Why Plan for Retirement?

Such a question might well be asked by someone unfamiliar with the precepts of the New Retirement, one of which is the rediscovery of the authentic self.  However, think of any other major periods of change and transition in your life when you wouldn't dare venture forth without some kind of plan: college, career, marriage, children, vacations, investments, car and home purchases. We plan for such occasions because we want to get it right, because we want to make sure that the decision we make is the right one for our life at that time, and because we don't want that decision to end up being a costly or emotionally hurtful mistake.

We plan because we want to avoid saying to ourselves: "If only I'd had a plan, how much easier and less complicated things would have turned out!" We plan because we are all aware of the lasting impact change and transition have on us, and because we respect the importance of making life-altering decisions carefully.

So, consider these important concepts in the planning process as you approach those decisions you will make for your retirement: When you plan, you have the power and ability to chart your own course. When you plan, you're in the driver's seat to actualizing your goals and dreams. You have the power to learn and implement new strategies for dealing with your changing needs and circumstances, and you have the ability to access many different resources to help you make informed and educated decisions about them.

In addition to the above considerations, the planning process for retirement is founded on these five principles:

1.    The last third of your life will be different from that of any previous generation
2.    Your future is your sole responsibility, you can no longer count on others to meet your needs in later life - and that includes your employer, the government, and your own family
3.    Planning does not take a great deal of effort and will not overwhelm an already busy life
4.    Any forward step creates momentum and creates more opportunities to accomplish your goals
5.    Your own individuality is a wonderful resource, which will support and guide you through the  planning process - keep in mind, that it's all about you!

Retirement is a life changing transition and one of the most important periods in the adult lifespan.  It's that time of life that we all look forward to after we've raised our children and reached the fulfillment of our careers.  It's also one of the longest periods in our lives, where we can now expect to spend up to 30 years.  It deserves nothing less than our most careful and well-planned consideration.