Dear Future Self:
Hey, how’s it going? Good, I hope. I’m writing to you today because it’s time that I start making life a whole lot better and easier for you. In this letter, I’m going to tell you a few of the changes I’m going to implement, starting today, on the first day of the new year.
I know that we always said, “This is my year. This is when I start making changes for the better.” But this time it’s for real. I’ve discovered a few things about myself — our self? — this year, and I want to make sure that your life is as good as possible.
Think of it as not just a New Year’s resolution, but a new life resolution. I have a totally new outlook, which will hopefully pay huge dividends by the time you come around. Maybe you can even write a letter to yourself in the past, AKA me, some day, and you can let me know how it worked.
Anyway, it starts today. It starts by taking a good hard look at our finances. It starts by taking a long and critical look at our health. It starts by considering how every little thing is impacted by even the most seemingly insignificant choices.
Here’s what I’m going to start doing for me, for you, and for us.
Taking Better Care
Remember in college how we used to eat whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted? Those were a crazy few years. Of course, our metabolism was a whole lot better at that point, which is why we somehow (miraculously) didn’t experience a sugar overdose.
Well, starting today I’m going to start implementing changes to make sure that you get the chance to enjoy yourself a little more. I’m going on hikes now, and working out at the gym. I’m eating more salads and less donuts. I’m cutting down on caffeine and drinking more water. I want to make sure you still have the chance to see the world, and make new memories, and live the active lifestyle which we’ve always been accustomed to.
That starts with this new regimen. Of course, I have to make sure I get rid of all these holiday leftovers, first. That’s always been our favorite.
Reading More
Back in school, I always had a thirst for knowledge. Well, you know that already of course. But as life went on, I let other things get in the way that took up all of my time. I played video games, watched a lot of (bad) movies, and stopped reading as much.
From here on out, I’m going to pick up more books and try to learn more about the world around me. I want to take the time to read about things like finance, happiness, and motivation. I want to be transported across different universes, and find out more about our existence. I want to do all of these things so that you are a more well-rounded person than I am right now. Don’t you think that would be a smart choice?
Enjoying Life
Here’s another thing I’m going to start doing more of, and it’s also something I hope you continue to do once you read this. Let’s enjoy our time here on this Earth a little more. Let’s go for Sunday morning walks, even when the snow is falling and the sun is blanketed by greyness. Let’s spend more time with our family. Let’s throw the football around with our brother, or kids, or grandkids, like our dad used to do with us. Let’s make sure not to get overwhelmed by work, but instead consider ourselves lucky that we are happy, healthy, and employed. Let’s do all of these things and more.
Investing
Oh yeah, this is an important one. Starting today, I’m going to start investing in our future. In your future. Recently, I was introduced to the Tactical Wealth Fixed Income Fund, and let me tell you (me), it is something special. Remember how we used to think fixed annuities were the best investment out there? Well, this is just like your standard fixed annuity — only better. The rates are higher than annuities, there are no management fees, and it’s just downright simple to understand.
I’m going to take the money I had squirreled away (we were always financially savvy, if you’ll recall), and I’m going to use it to make our principal investment. Because the terms are so flexible, this Fixed Income Fund is going to mature in 30 years — which is when I want you to open this letter.
The interest rate for our 30-year note is an almost unbelievable 5.75 percent. Instead of taking the monthly payments now, I’m going to let the earnings compound for the full duration of the note. That’s going to set you up nicely for retirement, or for whatever it is you want to do.
Of all of the steps I’m taking starting today, I think you’re going to love this investment I made the most. Once you read this, you’ll understand why. Go ahead, check our bank account. You’ll definitely like what you see.
Sincerely,
Your Past Self
P.S. You’re welcome.
