What are you afraid of?

Posted on November 3rd, 2009 by admin

Pre-boomers are at the age where financial security, health concerns and other retirement issues can weigh heavy on our minds. Of course, we share the nation’s worries about the economy, terrorism, and health care. Employment, education, and climate change are troubling primarily because of the effect they will have on our children and grandchildren.

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According to research, most of us are comfortable and believe the future is not bleak. However, instead of this period of our lives being worry-free, as we had hoped, we have several levels of angst to deal with on a regular basis. Maybe it’s the 24/7 news cycle. The speed in which information is decimated and the volume of facts and opinions available are mind boggling. Or is it that we have lost confidence in this country’s institutions: government, banks, big business, everything. Whatever it is, nobody seems to be worrying about us.

The truth is no institution ever cared about us. Individuals, supported by family and friends, had to fend for themselves. We were born at an opportune time in history. Yes, we worked hard, but were rewarded for our efforts. Nobody gave us something for nothing. And, it’s human nature not to want to lose what we have. Chances are, we’ll make it through the remainder of our lives without all that much trouble – pre-boomers are a tough lot.

My great concern is for my family’s future. How quickly will the country come out of the recession and what lasting scars will there be? Are jobs, the right kinds of jobs, going to be available in years to come? Will public education ever improve? Do I really believe the government can do a good job of managing health care? What’s going to make the terrorists stop being terrorists? How high will inflation go? Is the national debt ever going to be under control and at what cost to tax payers? Is global warming really as big a problem as we are told? The list goes on.

Rather than sit back and let life go on without me, I try to study the issues and make sure my voice is heard by local, state and federal officials. I vote in every election. I hope you’re doing the same thing. If not, get involved; because you can help make the future a little more promising for those you love. Then, you’ll have nothing to be afraid of.