Personal savings rates have declined rapidly over the last few decades and have led to an impending crisis for many families. Baby boomers and their children haven’t adequately prepared for their retirements, causing a major generational issue involving sacrificing on lifestyle, continuing to work into their 70s and relying on their families for support.

A large part of what I do these days is to try to convince people to give me an hour of their time to create a financial plan for them or give them some insight into where they're heading. As a newer consultant, I don't think that's abnormal, but I hate feeling as if I'm a salesman, so the challenge is to show people that my interest is in making a positive impact on their lives.

OK. It’s about two weeks into my current reality show: the life of Hans as he re-invents himself for the (how many times is it now?) in his life.

In my previous blog post, I have complied a list of "things to do." I have completed some of the tasks:

• Contacted reference for permission again and update reference lists
• Converted my Master's Thesis into PDF and uploaded It to my site
• Printed about 7 planning job openings in BC and Alberta that I will apply
• Borrowed a book from the library on job hunting: "Knock 'em Dead 2006: The Ultimate Job Seeker's Guide." I have begun reading it and it is packed with information.

I have worked on other tasks that were not on my list: