Perhaps it's the result of last year's horrific hurricanes, rising interest rates, soaring fuel costs and general global unrest. Maybe it's just egotistic self centered interests, "He who dies with the most toys wins”; the inability to take responsibility for your own digressions.

Or maybe it's just the natural order of things for people to become more conservative with age, to make up for the earlier digressions. Whatever the reason, a growing number of Baby Boomers want more government programs — safety nets,— to insure that they'll be able to afford a comfortable retirement.

Move over Empty Nesters. Make room for Safety Nesters. Why this interest in safety? Many see the financial markets as an unpredictable and scary environment.

It wasn't always like that.

During the boom of the 1990s, equity investing was all the rage. With the 2000- 2002 market meltdown and the flat market that followed made investing more challenging. Maybe that's why so few are saving for the long term at the rate they should. As of January 2002 the average IRA balance was $26,951. Not much considering retirement can last 20 years or more.

Its not all surprising. For more than three decades, employers have been shifting the cost and responsibility for pensions and health care onto workers, largely through increasing health care premiums and decreasing pensions.

Considering that longer life spans can turn into expensive retirements, seeking safety along the way can be understandable. This could be why the debate over privatizing Social Security seemed to fall on deaf ears.

If you find yourself beginning to worry about the future, perhaps it's time for you to analyze your progress. If you're on track to reach your goals, congratulations. If not, now is the time to make necessary changes.

IRA's and other Qualified retirement plans are one of the largest assets you will own, and most have been set up incorrectly. Unfortunately for you and your family, most advisors are not aware of these common mistakes. If you are concerned about preserving the current values and minimizing the HUGE Tax Loss associated with IRA's and qualified plans, don't miss this opportunity. Now is the time to have an IRA review to find out how to preserve what has taken you a lifetime to build.

As a free service I will analyze your current situation and make recommendations, as to any changes that may need to be made, to preserve what you have built, and put you on the safe course you need.

All I ask in return is that you do the business with me. I'm sure my 29 years of professional advice can help. Call me at (941) 922-8588