6 Things I Gave Up to Simplify My Life

[@claudiettepel6542]

At 70+ fully retired I learn a lot from you and I never want to stop learning

[@sparkle.s]

Same

[@rosalindhb]

Younger youtubers/social media personality I feel share way to much of their personal lives and information. I'm 55 and only come here for education information. I love your channel. Watching the news/social media through me into a serious depression. I check in for a few minutes only just to stay current. My mental health is better because of it.

[@HopefulEmpath]

I agree with your points about social media. It can be used for good or have negative effects. I left Twitter (I mean X) and Facebook in 2017 with zero regrets. I want education and information, not stressful arguments. I love this channel too.

[@AcidRetroArtiboe]

I want information not a friend

[@papajeff5486]

1. Over commitment …may make one late, like over booking seats on an airplane 2. Stop trying to make everything perfect, the gift is more important than its wrapping 3. Quit engaging in time wasting activities 4. Stop worrying, spending time, paying attention to things over which I have no control 5. Stop neglecting sleep 6. Reduce or eliminate data, information overload. A lot of news, information is unvetted, maybe untrue.

[@JimzAuto]

1:11 2:02 2:53 3:55 5:53 sleep 6:44 bool ‘building a second brain’

[@billleedale3340]

Better to be approximately right than precisely wrong.

[@raycatlin3554]

🎯 Thank - you , I needed - that ! Good health !

[@michaelfortney7510]

I love your honesty and integrity and lack of ego. I know you’re successful, I’m sure financially secure and guessing well liked and popular…but you’re grounded. That’s not easy. I congratulate you. I always feel better after your videos.

[@carolb6581]

Geoff, thanks (to both you and your daughter!) for this wonderful & informative time with you!! 🤩👏🥰

[@chiaraperry472]

We care! You daughter is so wise!

[@KH-vw9yl]

I agree that privacy is important and your personal persona might cloud your financial message and hurt the profitability of your channel. It is good to have a video like this once a quarter perhaps but for the most part I am glad you stick to what we watch and care about, financial advice.

[@brent1387]

Best takeaway from this video: Take time to have dinner with your daughter!!!!!! All the best!!!!!

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Brent!

[@eddiequest4]

You are correct in your assessment of your value on this channel. I prefer your high quality information. But the personal side is unactionable. Keep up the good work.

[@idamariarosenberg8659]

Thoroughly enjoyed this segment

[@starryknightJAK]

Great advice, I’m guilty of wasting time on things I cannot control, not to mention the anxiety it causes.

[@Anniei01]

Great information. I especially appreciate the tip about decreasing the time watching news channels. I've found that reading a newspaper is far less distressing than watching people yap on tv! I watch your videos as I'm about two months from retirement and I've found them very helpful and thought-provoking - in a good way. I'm working to set up structure for myself in retirement and the first thing my retired friends advised me to think about was sleep - set a schedule! Thanks for your work.

[@mspock7]

A nice chat today, thanks. Love the Holy Purge!

[@randolphbehm877]

I don’t believe in obsessing over politics for hours every day but if one only watches tidbits from the mainstream media they will be led astray.

[@gsogymrat]

I used to feel the need to finish reading books but now if I am not interested I stop and move on.

[@yankeedogg2212]

Agreed

[@steventogami898]

For me being retired, don’t fret, worry about the actions by others you cannot control. Adjust, and move on to things you can control.

[@Jane5720]

I’m glad you had such a wonderful conversation with your daughter, she may have a point. My financial advisor that I’ve known for 25 years. We always do a little chitchat before we get down to business and I am interested in his family and what he does and his life and I think that he is mine as well. He does have a form that he asked how you want your information presented so he tailors it to each client he has As far as a gift, you are correct that they will hopefully keep the gifts and you will dispose of the wrapping paper, but I’d like to present a beautifully wrapped present, including flowers in the bow and other things so when they unwrap it, the gift wrap is truly a wonder And they don’t even want to unwrap it because the matches the flowers matches everything else and I use very high end gift wrap. It’s just a little something that I’d like to do. I know it’s weird but would rather wrap a gift then put it in a bag because I think part of the gift is the unwrap.

