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Life in the moment... Living fully in the now, and planning wisely for the future!

Personal Bio

I grew up in small towns around the Chicago area. Being raised by a Methodist Minister in a household with limited financial resources, I understood the importance of planning financially for the future. I was fortunate in having role models who were very conscientious in financially and non-financial aspects of retirement planning. I watched my parents plan their retirement future by buying into a retirement community so they could establish social connections early in their retirement years. My mother remains in the same retirement village, and at the age of 90 is assured of having the money, friendships and freedom to do what she wants for as long as she lives. Planning ahead is important!

I believe that expanding our interests and learning a variety of things to enrich and flavor our lives is important. I know that the activities I now enjoy are the result of having a curiosity for life, and living fully in each day! I also know that these interests will serve me well in my retirement years. Such activities as folk singing in various venues, watercolor painting, and filling my spirit through puttering around my underground home and feeling the spiritual nature of all things natural and earthy are things I can continue to use to enrich my life for all my life.

I am the proud mother of two grown sons (and their wife & fiancé respectively) who enrich my life every day, as well as my grandson who is lively and delightful each time I see him!

I would love to help others to explore what interests them, and to develop skills and activities which will provide them with ongoing joy and satisfaction now and into their retirement years!

Professional Bio

I have been working with families, couples and individuals since my days as a child welfare caseworker from the 1970’s until I earned my Masters in Social Work in 1990. In my many years of observing individuals, couples, and families I have gained a great amount of knowledge and insight into what is necessary to create joy in our lives. I brought this awareness to my private practice in Marriage & Family Therapy, which I have had for 18 years, and as a Retirement Readiness Consultant. I continue to grow in my wisdom about what works and doesn’t work in people’s lives to create satisfaction and contentment.

My approach to my work is direct and down to earth, while maintaining a respect for each individual, and an awareness that we each hold the answers to issues which arise in our lives, if we are guided to see more clearly what we need to do to bring that wisdom into our conscious awareness.

I work in partnership with each individual, and believe that listening is the most important first step in guiding each client toward the solutions they seek. Providing a fresh perspective on what they need to do in fully planning for a rich full retirement is essential in helping each individual feel secure that they are ready to take that next step in their lives.

My retirement readiness consultations are confidential and honor the unique needs and desires of each individual with whom I work. I never lose sight of the fact that life can be mysterious and filled with wonder! I am passionate in assisting others in seeing the potential life can offer them as they consider how to make wise decisions about retirement!

Char Elle En, ACSW
char@flowingwithlife.com
765-762-2049