Die tomorrow or live to 90? That is the frustrating dilemma we are all faced with every day.
As if this fact isn’t psychologically difficult enough to deal with, budgeting for it is near impossible! So, we can be overwhelmed by the impossibility of the task…
Or, can we allow it to set us free?
The Long and Short of It
If you died tomorrow, most of what you’re worrying about today would be for naught. If you live to 90, so much of what you’re worrying about now will also be for naught!
And in that strange paradox, we’re free! Free to imperfectly seek a balance that works for us.
Of course, there’s still the practical side. We don’t want to leave our loved ones with a mess, whether that’s tomorrow or decades from now. But maybe we don’t need to freak out over every little thing today?
Because if we’re blessed enough to live a long life, and we’ve had basically good financial habits, guess what? We’re probably going to be fine!
Time is generous that way – it gives us space to recover from the odd mistake or setback. That $10k you blew on a meme stock or the financially painful divorce you went through? Those might actually end up as the quirks in your life story that make it richer, not tragic.
Because here’s the thing: time compounds the good stuff – good habits, smart decisions, a little bit of saving. And you won’t be taking anything with you if you die tomorrow.
Playing The Odds
The reality is, most of us are probably not going to die tomorrow. Probabilities! It’s all about the odds, and most of us will be around for at least a few more rounds.
Still, some of us will die, if not tomorrow, relatively soon. Some may have an inkling of it, a hint from a medical diagnosis. But for most of us? We have no idea when the end will come.
And that’s why we’re all here on this balancing act, doing our best to set aside some cash for tomorrow while making sure we’re not missing out on today.
Because one thing’s certain: we all will die.
Free to Be
Feeling free yet? (After that major downer.) Okay, here’s the freeing part!
Budgeting isn’t about predicting the future or trying to control the outcome of life. It’s about setting yourself up to enjoy the journey no matter how short or long it might be. Yes, practice good habits, save for the future and a rainy day.
Allow your budget to have a little breathing room – for mistakes and pleasant surprises. Don’t be afraid to spend when the rainy days come, or if a great opportunity arises.
If you’re lucky enough to make it to 90, chances are you’ll have figured things out along the way. And I bet no meticulously crafted retirement plan projected exactly how it would go.
Proof of Concept
I’ve personally experienced the long and short of life. In my 30’s, I experienced a financially difficult divorce, from which I thought I would never recover. But I did! Thanks to a few decent choices, a little resilience, and the luxury of time.
And if time had run out? Well, at least I wouldn’t have been married to that asshole. 😉
Then came my 40s. I stepped away from full-time work and set off to travel the world while my knees could still handle mountain trails – and the dreaded hover over less-than-ideal toilets. Because life is short! Who knows if I would be able to do this in my 60’s? Or if I’ll have a 60’s!
Of course, I’m not throwing caution entirely to the wind. I’ve got savings, rental income, and insurance. Safety nets are laid out, sure. And my friend Risk is along for the ride – so I know there will be turbulence, detours and delays.
Sure, I may not end up with as much money in my 90’s because of my decisions. Will future me care? Or will she look back with a smile, a passport full of stamps, and no regrets?
Takeaway
So, let budgeting be less about stress and more about choice. Choose to enjoy what you can today. Choose to leave a little cushion for your loved ones, and for your future self. But above all, choose to not worry so much!
Because, in the end – life is short, and its long!
Live a Life You Love
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