How has your luck been? Have you had times in your life when you've had an incredible stroke of luck and other times when are not so lucky? When was the last time you could recall a lucky incident in your life? Who was there, when, or what was it? Whatever it was, it has made you…you!
Old wives' tales are superstitious claims that you will have a lucky incident: Your left eye itches (you're going to see something wonderful), right palm itches (you're going to come into some money), and the most well-known act of finding a penny heads up is said to bring good luck. Then other things supposedly announce impending good luck. A bird poops on you, a butterfly comes into your home, you accidentally put a piece of clothing on inside out, or you see a shooting star and quick! Make a wish! Most of us think good luck is measured by a monetary event like winning the lottery or a big jackpot at a casino. But maybe your luck proved more of a life event?
As young boys, we were swimming, and I almost drowned. An older friend was with us and saved my life. A few months later, I fell out of a tree and could have had a severe injury, but I only needed a few stitches. As a teenager, I was involved in a motorcycle wreck and walked away with just some road rash. That same summer, I was earning extra money in a summer job framing houses and fell off a two-story house and into a sand pile. "Lucky for me" in the case of every accident above! All these incidents could have had worse outcomes. I've learned luck has a far more powerful meaning than just winning some cash.
So, what is your lucky story? Was it monetary? Or did you dodge a major accident or illness? Whatever it was, it made you…you! Take a moment to reflect on those moments that shaped your journey.
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 reflection on life's lucky moments really gets me thinking about something I hear from retirees all the time: "How did I get so fortunate to make it this far?" Most people are surprised when they learn this, but the fact that you've reached retirement age puts you in pretty select company. According to the Social Security Administration's 2026 actuarial tables, if you're 65 today, you have about an 85% chance of living to see 75, and many will live well into their 80s and beyond.
Here's what I find interesting about luck and retirement planning. A lot of folks ask me, "What if I'm unlucky and live too long?" But think of it this way: living longer than expected isn't bad luck at all. It's the jackpot! The key is making sure your retirement savings through your 401k, IRA, Social Security benefits, and any pension can support that longer life. When people tell me about close calls like David's, I remind them that every year you're here is another year to enjoy the retirement you've worked so hard for.
That's why I always say: the luckiest thing you can do is plan ahead, because a little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.