HOW TO ENJOY COMFORTABLE AGING?

This profound and deeply personal question sits at the heart of my upcoming book of the same name.

At a recent gathering in Sausalito, California, I engaged in an open conversation with prospective readers, responding to their questions drawn from my 42 Manifestations – the foundation of the book that blends literary insight, philosophical reflection, and personal experience.

In a series of short reels, I will share the most compelling questions and answers from that Sausalito conversation. Each short video will feature Q&As, offering practical wisdom and thoughtful reflections on aging with intention, dignity, and ease.

I hope these conversations spark your curiosity—and help you discover new ways to enjoy the journey of comfortable aging.

Let’s begin with the first two questions:

1. What is autophagy—and why is it good for your body?
2. Why should we be careful about our wishes?

The answers are just a click away. Click, listen, reflect—and enjoy.

WHY WE HAVE A DOG

When I walk down the street with our Labradoodle, Max, people often stop and say, “He’s so cute. So handsome.” I usually answer with a smile, “Just take a look at the owner.” They laugh. It’s a joke—but like most good jokes, it carries a bit of truth. Max opens people. He invites smiles, slows the moment, and reminds us that joy often arrives before words.

Our life with Max began in June 2017, when I was searching for a gift for my wife on our 50th wedding anniversary. Jewelry no longer felt meaningful. I wanted something alive—something that would grow with us.

We hadn’t had a dog for fifteen years. We were busy working and traveling. When I mentioned a breeder in Monterey who raised Australian Labradoodles, my wife resisted. “We don’t need this responsibility,” she said. She was right. Responsibility is rarely convenient. But it is often meaningful.

Not long after, we returned from a cruise to Norway’s fjords, we drove to Monterey. The moment she held that small, warm creature in her arms, the decision was made. Some choices belong to the heart, not the calendar.

Max asks for very little—food, care, a walk, and to play ball. In return, he gives more than we expected. He greets us with joy, and lives fully in the present. He communicates through his eyes, his paws, his quiet presence. Over time, I learned to understand him. Or perhaps I simply learned to pay attention.

People call dogs our “best friends.” The phrase is familiar, but true. Friendship is not about conversation; it is about presence. Reliability. Being there. In my forthcoming book “How to Enjoy Comfortable Aging”, one of the chapters is called “If you want a best friend, become one.” As we age, life gently asks us to let go—of speed, of certainty, of roles. A dog pushes back against that shrinking. He gives structure to the day and softness to the heart. A reason to walk. A reason to return home. A reason to be needed.

When I asked ChatGPT a simple question—Why would I need a dog?—the answer ended with this line: “And maybe most of all, you have a dog because life asked you to take care of something that would, in return, take care of your heart.” It sounded like poetry—because it was true.

Having a dog is not about filling loneliness. It is about sharing presence. About choosing care at a stage of life when many are told to simplify, step back, and withdraw. Sometimes, comfortable aging is just this: walking a little slower, with someone who is perfectly happy simply to walk beside you.

This story features three recent photos of Max.

Enjoy, and share with a friend.

People often think my work as a mortgage broker is about interest rates or approvals. That’s only the surface. The real work is people.

Every loan involves relationships, responsibilities, and emotions. Money is never just money—it reflects how people live, love, and worry. Sometimes it also reflects illness, disease, and unexpected life changes that no one plans for.

Before I can find the right solution, I need to understand the story behind the numbers. I don’t do this deliberately—it’s simply how I work. I listen first. This becomes very important, especially when borrowers go through the divorce process, as four of my current clients have.

In today’s video, I shared a short answer to a very deep question—how to stay together.

If you have questions, or something on your heart, give me a call. I’m a very good listener.

Click this link to watch today’s post on my YouTube Channel and share the link with a friend. Thank you.

Best wishes,

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

ALWAYS TELL WHAT YOU WANT

Years ago, I discovered the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto, who conducted fascinating experiments with water. He wrote several books on the subject, and his work is easy to find online. His idea was simple yet profound: when water is exposed to positive words, thoughts, or intentions, it freezes into beautiful, harmonious crystals. When exposed to negative words or emotions, the frozen water becomes murky, distorted, and chaotic.

Human beings are made up of nearly 70–80% water, depending on age. If water responds to language and intention, it makes sense to ask: what are our own words doing to us?

Many people speak in limiting ways without realizing it. They say things like, “I hope” or “Yes, but…” or constantly repeat doubts and negative expectations. The body does not hear the excuse—it only absorbs the message. What we repeatedly say becomes what we reinforce.

