Almost everyone I talk with, from young to old, seems to be worried about their future. Whether their fears have been heightened due to the economy, the stock market, or the political climate, their concerns usually center on “will I have enough” to retire. In other words, “What if I can’t work as long as I need to?” or “If I want to stop at some reasonable age, will I be able to?” So let’s review over the next several weeks what may help. With each entry we’ll try to address a strategy or “hot topic” that may be helpful.

Live Reasonably. Good marketers have done an excellent job motivating us to want more and more. But the truth is we can’t afford many things we spend our money on. So look at what you are spending (make a detailed list) and then ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you can afford, not just today but later. Next, start finding ways to spend less and save more. Remember, bad habits are hard to break. Reducing spending is almost like pulling apart human flesh. So don’t wait too long to start re-establishing good spending and savings habits. To develop & monitor your spending plan, consider using Quicken or the Mvelope System. And if it helps any, remember that most of the “rich” can’t afford the “yester-years” any more than the rest!