For the first time in history, the current generation is averaging a lower standard of living than their parents.

Taxes have become an increasing burden, and a significantly smaller percentage of Americans under 45 now own their own homes. - New York Times

The bankruptcy filing rate this year will be eight times higher than during the Great Depression -- with one household in every 100 going the bankruptcy route. - USA Today

Average wages have stagnated since 1973, something they have not done since the Civil War.
- New York Times

Average family incomes are substantially lower today than they were back in 1989. In the entire post-World War II period, American families have never before gone seven years with no increase in average incomes. - Foresight

More than a million households will file for bankruptcy this year. - USA Today

500,000 jobs are eliminated annually by technology alone.

Large corporations laid off more than 400,000 workers in 1995 alone including:

- IBM: 122,000 workers
- AT&T: 83,000 workers
- GM: 74,000 workers

More than 3 million jobs have been eliminated each year since 1989, for a loss of 43 million jobs since 1979. - Misha, et, al, p. 82

A 1998 report by USA Today indicates:

- 51% of executives fear losing their jobs because of downsizing.
- 24% of executives fear career burnout.
- 10% of executives fear being fired.

Economic experts state that we will have seven different careers in our lifetimes, few college grads will ever see a return on their investment of $50,000+ for four or more years of college.

- 1% are wealthy
- 4% have enough money to retire
- 3% are still working (can't afford to quit)- 63% depend on Social Security, friends or charity
- 29% are dead

95% of all Americans retire in poverty after working for 45 years!

If you retire at age 65 and live to be 85, you'd need $240,000 saved up to be on a fixed income of only $12,000 a year! Not enough for vacations and golf courses. Will your current plan give you more than that?