If you are a newcomer to this series of articles, Saving for Retirement, I feel I should recap some of what we've covered so far. We see lots or stories, articles, studies and reports telling us that we are such poor savers. They tell us that less than one half of the adult population has saved $25,000 or more toward retirement. They even make you believe that it is your fault! How does that make you feel? Well I can't think of one positive, uplifting emotion I experienced from reading that information.

What they don't tell you in those articles, stories, studies and reports is the fact that only a very few paycheck-to-paycheck employees earn enough money to live the lives they desire while working and save enough to live the lives they desire in retirement as well. Since you're reading this article, chances you are one of the larger majority who do not earn enough instead of one of the few who do. As I have previously stated, if you're in that majority and you're satisfied with your situation, then by all means stay put where you are. You are certainly free to choose what manner of life you live, so long as it is not illegal and does not interfere with rights of others, no matter how others may feel about your choices. If, on the other hand, you are not satisfied, you probably still feel powerless to do anything differently to bring about different outcomes in your life. You are now where I was not long ago, and it to you and for you that I write these articles.

It is not likely that the stars are going to suddenly align themselves and heap fortune and fame upon you. It not likely that the winds of change are suddenly going to sweep you up into the top 3-5% of income earners and bring you financial freedom overnight. For most of us, that is not the way life works. To move beyond stressing over saving for retirement, your financial situation must significantly change. For your financial situation to change significantly you must change significantly, more accurately, your thinking has to change significantly. As I stated in a previous article, you must begin to live what I call The 180 Degree Life, a life in which your thinking is 180 degrees in the opposite direction of where you presently live. Now I know that this concept is troubling for you at first. That's good! You'll see why I say "that's good" a little later.

I'm getting a little ahead of myself, so let's get back to your assignment from the last article. Your challenge (if you chose to accept it) was to carve out some quiet time for your self, take out a few sheets of paper, draw a line down the middle of the sheet or sheets and begin listing on the left side of the page ANY and ALL beliefs, situations, habits and conditions that you can think of that you do not want in your life any more because they no longer benefit you. Be honest with yourself. This list is for your eyes only. You have had more than enough "input" or "advice" from others during your life. In fact, where do you think most of your present undesirable thoughts and beliefs came from? This exercise is about you working on your own individual life no matter how uncomfortable it might feel initially! This is the beginning of a journey, and this journey requires that you get started in the right direction.

Remember, you do not have to live on less in retirement. No matter where you are right now financially, you can build and enjoy a Million Dollar lifestyle retirement.