Why Some Filipinos are NOT Prepared for Retirement

June 4, 2021

What kind of retirement do you see for yourself? Nakikita mo ba ang sarili mo na nag-eenjoy na lang at nagta-travel kasama ang pamilya? O sadyang malabo ang future para sa’yo kaya wala kang nakikita?

“Gusto ko by the time I reach 60, napagtapos ko na ‘yung mga anak ko at may kanya-kanya na silang buhay at pamilya. Habang ako naman, kasama si misis, nag ri- relax sa rest house sa Tagaytay.”, Gil, 38

“I want a comfortable retirement, of course. ‘Yung tipong I can go to the mall, shop or eat with my friends anytime I want. Gusto ko rin magtravel para ma-enjoy naman ang senior years ko.”, Nicolette, 30

“Retirement? Syempre gusto ko happy and healthy ako ‘nun. Pero hindi ko pa siya nai-imagine sa ngayon eh. Tsaka ko na lang siya iisipin ‘pag na-enjoy ko na ‘yung pagiging young and single.” Marie, 24

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are around 7.6 million Filipinos belonging to the age group 60 years and over. Almost 80% of them do not receive pension from government insurance programs such as Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Ang 20% na nakatatanggap ng regular na pensyon ay nagsasabing ‘di pa rin ito sapat para matustusan ang araw-araw nilang pangangailangan. A pensioner may receive as much as PHP18,000/month and as low as PHP3,000/month.  Sa mahal ng gastusin, lalo na kung nakatira ka sa siyudad, mukhang kulang na kulang ang halagang ito para mabuhay.

Mababang pensyon nga lang ba ang dahilan kung bakit parang hindi pa handang mag-retiro ang isang empleyado? Or are there other reasons that keep the Filipino retiree from preparing for his or her future? Bakit ang daming retirado na hindi sigurado?

“BAHALA NA”

Nagiging default answer na natin ang “Bahala na” especially when we don’t want to talk about things at the moment. Some may interpret it as avoidance of responsibility while others see it as trusting a Higher Being and surrendering everything to Him. Pinapaubaya nila lahat sa Kanya, believing that everything will be provided by Him. 

“WALA PA’KONG EXTRA”

Ito ang karaniwang excuse natin ‘pag napag-uusapan ang future investments or even retirement habang bata pa. Kaya madalas, pagdating ng edad 60, dun pa lang maghahabol para sa retirement which is already too late. 

“ANG HIRAP MAG-IPON”

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), only 29% of our population have bank deposits. Maybe because many Filipinos don’t have any idea how to save and invest. Ang maling akala ng iba, only those with higher income can have the financial capacity to save when in fact, being able to manage financial resources does not really depend on how much you earn.

Sabi nga ni Antoine De Saint-Exupery, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” So, if you want a comfortable retirement lifestyle, make a realistic plan. Check your current financial situation and take the necessary steps to support your goal.

We as Filipinos still have a long way to go when it comes to being fully ready for retirement. Evaluating your finances can help you decide when the right age is to retire. You can either delay or adjust your plans. Make sure to catch up with your SSS or GSIS contributions, start paying off your debts, calculate how much retirement funds you need, and consider future health care costs.

If you are 40 years old now and plan to retire at 65, medical expenses are likely to go up. Consider purchasing a comprehensive insurance plan that will help protect your retirement funds.

Paramount Direct makes opportunities accessible not just to a few but to everyone. Our Sure Savings Plan delivers 3-in-1 protection that is a perfect answer to your retirement worries. For as low as PHP833 per month, you’ll receive life, accidental death and health benefits. This product is payable in either five (5) or 10 years with maturity of up to 20 years. What’s good about our Sure Savings Plan is that it provides you the Life Benefit after surpassing the maturity period. Individuals from ages 20 to 60 may apply. Visit www.paramountdirect.com and get it online!

Sabi nga nila, kahit ang kalabaw ay napapagod din. You cannot work for the rest of your life. Darating at darating ka sa punto ng buhay mo na kailangan mo ring magpahinga at i-enjoy na lang ang lahat ng bunga ng ilang taon mong pagtatrabaho. You deserve to live your remaining years with comfort, happiness and security. At syempre, katuwang mo ang Paramount Direct when you #redirect towards that kind of life. 

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