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As individuals, many of our philosophies and habits about money and finances originate from our personal experiences and from the experiences we have observed from those around us–parents, family, friends.

Good or bad, we engage in behaviors that we believe will bring us financial success and happiness. If we see someone suffer from a financial shock, like the loss of a job, we think: “I am not going to live paycheck to paycheck. I am going to build an emergency savings account so that I will have money to fall back on.”

So, what happens when people plan based on preconceived ideas developed from bad information? This poor planning will kill your retirement dreams. And unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.

I recently came across a report compiled by the Society of Actuaries–2017 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey. The focus was retirement concerns and preparation and overall financial wellness among pre-retirees and retirees. It covered everything from debt in retirement, to housing concerns, to the impact of financial shocks, to working longer. It also covered the sense of well-being and preparedness among pre-retirees and retirees that use an advisor and have implemented a plan.

After reading the report, I was surprised at the percentage of retirees that felt unprepared for the financial aspects of retirement and their income needs. I included some of the highlights in the graphics on the next page. My conclusion? Many retirees have too much debt, poor spending habits, and would benefit from the help of a financial advisor.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to help you, our clients, plan for a successful financial future. We thoroughly enjoy creating each plan, focusing on the known and preparing for the unknown events that may impact you. Thank you for allowing us to help you on your financial journey.

Best Wishes,

Sharla J. Jessop, CFP®
President

SFS