take care of them, and by quitting my job, I can have more time to be there for them when they need me.
For example. If I had 2 million dollars, I would set up accounts that guarantee college be paid for in full for both of my kids, including room and board for 5 years worth. I would then set up accounts that guarantee my wife and I will retire in comfort with a net positive growth, so that the balance will never drop below $1000000, even if I live to be 105 years old. That guarantees a nice inheritance for my kids. After setting those things in place, the remaining money would be evaluated on how to maximize making positive changes in my society over the course of 40 years.
I know people think Angelina Jolie is so cool with her charity work. But what people don't understand is that she is rich as rich can be. It is easy for someone who is rich to commit thier time and effort to charity. They don't have to worry about themselves or thier family. (of course, I do respect her because most rich folks don't bother with any of it, anyway.)
As it is now, I have a couple meager Coverdale funds for my kids college. But the input is small, and so the projection is not nearly enough. I also have a 401k and an IRA that are both pretty meager. Minimum $ per month going in. It isn't too likely that I'll meet my retirement goals if I keep this slow pace.
Social Security will likely be zilch by the time I get there.
So there you go. My three wishes.
Financial Security for my whole family(broadly defined), free time (and the energy to utilize it), and making a positive impact on society.
I'm also a musician, and would love to get back into performance. But that just robs from #2 without providing a #1 benefit. I have thought about integrating music performance into #3, like by playing music for disabled kids or at retirement communities. It's a good idea, but making it happen takes time that I don't have.