I like putting my money into things like food and shelter. I'm

Opening Scene

The room is softly illuminated by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting soft, calming shadows as the evening winds down. Outside, the world is quieter now, with the city’s usual buzz fading into stillness. Jack sits at the table, his thoughts seemingly focused on something in front of him, while Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the city below. The air feels calm, but there’s a reflective mood, as if a conversation about investment, priorities, and the balance between practical and financial decisions is about to unfold.

Host: After a few moments of quiet, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice steady but thoughtful, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Simon Baker that made me smile and think at the same time. He said, ‘I like putting my money into things like food and shelter. I'm probably a bad example of an investor.’ It struck me because it’s such a refreshing take on investment. It made me think about how our priorities can shape where we choose to spend our resources, not just for financial growth, but for practical and personal fulfillment. What do you think about that? Is it possible to be a ‘bad investor’ while still making good decisions in life?”

Jack: “I love that quote. I think Simon Baker’s honesty is really refreshing. He’s admitting that he might not follow the traditional path of investing in stocks or real estate for high returns, but what he’s doing is investing in the things that truly matter — the basics of life, like food and shelter. I wouldn’t call him a ‘bad’ investor at all. He’s making investments that serve him personally and practically. The kind of investments that create security and stability, which in my opinion are just as important as financial growth.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. I think what Simon Baker is getting at is that there’s more to life than just financial success. We often think of investments in terms of money and wealth-building, but real wealth isn’t just about dollars; it’s about having a foundation that allows you to live a secure and meaningful life. Investing in things like food, shelter, and well-being doesn’t always show up on a balance sheet, but it’s what creates the kind of quality of life that we all strive for. In a way, he’s investing in his own peace of mind.”

Jack: “Right. And I think we live in a culture that’s so focused on maximizing financial returns that we sometimes forget about the importance of self-sufficiency and basic needs. There’s something so grounding in putting your resources into things that ensure you have the essentials covered. It’s the kind of stability that allows for freedom in other areas of life. If you know your basic needs are taken care of, it gives you the freedom to take risks and pursue other interests without the pressure of worrying about your survival.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer to the table, sitting across from Jack. Her voice calm but reflective as she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think it’s about finding the balance between the kind of investment that secures your future and the kind that brings immediate fulfillment. For example, investing in a home, in healthy food, or in relationships doesn’t necessarily offer instant monetary returns, but it enriches your life in ways that are often more meaningful than just having more money. I don’t think Simon Baker’s ‘bad example’ of an investor is bad at all. He’s making choices that prioritize his well-being over profit — and in many ways, that’s a kind of investment that’s just as valuable, if not more so.”

Jack: “Exactly. There’s this idea that successful investment always equals financial growth, but I think it’s important to broaden our definition of success. The things we invest in, like our health, our relationships, and our environment, are foundational to everything else in life. You can’t put a price on stability and peace of mind. When you invest in yourself, in your home, in your food, in your community, those investments have long-term value, even if they don’t show up as profit on paper.”

Jeeny: “Right. It’s also about the kind of legacy you want to leave. The choices Simon Baker is making — about how he chooses to spend his money — are shaping his life now, but also the way he lives for the future. It’s the kind of foundation that future generations can build on. Investing in essentials creates security, but it also shows a kind of intentionality about what truly matters in life. And when you live with that kind of intention, the returns might not always be financial, but they’re real in every other way.”

Jack: “And that’s the thing about investing — it’s not just about the immediate return; it’s about what makes life richer, fuller, and more fulfilling. The best investments often don’t have a dollar amount attached to them. They’re about creating the life you want to live, having the freedom to pursue what matters to you, and knowing that you’ve set yourself up with the stability to enjoy it.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment, as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Simon Baker’s words. Outside, the world continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a realization that true investment isn’t always about growing wealth; sometimes, it’s about investing in the things that create a fulfilling, secure, and balanced life.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that we need to redefine what it means to be a successful investor. It’s not just about making money; it’s about investing in the things that create stability, well-being, and purpose in our lives.”

Jack: “Exactly. The best investments are often the ones that contribute to a healthy, balanced life. Investing in what matters to you on a personal level — your home, your health, your relationships — can be just as important as any financial investment.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Investment isn’t just about maximizing profit; it’s about investing in what brings long-term fulfillment, security, and meaning. Whether it’s in food, shelter, or the people we care about, these investments create the foundation for a life well-lived.