[@ColdPotato]

I was amazed what I could do/accomplish without the internet in the 80s/early 90s. Now I struggle to be as creative/achieve as much. I think much has to do with the information overload you mention. I mean people with slide rulers sent a man to the moon.... The world have evolved into distractions fighting for our attention.

[@jimv77]

For me changing careers and getting a work from home job made my life much simpler. *15 second commute with no traffic jams. *No more getting ready for work and packing lunch or even waiting my turn at the break room microwave. Also I guess it was actually exhausting in my previous career. Now wife and I go for daily walks after dinner and I feel 10 years younger. I picked up a lot of the little home chores like cooking and cleaning and my wife is happier and she can take a quick nap when she gets home from work before dinner.

[@lilblackduc7312]

It seems like you won all the way around!

[@amyyates8273]

This is SUCH great advice. I need to cut down on social media and dial up the meditation for my own sanity. But you’ll have to pry the NYT Games app out of my cold, dead hands. 😊

[@HopefulEmpath]

Haha the NYT Games are my morning ritual for a few years now. 😊

[@gsogymrat]

Wordle and Connections every morning.

[@Kitiwake]

What are you doing during meditation?

[@kevindecoteau3186]

Oh, picking apples, just went on my list for the weekend. Sleep is so very important!

[@fordwayne3833]

Whatever makes you happier.

[@peterschorn1]

A useful concept for me is a corollary of "time is money." That corollary is "There is 'cheap' time and 'expensive' time: use cheap time whenever possible." What I mean is this: five-six months before a deadline, time is "cheap:" do as much as you can to prepare for that deadline in that time. A day or two before that deadline, time is "expensive:" do only what you must during that time--ideally nothing, if possible. Time _may_ be "cheap" and "expensive" in terms of money, but it _always_ is in terms of stress. Think of all those papers you wrote the night before they were due! So doing things when time is as cheap as possible not only produces a better, more accurate outcome, it also goes a LONG way towards de-stressing my life. (I'm not going to pretend I thought this up: airlines price tickets exactly this way)

[@ScooterOnHisWay2024]

Simplification is the best way to live. Then you can be in this moment & commit to what is happening right in front of your face. That is easy to do when you have few or no 'filler' items on your docket.

[@HolySchmidt]

Love that!

[@towritemichelle210]

Smart to listen to your daughter!

[@HolySchmidt]

Chip off the old block, and then some!

[@richdouglas2311]

C-I-A model: C -- Control. There are very few things that I have control over. I -- Influence. These are things I might be able to nudge in the direction I wish. A -- Accept. With the vast majority of things, I can neither Control nor Influence them. I simply must Accept them and move on. (Accept doesn't mean "surrender," though.) An example: Driving up to a red light at an intersection, I must Accept the fact that I have to wait until the light turns green. I cannot Control it, nor can I Influence it. However, if I come up to the same intersection as a pedestrian, I might be able to Influence the situation if there is a "walk" button I can press.

[@MrGoodaches]

Right off, Geoff stated something peculiar in our American culture that I became aware of when I worked a few years with Germans. When my German colleagues gave a time estimate to get to a meeting across town that time span included getting out of chair, walk time to car, maneuvering out of parking lot, total drive time, and walking to and through the building and getting seated at meeting. Ask my American colleagues for a time estimate to get to a meeting and their time span would likely only cover the time from exiting the first parking lot to turning in to the destination parking lot. This mindset of travel time was also convenient for execs who wanted to insist that managers could attend multiple offsite meetings in a day and still perform numerous other in office duties.

[@raycatlin3554]

Thank - you Mr. Schmidt 🎯🤺 Good Health - 👋. .

[@jimobrien4421]

Agreed on all points! Did the same and quality of life has improve.,😅

[@whyme7996]

Just say NO to a parasocial relationship with random strangers on the internet. The younger generations tend toward mental fragility due to their over sharing on the internet and no understanding of the differences between the real world and a cyber reality. And I don't need to "know" you. We are not friends. Your Daughter needs to know you and I'm sure she thinks that you're great. but to be honest, I don't care if you went apple picking. Just like you don't care that I went and did something..it's irrelevant.

