Together, We're Worlds Apart

The world continues to grow (figuratively and virtually) smaller. The economy is more global. We are connected by Facebook and other social media. We can exchange ideas with people in foreign lands. Check out videos and photographs taken in Australia, 10 minutes ago. We’ve learned that our individual — and national — problems are more universal than we ever considered.

Yet, perhaps now we wonder why we wanted to be so connected with others. Take Scotland, for example. In a 55 percent to 45 percent vote, the country will remain a part of Great Britain. But leadership has confirmed it will move forward with expanded “devolution” plans, a process started in 1999, to decentralize governing bodies and give more powers to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Scotland Rejects Independence: What It Means for Sterling Gilts and the Economy,” at BNY Mellon, September 2014.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Scottish Referendum: Salmond to Quit after Scots Vote No,” at BBC News, Sept. 19, 2014.]

Here in the U.S., we like our independence. We may not have appreciated it as much until our college-educated children moved back home. Along with aging parents. But with the disparity that exists among generations, preferences and cultural touch points, does geographic proximity make us any closer? Just take a look at who shows up at the dinner table on any given night. Do some family members pay more attention to their tech gadgets than the mashed potatoes? And what does a multi-generational family — potentially comprised of grade school-aged children, teenagers, young adults, middle agers and retirees — all agree upon to watch on TV after dinner? It makes you wish the Olympics were on every single night.

Even an extended family tucked away in one household is likely to scatter to individual entertainment preferences: television, video games, tablet surfing, cellphone texting, etc. Close in proximity, yet worlds apart in sharing.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Home-cooked Family Dinner Isn’t All It’s Cracked up to Be,” at The Washington Post, Sept. 19, 2014.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Study Proposes Outrageous Solution In Lieu of Family Dinners,” at NaturalBlaze.com, Sept. 4, 2014.]

Historically, the young have ruled the earth. Youthfulness is generally viewed as better; more preferable. But what would happen if young adults became the minority; when older people rule due to sheer numbers? The enormous baby boomer generation has always been a tremendous influence on commerce. Even now, fashion magazines and late-night television are riddled with advertisements for products to help people look younger and bathe without stepping over a bath tub. The elderly portion of the population is expected to expand further when you consider longer lifespans, lower fertility rates among the young and the retirement of the largest generation ever.

Once this shift occurs, consider what might happen. Politics could become dominated by retirees who vote for more generous entitlement benefits that the young must pay.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “What Happens When We All Live to 100?” at The Atlantic, Sept. 17, 2014.]

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Why I Hope to Die at 75,” at The Atlantic, Sept. 17, 2014.]

Retirement is often met with mixed emotions: Sorrow at leaving one chapter of life, but joy of not having to work for a living anymore. A recent study confirmed that three keys to a happy retirement are good health, financial security and having a loving family and friends. Please contact us if you would like assistance in devising a retirement income plan to help cover health care expenses that may arise.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Study Reveals The #1 Key to a Happy Retirement,” at The Huffington Post, Sep. 15, 2014.]

Our firm assists retirees and pre-retirees in the creation of retirement strategies utilizing insurance products. Our firm is not affiliated with the U.S. government or any governmental agency.

This content is provided for informational purposes only. It is provided by third parties and has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation.

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