The Next Chapter

Take the time to reflect the years you have spent preparing for your chapters. Our parents plan and prepare the early years of our lives. Where we live, our education, our social development, all is planned and prepared for by those who have major roles in our lives. Once a talent or strong desire is displayed, it is nurtured and we grow and evolve. Academics, athletics, musical abilities and other strengths are groomed for our achievement. This sets a path for new chapters when we become adults. We become visionaries as we plan our future. Higher education, the work force, marriage, parenting, if we’re lucky we find the path that has led us or will lead us to success. Although there may be detours, we live seeking to fulfill our dreams.

“…What are your future goals/plans? Where do you want to live? What will be your financial status? Have you saved enough? What will you do with your “free” time?”

The next chapter…..We’ve watched others as they’ve planned for their lives after retirement. Not thinking that it will be one of the most important chapters of our lives. Planning and preparing for retirement is not to be taken lightly. The responsibility of being “ready” is on the retiree. Questions to consider include: What are your future goals/plans? Where do you want to live? What will be your financial status? Have you saved enough? What will you do with your “free” time? You wake up to the questions and go to bed without the answers. This chapter can be overwhelming if you haven’t planned or prepared for it.

Checking insurance papers, preparing a will, settling debt, it all becomes an urgency. An urgency to complete so that you can enjoy the retired life. I’ve always wondered about our elders that continue to work. Some will say they just can’t sit at home day after day; others will say financially they need a job. Social security pays less than we imagine. It causes some to be a slave to the workforce. It by no means secures seniors or pays for expenses needed. Medical coverage brings on another fear as health issues rise with age. Being a burden to family is not an option. Being prepared is a necessity.

“….don’t wait to plan. Our lives, how we live and what we live for is important. “

The next chapter….don’t wait to plan. Our lives, how we live and what we live for is important. It is important enough to plan for it. No one can plan for the unknown. Check your resources, what long term plans are in place now? Choose your retirement plan before you retire. What does your next chapter look like?