Latest Millionaire in the Making, a Heartwarming Reminder of What is Really Important

I have been a bit critical of some of the CNNMoney.com's Millionaires in the Making in the past.  The latest edition, however, is a heartwarming story that serves a very important reminder of keeping our money in perspective.

Daren Fike is a widower at 38, having lost his wife three years ago to leukemia.  Raising their daughter, Melody, 4, is now his responsibility alone.  Daren has not only done a very good job of saving money ($290k in retirement accounts, $84k in a taxable brokerage account), but has taught Melody some valuable lessons along the way.

"She saves up the money she gets from birthdays and holidays in her piggy bank," he said. "We go together to the bank so she can make her own deposits. She already knows what 'interest' is!"

I used be a new accounts rep at a bank.  One of the responsibilities included helping widows and widowers retitle their accounts after the loss of their spouse.  A number of official documents are required, such as death certificates, trust documents, notarized affidavits.  Through this difficult time, a sentiment was commonly expressed.  All this money means nothing now.  Daren expressed what so many of my former customers felt, "I would gladly give every cent I have to spend just five more minutes with my late wife Christie so you can be sure I'm not taking the time I have with Melody for granted."

Comments

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So true. I worked in the credit department for a large bank and heard the same sentiments after losing a loved one. Funny how all the things we think are so important suddenly are not!

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