What Happened to Our Life?

These days it’s challenging to go toward the light and not to drift toward the dark side. Uncertainty and fear close in when you least expect them. So many people thought they had life by the tail and could swing it any way they chose. Oh, there were those things we could never claim control over—illness, accidents, other unforeseen events, but retirement? College funds? Extras for a few luxuries? Those were a slam dunk. Nothing to worry about. All planned for and taken care of. We grew complacent, even arrogant about the future, sneering a bit at those in our acquaintance who weren’t prepared. Then there was always our limitless credit to fall back on. High limit credit cards; lots of home equity.

September, it seems, is now a month to be wary of. In 2001, our world changed with the Al Qaeda attack. In 2008, our world was shaken again. With alarming speed, our financial security was threatened, investments wiped out, home values plummeted, jobs were lost. Many of us faced bankruptcy, foreclosure and the real possibility of having to live in a tent city! Our secure world turned into a fragile facade and crumbled with one strong gust of evil wind.

Today’s youthful college and high school graduates have limited jobs opportunities after graduation. The up-and-coming workers are fighting to hold on to their positions, foregoing raises and bonuses that were part of their expected income. They are stressed over the possibility of losing their jobs in the next round of cuts and lay-offs. Workers planning to retire and live on hard-won and well thought out investments are holding off on launching themselves into retirement. And those already retired and living on investment income? They awake fearfully each morning wondering what blow the stock market can rain down on them that day. Rather than leaving a financial legacy for their families, they wonder if they will outlive the resources they have garnered and will have to depend on those children for help or apply for government assistance.

Overnight, it seems we went from beautiful sunlight to feeling our way in the dark. What the heck happened?