When the time comes for you to retire, probably the biggest worry you will be thinking of is, will my retirement pension pull through? You think of this because if it does not, well, you know that the chances of you living in a retirement home more than doubles. And honestly, who wants to grow old and spend the twilight of their lives living in a glorified hospital, where the staff are caregivers disguised as servants? Though come to think of it, if the retirement home features your own beach house fronting the surf, a couple of meters away from the sea, with your every whim attended to, well, count me in. But if a home for the aged like that truly exists, I’m sure it would cost an arm and a leg plus a million dollars more to stay there. But I digress.
Most workingmen know how important a good pension plan is. They know how crucial it is to be able to secure a good plan before they retire. You should know too. And odd as it may seem, even if your retirement age is a long ways away, the earlier you secure a good pension the better it would benefit you. I know a good number of people who did not believe in pension, as well as some who swear by it. Would you like to take a gander on which group is happiest? Here is a hint; it is the group who is currently enjoying a Mediterranean tour on a luxury liner with their spouses, and enjoying a sort of "renewed youth and vigor" that can only be described as awesome. Another hint? Okay, how about the group of people who, after retiring, are always jolly and full of zest for life, growing old without any bitterness and regret? Give up? Or am I beginning to be too obvious?
A man I know, he is nearing retirement age and has no pension plan yet, and I’m not sure if he plans to, is starting to show the signs a lack of peace of mind can do. In less than a year, he will retire. And all he thinks about now is how to survive after retiring. His savings are good for maybe, two or three years. Five years if he is really frugal, but beyond that, nothing. He is seriously thinking about dumping all of his savings to get a place in a retirement home, the cheapest one available to boot. He is starting to get bitter because these thoughts of utter desperation and loneliness consume every fiber of his being. His children try to talk some sense into him, but a gray cloud has taken root over his head that apparently has blocked of any reception of common sense. His animal instincts have kicked in and all he thinks about is how to survive. Actually, the basest animal instinct, you know, the kind where he starts to act the lone wolf and is leery and suspicious of anyone, thinking that they are all after his money. A very sorry state for a man to be in, if only he signed up for the company pension, things might have been different. Remember, he is all that before his retirement, can you even begin to imagine what he will be like when he does finally retire? Chilly thought. Best not too think about it and stay away. Unlike another acquaintance of mine, who is currently out of reach, because apparently, he is spelunking in ice caverns in Greenland.
I always called him Burt, though his real name sounds nothing like it, because he has this bushy mustache and cheerful disposition that always reminds me of Burt Reynolds. Anyway, I remember a number of years ago; Burt called me to accompany him to find a pensions adviser. So I came and we went out to look for one. He was well versed in the ins and outs of pension plan, and virtually all insurance plans for that matter. He knew his stuff, and when we found a good adviser, it took them less than an hour to make a deal and I was actually home a good three hours after I left. Now, Burt is retired and I have not seen him since last year, before going out "to see the world," so he says. I’m happy for Burt, happy that he is finally able to live it up and enjoy life to the fullest. He always preached to me about how insurance works, how a good pension plan will be of great importance in the future, when I grow old, and how easy it is find peace of mind in a turbulent world. And you know what, I did followed his advice. I looked for a good adviser, I researched all I could on the subject, I planned meticulously and I believe I executed that plan perfectly with the sheerness of gossamer silk. I got my own occupational pension plan, and to be honest, I am looking forward to retire and live life like how Burt is living life now.
So if you are someone who has not gotten a good pension plan yet, I suggest you go out and do so. It saves you a lot of headaches in the long run. Sure you might be hesitant to shell out the extra bucks, but believe you me, it is worth it. Don’t be like my first friend above who grew old bitter and lonely. Live life with a smile, with passion, with confidence, with a yohoho and a hahaha. Be like my friend Burt, whose foresight and level head made him the crazy, life-loving person he is now. The best advice I could give when you do decide to get a plan? Choose your pensions adviser carefully, and learn all you can about pensions, the ins and outs, the advantages and disadvantages, tips and tricks, and how it works, to help you avoid making a mistake that may well cost you your future, fortune, and quite possibly, your life.
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