Why Network Marketing is better than Social Security | Salt in the wound

I am writing this article the last day I will ever be age 37.  It got me thinking about age…but in a different way.  I am also writing this in memory of my brother-in-law who recently passed at age 55.  Again, is age really just a number?

This article is titled “Salt in the Wound” because of my recent experience at the local Social Security Office.  I was helping my sister-in-law notify the SSA of her husband’s recent passing and to see what benefits she could receive.  “Unfortunately, nothing at this time” was the reply from the staff member.  “You will receive a lump sum check in the amount of $255.00, though.  This amount is awarded to all survivors and sadly has not changed in 50 years.”   Really?  Are you kidding?  I glanced over at the look of complete sadness as the tearful widow handed over the death certificate.

Why is the widow/survivor not eligible for her husband’s benefits?  The deceased  was a government worker for almost 20 years, faithfully paid his taxes annually, voted, and in my opinion “did everything right” to be a contributing member of society.  The reason?  My sister-in-law was not old enough.

According to the official website of the Social Security Administration (www.SSA.gov) the following information was provided to us:

If you are the widow or widower of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can: 

• receive full benefits at full retirement age for survivors or reduced benefits as early as age 60.
• begin receiving benefits as early as age 50 if you are disabled.
• receive survivors benefits at any age if you take care ofthe deceased worker's child who is under age 16 or is disabled and receives benefits on the worker's record.

The entire situation broke my heart.  Here was a couple, together for 35 years, raised two children, enjoyed seven grandchildren and truly lived a wonderful life.  Three years ago, though, the dreadful “C” word was diagnosed and life was forever changed.   Now, not only does the widow have to bury her husband at a young age, she has to worry about financially living without her husband’s income.

My purpose of this writing is not to rally the troops and try to change government policies.  My purpose is to bring awareness to the possibility that the government, Social Security, and other forms of financial “help” may not really be there when we need it most.  So rather than depending on someone or something else for financial security, the most effective way of insuring “peace of mind income” is looking at you right in the mirror.

I am a true believer that each and every one of us has an authentic talent that is financially beneficial to the world.  Rather than working for someone else at 40 hours per week, for 40 years, and then retiring on only 40% of that income (if you can’t make it now, how can you survive on less?) why not work on YOU?  Why not get paid right now to be you?

There are several avenues to make this happen, but the most time-tested, quickest, and financially beneficial way is through network and affiliate marketing.  Yes, there are pros and cons of every industry.   Yes, there are stigmas attached to different ways of doing business.  Yes, it is not easy to do.  But just think about what you are creating…You are creating an income that represents YOU, an income that will outlast you, an income that builds a legacy, and an income that can be transferred to anyone, at any time, and at any age.

I am so grateful to have been a part of this industry for almost 15 years.  Not only has it provided income to my family, it has provided me time to live with my family.  It has emotionally, spiritually, and physically changed me.  It has given me permission to truly be who I want to be.  Most importantly, it has given me beautiful insight into knowing that my legacy will make an amazing impact on society.

Live your life now, create income based on who you are, and build a legacy that surpasses you!

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