When we change our language and consciously choose words that are positive and intentional, the results can be very different.

Years ago, I was carrying significant personal and business debt. I wanted freedom from it, so I began repeating a simple mantra: “I am debt-free.” Over time, I realized that even this needed refinement. I changed it to: “I have a hundred thousand dollars in the bank.”

And slowly—almost miraculously—things shifted. Business improved, debts were paid off, and money began to grow in the account.

Words matter.

Tell what you want. Speak it clearly. Speak it kindly. Speak it as if it is already true—and let the results follow.

I’m attaching some beautiful images of water. Enjoy them, and share this with a friend.

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

HOW TO FINANCE TIC

A few days ago, I received a call from a real estate agent about two buyers—a couple and a friend—who wanted to purchase a two-unit TIC* building together. He reached out because I’ve written before about TIC financing options.

* Tenancy in common (TIC) allows multiple parties to hold ownership interests in a property, offering flexibility in ownership percentages. However, unlike joint tenancy, TIC does not grant rights of survivorship, meaning a deceased owner’s share passes to their estate rather than other co-owners.

While TIC loans are more limited today, there are still four banks that offer fractional TIC financing. Most have strict guidelines, but we work with one non-conforming lender that can go as low as 20% down and allows flexible income options such as bank statements, asset depletion, or DSCR—options conventional lenders don’t offer.

If you’re dealing with a similar TIC situation, call me: (415) 225-7920

Meanwhile, click here for a short video posted on my YouTube Channel.

Best wishes,

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

HOW TO ENJOY COMFORTABLE AGING

Last night I gave my first presentation—what I prefer to call a conversation—in Sausalito. It was the first public introduction of a concept that has been living with me for some time now: Comfortable Aging.

It began as an idea. That idea slowly became a book project. The book is now almost ready, currently in the editing stage, and soon it will move into production and Amazon print-on-demand.

During the conversation, I presented the structure of the book by introducing its 42 subjects. Participants were invited to choose a topic and ask a question, and together we explored it.

The core idea is simple, but not easy: If we want to age comfortably, we must decide that this is what we want.

Next Tuesday, I will turn 79. It is a respectable age. I work full-time, remain active in art and writing, and continue creating content focused on aging with dignity and ease. I can do this because I follow a personal protocol—one I designed myself and continue to adjust as life changes.

This journey is also shared on my channel, Comfortable Aging with Manny Kagan. You can watch it on YouTube and Telegram channel. Every Monday, I speak about one of the subjects covered in the book, and you are welcome to participate or simply listen and reflect.

Thank you.

Many real estate agents routinely refer their clients directly to banks—Wells Fargo, Chase, Citi, or sometimes a credit union. Often, it’s simply because they know someone there, it’s familiar, and it feels convenient.

But what’s convenient for the agent isn’t always what’s best for the client.

Banks offer what I call vanilla loans. They follow very specific, rigid underwriting guidelines. If a client’s money is already sitting in that bank, they may receive a preferential interest rate—but only if everything fits neatly into the bank’s box. Real life, however, rarely fits into neat boxes.

That’s where we come in. As mortgage brokers, we don’t start with a single product—we start with the client. We look at the full picture: income structure, property type, timing, goals, and challenges. Rate is just one part of the transaction, not the entire story.

If a bank solution works, great. If it doesn’t, we have alternatives. And in many cases, we can match—or even beat—bank pricing, while offering more flexibility and better guidance.

So, the real question is: why keep sending your clients to banks by default?

It’s your choice—but if you want a true professional who can tailor solutions and genuinely serve your clients’ best interests, give me a call: (415) 225-7920, or send me an email: mannykagan@comcast.net. 

Meanwhile, click this link to watch a brief video on my YouTube channel featuring a few real-life cases from my successful practice.

Best wishes,

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It’s difficult to believe, but 2026 is already here.

Are you ready? We have to be ready—even though readiness often begins before the date itself. In truth, preparation for 2026 started in 2025. A year is just a number on the calendar, but life doesn’t move by dates alone.

For me, 2025 was a meaningful year. Business-wise, it was a good year. We survived, we endured, and that alone carries gratitude. More than that, it gave me confidence and hope. I am genuinely looking forward to 2026, believing it will be a great year.

One of the highlights of 2025 was producing my book, Reflections: The Healing Images. I use it daily for meditation, and I truly believe it can serve as a gentle healing companion for anyone who opens it with intention. I encourage those who feel drawn to it to experience it for themselves. You can order it on Amazon.

But something else happened this past year—something unexpected.

