You’re a Total Jerk

Scott,
 
Your answer to last week’s question from the 90-year-old man, wanting to see whether he should implement your financial plan (‘Old Dog, New Tricks’) would have to be the most insensitive, egotistical slap-back I have ever read in your column. The man is asking a question about finance, not asking for family therapy. He genuinely wants to get a sense of purpose, build his nest egg, and still feel there’s a reason to go on. Telling him to focus on his family and friends not only doesn’t answer the question ... it implies: “What’s the point of looking forward? You’re nearly dead anyway.”
 
Angie 
 
Hi Angie
 
My answer to the old fella’s question was the most insensitive and egotistical thing you’ve read in my column?
 
Hold my beer.
 
So you think the reason for him to go on is to … make more money?
 
He already told me he was financially secure. His problem – which he admitted to – is that he’s nearly dead.
 
That’s life. He’s probably not buying long-dated milk these days!
 
Yet what you got right is that he wants a sense of purpose. And that’s why my financial advice was – where it is prudent – for him to give away some of the excess money he was planning to leave in his will to his loved ones while he’s still alive. That way he gets to watch the joy and hear about the experiences his gifts bring.
 
After all, Angie, we all want a sense of purpose. Some people get it by giving away money to their loved ones in the golden years of their lives. Others get it from writing angry emails to strangers on the internet.

Scott