Recently, most Malaysians have been grateful to the government's decision to allow a fourth withdrawal from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). Grateful? Frankly, speaking nothing great about that decision at all. This is the fourth withdrawal for goodness sake. Repeat again the fourth withdrawal of our retirement savings. How could we feel thankful to allow a withdrawal from our own money? Is it a wise move to withdraw your EPF for the fourth time?
We should only feel grateful if the government funds that aid. They are using the reason the country transitions to the endemic phase. Most people are using the reason for the recent flood and settling the debt with the EPF withdrawals.
My question here is if the government is sincerely thinking to help the people, why make them pay using their own future money. Where are all the money gone? Massive leakages and criminal breaches of trust by a few prominent leaders who have caused the Malaysian to be in this situation to dip into their retirement money to continue living? Those criminals are still roaming around as free men and potential to be the next PM of Malaysia in the next GE? Possible, right? Money is power! We have a bunch of pirates leading the country.
A comfortable retirement is not even in some people's wildest dreams. According to EPF, over 6.1 million members or 48 per cent of its members under the age of 55 is now have less than RM10,000 in retirement savings. If you can save that RM10,000 of your in the EPF, just leave it there. But of course, many of you have no other way but to withdraw it in order to survive. Be prepared to work harder to recover that RM10k back for your old time.
Goodness, I am personally in my late 40s. I couldn't really work full time due to health reasons. I never imagine having to force myself to continue as a full-time worker for the sake of a monthly salary just to survive. When we are ageing, our bodies take so much toll on us. Back pain, knee pain, high blood, low blood, just name it you got it. You may think, ya you don't take care of your health during your younger years, that is why you are so much in pain during your old time. At least, I don't have to worry that much to retire at this age.
My advice to people, especially to the young one. Start to save at least 30% of your monthly salary and only plan your expenses after deducting that amount into your savings plan. Trust me, you don't have to worry that much when reaching your mid-40s. To be honest, you will be struggling to save that much if your salary is just enough. No pain. No Gain. You need to struggle to reach a comfortable life goal. Your mind needs to be strong thinking about the worth of pain now.
Golden years is the time for you to live your life calmer and working is just for fun. You should enjoy your Golden year life during this time. Not working yourself to the bone.
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