On November 15, 2010, Shane Cronin wrote in the Massachusetts Daily Collegian about reforming Social Security. Mr. Cronin gave his opinion about options for accomplishing this and, in part, said "Therefore, in addition to being retirement accounts, Roth IRAs also act as personal safety nets."

We beg to differ! What we want to say is that, though financial concerns are definitely one aspect of life to consider when thinking about creating a Personal Safety Net, finances, important as they are, are not a complete Safety Net.

A Personal Safety Net is made up of people, plans, and resources, woven together either by an individual or organization, or for that person or business.

People: family, health care folks, friends, neighbors, church members, counselors ... Plans: written to guide action if something is to happen such as "if I get sick", "if I get that big promotion" ... Resources: Neighborhood Centers, Schools, Housing groups, ... and a document that details what and who might have to be known or contacted if one of those event happens.

In other words, which people could step in to help, what each of these would best be able to contribute, how they'd get support for themselves from each other & other resources, and what they'd need to know in order to be helpful.