Don't Worry, Be Happy

[REWahoo]

Remember the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" song by Bobby McFerrin? The old curmudgeon Paul Farrell at Marketwatch.com is singing the same tune in this article:

Happiness trumps money for retirees

"Accept the fact that you're just one of 287 million Americans (out of 295 million) who will never retire as a millionaire. Accept that and you'll be a lot happier. A healthy, spirited blend of gratitude and acceptance is the single most effective retirement strategy for any American."

Translation: Resign yourself to living on less and get over it.

http://tinyurl.com/bjf4z

[Eagle43]

Good article. I am in the "relatively happy" group. His statement that most of us won't do the things that will make us a millionaire is true. We just want to be comfortable and secure. I think I am. At least as long as Vanguard chugs along, I am. His other point about healthcare is valid. Without the Tricare serendipity, I'd still be "cubicle man.", attending all those banal meetings. BTW: I liked Bobby McFerrin.

http://upchucky.com/flash-be-happy.html

[unclemick]

Well crap!

In my spend more mode - as of 1/1/2006 - I have 5000 deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City - after going 12 years with no health insurance whatsoever.

Katrina, two deaths in the household this year - has made me a tad gunshy.

Let's see - Firecalc and ORP still puts me ballpark 20k per year under budget.

Perhaps - a Jimmy Buffett break if/when the snow in MO gets toooo much.

Anywise - worrying a lot is my normal habit pattern - I enjoy it - as long as I don't take myself too serious.

Heh heh heh heh

[haha]

IMO, an astoundingly stupid article. "Most don't want to be millionaires; they just want to be secure!"

Well, Duh! But absent the foresight many years ago to park your fat ass in some government job, you'd better have more than a million if you expect to be secure.

Writers write, thinkers think- too bad they are almost never the same people.

Ha

[HFWR]

I disagree with the premise. I think most people DO want to be millionaires. But most people don't do what it takes to BE a millionaire...

Doubt that I will be (in today's dollars...)