A PENNY SAVED IS A PENNY EARNED

Despite what many of you may have heard or believe that I will be a Y millionaire when I retire, let me put it to rest - not exactly. But I'm not complaining where I plan to be when the time comes for sun to set on my YMCA career. I'm going to enlighten you on the best thing you can do yourself whether the YMCA retirement fund or a private IRA is to put 10% of your paycheck away for your own retirement before you can even have a chance to miss it.

When I started in the Y in July 1984, my first boss told me this rule. As a typical 14 year old, and mind you it was something I didn't want to hear making $3.35 per hour and 15 hours a week - approximately $10.04 per semi monthly period you won't see for a long time! Leaves very little for movies, music and much of anything else a working teenager needs (err must wants).

Fast forward almost 30 years, I am no longer a teenager working as a summer after school tutor with more hair than I have now but to an adult who has been blessed with a great career here at the YMCA of Broward County and been exposed to various capacities of positions.

I know I am the exception of staying with one company so long but the exposure and challenges I've taken on may have provided me better opportunities than most my friends who jumped around every 4 to 7 years. What I lacked in huge salary increases I made up for in numerously more rewarding ways.

I've pretty much been able to enjoy my time away from work in my travels, hobbies and past times and still not miss the 10% off my paycheck. With this in my back pocket I hope to enjoy my retirement years as much if not more than my working years.

Here's to having a lived life! Cheers!