6 Steps to Creating Your Ultimate Retirement Plan
Have you ever met or known someone who is living in retirement the way you have dreamed of? Do you have a "role model" that you can talk with, and see how they accomplished their dream?
I’ve been blessed to have observed very closely such a couple - my parents.
Each Fall they always take an adventure trip for at least a month. They are currently in Egypt riding camels, riding in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the pyramids, and cruising down the Nile river. Wow! Do I want to experience life like that, by being a participant versus an observer!
Plus, they own 2 homes…. one is the San Francisco Bay area that they spend a couple of months at during the holidays (because most of the family is in the vicinity). The other one is in the Sierra mountains in California, that they spend 5-6 months living at. They also live for 2 months during the winter in Zihuantenejo, Mexico. They are definately enjoying their life.
So, what are some of the steps to get there?
- Pay yourself first
- Invest at your risk level so you can sleep at night. When you’re young your tolerance level to risk may be greater because you have more time to make up any potential losses.
- It’s not all about "things". Evaluate why you’re making that purchase. Just because you can afford it - doesn’t mean you should follow through. There is a saying - "save for a rainy day" (or retirement).
- Eliminate debt. Pay off your home(s), don’t carry a credit card balance.
- Have a goal at different age intervals of what you want to accomplish so it can be measured to see if you’re on track, and readjust as necessary.
- Be in business for yourself (even if you keep a j.o.b.) start a home business, and take advantage of every tax benefit you’re entitled to.
I’m on my way to the retirement of my dreams, how about you? I’m sure you have other items for consideration, please leave a comment 
Here’s a picture of my husband and I visiting with my folks in Zihuantenejo….
Until next time, J.
"Take control of your destiny or someone else will"
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October 30 2008 12:15 am | Home Business Ideas and Retirement and Wealth Strategies
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 am
Thanks for the post - we are part way there in that we have just paid off our mortgage - yippee. We can now concentrate on our kids future and our retirement fund.