At 55, though we have investments, I feel that I am not yet ready for retirement emotionally. I am thinking of retiring at the age of 58. Before retirement, I believe that I need to plan for it. Planning helps to avoid running out of money. Start by lowering debt, start saving and keep saving. After retirement, I have to simplify my lifestyle and focus on the things that are really important to avoid over-spending. Practice simple living to allow my stress level to stay low which is beneficial for my physical as well as mental health. I will just focus with my family, enjoy their company and have more time with them.
— Mary Ann A. Aspacio
As a retired and a widow, I enjoyed traveling, joining organisations in our barangay for the good of the community. I enjoyed ballroom dancing and zumba fitness. At 66 I joined Daughters Mary Immaculate International. Mostly our projects are going to the remote and depressed areas for outreach programme and I am also a member of ministry of greeters and collectors in our parish. Even though I am retired I am grateful working in our barangay as public affairs officer. During my free time my family and I are having our out of time bonding. I have dogs and cats as my pets and they are my stress reliever and during my free time I do play with my grandkids.
— Perlita Perlas Balderas
I am already retired. I have already provided well for my children and now living independently with my wife. When I retired, I dedicated my life in the service of God and the Filipino Australian Community. I served as acolyte during the Australian Sunday Masses at our local parish, and Filipino Masses during the fourth Sunday of the month, and during Filipino fiestas of different Filipino communities in our area.
— Roberto Dionisio
Retirement planning is what is in my mind because I am getting older and I am not sure if my children would take care of me when I grow old. I invest in small sari-sari store which generates income slowly but steadily. I am saving some of the income little by little so that when my needs arise, I have something to use for myself and no need to ask help from anyone.
— Edna Labio
Retirement is the most fulfilling period of life. Unfortunately, at age 55 I am not prepared to retire financially and emotionally. In the next 10 years, God willing, I plan to work harder and put my finances in order. At the same time, I will try to live a healthy lifestyle so I can enjoy life when I am ready to retire.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
— Grace Loria Leimseider
Nowadays, there are lot of things that would catch our attention like latest gadgets, jewelries and other things that would tempt us to buy. If we are not careful, we will find that we already spent a lot. I am not in favour of impulse buying cause I only buy things that I necessarily need. I am always thinking of the coming time that I need to retire. I invest on a buy and sell business and looking forward to make it grow and profitable so that I don’t need to ask help from my children when I grow old.
— Sandra Royeca
Everyone should plan for retirement because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. As for me, I am thinking of my future. Every month, I set aside certain amount from my salary and deposit it on my account so that when I retire, whatever business I have in mind, I will have a capital. It’s much better to be prepared early because time is passing by so fast. Without knowing it, we have grown old. I have no worries now for my future.
— Aileen Villanueva
