Some women manage to lead active and fulfilling lives in their later years even when living alone. But in majority of cases these are women who have made, or made for them, provision for their financial security.

It is possible to be happy, active and fulfilled on State old age pension. But this is not easy... especially these days Anyway, State Pensions all over world are being drastically reduced. The politicians say with an aging population they are unaffordable (is there such a word?)... but who can ever believe a politician! My advice: Take responsibility for your own financial destiny. Make a commitment to save something out of your pay packet.

FACT FIVE:

ONE MARRIAGE IN THREE ENDS IN DIVORCE, DESERTION OR SEPARATION

The statistics of divorce rate don't always prove that marriage is in a bad state. In many instances they prove that women are no longer prepared to put up with all that they were asked to endure. "Sorry guys, I'm off!" Unpleasant as it may be, divorce often comes as a blessing. But it can never come as anything but a tragedy if separation means a lowering of standards, having to refuse family little pleasures they have grown used to.

The woman who starts out to plan her own future is not only able to cope if something should happen, but is less likely to have it happen.

FACT SIX:

THINKING ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN DOESN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN.

"It's morbid". "We don't want to think about it."

That has been used as an excuse time and time again. But not thinking about it won't prevent it happening. The time has come to be positive. But taking a hard look now at your situation and doing something about it won't be tempting fate. But it will be a positive step towards making sure that no matter what life may have in store , good or bad, you can rest easy in knowledge that you can cope on your own if necessary. And that's a feeling every woman in country should get to know. Because without financial independence most of other rights women now have are hardly worth having.

THE FINAL WORD:

Whatever you decide to do about your financial security, DO SOMETHING. PLAN for future and let financial services products like life assurance work for you. They don't have to be such a "drag" or a painful nuisance to you and your family. One of greatest human wants is a feeling of security and only life assurance can give you that peace of mind. As Winston Churchill once said so well :" If I had my way I would write words 'insure, insure, insure' above every household door".

No matter where you are floating down river of life, make a PLAN to achieve financial independance.

Then put it into ACTION

3. Whenever you take a job, always ask about their pension plan. Find out how long until you are eligible, vesting requirements, will employer contribute to and/or match your funds and if so, at what percentage rate?

4. Beware of taking Social Security early. Currently, retirement age for full benefits is 65, and earliest age at which one is eligible for benefits is 62. If you take your retirement benefits early, result is reduced benefits by as much as 30 percent for as long as you live. The eligibility age for full Social Security benefits has been revised from 65 to 67 years of age, to be phased in by year 2022.

Here are a few resources on Women and Social Security. Some sites represent different viewpoints. It is good to be aware of different opinions and to realize that more you can save for your own retirement, better off you will be regardless of what happens with Social Security System.

Interesting Links:

The Social Security Administration: To read about available programs and to order a statement of your estimated future benefits, call (800) 772-1213 or check out their web site at http://www.ssa.gov

Take a Social Security Quiz: http://www.women4socialsecurity.org/quiz.htm

Women's Social Security Issues: http://www.womensissues.about.com/newsissues/womensissues/library/weekly/aa0 42000a.htm

Social Security Privatization Article: http://www.socialsecurity.org/women.html

More Social Security Issues: http://www.cpr4womenandfamilies.org/ss2000.html