Daily Money - Do You Have Financial FOMO?

I don’t have financial FOMO (fear of missing out). There will always be hot investments, and I just don’t feel the need to chase them. But some people enjoy buying the next big thing, and that’s fine as long as you don’t bet the farm. Investments can take off, seemingly out of nowhere, and that can be exciting for those who got in early. For example, the Shiba-Inu represented Dogecoin started out as a joke, but it’s up more than 6,000% this year! If you’re curious about cryptocurrencies, we’ve got you covered. As the young investors on the subreddit WallStreetBets like to say, YOLO (you only live once).

Best wishes,
Elizabeth

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I plan on working until I am 68-70. I have a job that I love and look forward to going to every day. I also work at a restaurant on Saturday and Sunday that I also look forward to. Since I’ve worked seven days a week for the last 40 years, I really don’t know what I would do in retirement.

Work part-time? Volunteer? I’m currently 64 years old and haven’t even given it a thought. Who knows — maybe within the next couple of years I will have a different outlook on work and life.  

You’re a hard worker! Do you think you’ll stay up north after you retire?

When I start to seriously consider retirement, Florida is where I will move to. In Massachusetts, it’s cold from late September through the end of April. I will jump for joy when I don’t have to pay another oil heat bill or the high automobile insurance premiums. The gas will be cheaper, lower taxes — I may leave sooner than I think!

Right now, I will continue to enjoy working two jobs, going to the gym daily and going to Florida a few times a year. What else can I ask for? My life is fabulous!

Nice! Please tell us a little about your spending and saving philosophies.

My parents taught me great money skills as I was growing up. My father instilled in me the wisdom of “never depend on anyone to support you; make sure you are self-sufficient.” When I wanted my own phone at 16 years old, I was responsible for the monthly bill. When I wanted my own car at 17, I had to pay for half of the vehicle and my father paid the other half. I was totally liable for the monthly insurance bill. I worked at a fast-food restaurant after school and at a hair salon on the weekends. I loved the freedom of having a bank account, a checking account and money in my pocket! 

I seriously started saving in my 40s. I’ve always put 18%-20% of my salary into my company’s 401(k), which they match 5%. I never carry a balance on my credit card(s). If I can’t afford it, I don’t need it. If a crisis arose, I would be able to cover the unexpected expenses.

I don’t have a high salary, so I do have a budget that I follow. I don’t need an expensive car, the latest iPhone, the latest anything. I have a 2016 LG Stylo 2 Android phone and I have been bringing my lunch to the office for as long as I remember. My credit score has been in the 800’s for years. That’s the best gift of all!

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