I retired two years ago, and soon afterward my 401K and other retirement investments were hammered by the dive in the stock market. Like so many others, I hadn’t planned carefully enough, both through fault of my own and bad advice from a professional investment advisor. And believe me, I spent a lot of time blaming myself and my advisor. The worst part of looking back is realizing that a part of me knew better and that I let myself be guided by overconfidence. Until you’ve been in a situation like this, you don’t know how bad it feels. And it’s a situation where there are no easy answers.
I was doubtful when my brother sent me a copy of Peaks and Valleys, but I am really glad he insisted on my giving it a try. In sum, the book has given me perspective and a sense of what to do next.
I owe to Spencer Johnson my ability to get past the self-blame, which after a point isn’t helpful, and to see how to strategize to take advantage of what I still have left. The book’s lessons helped me to make a plan that will enable me to stay retired without sacrificing the many things I want to be able to do.
It’s my sincere hope that as many people as possible who are in a similar valley will learn from Peaks and Valleys and get their lives back on track. We all deserve a sense of hope and a way back up!