June 2016 | Page 83

Beginning to train far ahead of the race and consistently running according to a training schedule will lead to a much higher likelihood of success. This is true for retirement savings also. It is much more difficult to retire securely if you wait until a few years before retirement to get serious about planning. Instead, if you begin thinking about your financial future early and start saving on a regular basis, you are more likely to meet your goals. But, if you are starting late in the game, don’t be discouraged! Saving what you can and moving toward your goal is going to be better than giving up all together. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INJURY Obviously an injury can seriously hinder the training and success of a runner. Similarly, a financial injury, such as loss of income through death or disability, can hurt your financial future. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to limit the likelihood of this happening. Disability insurance can be very important if you are relying on your income for your future financial security. Life insurance can protect your family in the event of an economic loss relating to a death. Longterm care insurance will help protect your finances in the event of the need for at-home or nursing home care for a family member. Your investments also need protection from financial injury. Diversification can help to reduce the risk of concentrating too much of your money in one type of investment. GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME Unless you love pain, the only sane way to enjoy marathon running is to have a healthy mindset. What I say to myself about training for, running, and recovering from a long run has a direct impact on how I feel. Similarly, having the right mindset for reaching retirement goals is imperative. What we think and say about our money and our financial eydismedia.com 83