Cautionary Tales for Women

The following articles should be required reading:

From the LA Times:

http://graphics.latimes.com/retirement-nomads/

From The Atlantic:

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2018/02/pensions-safety-net-california/553970/

From Marketwatch:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/many-older-americans-are-living-a-desperate-nomadic-life-2017-11-06

I am saddened by lives that could have been mine and gladdened that I had the foresight and wherewithal that they are not.

There are many things in life that are beyond our control -- unforeseen health problems -- but financial planning is not.  Get a grip on your finances.  If you don't have a budget, make one.  Know where you stand on retirement income... social security?  How much can you expect to receive?  Will it be enough to cover your living expenses?  If you need additional income, where will you get it?

I am grateful every day of my retirement that I planned ahead, waited until 70 to start collecting social security, and worked for another two years, socking away as much as I could into savings.  Is it enough?  Who knows?  But I sleep well, my current needs and caprices are covered by my monthly income, and I continue to save every month.

Are you a grasshopper or an ant?  Your retirement is at stake.  Start planning for it now.

Penny Pincher