Member-only story
Death and Retirement
What Do Americans Fear More Than Death?
Shocking but true
I’m retired now and thank God, I had a self-administered retirement plan when I was in the real estate business.
When I started, I did a lot of the grunt work of construction: hammering, painting, floor sanding, rudimentary rehabbing, myself.
My father-in-law (Frank) a 60-some year old retired insurance executive drove into work with me. At the time I paid him $50 a day as an independent contractor.
He made himself available to do some of the work I couldn’t do. And on one occasion, wouldn’t do.
As far as I know, he didn’t need the money. His pension from Metropolitan, a huge insurance provider, was as good as gold and allowed for his wife and him in a style to which they’ve become accustomed throughout the years.
They should have no money worries.
Out the window
One afternoon I noticed a break in the casing of a third floor front window of a property we were working on. I dreaded the necessity of having to rent a 40 foot ladder in order to access the problem area. I have a fear of heights.
But something had to be done.
