Common Long-Term Fears And What We Can Do To Ease Them

Those with an anxious heart and a mind for long-term planning can be adept at making sure that they’re aware of and plan for all sorts of future events. However, thinking in the long term can often bring up questions and concerns that aren’t as easy to think about. If you feel overwhelmed when considering the potential challenges of the future, it might be time to sit down and start thinking about the steps you can take now to prepare for them.

The Fear Of Financial Instability

A lot of us may feel like we’re just about coping with our financial present as it is, so thinking about how we might handle any emergencies or, bigger yet, retirement, can be a big cause of concern. However, the best way to deal with that fear is to have a plan, build an emergency fund, and look into retirement accounts that you can start saving into. Create a budget for the purposes of putting money aside for your retirement now. Even putting aside a little is a lot better than putting aside nothing.

Fear Of Losing Independence

A lot of us are at the age where we’re starting to see our older family members, be they parents, aunts, uncles, or otherwise, starting to lose their independence. While it’s impossible to control every aspect of aging, you can take steps now to preserve autonomy for as long as possible. Focus on maintaining your physical and mental health, and consider the need for potential home modifications that you could start saving for. You may also want to set up legal powers of attorney so that your healthcare and finances can be handled by a trusted family member in the future. Taking some control now means you don’t feel as much pressure when those decisions eventually come.

Fear For Your Children’s Future

Worrying about your children is a parent’s prerogative, but you should make sure that you’re doing what you can to ensure that they are protected and provided for, including after you are gone. Putting protections in place now, such as drafting a legally binding will with named guardians and allocated assets, and setting up deed transfers to kick in after you pass, can give your children the stability they need in the future. This, in turn, can give you some peace of mind, now.

Fear Of Being Forgotten

A lot of us have felt our social circles shrink over the past few years. COVID certainly didn’t help, but people tend to lose touch with friends as they get older anyway. The feeling of being forgotten or losing your connection to society as you get older is real. You can fight this by staying engaged, such as volunteering, mentoring, or getting involved in community events. Building meaningful relationships and staying socially active are the counter to the fear of isolation.

These future concerns might still be a far way off, but that doesn’t mean that they’re any less real or deserving of your attention. In fact, now, while you have time, is the best time to start putting your plans in motion.