Page 30 - Ready Set Retire

Stephen J. Kelley

the resources they did provided the opportunities to meet their
ends on their terms. They never had to rely on us. They always
followed their own pursuits, retain their independence, and
determine their own fates. It was a very successful and
meaningful time.

And it was so since they planned for it. When Dad retired he
used some of his savings to purchase an income annuity. In
addition, they both had good long-term care policies. They
were ready for whatever came along, and so they could live
their lives happily, actively, and with a great deal of happiness,
purpose, and little worry. They were, and continue to be, a real
inspiration to me. They are also the model I use when working
for my clients. Not from the perspective of specific pursuits or
priorities, but from the perspective of setting people up to
remain in control of their lives and free to make choices
without having to worry about the future. It’s the best gift I
can give to my clients, and the most meaningful way I can think
of to honor my parents’ memory.

But it takes focus, clarity of purpose, and careful and deliberate
planning. Anything other than that, and Mom and Dad would
have had a much, much, different retirement and end of life.

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