“Look Reb Menachem there’s no reason for panic” Chaim said soothingly into the phone “you have plenty of time. A common mistake made by people your age”—he laughed—“I should really say ‘our age ’ I’m not too far behind you — is to swing for the fences going for investments that don’t make sense because they’re worried that they won’t have enough to live on. Listen to me you have a few good years before retirement assuming b’ezras Hashem you manage to go another five six years. It’s not too late. I know that you haven’t been great with budgeting…” Chaim paused.
Dovi Gelber stood still in the hallway trying to listen in.
“Yes” Chaim continued “your wife and everyone else’s wife too there’s nothing to be gained by blaming everyone’s doing their best. It wasn’t wasted there were tuitions to pay and simchahs to make. Life costs money. Don’t get upset about it now. You’ll retire like a mensch if we do this right.
“But Reb Menachem it starts now — saving being realistic about what life will cost once you’re not working understanding inflation. How about you come in for a meeting together with your wife? I’ll explain it and she’ll understand too.”
