Substitute the words “financial independence” whenever you see the word “retirement.” Retirement is not something you do at a certain age; it is not another life; it is something that happens when you are financially independent and can choose whether or not you go to work each day.

Why? As you see or hear the word retirement, you will start to consciously make the substitution of words. This will raise your awareness of the issue as well as work towards getting you to re-think what it will take to be able to leave the workforce. Will it really take reaching a certain age; achieving a certain amount of money saved; or will it take the ability to have sufficient income to cover your expenses in the lifestyle you want to live. When you are able to leave work with the income you need, you will be financially independent. Start planning to be financially independent – not retired