[@privateer4203]

Maybe a bit of personal information helps the viewer determine if the creator is a nut job selling fringe ideas or a "normal" fellow with good intentions.

[@whyme7996]

@@privateer4203 Yeah.. because nut jobs and conmen couldn't just make up some personal information to sell fringe ideas. As an adult, it is my responsibility to take the information presented and decide if I want to follow it. BTW, Even a nutjob could give good advice upon occasion.

[@jackiefields1607]

Thanks for sharing. Some good tips.

[@markcummings6856]

Take a Hike… it’ll do you good. Thanks for the video.

[@gtrguyinaz]

All of your videos are great… seniors should pay close attention…. I nevertheless waste time… but only on things that are pleasurable…

[@vv5179]

You give sound advice, Geoff.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Enjoy Most of your videos. I turn off my phone A LOT during the day and have unplugged my television for 2 years..(intend to never watch a tv at home ever again... I am happier because of it with so much more free time devoted to concentrating on my retirenent at age 70 with maximum soc sec benefits Plan to live into 90s or possibly 110 Time will tell Do nothing risky to health = most important thing we have

[@Trouble-v1m]

I worked in television for 40 years. The owners only care about viewers and regurgitate news stories, as they expect a natural turnover every 30 minutes. Your friend needs to get a life.

[@philwilson8617]

#2 - As we CPA's would say, "Fairly Stated" rather than "accurate".

[@HolySchmidt]

I’d say the fairly stated point is, well, fairly stated! All the best Phil.

[@sabinekoch3448]

I know what your daughter means! I enjoy hearing a few personal bits which make the rest of the goals possible… as a teacher of 48 years , I LOVE wasting time.😊 Your daughter is a gem.

[@genglandoh]

Freshmen year of college many students signed up for multiple clubs and or sports. They spread themselves very thin and some ended doing poorly in their classes. So when I retired this year I am taking it slow in signing up to things.

[@LisaSimplified]

Good advise from your daughter. Very astute.

[@Jeff-p5i2w]

At some point, you have to wake and smell the roses . I can't tell you how many people I have met in my life who are consumed by work and money . Then they find out they have illnesses, and it's too late to enjoy life.

[@idamariarosenberg8659]

You’re a smart, great guy so I’m game for anything you share.

[@bruceshootingstartradingpo262]

Thanks

[@HolySchmidt]

You bet

[@kburkes4245]

I think apple picking in upstate New York makes a great topic. As someone who's from New York and loves NY apples ❤️ I hope you got some Macintosh!

[@SurfingFLA]

Geoff, Why don't you just sell off everything, grow a beard and a ponytail, build a stealth camper and get away from all this?

[@kahvac]

Close enough is fine !

[@michelleyard1022]

I start every meeting at five minutes after the hour. I work in a mostly remote environment and this gives people time to get coffee, water and to "run down the hall." It is a gift I give myself and those who work with and for me. It's a must-do if you work in the virtual world

[@whyme7996]

until people who couldn't make it on the hour learn they get 5 more minutes which means slowly they stop being able to make it 5 minutes after. It's idiotic.

[@gregorythomson7813]

Started downsizing my wardrobe after retiring. I've never been known for my fashion sense, but after retiring, I've been reducing it considerably more. Shorts and a t-shirt are my normal daily attire since retiring. So I've got a couple pairs of shorts, and started with 3 good quality t-shirts - dark grey, light grey and tan. Updated it recently to add three new colors - green, burgundy and white t-shirts added. Next in line is to get a new pair of jeans and some nice pants that fit me, just in case needed - and a shirt to go with them. Have been doing the Marie Kondo and Swedish Death Cleaning things recently to also clean up some clutter. And have stopped keeping most monthly statements or have gone paperless on most of them except for a few, as well as shredded A LOT of paperwork going back sometimes 40 years with things like paycheck stubs, monthly financial statements, tax paperwork older than 20 years. It's all helping to clean up many years of accumulated things that I don't really need, and/or want, around anymore.