This past Sunday, while walking our Labradoodle, Max, in our quiet and hilly neighborhood, I decided to follow a recommendation I had heard: to try walking backward. Supposedly, it stimulates the brain and improves awareness. At first, it felt easy. The ground was flat—no problem. Then the path started going uphill. Still manageable.

But then came the downhill.

Without realizing it, my legs began moving faster and faster. A thought crossed my mind: I could fall. I decided to stop—but stopping while moving downhill is not so easy. I turned around, lost my balance, and fell hard onto the pavement. My head hung over the road. Thankfully, nothing serious happened. I bruised my hip and injured my shoulder. The hip healed quickly, but the shoulder still aches and affects my sleep. I know—it takes time.

Max, sensing something was wrong, jumped around me anxiously. His presence—his concern—gave me the strength to get up.

Later, reflecting on the experience I had some reflections.

Here is what that moment taught me:

1. Know where you are going.
2. Look forward, not backward, especially when moving ahead.
3. When life goes downhill, it can accelerate very quickly.
4. If you believe you might fall, sometimes stopping requires falling first.
5. Have a good friend—who helps you rise.
6. If you choose a different direction, prepare properly.

I still believe walking backward has value—but next time, it will be on a flat surface, or in a gym where the environment is controlled. Wisdom doesn’t reject new ideas; it adjusts how we practice them.

The deeper point is this: whatever direction you choose in life, prepare yourself. Choose wisely. Be aware of the terrain.

As we step into 2026, I wish you a year that is Happy, Prosperous, Healthy, and Joyful. Let’s do it together. Let’s make this year meaningful.

Three images of flowers decorating this story are from my shortly coming book “How to Enjoy Comfortable Aging. 42 Manifestations.” 

If you happen to be in the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday, January 8, you are welcome to join me for the open conversation about aging. The event will take place at 6:00 pm at Eria Events, 562 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965. Admission is free.  

We will discuss:

• Aging & Longevity
• Divorce & Mortality
• Exercise & Meditation
• Mortgages & Rightsizing  … and much more

Thank you.

WELL BEGUN IS HALF DONE

The saying I used as the title to this story may sound self-explanatory, but to get real results you must prepare in advance. I’m sharing this before the New Year begins, a time when we usually start with new desires, new expectations, and hopeful forecasts. But the real question is—are we ready for them?

Results don’t happen by accident. They require action ahead of time. For example, as a mortgage broker, if I want to get paid in January, I must work on my files in November and December. The same principle applies to my art and my photography.

On January 8, I will give a talk based on my forthcoming book, “How to Enjoy Comfortable Aging – 42 Manifestations”. Even though I am still working on the text, the book will be ready in January.

At the same time, I will have my photo exhibition on January 18. To make that happen, I didn’t just create artwork—I also designed another book, “42 Petals of Wisdom”. Everything I do, I start in advance. So, when the events arrive, they are already in motion.

The three images decorating this story are from my book “42 Petals of Wisdom.”

I’ll keep you informed about the dates and locations of my talk and exhibition. In the meantime, Happy New Year—and make it a great one. If you’d like to reach me, please call (415) 225-7920 or send an email to mannykagan@comcast.net.

Thank you!

Share Your Story

A week ago, we returned from our ten-day vacation in Kauai. The first time we came here was in 1991, and like many others, we were quickly seduced into buying a timeshare. Over the years, we returned many times and also exchanged through RCI which allowed us to visit many wonderful destinations around the world. Lately, however, Kauai has become our winter home away from home.

One of the reasons this trip felt especially meaningful is that our older daughter and her husband joined us, turning it into a true family vacation. Kauai is, of course, a remarkable place to relax the body and soul—but it is also a place to explore, to discover, and to meet new people.

One of our favorite new discoveries this time was a Japanese restaurant called Mora Basics in Koloa  village. Alongside excellent food and very reasonable prices, we received an unexpected bonus: meeting the remarkable owner.

Usually, owners of Japanese restaurants come from the same cultural background as the cuisine. In this case, he is a white Caucasian man whose journey into Japanese cooking began years ago while serving as a Mormon missionary. That early impression eventually led to his own culinary masterpiece. But what stayed with me even more were his life stories. After hearing them, I encouraged him to write them down and share them with the next generation.

We all carry stories in our hearts.

Write them down—or dictate them to ChatGPT. The world needs to know who you are and the life you’ve lived.

My next book, 42 Petals of Wisdom, will be ready in January. Until then, enjoy these three images of the hibiscuses — the official flower of Hawaii.