We are quickly coming to a reckoning in this country regarding the well-being of retirees, says Jeff Bucher, a financial advisor who helps working-class Americans plan their golden years.

"I suppose it's cliché for the head of a financial firm to say that he cares for his community, but we really do put our money where our mouth is," says Bucher, who, through his firm, Citizen Advisory Group, (www.citizenadvisory.com), has contributed to the local Boys & Girls Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to development of an Olympic training center for wrestling at Ohio State University, his alma mater, where he earned a wrestling scholarship.

"My clients represent the bulk of America: honest, hard-working and typically blue collar or middle class. Most of them weren't executives at Fortune 500 companies, and many are stressed out when they first come to us because they've been sold this idea of needing x-amount for a retirement nest egg."

In reality, you don't need a hulking nest egg to get by in retirement, and you may be better off without one, says Bucher, who explains why.

•  Lifetime income vs. nest egg; reconsider what wealth means to you. What's preferable to you: stockpiling money throughout the entirety of your earning years so that you can have a large nest egg for retirement, or investing your money wisely so that you can both use it during your younger years and receive paychecks during retirement?

"Two million dollars in savings is not the optimal perspective for true wealth," Bucher says. "True wealth is not serving money; it's having your money serve you. I'm more interested in offering folks true wealth via ethical financial structures suited to individual goals."

•  Obsession with a nest egg prevents you from doing things. Consider the mentality of an obsessive nest-egger: Hoard your hard-earned money your entire life, decade after decade, straight through retirement. Don't spend anything on travel, or a vacation home, or anything else you may enjoy, because you have to protect the egg.

Life is short, and by the end of it, these folks haven't done anything but work and save money.

"You don't have to be a millionaire to do so many things for yourself, family and community with your money," he says.

•  Consider supplementing a smaller savings with a part-time job - seriously. You hear the scare tactics - Grandma doesn't want to spend her golden years greeting shoppers at Walmart.

"That's nonsense; retirees are some of the most talented people in our country, working as a greeter is not their only option," he says. "Most of us have something we'd like to do that we couldn't during our earning years. Retirement is the perfect time to indulge that passion! People are better off staying active, no matter who or how old they are."

Supplemental income through a fun, part-time job cuts the income needed from a retirement next egg and adds healthy activity. Teach swimming at the local YMCA, work at a golf course or as an usher at a sports venue. Or start a small business selling the crafts you've developed a skill for creating.

•  Volunteering actually saves retirees money. When you're at a job, you don't have much opportunity to spend money. You won't run up the electric bill at home, nor go to the movies, amusement parks, shopping or use much money getting there. While working, you're too busy, and the same is true when folks volunteer somewhere. Volunteering at the hospital or elsewhere gives retirees purpose, engages their minds and bodies, gives them the happy knowledge that they're helping others, and prevents them from spending money on entertainment to keep from being bored!

About Jeff Bucher

Jeff Bucher is president of Citizen Advisory Group, (www.citizenadvisory.com), and is an Investment Advisor Representative of AlphaStar Capital Management, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. He has a life and health insurance license with the state of Ohio. His membership affiliations include the exclusive Ed Slott's Master Elite IRA Advisor Group™, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the National Association of Fixed Annuities (NAFA) and the Forum 400. He has earned Top of the Table honors through the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Bucher is a former standout wrestler at The Ohio State University, where he earned an athletic scholarship and honed his leadership skills en route to earning four varsity letters.

Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton, Iowa, is holding its 10th annual Harvest Feast Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Princeton Community Center, 428 S. River Drive.

The celebration runs from 4:30 until 7:00 p.m.

The dinner features a homemade menu of beef stew made with locally raised Sawyer beef, applesauce, breads, pies, and a wide variety of desserts and drinks. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 5 to 10 years old. Children younger than 4 are admitted for free.

Activities for the evening include a silent auction, wine tasting, a live auction at 6 p.m. and a supervised play table for children, plus the dinner. Teresa Kraft, a Cody Elementary School librarian and Zion Lutheran Sunday School teacher, will provide the children's activities and supervision.

New Developments Will Create Jobs and Improve Recreational Facilities

COLONA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced capital investments of $5 million for park development and improvement projects in Colona and Geneseo. Funded by his Illinois Jobs Now! construction program, the projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase opportunities for recreation, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"It's important that everyone in Illinois has a place to be active and take on a healthy lifestyle," Governor Quinn said. "These investments will give these Henry County communities upgraded facilities to be enjoyed for years to come. The Colona Community Center and the Geneseo pool projects will help improve the health of the people of Illinois and create new jobs for hardworking local residents."

The Colona Park District will receive $2.5 million to construct a fitness center on Colona Road with a swimming pool, indoor walking/jogging track and multi-purpose rooms. The total estimated cost is $4.5 million.

The Geneseo Park District will also receive $2.5 million to construct an outdoor aquatic center on East North Street. The project includes a new activity pool with a zero depth entry, a four lane lap pool with slides and a new bathhouse. The total estimated cost is $5 million.

"I commend Governor Quinn for this announcement of capital investment for the Geneseo Park District. This grant was made possible because of the Governor's leadership in passing a capital bill. This is an excellent example of positive things that can happen when we have a partnership between local and state government," State Representative Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) said. "A project like this is a win-win for Illinois as it creates jobs for the construction of this project and improves quality of life and recreational opportunities for the Geneseo area residents. We strengthen our economy with job creation and have the opportunity for healthier, active lifestyles. Healthier lifestyles are one of the ways to reduce healthcare costs. Grants from the Illinois Jobs Now! program are funded with their own dedicated revenue stream, not general fund revenues."

"Investment in local park districts is an investment in the future of Illinois communities," Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller said. "These new facilities in Colona and Geneseo will help maintain a high quality of life that is vital for attracting young families."

The park projects are part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

10:00-12:00 Papercasting & 1:00-3:00 Gingerbread

Each class is $20 for members & $25 for non-members

Connie will have a special catalog on hand to place orders for your favorite Molds! Delivery in about a week to GAHC!

Limited space available! Call 563-322-8844 to register

Visit www.gahc.org