It seems that ever since Linda announced that she is retiring at the end of this year, I’ve been getting a lot of the “When are you retiring?” questions, and naturally so.
Let me be perfectly clear about this issue: I simply don’t know.
“They” say 65 is the new 55. Maybe so. Right now at 65, I feel I’m still at the top of my game. I love the challenges of steering clients through the ups and downs of the financial markets. So many things that were hard early in my career are now easy. I have relationships with many of you that span 30 years and many more that span at least 20. I enjoy it every time you come in or call.
There isn’t much in the area of financial planning and investing that surprises me anymore. I’ve been around the block quite a few times now and every time I go around it I learn a little more. That still excites me. I have two young partners that I can trade ideas with and share some of the wisdom that comes with age. As I’ve heard Bill Bennett say many times, “I’ve been their age before, but they have never been my age.” Why would I want to walk away from all this?
Unfortunately, we don’t know what tomorrow holds. I’ve seen the health of family and friends change overnight. 18 years ago, a cancer diagnosis came out of nowhere and hit me in the gut. When it comes to the aging process, I’m afraid that 65 is not the new 55. 65 is still 65. My knees creek. My hearing isn’t as good as it used to be and neither is my eyesight. Aches and pains are more frequent and injuries take a lot longer to heal. Another thing I want to be perfectly clear about is that if I feel my skills are diminishing to the point that I can’t give each of you my best, then I will step away.
Linda and I realized quite a number of years ago that our careers would end and we needed to plan for each of you so that your financial plans and investment management continued on in the same manner, whether we were here or not. The skills and expertise here at Legacy has never been stronger than it is right now.
If I had to pick someone to manage my money other than myself, it would be Dan and Jeff. And when I do retire, they will handle my planning and management. Sondra has been here for 17 years and is moving into a paraplanner position, definitely strengthening our team. Our newest hire, Alyssa, already has experience in financial planning and investments even at her young age. So the Legacy ship is in good hands now and well into the future.
So for now, I’m taking it day by day and enjoying every one of them, hoping this great ride I’m on never ends, but knowing someday it will.
These are the opinions of Legacy Wealth Management, LLC and not necessarily those of Cambridge, are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice.
Mike Berry is a Registered Representative offering securities through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Legacy Wealth Management, LLC and Cambridge are not affiliated. Cambridge does not offer tax advice.
Copyright ©2020 Mike Berry. All Rights reserved. Commercial copying, duplication or reproduction is prohibited.
