Do Not Rely On Your Pensions

Pension is a deferred compensation for employees who worked in government or private companies. You will receive monetary funds depending on the number of years you have been working. Some received it as early as 50, 55 or 60 years old and perhaps could even be earlier in some pensioners.

What if, in some unforeseen circumstances, the government and companies go bankrupt, do you have other sources of income coming in?

It is a good program, like many others believed but it’s not perfect and it isn’t enough specially if you are living in countries with very high cost of living. Some governments and companies have encountered so many problems that some of them are unable to fulfill their obligations. 

In the past, (also happening today and possibly in the future) we saw companies and governments gone bankrupt and were not able to fulfill their obligations and pay their beneficiaries. Many of these pensioners have waited for so long only to find out that they will receive nothing on their retirement. Additionally, many of these retirees don’t have enough or no other savings or investments and have not prepared themselves for their retirement. They don’t have other sources of income when they retire and rely solely on their pensions.

The problem I have with the pension scheme as an employee is three fold!

1) Governments, companies, and corporations want you to work for them until you retire, then that’s the time you will receive your deferred compensation when you stop working.

2) You don’t have any control as to where your funds are invested and don’t know its actual returns if you don’t investigate.

3) Finally, it’s not an absolute certainty that you will receive something when you stop working if something goes wrong with the government and those companies.

Others unfortunately passed away early and didn’t have a chance to enjoy their retirement benefits.

Hence, do not rely on your pensions.

Now more than ever we have so much opportunity to improve our finances and not rely solely on pensions. The Internet and the digital age has given us so much, that information is now accessible to anybody.

Millennials have the greatest opportunity especially if they work and start investing early. They may not need to work till they’re in their 40’s, 50’s more so in their 60’s. 

Accumulate Assets not Liabilities

Look for other sources of income and accumulate assets that produce income such as dividend stocks, real estate (Rental Income), Bonds and notes (interest), and intellectual property (royalties) to name a few. On the other hand, embrace frugality and minimalism. Limit or cut down your liabilities.

Once you have accumulated enough assets to support your lifestyle then you may not need to work till your pensionable age.

Work will be much more fun because you don’t need the money. You can now do things that you are very passionate about and you’ll soon find out that your options are limitless.

More often than not when one is financially literate they not only look after their financial well-being but they tend to protect their very own asset, their personal health as well. They eat right and are physically active. They visit the gym regularly. 

Since they look after their well-being, it’s no surprise that they reach pensionable age. The pension that you will receive is already a huge bonus on top of your passive income.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Pension scheme is a good program but it’s not always enough. Look for other sources of income. Accumulate income producing assets that will supplement your pension.

This is even more important in countries where socialized healthcare is not provided due to healthcare issues encountered when we are getting old.

Are you close to retirement age? In your opinion, is your pension enough to cover all your daily living expenses? If not, what other sources of income to supplement your pension?

Let me know in the comment section below.