Do you worry about retirement?

Do you worry about retirement?

I admit it. I am concerned about retirement. Being able to retire with dignity, not living a life of poverty. Not having to ask others for help, or put a burden on friends or family. Honestly, I don’t like to ask for help. I think that may be a guy thing. I like to be as self sufficient as I can. I don’t want the governments help or have them butting into my life or my business.

I’ve been working since I was 17 or so. Over 28 years. Since no one told me (or showed me) how to handle money, I’ve made so many mistakes. I’ve paid my share of Stupid Tax. Odds are that you have made mistakes too.

Far as I can recall, budgeting and avoiding debt was never taught in schools. How to buy an affordable car, a home, a life insurance policy, how to invest, how to balance a checkbook- None of this was taught (perhaps it is now? Although I doubt it).

I don’t want to retire rich. But I would like more than the $900 a month that Social Security would give me after working and paying into it for 30+ years. $900 a month is poverty these days. That would not even pay for rent in the county I live in (well perhaps it would if you lived with 4 other people). Assuming of course that Social Security is even around when I retire. Which I have my doubts.

If you are in your late teens or 20s and are working, the time to think about retirement is now. You may not think so, but it is. Think and plan now. Don’t wait until you’re 40s to do this. It’s much easier if you start early. Do not think that our broke government that can’t keep books is going to take care of you in your golden years. That is your job.