I'm Not Retired Yet..... But I Am Getting Ready

I’m not retired yet… but I’m getting ready.

Not because I’m afraid—but because life reminded me that none of us get to choose when things change.

After a personal health scare, I realized something important: I wasn’t as prepared—emotionally or financially—as I thought I was. Not because I was careless… but because life moves faster than our planning. And that realization didn’t defeat me—it motivated me.

In this video, I share:

What that wake-up moment taught me about retirement and preparedness

Where most Americans actually stand financially (and why you’re not “behind,” you’re human)

Why preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about control and independence

How simplifying your life now can buy peace of mind later

Why building income outside a traditional job—even from a hobby—creates real resilience

And how I’m choosing to use the time I still have to build something stronger

This isn’t about luxury.
It’s about stability.
It’s about options.
It’s about building a future that can handle reality.

If you’re not retired yet, you still have one powerful advantage: time.
Not unlimited time—but enough to make meaningful changes.

👇 Question for you:
What is one thing you can do this month to get more prepared?
Increase a contribution? Pay down a debt? Start a side income? Or simply write down your real numbers?

Drop it in the comments. Let’s move forward—together.

If you’re here for preparedness without fear…
for independence without panic…
for staying strong in the chapters that matter most…

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed.

Because being ready isn’t about worrying.
It’s about staying alive long enough to matter.

📚 RESOURCES & REFERENCES

(Always verify current-year limits and personal eligibility with a qualified professional. Rules and contribution caps can change.)

Retirement Savings & Readiness

Federal Reserve – Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF)
Data on household retirement savings, averages vs. medians.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/econre...

NerdWallet – Average Retirement Savings by Age
Breaks down how much Americans have saved at different life stages using SCF data.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/in...

Investopedia – Retirement Readiness / Income Replacement
Analysis on how many Americans are on track to maintain their lifestyle in retirement.
https://www.investopedia.com

Catch-Up Contributions (Age 50+)

IRS – Retirement Topics: Contribution Limits
Official limits for 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans and catch-up contributions.
https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/...

IRS – IRA Contribution Limits
Traditional and Roth IRA limits, including age-50+ catch-up amounts.
https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/...

Simplifying & Budgeting

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Budgeting Tools
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consu...

National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) – Debt & Financial Counseling
https://www.nfcc.org

Building Income From Hobbies / Side Work

SBA – Self-Employed & Small Business Resources
https://www.sba.gov

IRS – Self-Employed Tax Guide
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p334

Shopify – Making Money From Hobbies (Practical Examples)
https://www.shopify.com/blog/make-mon...

Health & Financial Preparedness

AARP – Retirement Planning & Health Costs
https://www.aarp.org/retirement/plann...


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#FinancialResilience #GettingReady #LifeAfter50 #Independence #EquippedNReady