I was born and raised in Vietnam, in those barefoot days when I ran freely around the yard, dust clinging to my feet — yet it never felt dirty. It felt like joy. It felt like freedom. It felt like the quiet, familiar peace of home.
I remember the afternoons when the wind rustled through the bamboo, the leaves whispering stories only the countryside could tell. I remember the roosters crowing at noon, the neighborhood kids calling out to one another, and the scent of freshly dried straw — so warm and fragrant that a single breath could make my whole heart feel lighter.
Those memories have stayed with me all my life. Wherever I go, whatever I do, whoever I meet… I carry a piece of home with me — where my mother is, where the old porch still stands, where the simplest meals taste better than anything a fancy restaurant could offer.
And maybe that’s why watching my mom grow older, retire, and step into a new chapter of life feels so emotional. I’ve watched her my whole life — working hard, saving every dollar, planning for the future, and always putting everyone else first. She was the one who made sure the bills were paid, the kids were cared for, and the family stayed steady. Saving wasn’t just something she did… it became part of who she was. But here’s something I didn’t expect — she struggles to spend her own money. Not because she doesn’t have enough. Not because she’s careless. But because after a lifetime of saving, spending feels wrong.
Many of our parents are like this. They spent years being “the responsible one.” Every deposit felt like progress. Every withdrawal felt like a step backward. Saving became part of their identity — a badge of honor, a source of pride, a way to protect the family.
So when retirement comes, they don’t suddenly flip a switch. They worry. They hesitate. They hold back.
They wonder:
- What if the money runs out?
- What if they live longer than expected?
- What if the market drops?
- What if they don’t leave enough for their children?
These fears are real. But so is this truth: The money they saved isn’t meant to sit untouched. It’s meant to give them the life they deserve now.
They’re not “spending down their savings.” They’re turning decades of hard work into comfort, joy, and freedom — the same freedom many of us felt running barefoot as children.
And if they need help, we can guide them. We can build a plan. We can show them they’re safe. We can remind them that spending on memories, family, and meaningful experiences isn’t wasteful. Those aren’t expenses. They’re memories. They’re impact. They’re love.
Our parents have done enough. They’ve saved enough. They’ve sacrificed enough.
Now it’s their turn. So if your mom or dad needs to hear it — say it gently, say it clearly, say it with love: You’re allowed to enjoy your life. You earned this. You deserve this.
I had a beautiful childhood because of my mom — a childhood filled with freedom, warmth, and the simple joys of running barefoot. And now, as she steps into her own next chapter, I hope with all my heart that she will have the most beautiful retirement — one filled with comfort, adventure, and the freedom to finally enjoy everything she spent a lifetime building.
The circle feels complete: she gave me the best beginning, and I wish her the best years still ahead.
– Nhat Bui
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The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Nhat Bui and not necessarily those of Raymond James