I think we’ve all experienced this at some point – that uncomfortable moment where you realize that something you knew to be a fact… was, in fact, wrong. And what’s more, the people you know made the same mistake!
As unsettling as it is, it’s not that uncommon – and there’s a name for this phenomenon.
The Mandela Effect: when a group of people believe an event occurred when it did not.
The Mandela effect was born when Fiona Broome, paranormal consultant, distinctly remembered former South African President Nelson Mandela passing away in prison in the 80s (when, in fact, he passed away in 2013). She even swore that she saw news articles and a speech from his widow to corroborate that memory!
If she was the only one who’d thought this, no big deal, right? Well, as it turns out, several others have the same memories of Mandela’s death in the 80s!
Although a quick Google search will result in many wide-spread examples of the Mandela Effect in action, there are a few that came up again and again:
Berenstein Bears or Berenstain Bears? Many people remember the lovable “Berenstein Bears” – but if you do, you’d be wrong! The correct spelling is the “Berenstain Bears.”
Jif or Jiffy? Many people remember this delicious peanut butter brand as Jiffy, but it’s actually Jif!
Looney Tunes vs. Looney Toons? Many people think their favorite old Saturday morning Warner Brothers’ cartoon was spelled “Looney Toons.” Nope, it’s “Looney Tunes.”
And finally…
Even if you don’t like the franchise, you know a famous line from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.”
“Luke, I am your father.”
But – there is no “Luke” at all! Darth Vader says, “No, I am your father.”
Is your mind blown yet? Did I just rock the very foundations of your world and destroy your faith in your memory and pop culture?
The good news is that, although they might make you question yourself a bit, the Mandela effect does not affect your money or your retirement. Who does? The government, you, and your financial advisor (if you work with one, of course).
If you find yourself riddled with doubt and maybe even some anxiety about prepping for retirement and how to keep as much of your money as possible, then we should talk.
You can grab a 15 minute spot in my calendar by calling 513-563-PLAN (7526) or going online here.
Regards,
Nikki Earley, CFP®
