Here we are at this annual time of year that we should all be pausing to give thanks for all the wonderful things we have in our lives. So many of us take so much for granted. If more Americans would visit foreign countries and see how the rest of the world lives, I can assure you, after visiting over 45 countries personally, many of us would be more grateful that we live here in the good old U.S.A.
A Life-Changing Perspective
After visiting a third world country, I distinctly remember coming home and just standing in my house with renewed appreciation. I flipped the light switch on and off several times in wonder, assured that the lights would come on at my command with just a touch. I poured myself a drink of water from the faucet and drank it, never fearing that it was of quality that wouldn't kill me, or at the very least get sick. The country I visited had no running water or electricity. The oldest daughter in the family I visited had the responsibility to walk 3 miles 2-3 times a day to bring back two buckets of clean water for her family to cook, drink and wash in. The rest of her brothers and sisters all had jobs to complete on the family farm before and after school. The school… if you could call it that, was a large open air shed with a thatch roof and no walls.
The oldest son was a tourist guide I had for the day. He was very proud he had a job as it was one of the most coveted as he could earn a tip beside his meager salary. He charged his cell phone at the office everyday as well as the second cell phone he left with his family so they could communicate. He was very proud of his family's farm as we stopped by to visit. I was struck by these simple people, working on their farm, and the family was singing as they worked all pulling together, in harmony. You could see the love between them. As we continued the day visiting the historical sites in the area, I realized that my guides' family was considered wealthy middle class…wow.
As this trip was many years ago, I often wonder at this time of thankfulness, how are they? My guide was 19-years old at the time, and by now 15 years later he is a man probably with a family of his own. Are some of the kids still going to the well for water?
At this time of Thanksgiving, take a minute to be thankful for what we take for granted. And yes... I gave him a generous tip, and my extra ball point pen.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's story really hits home for me because I see how this perspective applies to retirement planning every day. When people ask me, "How much is enough for retirement?" I often remind them that here in America, we have Social Security benefits starting at age 62, Medicare coverage beginning at 65, and retirement account protections through the FDIC and SIPC that simply don't exist in many parts of the world. In 2026, the average Social Security retirement benefit is around $1,900 per month, and Medicare Part B premiums are $185 monthly. These safety nets mean your retirement foundation is already stronger than you might think.
The gratitude David talks about can actually help with retirement anxiety too. Most people are surprised when they learn this, but you don't need millions to retire comfortably in America. With proper planning using 401k accounts, IRAs, and Social Security coordination, a middle-class retirement is absolutely achievable. Think of it this way: David's guide was proud to earn tips and charge his phone at work, while you have access to employer 401k matching, Roth IRA growth, and healthcare through Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. A little perspective really does make all the difference in your planning journey.