RE-TIRED-ME...

Do you want to know a secret?

RETIREMENT is the fifth stage of employment (at least for those of us not a part of the 1%).

Not only that, but the most shocking part is you enter this particular part of the job market as a newbie, Educated, but a newbie. Fledglings barely maneuvering fickle terrain trying not to go broke, worse trying not to reenter the employment sector.

I don't know about the next person, but when I decide to put down my pen, close my laptop, and sign-off on my last email, I'm not interested in returning to that way of life. Been there done that have several souvenirs. What about you?

Is it me, or do the overload of information, the fear of making the wrong decisions, and an ever-ridiculous economy have a damning effect when planning for retirement?

Call me a realist. I believe there are solutions for everything, including this. My first glimpse of retired living came from watching my grandparents. It looked cool. Then it was my parents, doable. Now, I am in that awkward middle space- that area where you still have time to make great strides to secure your future even when the proverbial deck is stacked against you.

Retirement is more than figures and calendar years. It's a thinker's game. Like monopoly, life, chess, and the Matrix (movie) but for real, with higher stakes. So, how am I preparing for my days of doing whatever-in-the-hell-I-want?

Glad you asked.

First, BE grateful.

Sounds cliche, but breathing, walking, talking without assistance from others, a roof over your head with food to eat, and at least one form of regular income is priceless. Some of humanity severely undervalue the simplest forms of wealth. I am always in the posture of gratitude.

NEWSFLASH# Money is only one aspect of wealth.

Second, I created a checklist to make my tasks and goals a real actionable event. An example looks like this.

• Decide W/H (Where I want to be & How I want to live)

• Plan (Paper makes dreams turn into realities)

• Budget (What does the life I want look like + Get the debt to $0 (or nearest to it))

• Keep going (no matter how many times you have to start over)

Important must do, I give myself grace because my future is uncharted.

In doing this research, I didn't find the same level of attention regarding retirement for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, gig workers, and small (mid) business owners. For this bold group of achievers, a different approach is necessary.

Here are a few extra tips.

1. Contribute to a retirement account. Listen, there are no 401ks unless you self-invest. You are the employer, remember? There is no shortage of options, plans, or financial experts (financial advisors) to assist you.

2. We, entrepreneurs, are investors. Our business is our greatest asset (if nurtured correctly). If this is your retirement vehicle (selling the business), when considering every expansion, always ask yourself, 'How can I make others want to buy my company?'

Wishing for a better life will not make it happen. It's an impactful start that requires action. YOU are never too late for better when you decide you deserve it. Here’s to wishing everyone a healthy enjoyable life. COME GROW WITH ME. Read my blogs, become a member, or check out my services.

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