Investing is such an overwhelming topic for most women. I know until recently, I haven’t given it much thought. I did some casual investing over the last 10 years and have been able to use that money for a vacation but I have not seriously invested in my retirement because I am married.

What does that have to do with anything is my feeling now. I love my husband but I clearly should have been working on my own retirement savings and now I am playing catch up. My goal for retirement is slightly different then his and here is why. Men look at retirement differently than women. It only makes sense that we should look at money differently as well.

What are your retirement goals, or have you given it much thought? I am not convinced that I need the million and a half that the experts say I need but I know that I need enough for my living expenses, medical expenses, and some entertainment. And I also know that I cannot rely totally on my husband and his retirement. First it isn’t enough and second it isn’t fair to him.

So, I am looking into adding to my retirement from my employer. But what if you don’t have a retirement at your job or if you loose your job. It might behoove you to investigate opening your own retirement account through an independent financial company. I am investigating several, Fidelity is a common and reliable one and there are so many more. Your homework for this week is to think about and talk about your retirement goals. Find out what is available through your employer. Next week we will begin looking at individual companies and their products. Until then……