[@Beautyrest575]

I need to do that too. Fortunately I don’t have a lot, but still too much!

[@noreenn6976]

If your channel was about vlogging your day to day life, then you might share the apple picking story but that's not what this channel is about. I'm here to learn.

[@kevinfestner6126]

I need to stop chasing my shadow and arrive at a retirement savings amount. Once I reached my number, I reevaluate and, of course, the magic number increases.

[@HubertKirchgaessner]

5:11 Excellent advice, but why’s that (thumbnail) lady wearing the Russian flag on her cheeks???

[@AndyBerman]

Disappointing to see any Russian media here with all the misinformation they are spreading.

[@lilblackduc7312]

"Curb Appeal"?

[@declanfarber]

Yeah, that’s seriously creepy. What’s he trying to imply.

[@richardleydon6506]

I was thinking the same thing. Well, whom ever does his editing either really didn't know or was making a statement.

[@drumsnbass]

She just cute. Enjoy it for what it is…

[@seanhenriques808]

Your daughter is right on the money. We do enjoy getting to know more about the people whose content we enjoy on the regular as the kids say. Thank you for your channel and for sharing your wisdom.

[@michaeltomasso3371]

I think you raised a smart daughter.

[@JMM7171]

Good daughter. Wise beyond her years. And you played a part in that. 🎉

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks JMM too kind!

[@2023Red]

I agree with you, not your daughter. We all do things like pick apples or walk the dog. I like the videos on finance and retirement. Your daughter seems to want to be another Julie Andrews.

[@sct4040]

You absolutely do not need to share your personal life on KZbin. Not necessary.

[@RedSoxYaz]

Just reached SS Full Retirement Age 66 and 8 months. Still working. Job is satisfactory. Pay rate several times more than what I could earn from a part time semiretired minimum wage job. Retirement nest egg is approximately 7-8 times annual salary. Wife retired on disability. Empty nest. Health good. Debating the following. Do I take SS now and invest it as I am still working? Or do I hold off on SS growing the amount by delaying until I retire in maybe 1-2 years?

[@rickjurado2398]

Let me ask a hopefully simple question. I want to consider giving one of my kids (let's say) $10K and use the funds from my retirement IRA (as I am already retired). Do I pay taxes on that withdrawal of $10K? That's the simple question, because if I W/D the fund and retain it, I would surely pay a tax on it. Do I then have to file this on my tax return? Wouldn't my financial institute issue me a 1099 or 95 (can't remember number) that a W/D occurred and have to report that on my tax returns or do I state with the institute that this is a gift?

[@jaymetheaccountant]

Always enjoy the content sir - you'd be the perfect neighbor - if you move to Minnesota let me know I will kick one of mine out 🙂

[@HolySchmidt]

As a midwesterner who moved to NY, I love Minnesota!

[@jimmydee1130]

Great vid, but.......Where's the PURGE page?

[@wardpenny]

Yes, I went to the URL you provided and got a "404 Not Found" error...?

[@theroadhome_Liz_Summers]

YIKES! I am not sure that your daughter is "reading the room" accurately. I watch for the educational information. And while I am sure you have a personal life, it does not affect how I view the financial/retirement information ... in fact, for me, it would mostly distract/detract from your message. Above said, the "simplify" suggestions in this video ARE pertinent and helpful to me as I navigate semi-retirement. I chose "simple" in my 30's and continue to embrace simple although as a semi-retired IT person, I use tech to simplify my life and allow me time to do the things I love and want to do. I regularly review my own time management in relation to my goals and this video did give me some additional ideas.

[@lindawilson4625]

Thanks! It's good that you listened to your daughter :-)

[@HolySchmidt]

She is wise

[@johnlcallaway]

I watch this channel for finance information. I don't need to know you, I don't care what you did on the weekend, or your views on life management. I grew up when privacy was important and we only shared our life's with people we know. Not thousands of complete strangers. This modern infatuation with sharing personal moments with the world appears to be more of a narcissistic behavior for people craving attention. That being said, I also know where the back button is and can move on if I don't like a video. I don't expect you to cater to my selfish desires as I'm a mature adult and not a child. For the most part. My advice to you, for what little it's worth, is to make videos you enjoy doing and do them well. No matter what it is, there will always be an audience for it If I like it, I'll watch it. If not, I'll move on and not leave a hateful comment. If I find I no longer watch your videos, I'll quietly slip away, you'll never even know . Because I'm mostly a mature adult. Thank you for the tube and effort you put into your videos. Especially the ones I watch.

