Feeling Unprepared for Retirement?

By Maureen Crimmins on August 20, 2014 in Working through Transitions

How can you go from feeling so certain that you are prepared, to feeling a bit panicked that you must have missed something?

The week that I have been preparing for has finally arrived. The big drop off at college for my youngest daughter Elizabeth. The lists have been completed and I am confident that her dorm room is equipped with everything she needs for the next year. However, even though the items on the list have been checked off, I am having a difficult time believing that I have fully prepared her to be on her own.

I feel as though I need to tell her many more things and have sort of run out of time.

How did 18 years go by so quickly and have I prepared her for everything living on her own entails?

I take comfort in a story I heard about raising children. Parents view their children as a tree seed when very young, but sometimes need to be reminded when they look at their young sapling that they will grow to be strong oak trees. But you still worry!

It’s a lot like planning for retirement. The closer it gets, the more unprepared you may feel. Questions arise:

Have I saved enough?

Have I mentally prepared for the changes in lifestyle?

Am I certain that I am ready for a possible 20+ year retirement?

Will retirement live up to all that I have dreamed of?

It is normal to feel apprehensive about a new direction that your life is taking. And although the transition is full of excitement, the nervousness is certainly normal. But, preparing for this change will be beneficial and the advanced planning should ease some of your concerns.

The planning and saving that you have worked hard for will allow you the comfort of enjoying your retirement, financially and emotionally.

So, for all of those who are entering college or retirement, don’t worry and enjoy the transition to a new phase of life.

These will be some of the best years of your life!

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The foregoing content reflects the opinions of Crimmins Wealth Management and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice or a recommendation regarding the purchase or sale of any security. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. All investing involves risk, including the potential for loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment plan or strategy will be successful.