Many people see "retirement" as a complete stop and quitting work, but life offers many more choices. With good financial planning, retirement can unlock opportunities to try new things and design happiness in your own unique way.
Today Thairath Money wants to invite everyone to hear the perspective of Money Coach Khun Noom - Jakrapong Mesphan from the event Human Different Ages Fest 2026 “Try GEVITY, live longer and enjoy more” who spoke on the topic Whether life is short or long, you need a “financial plan” that people of all ages can immediately apply!
Khun Noom explained the first golden rule for an effortless retirement is to "pay off all debts before age 50" so the last 10 years before retirement aren’t weighed down by heavy financial burdens.
Also, retirement doesn’t mean you must "stop working immediately" at age 60. You can phase out gradually, such as reducing work hours or responsibilities, adjusting how you hand over tasks, or choosing what you want to do next. Research shows working even one more year can reduce mortality risk by 9-11%, and financially it delays tapping into savings.
Importantly, reactivating your Human Capital—skills you may have forgotten—can become valuable assets opening new life paths, like consulting for organizations, freelancing, crafts, or writing books.
Meanwhile, even if you have retirement savings, diversifying passive income streams like dividends, interest, or royalties can reduce how much you draw from savings and ease the pressure of accumulating a large lump sum.
At retirement age—whether 55 or 60—many feel secure having a lump sum to live on, but often spend more than expected. Research indicates people spend up to 30% of their savings within the first two years because they feel they have money to spend.
Therefore, Khun Noom emphasizes that money management is crucial whether life is long or short. For example, if your goal is to spend 40,000 baht per month (480,000 baht annually) for 25 years after retirement (ages 60-85), you’ll need about 12 million baht. Khun Noom’s plan sets a minimum of 8.16 million baht, divided into three portions for different timeframes.
Most importantly, continuously acquire knowledge to choose investments you understand and that match your risk tolerance, so your savings aren’t lost easily.
Although most Thais lack retirement plans, starting to save and plan now helps you better prepare for the future. Here are five key points to know and act on!
1. You will live longer than you think With longer life expectancy, plan finances for 30 years or more post-retirement, not just 10 or 20 years.
2. Retirement ≠ stop earning You don’t have to stop working immediately at retirement age. Adjust based on your situation—for example, keep working if your lump sum isn’t ready, or gradually shift roles to fit your skills while building passive income.
3. Starting at 45 is still on time Starting retirement planning at 45 or 50 is still effective. The most important factors are starting, discipline, and managing money properly after retirement.
4. Divide money by periods This clarifies when each fund portion will be used and guides what types of assets to invest in, while ensuring diversification to handle uncertainties.
5. Crises don’t harm those with plans The real risk isn’t crises themselves but having an inflexible or no plan. Don’t wait for a crisis to start planning—it will be too late.
Finally, amid uncertainty, everyone needs an emergency fund as a buffer for unexpected events. Having this set aside makes life easier.
Read more personal finance and financial planning news with Thairath Money to help you “Have good finances, live well.”https://www.thairath.co.th/money/personal_finance
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