Article Highlights

• Priorities are like alligators, deal with the closest one to the boat first.
• Without goals, we might be flying...but it's unclear where we’re landing.
• A good plan is like a map that takes us to our destination.
• Finding allies and stepping outside of our comfort zone are keys to retirement success.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, The Wave Strength proudly welcomed former Thunderbird, and U.S. Air Force Pilot Michelle “Mace” Curran to the Mission Critical webinar. Michelle and host Christine Tucker discussed many fascinating aspects of Michelle’s career, and Michelle shared several lessons, tactics, and strategies that can be applied to financial wellness and preparing for a successful retirement. Here are five key takeaways from the webinar which can help us become retirement ready.

1) Establish Priorities

One of the many highlights of the Mission Critical webinar was when Michelle shared her strategy for prioritizing: Focus on the closest alligator to the boat, then deal with the next one. Applying this strategy to retirement preparedness could mean reducing debt, creating a budget, or enrolling in an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan.

2) Set Goals

Without goals, we may be soaring, but we’re doing so without a destination, and that could lead to a bumpy landing. Goals serve as our destination and establishing goals will help set a course toward a successful retirement.

3) Make a Plan

Michelle repeatedly noted the importance of planning in achieving her personal and professional goals. Our plans are like a road map, it's how we navigate toward our goals. After we’ve established our goals, we can then begin planning to achieve those goals. Another important takeaway is realizing that it’s OK to change our goals and plans if our circumstances change.

4) Find Allies

Michelle emphasized the importance of trust among her fellow Thunderbird pilots. When we’re planning for retirement, it’s critical that we find trusted advisors, resources, and tools that we can depend on for accurate information and advice.

5) Get out of the Zone

Taking a calculated risk isn’t a bad thing, Michelle calls this “stepping outside of our comfort zone.” When applied to retirement planning, this can mean simply deciding to start the process of becoming retirement ready. Sometimes the first step is the most difficult. For Michelle, that first step was applying to be a Thunderbird, but by taking that risk she was able to soar to great heights.

If we hope to soar toward retirement, it’s important to recognize that we are the pilots of our journey. And if we’re to make a safe landing, it’s mission critical to establish priorities, set goals, create a solid plan, find trusted allies, and step outside of our comfort zone.

If you couldn’t attend the live webinar, click here to watch Michelle and Christine discuss how planning and goal setting can help you soar toward your dreams. You can catch it now on The Wave Strength, located on Pacific Life’s YouTube channel.

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About Michelle Curran:

Michelle Curran has led an impressive career as a Fighter Pilot during her 13 years in the United States Air Force. From 2019-2021, she flew as the only female pilot for the Air Force Thunderbirds and performed for millions across the country and internationally. Michelle was also named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year by the University of St. Thomas in 2021, and has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS Evening News.

Before joining the Thunderbirds, Michelle was a combat-proven fighter pilot completing missions around the world. Her passion for pushing limits, inspiring others, and changing lives led to the creation of her company, Upside Down Dreams. Through this platform, she is committed to empowering men and women of all ages to overcome obstacles, face the fear of failure, and excel at whatever they are passionate about.