10 Resolutions for Retirement Readiness

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I agree with sb. Sure, if we all wait until we are 70 to retire, it will cut down on SS payments because many of us will either have died before then or be so ill we won't live much longer.
Those pictures of the happy worker feet on desk joking with his congenial coworkers is not true for many of us who worked at stressful or unrewarding occupations. My job was very rewarding at times, but also very stressful and I would come home exhausted by the end of the day. I also began to have health problems. So I retired as soon as I could and life if great. My doctor complimented me on my good health at the last checkup. I have energy again and look forward to years of doing what I want when I want. Sure we have to be frugal but we have enough to travel and pretty much do what we want.
I love it.

BB of OK 11:58AM May 02, 2010

Another mistake regarding Social Security - high earnings year in your 60's are not multiplied by earnings indices like in your early years, so early years may count more towards Social Security than higher earnings years in your 60's.

SD of NC 8:27PM January 12, 2010

I am sorry to be so derogatory, but your your social security recommendation (parroting the media p.c.) really is witless. Of course you collect higher monthly payments if you wait to age 70, but you completely fail to take into account that that way you get $ 0 (zero) in monthly payments at age 62, age 63, age 64...through age 65 (or age 69). Taking into account the extra years you collect, the real breakeven point is age 78.
That means that starting at age 62 you will collect more $$s cumulatively in your 60s and 70s. Starting at age 66, you will collect more $$s cumulatively in your 80s and 90s (if you should live so long)... The real clincher is taking into consideration when you will need that extra money the most ---in your 60s & 70s, or in your 80s & 90s (if you should be so lucky)? Viewed in that light, the conclusion to me becomes real obvious... and it is 180 degrees opposed to your assessment.
I thought your readers should be exposed to another view, and not take your media p.c. recommendation without looking into it further.

sb of sb of CA 6:52PM January 12, 2010

i agree with RJ of TX, if you don't like your job and the way you are treated, quit and find another one instead of complaining and finding an excuse to be LAZY. BUT! make sure that you really are worth the money you are being paid. Because, sorry to say, there are so many lazy whiners out there even if you paid them just to blink their eyes they still would not be any good at it, AND COMPLAIN JUST THE SAME.

of 2:43PM January 08, 2010

you never have enough money you make money and spend it. The the American way. Dlp

donna L. pacelli of PA 9:30AM January 07, 2010

People like you are fools. If you don't like the job or benefits or any aspect of your job - then quit! Don't go whining about how pitiful you're being treated - JUST QUIT and find yourself a job to your liking.

RJ of TX 3:41AM January 07, 2010

FedEx's Inhumane Treatment!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YnbcCV2KI4

JMH of KY 5:44PM January 04, 2010

I did virtually everything recommended here including a well diversifide 401K portfolio. Retired in January 2008 and the recession hit and wiped out 40% of it. I agree with Dave above. Beware of the stock market, banks, insurance companies, health care industry etc. They are all monopolistic profit making mongers interested in only making a profit for themselves. Our capitalistic society has put a wealthy few in control of everything and they are not regulated. Hence we the middle and lower class are kept there so that a wealthy few can become even wealthier at our expense.

JohnRT of LA 2:36PM December 22, 2009

Pay, Pay, Pay...that's all that the average worker does. Pay the car loan, buy food for the family, pay the mortgage. We have chains around our ankles; they may be gold chains, but chains, none-the less. Personal finances are a challenge for the average Joe. The only plus is that most of the really good things in life are free: love, frienship, peace, etc. Be grateful for what you have. Things could always be worse.

don of NY 2:42PM December 10, 2009

My dilemma now is to realize a place where I can invest that will be safe from criminals that continually rob the investing public.
There is no authority willing to bring justice and police the investment, banking, insurance and re-insurerance industries.
Government has no desire to correct the situation, besides that, the government can only regulate the taxpayer. In all other, the government is impotent.
And so it goes.
Good day America

Dave of WI 5:56PM December 03, 2009