“Two-thirds of seniors have little or no problems paying monthly living expenses now, but more than half (53 percent) are concerned that their savings and income will not be sufficient to last them for the rest of their lives,” reports the second annual United States of Aging Survey in an article published by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.It’s interesting to see how older Americans are slowly realizing that the retirement planning they do today will have an immense impact on how their retirement goes in the future. The biggest hurdle future retirees have to overcome is realizing that just because you have enough income to support yourself presently, doesn’t guarantee that the same will hold true in the future. In fact, living comfortably in the present is what is probably preventing many older Americans from considering planning for the future. When you aren’t forced to look ahead, you fail to look ahead, sidetracking possible retirement plans.The survey also found that staying connected to friends and family was crucial for maintaining a high quality of life in 30% of older Americans, head of financial means.Financial freedom, however, is sometimes a key fact in staying connecting to friends and family. For example, if you live in a neighborhood where you have met your lifelong friends, and your family lives close to your current home, but you retire on a fixed income, it might be difficult to keep up with your mortgage payments. If you aren’t able to pay your mortgage it is very likely that you will have to move out of your home, where you planned to retire comfortably.It’s important to realize how important financial freedom is to retirement, even if it comes in second to friends and family. The planning, and effort, you put forth today will be rewarded in the future. Finances are not an easy thing to think about but it is a NECESSARY thing to think about, especially if you have the misfortune to retire with debt.It’s necessary that older Americans realize the impact their retirement planning is going to have on their future, even if retirement is the farthest thing from your mind. Americans are living longer, that is a fact, so it’s time to arm yourself with the tools necessary for successful retirement.This year, for the first time ever, the sample of people surveyed included adults ages 18-59 in order to accumulate contrasting perspectives on aging to better explore how the country could better prepare for the booming senior population.Older Americans aren’t going to be the only age group whose current saving habits will determine their future retirement lifestyle. I think it’s a smart move on NRMLA’s part to include other age groups to better prepare everyone for a changing world. For now, it’s an retiree’s concern, but everyone becomes a retiree eventually so the sooner we begin planning, the better.Interested in a reverse mortgage program or want more information? Give PS Financial Services a call at (888) 845-6630 or email us at info@PSReverseMortgage.com. There are many options available to supplement your retirement. We do not pressure those who inquire.