I was reminded this week about something.  You guys have it really tough.  By “you guys” I mean folks like you who are nearing retirement or retired.  You have it much tougher than my generation or your parent’s generation. You are in a very scary and challenging situation. Many of your parents went to work straight out of school and stayed at the same employer their entire lives.  As soon as they retired, a pension check started showing up (and would continue to come in every month for life- guaranteed).   Your parents lived on a social security check, a pension check and found themselves on a “fixed income.” Easy.  Simple.  Understandable.  No need for anxiety. Now this generation is a whole different story.  You have probably worked for several employers.  Few of you have a traditional pension where you get a check each month.  You may have 401k’s and IRA’s filled with investments that seem uncertain and risky. You are being bombarded on a daily basis by the “financial media machine” who has realized over time that the best way to hook you in is to continually scare the heck out of you. You are only getting one side of the story (the fear-provoking side). So, here you are, relying on a Wall St. institution for your financial security that you don’t really understand or trust -  sick with worry because it seems as risky as a roulette wheel in Vegas. I want you to know that if you feel this way, you are not alone.  Nearly every single person I meet with is experiencing the same feelings. I’m sorry you have to experience this, and I hope that in some small way I am able to give you some relief and perspective.

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