If you think you can rely on “Bahala na si Batman” when it comes to planning for retirement, think again.

Megastar and InLife Dreamweaver Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan has some wise words for those who believe retirement planning is a job for later: “Think of it this way: If we can plan for the next chapter of our careers, we should do the same for the next chapter of our lives.”

On her latest vlog as part of InLife’s Dreamweaver Stories, Sharon didn’t sugarcoat the reality. While retirement may seem like a distant dream for many, it’s important to start thinking about it — preferably in your 30s or 40s.

“The younger you start, the more you will be able to save and the more your savings will grow,” she says. But it’s not all about stashing away money; it’s about envisioning a future where you can truly rest and enjoy life without the constant grind of work.

Sharon, who’s not quite ready to hang up her boots just yet, speaks from years of experience.

“Minsan, sa dami ng ginagawa natin, we just get caught up in the present,” she says, reflecting on how many people, including herself, sometimes overlook the importance of preparing for the future.

In a recent InLife-commissioned study, it was revealed that 80 percent of senior citizens in the Philippines don’t have enough financial resources when they retire.

Many retirees also need between P25,000 to P50,000 a month to maintain their current lifestyle — an amount that is often unachievable.

But unforeseen expenses like healthcare costs can make that gap even wider. Sharon highlighted the staggering fact that Filipino households spent over P600 billion on out-of-pocket healthcare in 2023, and with inflation expected to rise, the financial burden will only grow.

This, she says, is why planning for retirement is a must. After all, with life expectancy increasing, it’s vital not to outlive your savings.

Sharon’s advice is clear: Don’t be a burden on your children in old age. Instead, make a gift to them by securing your financial future through careful planning. And for those who feel overwhelmed by the idea of retirement planning, Sharon assures that it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With products like InLife Retire Assure, a retirement insurance plan with guaranteed benefits, you can rest easy knowing you’re set for the long haul.

“Retirement isn’t about slowing down; it’s about starting an exciting new chapter,” Sharon said.