In our pursuit of high-returns and increasing income, most of us forget that money is merely a means to an end, not an end of itself. Today’s retirees have patiently built their nest eggs with decades of hard work and self-restraint. They knew they couldn’t live beyond their means and still provide a secure retirement lifestyle. After all those years of saving and sacrifice, they’ve entered their golden years having met their financial goals.

But having met those financial goals, many find it hard to let go and enjoy life. They’ve always dreamed of taking that European vacation or going on a cruise. Others want to remodel their kitchen or start a new hobby. Those with strong religious beliefs might desire to go on a short-term mission or be more involved in charity works here at home. But in every case, money concerns often hinder us from pursuing our dreams.

When I talk to a new client, I always ask them about their life goals. One of the most common financial conversations I have with retirees goes something like this: “Jeff, we’ve always wanted to travel. And now that Bob has retired, we finally have the time. But I’m just afraid we can’t afford it.” Nine times out of ten, the couple has more than enough set aside to follow their dreams. They just needed the reassurance that it was OK.

While it is important to plan for the future and to spend wisely, it is also important that you pursue your dreams while you still have the time, ability and health to do so. I don’t have to look beyond my own family for a poignant story to illustrate this point. My father and step-mother had always planned on traveling---some day. My dad, a type A if there ever was one, has kept busy pursuing business development projects. Then about three years ago, my step-mother developed heart problems and soon after, macular degeneration started in one eye.

At one eye appointment, the eye doctor asked my step-mom what her dreams were. She mentioned traveling up to Canada. The eye doctor took my father aside and gave him a major wake-up call, telling him, “Take her to Canada while she can still see it.” My dad began planning their Banff vacation the next day.

Recently, macular degeneration has started in her ‘good’ eye and her sight is failing fast. There are many plans and dreams that will never be realized now. It’s simply too late. Who would have guessed that life could change so quickly?

The same was true for my wife’s mother. Health problems had plagued her for years, but she’d made it to retirement and looked forward to spending more time in her garden, traveling, and spoiling her four grandchildren. But only a year out of retirement, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away less then two years later, at the young age of 63.

Don’t let life pass you by. Enjoy the fruits of your labors while you can. Here at the beginning of 2005, take a moment to make a list of one, two or three things that you want to pursue this year. Be specific and make the goal doable. Then, as one famous ad says, just do it!

Husbands, your wives have waited for years for some of their dreams to come true. If you can’t think of ways to enjoy life, I guarantee that your wife will have a list prepared and ready for you to consider! I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than with a fresh, renewed commitment to enjoy our blessings and spend more time with the ones we love.

Nationally-syndicated financial columnist and Certified Financial Planner® Jeffrey Voudrie provides personal, in-depth money management services and advice to select private clients throughout the USA. He’ll answer your financial question – FREE at http://www.guardingyourwealth.com

If you would like free, clear, unbiased advice submit your questions to http://www.guardingyourwealth.com/askjeff.htm today, you’ll be glad you did.

Mr. Voudrie is a Certified Financial Planner, nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and President of Legacy Planning Group, Inc., a Private Wealth Management Firm in Johnson City, TN. He can be reached toll-free at 1-877-827-1463 or at jeff@guardingyourwealth.com.