I dont like being manipulated by fear, especially when it’s a sales tactic. Good information is the weapon against FEAR.  Retirement 'fear planning' has become the pinnacle marketing strategy for most Financial Advisors. It’s genius actually. Take a topic that no one wants to be educated in because it’s so darn dry and boring, and then add a dose of fear. For example, advertise how many people are not saving enough for retirement. Show them pictures of the elderly working in fast food, or as greeters at a store. Spread the word that social security is going away. Literally scare them into becoming clients. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say, if the government abolishes Social Security, they will spend a lot more money dealing with the violent aftermath this action would cause. Now does this mean not to do what you can to prepare for retirement? NO. But get your life in order before you worry about retirement. And PLEASE, if your employer offers a 401K and they also provide a matching contribution, you are an idiot if you don't at least contribute the minimum. The contribution comes out before taxes are calculated on your paycheck, So the "take home" portion of your check might not even change! You'd be saving money that would've gone to taxes! AND you are getting another extra chunk from your employer every payday!

Steve J. Casull, CEO & Founder