According to Wikipedia, Speed Racer was a Japanese cartoon about automobile racing. It was adapted into anime, and its 52 episodes of the TV show aired in syndication in the US from April 1967 to March 1968. The television series was very successful, being watched by an estimated audience of 40 million viewers during the 1960s–1970s.
Source: Wikipedia
For those of you feeling nostalgic, below is a YouTube link to the original TV show theme song and opening which aired each week.
Speed Racer Complete Series - Official Clip - Opening
While most people were focused on Speed Racer's weekly trials and tribulations and his incredible car, The Mach 5, I would like to bring your attention to his girlfriend, Trixie. Trixie often flies around in a helicopter during a race, acting as Speed's spotter. Unlike most female characters in cartoons at that time, Trixie was not portrayed as a helpless perpetual victim. She often proves herself the equal of Speed when facing danger. Trixie has even been the one to rescue Speed or other male characters from their predicaments.
Source: Pinterest
Why am I sharing this with you today? That’s a great question. You see, I happen to be married to a real-life Trixie. As many of you know, Rachel happens to be “the car guy” in our family. She grew up helping her Dad work on cars, and she knows way more about cars than I do. By the way, that's not a high bar to jump over.
Back in 2015, our broker-dealer Cetera’s top advisor recognition conference was in Phoenix. One of the activities we participated in was going to the Bondurant Racing School, where we drove Camaros in an agility competition. We also went out on the racetrack in a Corvette with an experienced driver. This made Rachel (Trixie) very happy, as you can see below.
Source: Jesse’s iPhone
As much as she enjoyed getting a chance to go 130 miles an hour on a racetrack, somebody else was behind the wheel of the car. She always wanted to have the chance to drive herself in a setting like that.
I have shared with you for many years that I am a big believer in creating memories and shared experiences instead of spending money on “stuff or things.” I told Rachel many years ago that I do not need another sweater, tie, or shirt. If we are going to spend money giving each other gifts, I would much rather find something that we can do together.
To show you that I practice what I preach, I wanted to relate to you a recent experience that we had a chance to share at the Pittsburgh International Raceway. There is a national company that puts together driving experiences at racetracks and open road courses across the country. I saw this and thought it would make a perfect Christmas present for Rachel.
Source: Jesse’s iPhone
We had a beautiful day in Pittsburgh, and she finally got a chance to drive a 2024 Corvette z06 on a real racetrack. It was her favorite orange color, to boot. The value of this memory and experience will only go up over time. I am sure when Rachel (Trixie) relates this story to our grandkids (if we ever have any) many years from now, she will be telling them that she achieved speeds much faster than what we really did.
I am sharing this to encourage you to use the financial resources you have accumulated to do the same. While you have the gift of time and the gift of health, I hope that you will seek to find unique experiences that will bring you joy today and a smile to your face many years from now.
Remember, your financial resources are a means, not an end. I trust this is a valuable reminder as we all continue “Moving Life Forward.”
© 2024 Jesse Hurst
The views stated are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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Featured Blog Image Source: iStock.com/Oleg Sibiriakov