As you look over my 80+ articles here/ my blog (https://www.greenretirement.com/blog), you will notice many end with a paragraph titled, "The Parting Glass". This is an ode to my Irish roots certainly but is that the only purpose?
My intention is more to offer my thoughts based on 35 years in the industry and then invite you, the reader, to ponder, reflect, and reply. There rarely are definitive answers in many parts of life. This is true in the 401k space as well. While I am a big proponent of auto-enrollment, for example, the head of the Microsoft 401k Investment Committee explained to me why auto-enrollment would actually lower contributions in that 401k plan.
I use "The Parting Glass" also in the context of continuing the conversation and building community. The Parting Glass is actually a Scottish song but is traditionally the last song sung in an Irish pub. It speaks to having to depart the wonderful company the singer is in but there is also a hopeful note, I feel. The singer is looking forward to the next gathering, the next conversation.
And so it is at Green Retirement. 2025 comes to an end but I look forward to continuing our retirement plan conversation in 2026. The lyrics to the song are poignant and worth reading. But you may also find the words of Irish singer-songwriter, Freddie White a better way to bring this song to life - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzLuS-OOrO0&list=RDwzLuS-OOrO0&start_radio=1
We at Green Retirement raise our glasses to you and bid you all a fond farewell for now.
The Parting Glass lyrics
Of all the money that e'er I had I have spent it in good company Oh and all the harm I've ever done Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit To memory now I can't recall So fill to me the parting glass Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls Then gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all
Of all the comrades that e'er I had They're sorry for my going away And all the sweethearts that e'er I had They would wish me one more day to stay
But since it fell into my lot That I should rise and you should not I'll gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls Then gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all
But since it fell into my lot That I should rise and you should not I'll gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all
So fill to me the parting glass And drink a health whate'er befalls Then gently rise and softly call Good night and joy be to you all
Good night and joy be to you all