Pre-Boomer Musings

Pre-boomers still in the workforce are relieved if they still have a job.  Working or retired, we are upset with the loss of our savings but pleased to see the market improving.  We all hope taxes won’t increase, interest rates will not skyrocket, and the dollar will remain sound.  And, if we just keep our fingers crossed, maybe everything will be okay.

Image via

Have the people of this nation become so afraid of losing what we have that we are unwilling to stand up for what we believe is right?  God, I pray this isn’t so.  Yet there are strong indications that what the generations before us worked so hard to achieve has become ancient history in the minds of today’s citizenry.  Things like: freedom to think for oneself and not be criticized for honest differences of opinion, a strong value system shared by many, belief that hard work pays off, confidence in our financial institutions, and trust in the government but not dependence on it.

I worked 45 years to save for a comfortable retirement.  In the past year, my IRA and trust accounts decreased by more than a third; and my house was assessed for less than I paid for it.  The bank where I had my money market and a jumbo CD closed but the FDIC insurance covered the funds after several days of anxious waiting.  We have a new sales tax in California, medical insurance rates continue to rise, fuel costs are increasing, grocery prices are up and the city and state are cutting back on services.  This is a far cry from what I expected retirement to be like, thinking the biggest problem I would face on a given day was whether to go to Palm Springs and play golf or take a ride up the coast to Santa Barbara for lunch.

Are you as concerned about government (local, state and federal) spending? This includes the amount of spending, where it’s being spent, anticipated results, alternatives to current programs, and the tax consequences of the politicians’ actions. 

I invite those who disagree with my assessment to respond.  Tell me where I’m wrong, and your comments will be posted.  On the other hand, if you share my worries, please send me your thoughts and suggested remedies, so they can be an inspiration to others reading this blog who want to take action instead of sitting back hoping something good will magically happen.  We pre-boomers believe in the greatness of this country and we’ve got too much to lose to be complacent.  So let’s start the ball rolling by participating in this forum, right here, right now.

Tags: America // Add Comment »