Th e average person spends much of his or her lifetime buildingfinancial security, but it can be lost, never to be regained. That’swhy you need to carefully assess your definition of financialsecurity and make sure it is realistic for the goals that you haveset. You can take the necessary steps to put that plan in place,and never lose that financial security, and to pass on your valuesand assets to the coming generations.

Things change, not only in one’s life but also in the economyand on the political scene, and it pays to be aware. Is the foundationof your financial house secure, with an income that isguaranteed? Have you built solid walls, investing appropriately,and keeping inflation at bay? Are you living under a reliableroof, with assets positioned to grow? Is your house insulatedand sturdy, safe from any economic storm?

Many retirees—and those on the cusp of retirement—learneda harsh lesson in 2008. They need not have suffered that wayif only the proper advice had reached their ears. I want to domy part to remedy that situation so that millions of retirees canremain securely on the path to prosperity.