Smart Risk Magazine Winter 2018 | Page 27

WINTER 2 0 1 8 / 2 0 1 9 LIVING THE WORK-OPTIONAL LIFE “WILL I HAVE ENOUGH CASH FLOW IN RETIREMENT?” I also felt angst looming with the lingering question, “Will I have enough cash flow in retirement?” Then I learned about the Smart Risk Investing Roadmap. By following this roadmap, I realized that money is only part of retirement and that by surrounding myself with the financial expertise to keep me on track with the right financial plan and behavior, I could then focus on my ‘real wealth’ and purpose—which is having good health and strong relationships with close friends and family. I’m now able to focus on myself and enjoy learning and exploring new hobbies, while giving back to those less fortunate. For me, that is what is most valuable. Optional Life where I can do whatever it is that gives me meaning and purpose. The future is made up of endless possibilities. MAILI WONG: What are three important things Canadians should consider when deciding how and when they want to live in retirement? in the past. You are in charge, and there are no rules as to how you have to live as retirees. moment and not be in a hurry to be anywhere else. I know this because I have the peace of mind that my portfolio is being managed and is growing, so I can focus on my life and what really matters to me. This is what gives me purpose and meaning. Lastly, retirement is about freedom and growth. I can now enjoy an endless cup of tea while chatting with my sister on the phone, knowing that I have the freedom to live in the WORK- OPTIONAL LIFE DR. ELLEN: 1. MAILI WONG: How would you describe your retirement life now? What do you do to keep yourself busy? DR. ELLEN: I have learned to just live in the moment. I enjoy the simple things that I had no time to appreciate in the past, like walking, reading, and reflecting on life. I also travel more! I have a keen interest in exploring the world. I feel like now I can simply be retired and live a Work- 3. 27 2. The reality is that aging and retirement takes money…“real” money that grows at least as fast as the cost of living increases. When considering this, there is no substitute for planning. Many of us may be experts in our field but not experts in financial planning. Working with a trusted expert in the financial planning area was my first step in considering retirement. Changing your perspective should also be a consideration when you consider retirement. The “new” self- awareness is the ability to appreciate who you are and who you wish to be in the future and not just what you have been PERSPECTIVE POSITIVE ACTION PEOPLE PLAN PLAN Create a wealth-cat- alyzing financial and investment plan. PURPOSE START YOUR JOURNEY HERE PERSPECTIVE Develop a healthy mindset like the ultra-wealthy. PURPOSE Define your end goal & identify your big “Why”. POSITIVE ACTION Take actionable steps to achieve your purpose. PEOPLE Build a “Circle of Trust” to achieve your goals. WORK-OPTIONAL LIFE Achieve and maintain your desired lifestyle. Maili Wong is a best-selling author, a leading Canadian investment advisor, and licensed portfolio manager whose fresh, modern approach to investing for her high-net-worth clients sets her apart from others in her field. Her Amazon bestselling book, Smart Risk shares her personal story of resilience as well as lessons learned and secrets gleaned from more than 17 years of international investing experience. Find out more at www.smartriskinvesting.com