There is a popular ad on TV recently showing people carrying around a big orange number - apparently to represent the amount of money that particular person has to have saved in order to retire with the same kind of lifestyle that they lead currently. I found myself getting angrier and angrier every time I saw that ad, and I really didn't know why.
Then I figured it out. It wasn't exactly anger that I was feeling, it was more of a feeling of stress or despair. And I guess that's probably the whole idea. My wife told me that that's how that's the most effective type of advertising: they make you feel desperate. Well it sure worked with me. However, I don't think the solution they offered gave me any hope, personally.
This financial company wants you to become a client of theirs and they will advise you on how to save and invest so that you can reach your orange number. While I'm sure they are very good at what they do, I think this ad is more geared toward those in their twenties and thirties. What about those of us in our fifties? My savings are minimal, and I just don't see the possibility for me to increase them to one million dollars plus in the next 15 years, even I had Warren Buffet as a financial advisor!
So what's the answer? For me it's going to be having a stream (or multiple streams) of income coming in until I die. I believe that's a viable solution for most baby boomers, especially in these uncertain and volatile times. But how do we accomplish that? Here's a list of 6 possible solutions.
1. A reverse mortgage on your residence. If your house is paid off or mostly paid off, you can borrow against the equity in order to get monthly payments, get a lump sum, or just have the money available as a line of credit.
2. How about a part-time job? If you don't need a lot of extra money because you've got some savings, a pension, and/or social security, maybe a part-time job will be enough to make retirement work for you.
3. A franchise might be an option. There are many different business plans available for those that have a little money saved up. These businesses range from restaurants to auto-repair facilities, and there is also a huge variety in start-up costs, too. This might be something you want to look in to.
4. Start a home-based traditional business. If you've got hidden talents, this could be a great option for you. Maybe you know how to work with wood, and you can build birdhouses, or furniture, or guitars. Then, you can sell them on Ebay.
5. Look into a home-based online business. There is a lot of money to be made doing affiliate marketing, where you promote other peoples products and earn commissions based on sales that are made because of your recommendation. This is pretty cool, because it can be a residual type of income, where the money keeps coming in month after month, which leads to time freedom.
6. You could start a network marketing business.I really like this idea because it offers two types of income - residual and leveraged. By residual income I mean income that comes in every month, whether you work or not. Most network marketing companies have consummable products that the customer buys every month. Leveraged income comes when you sign up a distributor underneath you. Then every time that person makes a sale, you get a piece of their pie.
These are a few ideas. Everyone is different: you'll have to discover what works for you. But do something, it's never too late! - 16492
Then I figured it out. It wasn't exactly anger that I was feeling, it was more of a feeling of stress or despair. And I guess that's probably the whole idea. My wife told me that that's how that's the most effective type of advertising: they make you feel desperate. Well it sure worked with me. However, I don't think the solution they offered gave me any hope, personally.
This financial company wants you to become a client of theirs and they will advise you on how to save and invest so that you can reach your orange number. While I'm sure they are very good at what they do, I think this ad is more geared toward those in their twenties and thirties. What about those of us in our fifties? My savings are minimal, and I just don't see the possibility for me to increase them to one million dollars plus in the next 15 years, even I had Warren Buffet as a financial advisor!
So what's the answer? For me it's going to be having a stream (or multiple streams) of income coming in until I die. I believe that's a viable solution for most baby boomers, especially in these uncertain and volatile times. But how do we accomplish that? Here's a list of 6 possible solutions.
1. A reverse mortgage on your residence. If your house is paid off or mostly paid off, you can borrow against the equity in order to get monthly payments, get a lump sum, or just have the money available as a line of credit.
2. How about a part-time job? If you don't need a lot of extra money because you've got some savings, a pension, and/or social security, maybe a part-time job will be enough to make retirement work for you.
3. A franchise might be an option. There are many different business plans available for those that have a little money saved up. These businesses range from restaurants to auto-repair facilities, and there is also a huge variety in start-up costs, too. This might be something you want to look in to.
4. Start a home-based traditional business. If you've got hidden talents, this could be a great option for you. Maybe you know how to work with wood, and you can build birdhouses, or furniture, or guitars. Then, you can sell them on Ebay.
5. Look into a home-based online business. There is a lot of money to be made doing affiliate marketing, where you promote other peoples products and earn commissions based on sales that are made because of your recommendation. This is pretty cool, because it can be a residual type of income, where the money keeps coming in month after month, which leads to time freedom.
6. You could start a network marketing business.I really like this idea because it offers two types of income - residual and leveraged. By residual income I mean income that comes in every month, whether you work or not. Most network marketing companies have consummable products that the customer buys every month. Leveraged income comes when you sign up a distributor underneath you. Then every time that person makes a sale, you get a piece of their pie.
These are a few ideas. Everyone is different: you'll have to discover what works for you. But do something, it's never too late! - 16492
About the Author:
Matt is an internet marketing guide, helping people learn how to build their business online. His focus is on attraction marketing. You can read more information at Baby Boomer Retirement Plan.
