Millions of Americans are rethinking their plans for retirement as a result of the worsening recession. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, one possible side effect is an increase in national service on par with the early days of the Peace Corps. »more»

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. There's not a person in our Western culture alive today who wasn't brought up hearing or reading Clement Clark Moore's poem from 1823, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." Regardless of your religious beliefs and traditions, the spirit of warmth and generosity of the season can't help but touch all but the most broken of hearts. »more»

A thoroughly unscientific poll of middle-aged British men found that they spend US$48 billion a year alleviating their midlife crises.

That's about US$6,000 / year for every man too old to love popular music and too young to access the retirement fund. »more»

Middle aged people make better personal finance decisions than other adults, according to new research highlighted in the Wall Street Journal. »more»

Interesting post at AARP about midlife career changes. »more»

From the Times Online (UK) we learn that "older women are about to become more attractive." The reference concerns the projection that the majority of Britain’s millionaires will soon be women in their mid-fifties. »more»

Was there a “trigger” (job change, divorce, etc.) that got you thinking about the next phase of your life and how you plan to live it?