Everything I Wish I Knew About Retirement in My 30s

When should you start preparing for retirement? A financial investment professional with 51 years of experience shares insights gained through his own experience and the Japanese case. 🧐

 

1. It's not too early to start preparing for retirement in your 30s.

Now that I'm 77, I often regret things like, "I should've done this back then," but it's already too late. In fact, after receiving training for those preparing for retirement, many people say, "I should've received this kind of training in my 30s and 40s." As one 34-year-old commented, "I felt lucky after watching a retirement preparation video," it's crucial to think about and prepare for retirement from a young age. ⏳

 

2. Lessons from Japan's Aging Society: Working Old Age

Past cases : In 1975, when Japan's elderly population was 8%, I witnessed people in their 70s working stock counting jobs or working night shifts at hotels, earning around 5,000 yen an hour. This was the reality in Japan, which entered an aging society 20 to 30 years ahead of us. 👴👵

Current situation : About half of Japanese men in their 70s work part-time or other jobs. The average retiree household spends more (approximately 3 million won) than they earn (approximately 2.5 million won), often leaving them with a shortfall of 500,000 to 1 million won per month. Even jobs like apartment manager can be competitive with a 50 to 1 ratio. This demonstrates the significant need for economic activity even after retirement. 💼

 

3. Preparing for retirement is a 'comprehensive art': money, health, work, relationships

What I realized from reading Japanese retirement-related books in the early 2000s was that preparing for retirement isn't just about money. 📚

 

money : Essential for basic living.

Health: Staying healthy is key to an active retirement. 💪

Work/Reward: After retirement, a lack of work can leave you feeling a profound sense of emptiness. It's important to maintain vitality through work, even if it's just a pastime. ✨

relationship : You also need to prepare for changes in family relationships, including marital relationships, after retirement. This is such a significant issue that in Japan, a book called "Manual for Retired Couples" has been published. 👫

 

In conclusion, the example of Japan, which experienced an aging society before us, demonstrates that preparing for retirement requires a comprehensive plan encompassing not only financial preparation but also health, work (social roles), and relationships. The more you prepare in advance, the greater the likelihood of a stable and satisfying retirement. 👍