The Alternative Press

CHATHAM, NJ - The Chambers of Commerce of both Madison and Chatham met Tuesday at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse for their monthly networking breakfast. Carolyn A. Cherry, executive director of Chatham’s Chamber and Karen Meyer, executive director of Madison’s, hosted the meeting.

The meeting included guest speaker Robert Grant, financial consultant and vice president of the Financial Consultant Group, who discussed new ways to plan retirement. The FCG is an organization dedicated to investment programs, wealth management, and retirement planning.

Grant began his speech by handing out sheets that summarized his ideas known as “Five Wishes: Having a Winning Endgame Strategy.” It included a range of topics most people face when retiring, including tax income, medical care, house maintenance, wills, and independence. “I consider life as a five-chapter book. The epilogue is the hardest,” said Grant.

The epilogue section itself covered the issues and steps that a person might want to take in preparation, involving advised decisions when addressing health care, medical treatment, and family matters. The one of the “wishes,” concerning loved ones, is what Grant said that people should really start off with. “It’s the one that most people really don’t consider, but should begin with”, said Grant.

The second guest speaker was Robert Bourne, estate lawyer of the Bourne/Noll/Kenyon law firm, who spoke in support of Grant’s strategy. Bourne talked about admissions for health care that he said were “most unique and essential.” He also talked about choosing a representative and other legal matters that might occur when planning to retire.

After their presentations, the speakers took a moment to answer questions on related subject such as legal advice, financial cost, and writing wills.

Meyer said she thought Grant was “good and very informative, a wonderful man with a lot of knowledge.”

Charlie Brown’s senior general manager Alan Nekoukar thought the meeting gave important retirement information. “It was very interesting since I’m reaching that point in my life. Younger generations have no idea how hard it is to plan for retirement. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like for them in the future,” said Nekoukar.