What’s a 30-Something Couple To Do?

The week that wasn’t is now almost past hump day. A mildly strained back incurred during yesterday’s workout. I grade it as a mild strain as I was able to complete the workout, sans one exercise. Treated it like a good boy last night and today, so I wouldn’t miss a workout. Mission accomplished, though I’m treatin’ it again tonight to be safe. Once you learn the hard way, you don’t ignore gym mishaps, no matter how ‘mild’ they may be. Anywho, today’s schedule called for me to run a mile, then do about 20 minutes of other stuff, then run another mile. Since I ran the second mile faster than the first, I think I’m just about outa the woods. (I knew you’d wanna know.)

Continuing with the theme about the week that wasn’t — had to cart my stiff self to the DMV today. Is the excitement palpable or what? Couldn’t get an appointment cuz I misfiled the renewal notice, found it, but too late. Had to show up with the unwashed masses, book in hand, lookin’ forward to sittin’ way too long in a molded plastic chair. The Lord showed mercy by sittin’ me next to a 35 year old manager of a couple local tire stores, a national company.

As we were both bored silly after three minutes of sitting, and both our numbers were sure to be drawn no later than late Thursday, early Friday at the latest, we searched for something to talk about. Turns out he was fed up with his 401(k) at work. I told him I felt his pain, had he ever heard of something called EIUL? No, but his buddy had turned him on to some relatively prudent/safe monthly investment alternative, and he’d been happy so far. Great — what else are ya doing for retirement?

He said that was pretty much it, but could I cover the highlights of an EIUL? Not a problem, which I did for about 4-5 minutes. He was dumbfounded. He could’ve avoided losing over 45% (his figure) by having had the EIUL instead of the 401. I told him I wasn’t an insurance guy, but if he needed an expert, I had one I’d trust to the end. His number was announced and he shook my hand.

Then he said something I’ll not soon forget. “Ya know, I’m a fairly bright guy, but every time a pro explains something to me, it doesn’t clear up much, it almost always muddies things up more. I appreciate the way you boiled it down to its essence. You have a card?”

Turns out I did.

As he walked away I realized he was probably part of a huge slice of the demographic pie — a well employed, bright, informed, 30-something who’s simply trying to find out how not to find themselves with less capital than they started with as time passes. They’re fed up with intentionally complicated and endlessly labyrinthian explanations of how things work. I got the distinct impression he’d never had anything explained to him on the topic in terms that weren’t intended to confuse or intimidate.

Isn’t that what we all want?

Guess what I’m trying to say is, how things work, why they are the way they are, is almost never rocket science. It’s like everything else in life — it’s complex and inscrutable ’till it’s not. What makes a pro? What makes an expert? Many things, but it includes two things, at least in my experience that are indispensable. 1) The pro/expert must consistently answer questions the client didn’t know to ask. 2) Those answers need to be clearly stated and relatively easily understandable.

I realize that sounds like a Captain Obvious statement, but I keep runnin’ into folks who voice the same complaint this guy did today.

So, the week that wasn’t, took a turn for the better. Got my license renewed, a new picture — the old one looked like I worked for Miami Vice. Got some insight while I was there. Was in and out without an appointment in just over 90 minutes, surely beating the odds big time.

All’s well that ends well.

Make my week even better by calling me at 619 889-7100 to get answers to your questions. I promise, they’ll be clearly understandable. Have a good one.

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