How to Win the Retirement Game

Author: Chad Parks / 16 May 2012 / Retirement Trends & News

In today’s world, where everyone including our own Congress is trying to get people to spend more to keep our credit driven economy growing the message to save for emergencies or retirement is not coming through. Check that, it isn’t even being broadcast.

There are so many forces at play: unemployment, low wages, consumer debt (including student loans, mortgages, credit cards), taxes, so many taxes, government debt at all levels, unfunded public and private pension plans, and austerity measures across the board, how is a person to save?

Then there are the marketers. New cars, big TV’s, vacations like you are royalty, games, entertainment, dining out, houses full of ‘stuff’. Spend, spend, spend. Spend like there is no tomorrow, there will always be another credit card in the mail. Spend for the good of us all.

Don’t get me wrong; I am guilty of it too.

I, by nature, am a very optimistic person. I have to be to be an entrepreneur, and to be happy in this world.

I try and imagine a world where the message is save, save, save. I think we used to have that, but that was before my time.

What if we measured success not on who could spend the most, but who could save the most. What if winning the game, and garnering the envy of your neighbors came because you saved enough to get out?

Getting out means you don’t have to work. You can enjoy your time however you see fit — on your terms. Imagine what that would look like?

I realize that for all of us, employment comes from spending on goods and services. I also realize that you need to live and enjoy your time on this planet. But there must be a balance, no?

Me, I am changing how I think about all of this. I want to win, and I want to live on my terms.

What are you doing for yourself?