I think we all love the next item we can save for, and that’s retirement! But these golden years should be about so much more than sitting on a white sandy beach somewhere or playing golf every day! This is the time in life where we should dream of how God can really use us, now that we are not tied to a job working because you HAVE to work. In retirement, we get to work because we WANT to. Whether this is the business we are passionate about, going on missions trip to be God’s hands and feet, or starting a community garden co-op, there are so many possibilities, where we can use the gifts God has given us to glorify Him and bless others. Our focus in this stage of life should not be so much about making money, as it is about making our lives that much more fulfilling!
So as soon as we have gotten out of debt and fully funded that Emergency Fund, investing up to 15% of our gross income is the next step that will move us closer to the retirement of our dreams. Start with any matched company 401k if you have them, then move to the tax free Roth IRA, so that you can maximize those investment dollars. Time is a vital part of this plan so let that truth energize you to get to this Baby Step 4 as quickly as possible. Saving so we can retire with dignity and the freedom to do whatever God puts on our hearts, will help us have, and maintain, financial freedom.
<>< Peace, Diane
