White House: Bush wasn't detached from war review (AP)
AP - The White House on Friday disputed an assertion in a new book by Bob Woodward that President Bush was slow to react to escalating attacks in Iraq, forcefully arguing that Bush's military buildup was responsible for a sharp drop in the violence.
Retirement is a very real stage of our lives, and everyone of us is faced with this stage in our lives, sooner or later. The real challenge is to manage our retired life, and
be as self sufficient and independent as we are able to, thus not burdening those closest to us.
Unfortunately as many retirees realize, the big dream of a problem free, low pressured, stress free and less demanding retirement is not always the reality.
Most experts will agree that planning for retirement well before you get there is one of the most important and fruitful ways to prepare oneself for this stage in ones life, thus ensuring that it will be as stress free as possible. Here is a good place to start:
PREPARE YOURSELF MENTALLY.
Preparing yourself mentally is one of the most important building blocks for this phase of your life. You may have been in a very high powered job, or position, earning a very lucrative salary and was part of a very productive and fast moving environment. The thought of no more alarm clocks, deadlines to meet, meetings to attend and never ending problem solving to attend to, sound to wonderful for words! THE DAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED - AND THE THOUGHT OF "AH - I CAN FINALLY WALK AWAY FROM ALL OF THAT AND BE FREE AT LAST!" Next, are all the things that we never had time to do (or not enough time to do them)and our minds are filled with sports, hobbies and a wonderful social life.
Please do not be misguided - these are the first thoughts that comes to mind - but this is only the beginning of the whole thought process that will follow!
However, for many, it is a totally different situation. The reality of life itself - family pressures, handling illness, financial uncertainties and security, is a very important factor that has to be taken into account, and very serious thought and planning should be given
in this situation, as one might just end up being a heavy burden on one's loved ones.
Getting yourself mentally prepared for your retirement, not forgetting the commitments you still have, and taking your financial situation into account must surely be the most important factor to consider before RETIRING.
submitted by: kaystyer -
