12 October 2008

Searching for Clarity in Chaos

Posted by BaBa under: Daily Life .

We are listening and trying to discern how to order the changes that have occurred in our lives and the turmoil in the world. The meltdown in the stock market has caused us concern and to be honest outright anger. It is beyond my understanding how the AIG company could spend almost 1/2 million dollars on a 4 day spa retreat while the company needs Billions of dollars to stave off bankruptcy. It is maddening to think about the executives for these companies took millions and millions of dollars while their companies collapse due to their neglect, poor management or outright criminal actions.

I had a meeting with my AIG rep. and discontinued the 403B account since I had the option of selecting another company. She is not at fault, but I choose not to support a company that is in crisis due to their poor choices. I still have to work with them on the 457 account. I did not sell and move my money. I just stopped contributing to the 403B and began the same type of plan with the other company.

This was one small action that I could take. I do remain hopeful. I will not need the funds for retirement for at least 10 years to 15 years. I have time for this to come back and will continue to contribute the max amounts as I am now buying bargains.
The world will sort itself out soon. The elections will bring some closure to this turmoil. I pray that the candidate that I support wins because I believe that he will soon be able to bring some relief to the economic turmoil. I believe his opponent will make things worse and return to the economic and leadership crisis of Jimmy Carter’s disastrous presidency. I remember those times and hope not to relive them or worse the stories I heard my grandparents tell of the Depression.

However, either way, just completing the election will bring an end to some of the uncertainty. The other thing that should bring some relief is the beginning of a new year where companies can adjust projections and plan for these interesting times.
The market meltdown has caused my potential retirement from my main job to be pushed to the 6 year time limit instead of shortening by up to 3 years. It has caused me to teach 4 nights a week this year at the University instead of 2. It has also caused us some stress in adjusting to these changes, but reminded us to be grateful. We are grateful that there is work for me to do and that I have high job security and income protection because of the choice of my profession.

We are also listening and discerning about next steps in our lives. We have been called to continue our adoption group and this brings opportunities and challenges. We are listening and waiting for what path that God has for our family. It is helpful to reflect and write about these issues as I turn them over to God in prayer.

So we ask what are the next steps on our journey? It is a time for reflection for us all in these changing times.

Comments are closed.