Retirement Planning Is Not for Old People It’s for the Smart and Young

Let me tell you something most people only realize too late.

Retirement planning is not for old people.
It is for young people who don’t want to suffer later.

If you are in your 20s or early 30s, please read this slowly.

Many older people today wish they could reverse the hands of time.
Not because they want to be young again 
But because they wish they started preparing earlier.

They had energy.
They had time.
But they didn’t have structure.

Why Most People Regret Not Planning Early

In Nigeria, retirement is often misunderstood.

Many people think:

• “I’ll think about retirement when I’m 40.”

• “Let me first enjoy my youth.”

• “God will provide late.r”

But the harsh truth is this:

👉 Time is more powerful than money.

Someone who starts investing ₦10,000 monthly at age 23 can end up with more money than someone who starts ₦50,000 monthly at age 40.

Why?

Compound Interest.

The Power of Compounding (Simple Explanation)

Compound interest means:

Your money starts working, and then the money it makes also starts working.

It’s like planting a mango tree.

• The earlier you plant it, the longer it bears fruit.

• The later you plant it, the fewer fruits you enjoy.

If you invest small amounts consistently for 20–30 years:

• Your capital grows

• Your interest earns interest

• Time does the hard work for you

This is why early retirement planning beats late big contributions.

Retirement Planning for Young Nigerians (Yes, Even Students)

You don’t need millions to start.
You need discipline and consistency.

Here’s how young people can start:

1. Start Small — Don’t Wait for “Enough Money.”

If you can:

• Buy data

• Eat shawarma

• Go out every weekend

You can invest ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 monthly.

The habit matters more than the amount.

2. Use the Right Vehicles (Simple & Safe)

For beginners, focus on low-risk, long-term options:

• Money Market Mutual Funds (MMMF)
  – Good for stability
  – Better than savings accounts

• Balanced Mutual Funds
  – Mix of bonds + equities
  – Good for long-term growth

• Pension Contributions (Voluntary Pension)
  – Especially for salary earners
  – Tax-efficient and disciplined

You don’t need to trade daily or chase fast money.
Retirement money should be boring, steady, and consistent.

“But I’m Young, Why Should I Care Now?”

Let me be honest with you.

If you don’t plan for retirement early:

• You may depend on your children later

• You may keep working when your body is tired

• You may regret wasting your strongest years

Retirement planning is self-love for your future self.

The freedom you want at 60 is built by the discipline you show at 25.

What Retirement Planning Really Gives You

Retirement planning is not just about money.

It gives you:

• Peace of mind

• Freedom of choice

• Dignity in old age

• The ability to say “NO” when you’re tired

It ensures that:

Your future is protected, even when your strength is gone.

A Simple Retirement Formula for Young People

You don’t need complex strategies.

Just follow this:

1. Start early with applications like Cowrywise, Invest Naija, I-invest, etc

2. Start small

3. Stay consistent

4. Avoid withdrawing unnecessarily

5. Increase contributions as income grows

That’s it.

Final Words (Please Read This Twice)

Retirement planning isn’t for old people.
It’s for wise young people.

If you are in your 20s:

• Start today

• Even with small money

• Even if nobody around you is doing it

Your future self will thank you.
Loudly.

Share this message with every young man or woman you care about.

Yours in wealth.