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Autumn
offers lessons for retirement
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[January 20, 2012]
In
autumn, animals know winter is coming and take the steps to prepare.
Bears grow thicker fur and settle in for peaceful hibernation.
Squirrels collect and store acorns and other nuts. Birds, favoring
warmer weather and having the means to make it possible, fly south
for the winter.
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When it comes to preparing for
retirement, we can learn from the animals -- making sure the
transition into the later years of our lives is as smooth and
comfortable as possible. The best place to start is a visit to
www.socialsecurity.gov.
You can get an instant,
personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits at
www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
To prepare for a
comfortable retirement, you should start saving as early as
possible. Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement,
but was never meant to be the sole-source of income for retirees.
In addition to Social Security, you also will need savings,
investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have
enough money to live comfortably when you retire. Learn about
retirement planning and how to save at
www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/other2.htm.
But wait, there’s more.
If you decide you’re going
to be a “snowbird” when retirement comes, and go to warmer climates
during winter weather, make sure that your Social Security payment
goes with you. The best way to do that is to use direct deposit. You
never have to worry about where your monthly payment will be
delivered — it will show up in your bank account whether you’re in
the Dakotas or the Florida Keys. Learn all about electronic
payments at
www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit.
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 Whether you’re in the
spring, summer, or entering the autumn of your life, the best time
to start preparing for retirement is always the present. A good
place to start is at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
Even the animals know they can’t wait until the last minute to
prepare for a comfortable winter. Take a lesson from our furry and
feathered friends and prepare for your own comfortable retirement.
By Judith Bartels
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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