Road trips, bust 401(k)s, and almost arrests (teaser)

Posted on April 19, 2012 at 9:30 pm

This is it. We’re heading on the road for… What… Nearly two months? To discover the answer to one of life’s most uncomfortable questions. I’m sure there are a lot of other things on your mind. And this train wreck of a thought is rarely pondered unless the subject is hanging over your head like a cartoon piano.

Brace yourself. We’re talking about:

RETIREMENT

(screams, cries, dramatic pauses, etc.)

Who has time to discuss it? We’ll figure it out when we’re 65, if we haven’t already. If you are one of the few who planned in advance, well done. But a lot of people I have encountered have experienced a series of unfortunate events. The “life happens” s*** that has been a steamroller. Let’s face it, it’s been who… All of us at this point?

Trust and believe, I am in the same boat. I had to cash out my 401(k) in a “hardship” situation, which you are never supposed to touch, EVER… I mean, until you are ready to stop punching the clock. And at this point, will I ever be able to do that? I am 38… My retirement consists of a pipe dream… Which happens to be a well constructed and sturdy box, under a palm tree, on some island somewhere.

So… What is retirement? How do we do it? What’s the new American dream? That’s what this trip is about. Traveling around and speaking with real people about the looming retirement crisis.

LOOMING.

Isn’t that a fun word?

One thing before I sign off and sign back on later today, or tomorrow. I almost got arrested today with Andrew Meadows. It was epic! More on that later.