Page 53 - Workbook3E

The Importance of Planning for Retirement
PLANNING— The Most Important Tool in your Toolbox
Everyone has his own goals for Retirement. Do you want to:
• Pursue a new full-time career during your retirement?
• Continue working part-time?
• Perform volunteer work?
• Buy a motor home and travel the country?
• Be financially secure even with medical bills?
Obviously, this list could go on and on. Planning and preparation are the key tools you use to effectively face the challenges of retirement.
What Does Your Toolbox Look Like?
Imagine you could go into every garage in America, and open the toolboxes. No two would be alike. One has an antique set of socket wrenches, another has an electric drill. Everyone approaches the same job in a different way.
Likewise, there isn’t one right set of plans to help you prepare for retirement. You’re unique. No one else has your perspective, sensibilities, interests, or experience. Only you can fill your toolbox with the proper tools for the job. You must prepare yourself to retire.
Past, Present, and Future
Let’s say Dave and Marie decided to retire at the same time. But like many Americans, maybe they didn’t start thinking about retirement until they’d been married for decades. The kids are grown, and they both have things they’ve wanted to do for a long time.
It would be difficult for them if they hadn’t worked together planning their finances and retirement. What if Marie only had a small savings account, and Dave hadn’t set aside anything?
“We become what we behold. We shape our tools and then our tools shape us.”
~ Marshall McLuhan
Access Education Systems © 2013 49