If you’re a Gen Xer or a late baby boomer like me, you’ve probably noticed that life is more like The Breakfast Club, with a twist.
Back then, we were rebels and dreamers who made our way through high school cliques and defined ourselves to the soundtrack of Don’t You (Forget About Me).
Fast forward to today and we are still the same people, but we now have to juggle adult or teenage children, elderly parents and financial pressures such as mortgages or rent. The stakes are higher, but the spirit of our youth is still very much alive.
I’m Vanessa Stoykov, a financial educator with over 30 years’ experience helping Australians make good decisions when it comes to finances and life.
Through my new column Flourishing After 50, published every Sunday, I’ll help you discover how to live a more fulfilling and exciting life, even with all the challenges we face. After all, we’re not slowing down! We’re not “pre-retirees” about to say goodbye, and we don’t want to be labeled that way. There’s still plenty of life left to live, plenty to do, and yes, plenty of fun to be had.
Leading financial educator Vanessa Stoykov will answer readers’ questions about how to best prepare for a fun-filled retirement in her new weekly column Flourishing After 50
We’re not done yet
Just like in our youth, when we didn’t want to be pigeonholed, many of us in our 50s feel the same way. Yes, we’re responsible for a lot, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to give up on enjoying life. From reconnecting with old friends to finding new hobbies, we want to stay active and live a full life, without feeling weighed down by the pressures of everyday responsibilities.
It’s a juggling act, for sure. Whether you’re still working, raising kids in your 20s, or helping out elderly parents, it can be easy to let your own happiness take a backseat. But the point is this: We have to make time for ourselves. We have to prioritize our health and happiness first. I can attest to that personally. When I turned 49, I decided to try Pilates. Now, at 51, I feel stronger and more confident than ever. It was one of the best investments I’ve ever made in myself.
Answers to your money questions
Send your questions to Vanessa at bloomafter50@dailymail.com.au.
One of the biggest stressors for people in their 50s is money. We’re still paying off debt, juggling the costs of family life, and wondering how we’ll manage our retirement. It’s a lot, and sometimes it feels overwhelming.
That’s why I’m here. Flourishing After 50, in collaboration with Daily Mail Australia, is more than just a column about how to manage your finances; it’s a space for you to ask the questions that keep you up at night.
Whether it’s about the smartest ways to tackle various debts, managing a large mortgage, or preparing for retirement without giving up life’s pleasures, I encourage you to write to me with your questions.
It is possible to live a happy, balanced life even with the pressures of large mortgages, juggling the costs of family living and financial worries about retirement, says Vanessa.
Not only will I answer them, but my extended circle of financial advisor friends will be happy to lend their expertise. Together, we have the answers to help you thrive financially and prove that it is possible to live a happy, balanced life even when things get tough. Plus, for the best question of the week, we’ll send you a free copy of my book The Breakfast Club for 40-Somethings.
If you are looking for ways to improve your financial well-being, I have free resources on my website that may help.There is a wealth of guidance available, from blogs to videos, to help you make smarter financial decisions. I also offer online learning courses designed for people in their 50s who want to forget old financial habits and embrace a healthier, more prosperous future.