I’ve been thinking a lot lately about two words we often use interchangeably: Honesty and Integrity.
We say, “Oh they’re honest, so they must have integrity”.
But are they truly the same?
And why does this distinction matter so much, especially as we approach or navigate our retirement years”?
Recent events right here in our own community have really brought this home.
Let’s break it down.
Honesty is simply telling the truth. If I ask you, “Did you take that last cookie? and you say “Yes I did”, that’s honest. It’s about facts. And it’s incredibly important, don’t get me wrong. We need honesty in life – it’s the foundation of any healthy interaction.
But Integrity … integrity is a whole different level. Integrity is about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It’s about being consistent in your moral principles, in your values, in your actions, whether it benefits you or not, whether it’s easy or hard. It’s about being “whole” and “undivided” in your character, acting in alignment with a strong moral compass.
Think of it this way: An honest Advisor might tell you the truth when you ask them directly about a financial product. They’ll disclose the fees, the risks … if you ask the right questions. They’ll give you a factual answer.
But an Advisor with integrity: They’ll proactively tell you everything you need to know, even the parts you didn’t think to ask about. They’ll recommend what’s truly best for you, even if it means less commission or no immediate benefit for them. They’ll prioritize your well-being over their own gain, consistently, because that’s simply who they are.
Why does this distinction matter so profoundly for those of us in or nearing retirement?
Because we’re often making some of the most crucial financial and life decisions of our lives. We’re entrusting our life savings to advisors, making choices about healthcare, even navigating family discussions about legacies. And frankly, many in our age group, having lived lives built on trust and community, can sometimes be more susceptible to those who only offer a veneer of honesty, but lack true integrity.
We’ve seen recent examples, even right here in our town, of how devastating it can be when that trust is misplaced. When individuals, perhaps initially seen as honest or well-meaning, ultimately lack the deep-seated integrity to do the right thing when challenges arise. What might start with just a slight bending of the truth can quickly escalate when integrity isn’t the guiding principle, leading to widespread pain and loss. It’s a stark reminder that while honesty is good, integrity is foundational to truly protecting yourself and your assets.
Let’s imaging a scenario: An honest person might tell you the truth about a mistake they made if confronted directly. But a person with integrity would come forward themselves, admit the mistake, and try to make it right, before anyone even knew about it. Why? Because their internal compass dictates doing the right thing, not just avoiding a lie.
So, it’s not just about getting truthful answers when you ask. It’s about discerning if the person you’re dealing with, whether it’s a professional, a friend, or even family, consistently operates from a place of deep, unwavering integrity.
Do their actions always align with what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult?
Are they proactive in their transparency, or only reactive?
This is about protecting yourself from potential harm and ensuring your hard-earned retirement is secure.
Honesty is telling the truth.
Integrity is living the truth, consistently. It’s about fundamental trust, certainly, but it’s deeper than that. It’s about true character. It’s about aligning your actions with your values, always.
As you make decisions in your life, especially around your retirement, I encourage you to ask yourself: “Is this person merely being honest, or are they truly operating with integrity?”
And equally important: “Am I consistently living with integrity myself, in all areas of my life?”
What does integrity mean to you in your daily life?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below or you can email me at www.feedback@wewaonthenet.com.
I’ve also begun a YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@wewaonthenet where I will be discussing various retirement topics and topics I come across that I think may be of interest. Check it out!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
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