Happy Birthday to Me??

While I will not be entering grade school in the fall, I will be turning 7 this summer.

I was born on January 24, 1973, which means my half-birthday is July 24. This year, I’ll be exactly 7 years away from 59½—the magical age when you can start accessing your retirement plan savings without that pesky 10% penalty.

July 24. My Un-Birthday.

We’ll be on beach vacation next week with family, and while I may not blow out any candles I’ll certainly be celebrating… and making a wish.

And I know exactly what I’ll wish for.

That this moment—this mix of freedom and beach and peace and laughter and time with the people I love—can be my forever reality.

That’s exactly what I want my retirement to look like.

But that kind of life takes planning. It takes saving. It takes time.

Retirement can feel forever away—like it’s something future-you will figure out. But time marches on. Quickly. And one day, you’ll blink and be seven years away.

Or closer.

So take advantage of every second. Continue saving money… and save more if you can. Stay focused on your goals and dreams and chip away every day. Give yourself the retirement you want and deserve.

And mark your calendar for your unbirthday. And celebrate it.

One day sooner than you think, that’s going to be a really big, fun party.