Why you need to take an active role in your future

[Ronald Perich]

I started investing in real estate when my employer made changes to the pension plan (they stopped contributing to it). I was facing a shortfall in my retirement plans as a result of this change that I needed to make up. After the 401(k) losses I racked up in 2008, and how long it took me to recover from those losses, I knew I wouldn't make it through stock investing alone. I needed something else.

And so do you. 

Do not believe that promises made by others will be kept. Take control of your own destiny. If you do falter, at least you'll go down swinging. Still need convincing?

This article talks about pension cuts for truckers already in retirement. 

Another on how the 401(k) isn't living up to the hype.

And hopefully everyone realizes Social Security is spending more than it takes in according to its trustees.

My point? 

The folks with pensions really can't count on it staying in place as promised. And even if they do, the purchasing power of your defined payout reduces as you age.

Social Security has to change how much it pays, when it pays, and/or how much it taxes to stay solvent. In all three cases, you end up with less.

And 401(k) plans just don't live up to what was promised.

Take an active role in your own future. Don't rely on someone else to take care of you.