RETIREMENT: YOUR WORKLIFE IN DOLLARS & CENTS

What if I told you insane was working fifty hours a week in some office for fifty years at the end of which they tell you to piss off; ending up in some retirement village hoping to die before suffering the indignity of trying to make it to the toilet on time? – Garland Greene, Con Air

Let me be honest retirement used to be the keyword for well-earned rest from the grind of labor. Now, it’s a cringe-worthy dose of reality. Many of us depleted our most valuable resource, TIME, for a few dollars and cents decreasing steadily with higher inflation forcing us to keep toiling till our death. In short, retirement is the culmination of employment actualized in a term we all understand, MONEY.

True, putting regular fiscal measures in place to account for the future loss of bi-weekly paydays is effective, (Financial advisors are a real thing. Schedule an appointment with one.) but in no way compares to the staggering demands outpacing average salaries. If you add the ceiling-less cost of housing, utilities, and consumer goods, you might as well faint already.

I don't want to frighten you. I want to help your BLIND SIGHT focus on money while a plethora of opportunities exists.

First and foremost, you are not alone nor, are you helpless. Education and action are the POWER tools you need to move forward successfully. Know what's available for you regarding savings, investment vehicles, and federal assistance programs. May I suggest reviewing your company retirement (pension), IRAs , or 401K (independent), and SSA Account?

If you're wondering why I mentioned company pension, IRAs, or 401K, and checking your social security status, here's the reason. :

You may not be aware, some companies or governments contribute to pensions, guaranteed income for your retirement. Like the social security benefits, there is a formula determining the amount you receive in your retirement. Contact your Human Resources department for more information.

IRAs or 401Ks are both tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Generally, employers contribute to 401Ks, IRAs are owned and maintained by individuals.

Social security becomes a benefit that supports 40% of your retirement, which you've paid into during your working life. A point of understanding the requirements (ensuring you have the 40 credits) should be on your to-do list.

I think we often operate from negative perceptions regarding money. Believing life events like retirement are more distant allowing time to be squandered. IT'S CLOSER THAN YOU THINK. Many of us view money (management) as taboo that we operate from family traditions or on autopilot outside of daily spending habits.

In closing, the world has changed. We are addressing longer and higher costs of living. Employees can no longer bask in fiscal ignorance. As our middle-class and buying power dwarfs, planning and preparation at every new position and life event are essential. Don't get caught slipping.

Yes, the wealth gap is insanely out of control, causing anxiety amongst us, but HELL NO, should it be an excuse to damage the life you do want after working your butt off (slang: working really hard), at the cost of losing more resources (TIME) than necessary.