One critical area coming into sharper focus is retirement planning — a topic often overlooked by young professionals but one that can significantly impact long-term well-being.
“Many employees don’t even realize they need to plan for retirement until it’s too late,” said Aristides “Jong” Merida Jr., a retirement readiness expert and personal finance advocate, during InLife’s recent client forum, Retire Without Worries, held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati.
“By integrating retirement planning into company culture, organizations show that they care about their people beyond just daily performance. This builds trust, improves morale, and creates alignment between company and employee goals,” he said.
A wake-up call for workers and employers
Merida recounted a sobering experience where he spoke to employees just six months from retirement. “The atmosphere was festive when I walked in. But by the end of my talk, it felt like I had just attended a funeral,” he said. The realization that many were financially unprepared cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful milestone.
He also shared an eye-opening consultation with a 58-year-old doctor who earned and spent ₱500,000 a month. “He asked me how much he needed to sustain his lifestyle after retirement. I told him ₱150 million. He was stunned. But that’s the reality — if you live on ₱6 million a year, you need the capital to support it,” Merida explained. His key message: If your expenses grow with your income, you’re not building wealth — you’re standing still.
A new solution for a new generation
Addressing the evolving needs of the modern workforce, Insular Life (InLife) introduced Retire Assure — which the insurer said is the first true retirement insurance product in the country. Tailored to meet the financial goals and values of today’s professionals, Retire Assure offers long-term financial stability and peace of mind.
Some of its standout features include:
Guaranteed monthly payouts starting at age 60 or 65, continuing until age 100
Flexible payment options (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual)
Dividend potential to grow monthly income
Life insurance protection that provides security for loved ones
No medical checkups, making it easy and hassle-free to apply
More than just a financial product, Retire Assure serves as a strategic asset for businesses invested in employee well-being and sustainability. Companies that include retirement planning in their benefits programs demonstrate a commitment to holistic growth — both personal and professional.
Turning income into wealth
According to InLife’s chief product and innovation officer, Jose Eduardo Ang, most retirement products provide lump sums or short-term payouts that workers may not know how to manage over time.
“You might get a large amount at 65, but how do you make that last until 100?” he asked. “Retire Assure addresses that concern by offering guaranteed monthly income that takes the stress out of managing retirement funds.”
Merida emphasized that retirement, wealth, and financial independence are all interconnected. “If you don’t save, invest, or create a positive cash flow, you can’t build wealth. True financial independence comes from being intentional, not just from earning a high salary,” he said.
For Gen Z professionals — navigating rising costs, unstable economies, and family responsibilities — the future can feel uncertain. InLife’s Retire Assure offers a reliable path forward. It’s not just about retirement; it’s about security, dignity, and living with confidence in the decades to come. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
