Fear Of Retirement

I have spent a lot of time lately listening to podcasts and YouTube videos of motivational speakers.  The likes of Les Brown, Eric Thomas, and Tony Robbins.  The biggest themes that they talk about especially when it comes to making money is:

What is your why or your passion?  
How much effort are you willing to put in to reach your goal?

As it relates to my “why” or passion I still don’t think I have completely found it.  I know there are things that I absolutely love doing from a hobby standpoint, but nothing I have ever felt I could do for a living and monetize.  I know that I want to impact people’s lives in a positive manner.  I am just not sure what that “impact” is.  This is another theme that is brought up in that doing something for self reward only is not going to be fulfilling.  Major hurdle we need to overcome is how can our passion serve others.  I believe that is what brings true happiness.  I know it sounds cliche, but I believe the most fulfilling life is one that we try to make people around us better.  Feeding that passion with serving others won’t only provide fulfillment internally, but also financially.  

So you are probably wondering how this relates to HTF and my journey to financial independence.  Well one of my passions is financial markets and money since I was a kid.  My level of engagement on staying up to date with latest market trends and the state of overall global economics since I have started my career, met my wife, and started a family has been limited.  However, recently I have a new found awareness that I want to live my life on my own terms and not on someone else’s.  I have had a fear of what if I do not have the money to retire?  What if my wife and I are not setting ourselves up for financial success now in our 30s to get where we need to be in our 50s.  

I don’t want to work into my 60s.  I want to be able to have a degree of freedom that will allow my family and I to experience everything life has to offer.  Travel the world and interact with other cultures.  Be servants to our community we live in.  Give back to people who have supported us.

With that said I need to expand my horizons on what financial investing and income streams are available to me.  I read an article recently that outlined the results of an actuarial study of the largest US Pension Funds.  Results showed that those who retired at 65 or normal retirement age received pension cheques on average for 18 months prior to death.  However, results showed that those who retired early in their mid-50s enjoyed retirement on average until they were 80, or 25 years!  After reading this I feel a greater sense of urgency to get my act together. 

I would love to get your thoughts and let me know what your passion is.  What drives you everyday?  I know this is something I need to keep working at.