My Passion…
I love planning. I just like to be ready.
Mirriam-Webster defines ready as “prepared mentally or physically for some experience or action; prepared for immediate use.”
By 55 years old and beyond, we have likely encountered a full spectrum of life’s highs and lows. This chapter of life often presents an exciting blend of opportunities—like exploring passions, embarking on travels, or enjoying retirement—paired with potential challenges, like changes in health or evolving family roles. Preparing for the good and the not-so-good lets you fully embrace the joys while confidently managing the hurdles with poise and resilience.
Would you consider yourself ready? If asked, are you ready to:
- Figure out your acceptable level of risk for life at 55+
- Adjust to retirement, downsizing, and a changing budget
- Talk about potential health changes and staying in your home as you grow older
- Know what you want to do with all that “extra” time in retirement
- Work on your bucket list while you still can
- Pinpoint and share the memories and assets you want to leave as part of your legacy
- Improve your quality of life so you can enjoy today without stressing about tomorrow
- Confidently support the choices you have made
- Make the time to write your wishes down
- Make the time to share these wishes with your family and friends
- Have a plan to keep these plans up to date
I am ready. But, if you are not, you have come to the right place.
My Story…
My passion for 55+ planning is deeply rooted in personal experience and professional know-how. Being on a flight the morning of 9/11 profoundly shaped my perspective, sparking seven years of research and culminating in the publication of my book, YOUR LIFE, Interrupted. With a background as a technical writer, project manager, disaster planner, university professor—and degrees in Technical Management (B.A.) and Technical Communication (M.S.)—I excel at turning complex ideas into clear, logical, and actionable strategies anyone can follow.
I am single. I am over 55. I have given copies of my plan to my Executors. I update my plan at least two times per year. If I go tomorrow, I know everything is set.
Some of my Favorite Things…
Travel
For 18 years, I was lucky to be employed in the United States travel industry. I traveled not only for pleasure but also for business. During this time, I learned many tips and tricks to make selecting travel and making travel fun and less stressful. You will find several Plan Your Ready documents and blog posts focused on travel and how you can make sure you are ready for that perfect vacation.
Planning
Anyone who knows me knows I love to plan. Whether gathering and finalizing all of the details for the next vacation, a family holiday dinner, or ensuring the budgets and timelines are met for work projects, I love the planning process. I have fine-tuned my approach and ability to get it all done.
Anything Irish
My mother’s parents both came from Ireland in the early 1900s. Since my grandmother lived with us, I grew up listening to Irish music and taking Irish dancing (yes, I was Riverdance(ing) in the 1960s – 1970s). Since then, I have visited Ireland several times and met several family members. In 1997, along with a cousin, I filed the paperwork to become a dual citizen of Ireland. I still enjoy Irish music, cruises filled with Irish entertainers, and visiting Ireland.