A Retirement Plan (NAPSA)—Preparingfor retirement can be a challenging process—and emerging social and economic trends are making the practice all the more important. That’s the word from experts who say that longer life spans, uncertainty with Social Security and Medicare, changes in employee benefits, and the rising cost of health care are placing more of the burden of funding retirement squarely on the shoulders of consumers. “ ~ Researchers have found that those whofeel the most secure in retirement had a planto rely on. Without a proper plan in place, it’s projected that many will fall short of their retirementgoals. Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) President and CEO Cathy Weatherford said IRI research has found that those who have the highest levels of confidence in their financial security had developed a plan—complete with a targeted savings goal. That’s why the National Retirement Planning Coalition, a group of prominent financial industry, consumer education, and advocacy organizations spearheaded by the IRI, has organized National Retirement Planning Week, running April 8-12, 2018, to remind consumers of the importance of having a comprehensiveretirement plan. The week’s events are designed to help consumers think about their long-term financial goals and take the first steps toward developing a retirement plan. A variety of retirement planning resources are available on the coalition’s website at www. retireonyourterms.org to help consumers begin the process. Those who need additional help are encouraged to consult a professional financial adviser.
