Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart

Retirement Strategies and Avocations

rapidly. Having a modest, but appropriate retirement

strategy in place is just good stewardship.

Eric B. Hedden, Brunswick, Tennessee

My plans are to have enough money set aside that

I do not have to struggle to eat, as we did in our earlier

years. Putting money aside has been, up to this point,

very difficult with such a large family. A move to a

smaller home is a dream -- one that will be easy to care

for -- all on one floor -- We would like one of the

children to have the old homestead, so that there is

stability kept in "coming home" for the family. Travel is

a dream, but not a necessity. I would love to write, visit

sick and shut-ins, prepare meals for others, and just

have a flexible schedule in retirement that says -- if you

want a "do nothing day," then do nothing. These things,

to me, would be great pleasures. I do pray that I will,

above all things, be able to enjoy "retirement" with my

husband,and that our health will remain good . As far as

big financial strategies -- I have none at this point. I

have never needed a lot of "things" to make me happy.

Family and friends would be most sufficient!

This is a good question! There are so many

worthwhile avocations to choose from. I would suggest

those that deal with heart and soul of people. Work in

a hospice program. Visit the lonely, forgotten ones in

nursing homes. Spend time in hospital works, visiting

those who never get visits. Volunteer to help the

handicapped. Write cards of encouragement on a

weekly basis to those souls who have no one to

encourage them. Make toys, dolls, or other gifts, and

personally deliver them to those in need. Work in a