GAME-FULLY EMPLOYED TURNING TO VIDEO GAMES AFTER RETIREMENT
The rise in popularity of game-streaming platforms like Twitch — a service seemingly only used by snarky teens playing under quirky aliases — has paved the way for a whole new generation of video game enthusiasts. They just might not be the type you had in mind. Clips and articles are popping up online showcasing how older generations of tech aficionados have taken to gaming en masse. Long gone are the days of grandparents calling grandsons in frustration to ask how to send an email. The current generation of seniors bucks the stereotypical ignorance of technology, embracing hand-held controllers and battle cries as they take on their decades-younger counterparts in the digital arena. One team in particular has stolen the spotlight of late: The Silver Snipers, bringers of destruction in “Counter-Strike” leagues around the world. The team from Stockholm, Sweden, took their talents to the stage of Dreamhack 2017, an esports tournament, where they battled it out against some of the world’s most skilled esports players. Their mission was simple: to show the world that gaming is for
people of all ages. Each member picked up the game for different reasons; some played as a way to connect to their grandkids, while others did it to pass the time. One thing’s for certain: This alliance has turned into a hellscape for their opponents. With every team member being over the age of 60, the combination of BirDie, Windy, Knitting Knight, Teen Slayer, and Berra Bang — all gaming aliases — has proved to be a first-of-its-kind powerhouse in the growing circle of older gamers. As one member explained, the game is not just for having fun. Gaming has given the team a chance to connect and be a part of a massive worldwide community. The gameplay also allows for mental exercise. It offers teamwork challenges and improves cognitive function, multitasking skills, and reflexes. If The Silver Snipers are passing along one message, it’s that you’re never too young for an old-fashioned digital beat down.
THE BACKUP PARACHUTE: YOUR EMERGENCY FUND HOW MUCH SHOULD I SAVE IN CASE OF A FINANCIAL EMERGENCY?
Striving for financial security is a bit like skydiving. Careening through life can be nerve-wracking, but having a parachute in the form of a job, a salary, or a retirement fund that you can deploy against expenses can bring about greater peace of mind. So what happens when you deploy that parachute and it tears? You lose your job, a sudden medical emergency leaves you with more bills than you can pay — the things that can tear your parachute are everywhere. That’s why you should have your backup parachute: the emergency fund. How much money you should have saved up in your emergency fund can depend on a number of factors. Are you single and renting with no mortgage to
pay? Are you married with two incomes and kids? If you suddenly become unemployed, how quickly could you find another job? Considering these different factors will help you
be beneficial in some cases, but most of the time, 3–6 months should be a sufficient backup parachute. If too much of your income goes toward your emergency
decide the amount you need for your emergency fund as well as how much of each paycheck should contribute to that goal.
fund, you could risk taking money away from other expenses.
Wanting to be sufficiently
prepared for financial disruption is a healthy
Most experts will say that your emergency fund should equal 3–6-months’ worth of expenses. Having this money will allow you to pay your bills while you look for a new job or take time to heal from a long-term injury. Having enough to cover expenses for nine months could
impulse, and if you want more information on budgeting and types of accounts to use for an emergency fund, please feel free to contact us through our website or over the phone.
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