Financial Fitness & Life Planning

 
YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN MAY BE SOLID BUT DO YOU HAVE A LIFE PLAN?
 
      Most of us spend many hours (and dollars) researching and considering the financial aspects of our retirement, concentrating on our pension plans, IRAS, Keoghs and seeking comprehensive and affordable medical coverage and long term care insurance. We hire expert advisors, pore over books and magazine articles, diversify our portfolios and spend endless hours examining and forecasting our expenses and preparing budgets.
 
      It goes without saying that these are all critical components of having a successful, satisfying, vibrant and fulfilling life after 50. These plans help us determine what we will have in this next stage of our lives.
 
      Regrettably, however, far too few of us take the time to consider what we will do with the resources we’ve accumulated and who we will be in the years beyond 50.
 
      Do you plan to retire? What does retirement mean to you? Will you continue to work, in some way, in your chosen field? Are you considering an encore career or a new business venture? Is more leisure time in your future – golf, travel, hobbies? What role will voluntarism play? The possibilities are endless. Time is flexible. The choices are yours.
 
      It will likely be impossible to plan all of the elements of what may be the 40 year expanse of time you may call your “retirement,” or your “seniority,” or your “next step.” There are so many variables and circumstances you can’t predict; your health, the economy or your family situation may (and likely will) change. However, one thing is virtually certain – like a successful financial plan, a successful retirement (or senior life) plan doesn’t happen by magic or wishful thinking or serendipity.
 
      Having the good life after 50 – however you define or envision it – takes some time and thinking -- and, most importantly, it takes preparation and planning. It’s never too early to begin that process. The first step toward having the life you want after 50 is to give some serious thought to what you want that life to be. A successful transition to life after 50 requires self-examination and some introspection. How do you want to use your resources – your time, your money, your energy? What do you think you will want and need and value as you travel through the years after 50? If you begin your planning now, you will be prepared to take that important next step in your life whenever you decide the time is right.
 
      And so we ask, what have you done or are you doing to prepare for your journey beyond 50?  Please comment below.  We look forward to hearing from you.
 
Rosemary and Barbara
 
The Next Steps Team can be reached at:
Barbara Kessler www.lifeinfocusllc.com
RosemaryByrne www.sbscoaching.com
 
 
© The Next Steps Team 2010. All rights