Most of us think about retirement as a goal to achieve.

As that one day, when suddenly work will stop and we will have money accumulated.

And we start living a non-working life full of travel, relaxation and peace.

But rarely do retirements turn out like this.

I have seen my own father who relaxed a lot after hanging up his boots.

But the relaxation turned into boredom soon and then into health problems.

Time itself becomes an enemy then.. what was once a scarce resource.

The question everyday becomes “how do I spend these damn 24 hours”?

and one day later, I have to struggle (if you have health issues) to live another.

It’s difficult and people sitting around forwarding whatsapp messages and reels, will soon feel empty inside.

God has given us one life , a life to live till the last day, to live and love for the entirety of it.

As you approach towards the golden years, as early as 50s, start dreaming your story.

What legacy, what story do you want to create for yourself?

Do you want to be known as just the person who worked as Vice President for a Fortune 500 company?

Who remembers whether you were a VP or GM or CEO?

What people will remember is what you have done for the society, for the people around you and your loved ones.

So why am I rambling so much?

Well, like the grapes are sour, I know I will never reach my retirement goals in terms of money. If I have to just save up for sustaining my lifestyle for 25-30 years, I will probably need a few millions.

I may still save up or my investments will grow to that level, but I am not banking on that.

Instead, I am banking on myself. The best investment I can make at any point in time.

Whether the stock market is down or up, the American dream is dead or alive, or Iran fighting Israel or not.

I am my own story, and my investments will be aligned to support my story going forward.

A story I will build slowly over the next 10 years to serve the world in my own way.

I do not look my investment portfolio in terms of beta and alpha, but what purpose does it solve for me?

Do I have the liquidity to invest in my business?

Do I have the portfolio to run my life for two years if I quit my job?

Do I have the knowledge to restructure my finances when life changes?

Do I add new skills and knowledge to keep my income flowing in?

These are real retirement questions that everyone should be asking.

In today’s world, when the pensions are gone, markets are volatile and no financial advisor knows how your life will pan out tomorrow.