I envision the television version of retirement; sitting on the porch with my husband, planning our next trip, visiting with the grand kids, volunteering somewhere and being active in my church. I can only think of two things that would hinder me in this dream. Both boil down to a lack of proper planning by myself or my husband of five years this September.
The first reason would be insufficient funds to allow us to do as we please, which is the ultimate goal. According to CNNMoney I will need $910,480.00 or $612,777.00 in today’s dollars (CNNMoney, 2013). What I say to that is I am a bit short of the mark. This shortage leads me to my second hindrance, the necessity to continue working after age 65.
If I retire at age 75 I will need a paltry $657,830.00 or $326,485.00 in today’s dollars. This is a bit better and I am a bit closer to the mark (a bit) (CNNMoney, 2013). Now this assumes all things are consistent, that I want to live on 100% of my current salary, that we stay healthy and that we don’t have to actively raise our grandkids. Also this does not take into account my husband’s contribution.
What I can guarantee is that our lives will not remain consistent. I have been afraid of living out my old age alone eating cat food for as long as I can remember. My husband and I have started exercising regularly. He lost 60 lbs and I lost 30lbs. We eat better but still not the best. I am actively trying to pay every debt I can find. We are both in school, he to complete his Bachelors and a certificate in his field and me for my Masters, we pray daily and are active in the church. Though we are in our early 50’s we will not allow the environment or anything else to hinder our long-term well being.
With that said we may need to alter our television, pie in the sky ideas of retirement a bit too fit reality but who knows?????
Bibliography
CNNMoney. (2013). How much do I need to retire? – CNNMoney. Retrieved 3 19, 2013, from CNNMoney: http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/retirementneed/retirementneed_plain.html