Let’s Talk About Leftovers
Recently at the office, I sparked an unexpected conversation early one morning. I asked each person what their favorite leftover was. The answers surprised me.
Two people said spaghetti—something I hadn’t considered. A couple of others, myself included, said chili. And you know what? I get that. Chili is one of those magical dishes that actually gets better the second day… and even better still on the third. Time brings out the richness, the complexity, and the depth.
That got me thinking:
What’s your favorite leftover when it comes to money?
Whether we like it or not, one day we’ll take that final trip. Time will run out, and we’ll be gone. And what we leave behind—our financial leftovers—will tell a story.
Let’s face it, most of us will leave something on the plate. Whether it’s a small portion or a feast, there will be financial leftovers passed on to the next generation. So, what kind of meal are we preparing now, and what kind of leftovers will we leave?
A Life of Full Flavor
My goal for you is this:
That you enjoy a rich, even indulgent, financial life. Especially in retirement. Think of it like finally getting to dessert after a lifetime of salads and lean proteins. You’ve waited. You’ve been disciplined. And now… It’s time for the sweet stuff. You’ve earned it.
Just like a Thanksgiving meal, sometimes the leftovers are the best part.
The Best Leftovers
Thanksgiving Day is great—but let’s be honest:
The next day’s leftovers? Warmed-up turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, a roll that’s been waiting patiently in the foil wrap… It’s nostalgic comfort.
So how do your financial leftovers compare?
Will they bring comfort and nourishment to your family? Or will they be like those forgotten Tupperware containers shoved to the back of the fridge—the ones you open cautiously, wrinkle your nose, and slam shut again?
The Rancid Leftovers of Finance
Let’s get specific.
Some retirement accounts, while well-intentioned, can create messy, moldy leftovers. When your kids or heirs inherit traditional retirement plans, they may be met with a tax burden that smells worse than forgotten leftovers. The value’s still there—sort of—but it’s surrounded by complications and decay.
The problem? These assets weren’t planned with the inheritor in mind. They weren’t seasoned with tax strategies. The result? Financial leftovers that require a clean-up crew and a hazmat suit.
And what about investments? They can be amazing during life, but they’re unpredictable when it comes to inheritance. If you die on a “down” day in the market, your leftovers suddenly shrink. You planned for a buffet, but only left a snack.
A great leftover in the fridge
Here’s where whole life insurance from a mutual company changes everything.
If done correctly, this is a great leftover:
- No taxes due at death.
- Guaranteed contractual growth.
- Predictable future values.
It doesn’t matter if the market is high or low when you pass. It doesn’t matter what the IRS wants to take. It doesn’t even matter how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. The policy value continues to grow, year after year, thanks to contractual guarantees.
It’s the kind of leftover your family will thank you for.
So, What’s in Your Financial Refrigerator?
Are you planning your life with purpose and joy? Good. Eat the full meal. Enjoy the main course. Savor the desserts of retirement.
But also pause and ask yourself:
“What kind of leftovers will I be leaving?”
Will they be:
- Moldy accounts full of tax surprises?
- Investments with values tied to a volatile market?
- Or clean, valuable, easy-to-use assets that actually improve over time?
It’s your financial refrigerator.
Make sure the leftovers inside are worth serving.
And next time someone asks your favorite leftover, maybe you’ll smile and say:
“Chili. And a well-planned Mutual Whole life insurance policy.”
Insurance policies are not FDIC insured. All investment and insurance strategies have the potential for profit or loss. There can be no guarantee that any investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client's portfolio.
