Ageism

Ever heard of ageism? Ageism is a term coined by Dr. Robert Butler which refers to discrimination against the elderly. How does this affect you?

As a nation, we are getting older. People are living longer than they did in previous generations. According to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ a male who lives to age 65 can reasonably expect to live until age 82. A female at age 65 can reasonably expect to live until age 85. Earlier this year, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke discussed the effects of aging on the U.S. economy. Mr. Bernanke stated that "the U.S. must begin now to prepare for this coming demographic transition."  
Dr. Robert Butler, 83 is in charge of the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Butler, a Pulitzer Prize winner, has also written six books about aging issues and is the the founder of the International Longevity Center. In a recent article in Investment Advisor magazine, Dr. Butler discusses his thoughts on aging. Did you know that in 2025, only 15 years from now, more than 1 in 5 persons will be 65 or older?

Dr. Butler says that older people "should probably plan to work longer than they envisioned." He adds that regarding Social Security and our workforce, "It's very obvious and striking that if people stay in the workforce longer, they put more money into the system and take less money out."

What does this mean for you?

For those in my generation (I am 46 at this time.) we need to think seriously about working longer. Also, we need to prepare for changer in Social Security. We must do a better job of saving and investing in our 401(k) or 403(b) plans. Since we don't have pensions and can't count on Social Security for our future income, the 401(k) has to be our main method for retirement savings.

Saving in a 401(k) means you have to do the work. No one else will care about your future the way you do. My book, Help! My 401(k) Has Fallen - And Must Get Up! has several ideas and strategies which will help you in your journey. Get your 'Fallen' 401(k) back on its feet. Contact me to reserve your copy today, or visit http://www.my401khasfallen.com/.

You can also get a FREE report at my website, http://www.helpmy401k.us/ The 5 Biggest Problems With 401(k) Plans - And How To Fix Them. If you live in the South Bend, IN area, I am also happy to help with 401(k) rollovers or IRA reviews. You can follow me on Twitter, Linked In, or Facebook.

My weekly radio show is Improving Your Financial Health on WHME-FM in South Bend, and archives are available for listening on my website.