The number one concern many federal employees seem to face is “Will I have enough money to retire?” In order to answer this question, Author Chris Hogan focuses on five fundamentals of an inspired retirement in his book, Retire Inspired. It’s Not an Age. It’s a Financial Number. His book offers readers a positive approach on future planning to help achieve their retirement dreams.
Fundamental #1 – Dreaming
Have you found yourself sitting at your desk or on the couch, pondering about what life will be like when you no longer must spend 40-plus hours a week working? If you can clearly visualize your federal retirement dreams, then you can own them. Retirement can be scary, but dreaming about “life after the job” offers an opportunity to redefine one’s self. It’s about finally getting to do the things you want to do. Remind yourself daily of the dreams you have about federal retirement.
Fundamental #2 – Planning
Once you’ve decided on your retirement dreams, determine the steps you’ll need to pursue to reach them. Will you need a certain amount of income? Do you need to save more to obtain that amount? An important part of federal retirement is centered around financial planning and how to work toward achieving your retirement goals. Hogan said it best, “Planning is the process where you connect your actions to your goals.” The first step in achieving your retirement dreams is to establish a solid plan. After a plan is in place, work diligently to achieve your dream.
Fundamental #3 – Execution
When you connect your actions to your goals, you can execute your dreams. Execution consists of wise investing, dedicated budgeting, minimal debt, and a reliable accountability partner, among many other endeavors. The decisions made today should be incorporated in your plan so that your retirement dreams can become a reality.
Fundamental #4 – Commitment
Commitment is an understanding with yourself and loved ones that it will take time to achieve retirement goals, but agreeing the goal is worth the sacrifice. Commitment requires determination to execute your plan through making your retirement dream come true.
Fundamental #5 – Vigilance
In life, there are distractions that may try to lead you astray. Protect your dream and legacy. It’s ok not to keep up with the Joneses. Retire Inspired explains vigilance as “protecting your federal retirement dreams and remaining steadfast on maintaining the blessings of the legacy that you will leave.”
These five fundamentals of an inspired retirement offer federal employees a fresh outlook on the facets of retirement. Retire Inspired. It’s Not an Age. It’s a Financial Number can help you live by these five fundamentals and put you ahead of your counterparts.
