Jun 20 2008
Retirement Fear SIX - Failure
Retirement Fear SIX - Failure. (I think this will be my last post on the theme of “Retirement Fears.”) It just seems so negative and that is not my intent, nor mindset.
Fear of Failure lurks behind every new endeavor, at least in my own mind. I have always been a good “starter-upper” but a poor finisher. I could list a number of projects here - all of them in various stages of non-completion - but that would be depressing and not productive.
We ought to be expounding upon our successes in life, not dwelling on failures. So dwelling on just the “fear” of failure, seems really worthless, doesn’t it?
I believe POSITIVE ACTIONS do more toward avoiding failure than ANY amount of worrying about it. 
At this moment, however, I am thinking about FINANCIAL FAILURE. In retirement years we may not be in a good position to do much about our financial situation, particularly if we are in debt and/or living on a fixed income.
If one is contemplating retirement, part of the answer is to obtain some financial advice. A professional will cost a few dollars, but may be worth it in the long run. There is plenty of financial advice available on the Internet (but be careful of scammers) Local banks and credit unions are also a source of information, as is the Public Library. My credit union offers free classes and seminars. The important issues I have identified while contemplating retirement were savings, investments, debt, assets, insurance, health care, future living expenses and inflation protection. This is not the place to provide any advice. I am not a professional. Just thinks to think about.
If one is already retired, many of the above concerns still apply but we now have less control over many of those issues. We can still work on managing our debt and controlling our expenses. Increasing our income is an option so long as we are in decent health, and part-time jobs are often a good option to exercise while we still can. According to Bob Skladany at retirementjobs.com, more than 75% of us approaching retirement age plan to work in some job beyond traditional retirement age. According to studies that he cites, “continuing to work in some fashion is good for your well being - physically, emotionally and financially.” I think that makes sense. We benefit by feeling like we are contributing something to society.
And, I have to also credit Bob with following quote: “Getting older may not be as great as we once imagined, but it beats not getting older.”
So on to more positive aspects of retired life. Today I am sanding our wooden backyard deck, stripping off the old finish and preparing to re-stain. It is a lot of hard work but the cost of renting a drum sander and buying a couple of gallons of stain is WAY less expensive than replacing all the deck planking. I just hope that this is one project I will finish. Good thing I have a spouse who keeps me on task.
