When our girls were little we enjoyed playing games as a family. Chutes and Ladders, Disney Monopoly, and a SpongeBob version of the game of Life were big hits. Their favorite, however, was the game Uno. Maybe it seemed a little more grown up than the other games we played (the Uno cards were a regular deck of “adult” Uno cards). More than likely, however, it was the memory of playing the game at the beach with their grandfather. My father in law is now retired, having spent his career in thoroughbred racing. He spent many years as Racing Secretary at a racetrack in San Antonio. His career had taken him around the country in that role at many famous racetracks, and even now he enjoys watching races and sports, and gambling. The girls loved playing cards with their grandad, and it made it even better that the same grandad would give them root beer floats for breakfast if they asked!
Eventually we realized the girls were developing some bad habits. Our youngest was a terrible WINNER. When she’d win, she’d do things like fan her monopoly money in front of her face for all to see and inhale deeply (OK, I admit that I taught her that one). She’d croon loudly before throwing her dice “Come on, baby needs a new pair of shoes!” She’d scream loudly “Show me the money!” (She got those two from her mother, btw).
It all became a little much.
We had to calm down a little over our victories and had to teach her to be a better sport. We play Uno occasionally even today, but a little harder version called Spicy Uno. While our youngest is a much better winner now, in private company with family and friends she still likes to really celebrate her wins!
I miss those days of spending hours playing games with the girls. Their laughter and little victories were fun to be a part of, and we are blessed with great (if a little competitive) memories. Our girls are growing up quickly, with one away in college and the other a sophomore – driving and spending as little time with us as possible! We’re nearing retirement, and while it’s not exactly like the SpongeBob version of the game of Life (although it would probably be interesting to live in a pineapple under the sea, assuming you had quality oxygen flow) – there are many unexpected twists, turns and slides to avoid along the path! It’s never too early to begin to think about how you save for retirement. Rolling the dice and screaming “baby needs a new pair of shoes” may have worked at 6 years old, but it doesn’t work as an adult.
Follow the attached link to some tips on retirement traps to avoid, and if you need advice along the way – your team at Pharos Wealth Strategies is here to help!
https://www.pharoswealthstrategies.com/resource-center/retirement/retirement-traps-to-avoid