This Is Not Your Parents’ Retirement

Last week I had the opportunity to give three presentations about what I do and how I do it.  I’ve been practicing this explanation as if I were trying to get my 8-year-old to understand it.  Why? Because I want it accessible, unintimidating, and approachable.  I’m acutely aware that my clients are highly educated and great at what they do, but they often feel in the dark, ashamed, or embarrassed about what they don’t know about money.  I want my clients to move past this experience.

You must make your own path

Start here:  It’s not your fault.  Your parents probably had their retirements built this way:

     • By the government (Social Security)
     • By their employer(s) (a pension)
     • By their savings (what they saved)

But your retirement probably looks more like this:

     • Your savings (maybe a 401k plan)
     • Your savings
     • Your savings

Not only is this a daunting proposition, but the people who probably help you with advice about many things (your parents) are often unable to help you at all in retirement planning because what they did won’t work for you.  As a result, this generation is a little lost.  Not your fault.  But it is your responsibility to recognize that you may need some assistance and help in learning what needs to be done, when and how.  Read.  Ask questions.  Do research.  This is your life and your money.  You can do this.

And, well, that’s what I’m here for.  I can help, too.  Let’s get started.