Letter of the week: Don’t forget to smell the roses now while saving for retirement

I refer to the article “

Why many people think having over $600k is enough to retire on

” (Feb 2).

While I appreciate some arguments Invest Editor Tan Ooi Boon had on the adequacy of $600,000 for retirement given the need to consider inflation, longevity of life and healthcare costs, I believe the article may create more anxiety rather than provide a retirement reality check.

First, the reality is that it is probably a luxury for many retirees today to have $600,000 (individually) in cash for retirement.

Thus, those without this amount or even those who have this amount might now be worried.

But humans are adaptable. If given $1,000 to live a month, they will adjust and live accordingly.

Also, while we need to worry about future healthcare costs, the more important thing is to accept that no amount of healthcare expenses can prolong our life unnecessarily beyond a certain point.

It should also be mentioned that there is a delicate balance between saving for retirement and living a life today.

I have encountered many elderly people who are so worried about having enough for retirement that they forget to live a good and meaningful life today.

Go ahead and enjoy a good meal or holiday today (in moderation) rather than over-plan and worry about the adequacy of tomorrow’s retirement.

Ho Yew Kee