1. Acknowledge reality. There are many impediments in saving enough money for your retirement, so try to read pertinent articles, do internet research and gain understanding for yourself to reduce stress. Don't allow the dismal statistics to paralyze you with stress. Take power over reality by vowing to positively reach your goals.
2. De-stress your retirement goals. Pensions were the mainstay of your parents' generation. Today, most Americans outside of protected government jobs will have no pensions or possess 401(k) plans overly dependent on a volatile stock market. Think smaller in terms of housing, recreation, travel and other traditional retirement goals.
3. Double your savings, right now. It is never too late to increase your savings, even if you can only set aside a few extra dollars a week. Simplify your life and put off major purchases. It's better to take small steps than to feel powerless. Every little bit will help.
4. Make retirement your priority. We all become Senior citizens, and the social security system doesn't keep pace with increases in the cost of living. Period. Put retirement at the top of your list of priorities right now, especially if you are expecting a tax refund this year.
5. Consult experts. Even if you can only afford one session with an outside financial consultant, it can be money well spent to advise you on how you can proceed. There are plenty of free seminars offered by experts both on the world wide web and at your local J. c. Today's high foreclosure rates have led to the opening of free consumer credit and financial offices in most cities to help people save their homes from foreclosure. Even if you aren't facing foreclosure or don't own a home, take advantage of the opportunity to sit in on any free financial and credit counseling sessions available.
6. Empower yourself. You can find retirement planning classes at the junior college/ continued education level with a focus on finances. Many of these classes are free or low-cost, especially if you are older. Knowledge is a powerful weapon against the stress of inaction and ignorance.
7. Be flexible. An example of what happens when people don't diversify is Enron. Many people whose 401 (k) or personal investments were in Enron stock lost everything. Diversifying your investments in savings bonds, savings accounts, stocks, real estate or other sources also minimizes your risk. Again, consult outside expertise and take notes.
8. Simplify your life. Eliminating extravagances now will prepare you to live without extravagances during your retirement. You can become prepared for what is not expected in the arena of expenses if you'll just tighten that belt a bit.
9. Be proactive. The greatest majority of Americans do not have the resources to retire at 55 or 65 or even at older ages, as did past generations. Update your skills to be ready to re-enter the workforce. The bonus is that an active mind is a powerful anti-aging deterrent, in addition to being practical. Most cities have one-stop centers established by the U.S. Workforce Investment Act that can help you find free or low-cost resources to update your skills. These centers are not just for the unemployed, and there are no age limits, so sign up for skills classes and seminars.
Our very best efforts to make plans for retiring, trying our best to make them recession resistant, fosters stress. We hope our tips have helped to reduce yours.
Preparing your home for the holidays, shopping for the gifts, and of course planning the meals and everything else that goes along with family and friends coming into town for the holidays, can be very stressful. It gets especially hectic when combined with normal stresses such as work, kids , and normal housekeeping. The problem is, with all this going on you may not have time to think, let alone take a break. On the other hand, the only way to stay sane during the holidays is to learn ways to eliminate stress throughout the day or you will surely be up all night thinking of all you have to do the next day.
The best way to eliminate stress during the holidays is to organize your duties. Make a list of everything that needs to be done before the guests arrive. Start early if you have to make room in your home for guests. This way you will have plenty of time to rearrange guest rooms, make reservations for guests that will be staying at hotels, etc... You will also have plenty of time to wash linens, go shopping for gifts, and of course plan your meals in advance and purchase all the food you will need to prepare the dishes.
Above all else, plan time for relaxation. If you only have a few minutes per day to relax, make the most of it. Sit in a room by yourself and listen to the quiet sounds of a table top water fountain. Take a warm bath using aromatherapy candles, bath oils, or even spa bath sets. The only way to eliminate stress is to give yourself a few minutes to relax and think of nothing more than yourself.
You do not have to take hours, but take out time to eat healthy meals, read a chapter of a book per day, or enjoy soaking in a hot tub with bubbles. Remember, the world will not end if you take a break. If you have hectic afternoons, take time for yourself as soon as everyone goes off to school and work, before you begin your day. Just a few minutes will help refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, so you can accomplish all the many tasks that are involved with every holiday.
If you have little ones, it can be very hard to find a minute to yourself. Add in all the extra chores around the holidays, you may be ready to throw your own tantrum. However, it is imperative during stressful times like these, to remember the true reason behind the holidays. Try to distress as best as possible and take some time for yourself to relax a bit and just partake in part of this joyous season before it passes by and you miss the cheer altogether.
Both Ruth Klein & Ron And Jan Stager are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ruth Klein has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stress Management, Family and Divorce and Infidelity. Ruth Klein is an award-winning business owner, best-selling author and marketing and time management consultant whose clients range from solo entrepreneurs to the Fortune 500. Sign up to receive Ruth's 7 Part Mini-Course on Branding and Productivity.. Ruth Klein's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Ron And Jan Stager has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Finances and Interior Design. Ron and Jan Stager are the founders of RJS Gifts Enterprises, an online store specializing in . They started the company as a means to provide quality cu. Ron And Jan Stager's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.