Laura and I just returned from visiting clients in the Atlanta area. While we were there, we had the opportunity to participate in the Georgia State Games and shoot a registered tournament at the Big Red Oak Plantation. It is a gorgeous facility, and the targets were tournament tough, no gimmies at any of the 14 stations. On several stations, I was into my routine, I had broken 4 of the targets and I was getting ready to shoot the last pair. In my mind, I kept thinking, “You will have a perfect score, just don’t miss.” I called for the targets, and wouldn’t you know it, I missed one. A 5 instead of a 6, a 7 instead of an 8. This happened on 3 different stations. I went through my routine and then it dawned on me. Instead of focusing on breaking the target, I had focused on not missing. I let my thinking about missing make me miss!
When Laura and I are talking with people, strangers, they often ask what we do. When we tell them, we help people retire and live out their retirement dreams, more times than not, they respond “I’ll never retire.” What a shame. They have made up their minds the course of their financial future and how they are going to live and enjoy the last half of their lives. The results of that kind of thinking generally do not end well. Illness or job restructuring, or lost contracts happen. Something or someone else plans for your retirement, and not on your terms. You have been “retired”.
Planning your retirement and working with a professional can be an enlightening experience. Suddenly, your path becomes clear, your goals become focused and your dreams a reality. You can then think about the fun you wanted to have, traveling to Europe, buying the second home on the beach or starting that new business. Or maybe you want to change careers, do something that has less responsibility, less hours and maybe even work from home permanently! The recent pandemic has led many to explore this path and consider working part-time.
Whatever your choices are, don’t believe you can't retire! Give us a call, we would love to help you with planning the next half of your life and change your thinking!
Mike
Mike Mickels is President of CochranMickels Retirement Specialists and an avid sporting clay competitor. CochranMickels Retirement Specialists provides personalized planning and investment services to individuals approaching and in retirement. They also provide retirement and benefits training to Federal employees. Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc, a Registered Investment Advisor. CochranMickels and Cambridge are not affiliated.