[@d.thomas1541]

So why is your post the longest?

[@whyme7996]

@@d.thomas1541 And still we don't know anything about John except his opinion on the oversharing of personal info by YT people...how do you not notice the difference?

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Life is not just being mature! Lmao Grow up❤🎉😮

[@marycallan1937]

Your intro is great (funny), but show us more of your personality, relax a bit, joke, be a bit light hearted. SMILE!!!

[@patriciaduenas1321]

Are you sunburned from the apple picking? I think your channel is fine. ❤

[@realbartlett8882]

Best episode ever !

[@joycegonzales4994]

I enjoy you, but I understand you have a personal life that doesn’t affect us.

[@nakamakai5553]

Not striving to get everything 100% perfect has brought my weekly anxiety way down, and triggers a memory of wisdom that several mentors gave me over the past 50 years: Sometimes just showing up is 90% of life

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Cooool = you are an Apple Picker????❤😮

[@HolySchmidt]

Indeed! Love it every Fall

[@PawPaws_Place]

I didn’t know you lived in upstate New York. That’s interesting. Maybe a video for us about what would be nice to see there if we make a trip out that way. I mean many of us retiree’s travel. So lots about you besides financial advise may be beneficial without you even knowing it. Love your videos. 🤙

[@HolySchmidt]

Thanks Paw Paws!

[@kahvac]

Apple picking will add years to your life !

[@wildflowerwind6941]

You are right. I don't care if you go apple picking.

[@johng3698]

Ain't sleep great!

[@roareward]

eh 8 hrs not so much just feel groggy all day, I personally prefer 6, that seems to be where I feel great. 9 can work also, so guess I am a 3 hr sleep cycle person, but I prefer 6. Much better than the once every 3 days I did for 20 years with just 15 min cat naps. But man did I learn a ton during those 20 years, nothing to do but learn, when you don't sleep.

[@EllenDuke-y3d]

Thank you for sharing some information about how you function. I identify with information overload. Remember to take time to smell thr roses. 🌹 🥀 🏵 💐 🌹

[@loriloristuff]

Your daughter is right!!!! The perfect thing is a good goal. We perfectionists need to chill. Ditto the things we can't control. Ditto information overload.

[@anthonylee5982]

🌳 🍎 🍏 👏🏼

[@jps0117]

Which number is "Russian girls"?

[@JohnJohn-wr1jo]

One of the reasons, besides content, is I dont have to listen to your life story or boring daily ritual. Quickest way for me to bail on any format is the presenter talking about themself.

[@whyme7996]

agreed. People on line are not my friends. The young who are all mentally fragile have no understanding of the difference between reality and the cyber world

[@andydogdixon1]

Your daughter, wow wow wow. All I can say is we’re barely 1 minute into this video and I’m choking up in tears. What a blessing you have in your life.

[@Qrail]

If you want to tell us about a day in the apple orchard. I say thumbs up. A little information about you the host, helps the viewer to understand you better. Example. You drive a Tesla. I drive a plug in electric hybrid. By gleaning that knowledge, I know that you are a very smart guy, regardless of the paper on your wall. You probably get 4 miles per kWh, so do I. When we are waiting in traffic, we are not stinking up the place. But I digress. Thank you for whatever you choose to post on the internet.

[@whyme7996]

The pitfalls of projection in a parasocial environment...

[@JBERRY603]

Lol

[@lanautah8622]

Apple picking is interesting too.

[@dkstudioart]

For your friend consumed with politics, learning and practicing stoicism would be a good idea.

[@speak2theresafox]

I care.

[@jeffharper2661]

This is a wonderful video. It would help if you could do chapter, just an Idea!