Lately, I’ve been observing that we just don’t listen to each other anymore.

We’re so busy waiting for our turns to talk, or so sure that whatever we have to say is right.

We miss things this way.

Customer service personnel miss a chance to put their customers first and leave them delighted.

Teammates lose an opportunity to build trust and improve communication.

Friends feel slighted, betrayed, or forgotten.

I’m trying very hard to listen better. Try with me, please.

I’ve been following a few personal finance blogs, and today I clicked through a few links to find a post called "The 401k Debit Card."

I thought for sure it was a joke. After all, my 401(k) is an account for my tomorrows … when Paul and I retire, we can sit back and enjoy the money that we’re working hard to save today.

And since I’d like to retire at 50 or earlier, that means making a real commitment to saving today. By commitment, I mean saying no to the big screen TV or convertible we might like to have, and being smart about the money we do spend.

So please, tell me why on earth it would be a good idea for me to carry around a "debit card" in my wallet that would make deductions from my retirement savings?

First of all, it’s not a debit card. It’s a credit card. You are taking out a loan, and you have to pay it back (normally with interest).

Secondly, if you don’t pay it back, you’re subject to insane penalties for early withdrawal.

And finally, and most importantly for me, you’re jeopardizing your ability to retire when you want to, and/or limiting the kind of lifestyle you can live when you do ultimately retire.

Seriously folks. Take a look at your finances, and save what you can. Make smart choices. And whatever you do, don’t ignore tomorrow to pay for today.