Time to Catch Up

Everyone retires eventually, but not everyone is financially prepared for retirement. In fact, research shows that more than two-thirds of Americans of working age do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. You may think that you can rely on Social Security, but it was never intended to replace preretirement income. It is only supposed to provide for basic living expenses. Jack Sutherland, who spent more than forty years as a commercial banker before retiring, outlines the challenges of saving for retirement and shares a "you-centered" retirement model that demonstrates the interrelationship of seven key strategies. One of the most dangerous actions you can take, he says, is to delegate all your personal financial planning to a financial adviser, a certified public accountant, an attorney, or any other trusted adviser. After all, your goals, aspirations, and dreams form the foundation of your plan-not someone else's. If you have been trapped by inaction because of worries about family, career, or aging parents, stop making excuses. Set financial goals, and take steps to achieve them with the insights and strategies in Time to Catch Up.