Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1138357
FOREWORD 3 It was 1987, I was married with children and working grueling hours at a local bowling alley to make ends meet for my family. Like most Americans, I wasn't thinking about "retirement," I was thinking about providing the next meal and keeping the lights on in the trailer where we lived. I had the drive that many of us have to provide a "better life" to those we love. That is what pushed me to look for something more. It was then I decided to join the financial services industry and eventually create Financial Strategies Group. The authors of this book are advisors with my company that I have mentored along the way to provide and empower people with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions and in turn, provide that "better life" for themselves and those they love. Two of them are my sons and three have become like sons and together they have created this book to help, anyone willing to read it, navigate the vast and difficult waters that is retirement. I have assisted many people over 3 decades with retirement planning and have seen many changes and challenges in that time. As I get closer to retirement personally, I am aware of the emotions and what seems like the endless aspects we are responsible for when it comes to retirement. From social security, investments, healthcare and making the money we have saved last, is a daunting task for even a professional like me. This book is an incredible resource and it is my hope that after reading it, as I have, you will feel more empowered and confident to move forward on your way to and through retirement. Mark Carter, ChFC ® Senior Financial Advisor of Financial Strategies Group