10th blog:  The ROI on Memories and Knee Support (LOL)

 

Two days ago, I attended the wake of my brother-in-law’s father. During the wake, I found myself chatting with my brother-in-law’s brother—a former banker and account officer to some of Metro Manila’s wealthiest. Naturally, the topic turned to investments. Curious, I asked him what the best investment is, especially for people my age. Without missing a beat, he said, 'The best investment is our MEMORIES.' In plain English: while we’re still young (or clinging to the label), let’s actually enjoy life instead of stockpiling every peso like it’s the end of the world. He pointed out that at our age, we probably have about 15 good years left to explore the world before our knees start begging for mercy. So, if you’ve got some spare cash lying around, don’t let it gather dust—spend it on EXPERIENCES, not excuses. Because let’s face it, once your knees start protesting, the only adventures left are swapping joint supplement tips and dominating bingo night.

 

I asked him, ‘So, you’re not saving for a rainy day or, you know, a trip to the hospital?’ He looked at me and said, ‘No.’ Naturally, I followed up, ‘Well, who’s going to take care of you?’ Without flinching, he said, ‘My brothers and sisters.’ At that moment, I had to stifle a laugh and whispered to myself, ‘I love my siblings, but trust me, I’m not banking on that retirement plan,’ LOL

 

I asked him again, ‘Are you serious?’ He looked at me straight in the eye and said, ‘Yes.’ At that moment, I realized he wasn’t joking—this man was dead serious. But what made him say that? Then it hit me. Of course it made sense. The guy, at age 64, was a seasoned banker, surrounded by wealthy clients practically begging for his advice. He’d seen more zeros in his career than I’ve seen in my bank account. He’d reached the pinnacle of success, so naturally, he’s earned the right to drop philosophical gems like that. When you’re at the top, you don’t just talk about investments—you redefine them.

 

Now here’s what individuals from different age groups and diverse backgrounds might consider as the best investment: For a corporate worker at 55, owning property offers stability and serves as a practical long-term asset. For a retiree at 60, using savings to create lasting memories while staying active is a wonderful way to truly enjoy life. For a philanthropist at 65, giving back to the community helps others and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. For a widow or widower at 70, downsizing and carefully managing assets provides comfort and stability in life’s later years. For a senior citizen at 75, investing in items that support independence and ease makes a meaningful difference in quality of life. And finally, for a nonagenarian at 90, reflecting on life and ensuring the well-being of loved ones becomes the ultimate investment in lasting peace.

 

Forget what everyone else says—let’s talk about me for a change. What’s the best investment at my age (which shall remain a well-kept secret—LOL)? Personally, I’d love to own a two-bedroom condo unit. Why two bedrooms? Because having a little extra space is always nice, especially if one of my grand nieces decides to pop by for a sleepover. And let’s be honest, that second bedroom would likely double as a storage haven for all those ‘must-have’ items I’ve collected but rarely use (we all have them, don’t we?). Beyond that, I’d also love to own another property that generates enough rental income to keep me comfortable, while still leaving enough in my bank account to enjoy life and lend a hand to those who need it most.

 

But enough about me—let’s turn the spotlight to you. Have you thought about what the best investment might be at your current age and stage in life? Is it something tangible, like saving for retirement or buying property? Or perhaps it’s something intangible, like nurturing relationships, personal growth, or creating lasting memories.  Maybe it’s time to start figuring out what makes the most sense for you—because the best investment is, ultimately, the one that aligns with your dreams, values, and the legacy you want to build.