The United States emerged from World War II as one of the great financial super powers of the world. Those children of the Great Depression, turned heros of the “War to End All Wars” came home; reared a small family, bought a modest house and saved a lot of money. This frugality mixed with asset ownership set the Middle Class of America apart from any other nation. Assets historically reserved only for the wealthiest (including education, health care and transportation) were affordable to the middle class of America.
These pioneers went on the found lart companies that families could work at for generations like IBM, General Electric, and Ford. It became the norm to stay with a company for your entire career, then the company would stay with you through retirement.
This model proved unrealistic for employers in the 1970’s and Government began to step in and attempt to provide those same union benefits to all Americans. The unintended consequences of this action slowly began to undermine the buying power of the middle class and gained momentum until the costs of providing too much for too many has taxed the United States into a two class society…the “have’s” and the “have-not'”.
65 years after the heros of World War II returned home, the society they build is now left to the history books. Americans are now required to go about providing for their own families, building their own retirements, and paying for the benefits of others in a society where only 52% pay income taxes.
Quicksand: The Rapidly Disappearing American Dream
by Patrick Jenkins
How prepared are you for retirement? The economic and political effects of the Great Recession have created a new reality for retirement planning. Quicksand explains why:
• The U.S. entitlement system is bankrupt.
• Consumer goods will be more expensive in the future.
• Benefits will be less valuable in the future.
• Future generations will be burdened by the government’s tremendous financial obligations.
• Traditional methods of retirement planning will no longer provide people the retirement of their dreams.
In Quicksand, Patrick Jenkins, MBA outlines new strategies that will be critical to retiring successfully in the future.
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By Scott Barrick
The author does a great job of giving a quick overview of how our country is already broke, and how all of the entitlement systems we have need to be fixed. While it is not a blue print for how to save for retirement, which the author explains, it does enlighten you on how many different things you need to consider. It should be a must read for all the new members going into Congress and the Senate.
Bill Swenson
I strongly recommend reading Quicksand by Patrick Jenkins for anyone looking for advice on retirement planning, healthcare reform, investing, and how to navigate today’s US Economy. The book is packed with insight and experiences that shed light on why we are in the financial situation we are in and how to invest despite the challenges facing us.
Bryan McLelland
This book is to the point, direct and insightful. This is a must ready for anyone who is confused or scared about todays investing world or anyone who wants to learn why things are going down this bumpy road. I whole heartedly suggest you pick up this book and learn everything it has to offer. The author makes it easy to contact and connect with him if you have any questions, concerns or comments.