‘Two In Three Women Are Planning Retirement; Here’s Why I Am One of Them’
Ramya Praveen, a professional with an American multinational technology company in Bengaluru, says every woman deserves a secure future. Read on why:
A recent report says that tow in three Indian women have now started actively planning for retirement. As someone who has been on this journey, I can’t agree more. Retirement planning is not just about saving money; it’s about securing your future as well as your independence. Let me explain the subtle difference, drawn from my own journey.
Like many women, my life has been a mix of career milestones and personal commitments. I have taken breaks to raise my children, manage family responsibilities, and even pursue passions that did not always come with a pay packet, far from it. While those decisions were fulfilling, they also made me realize how important it is to have a plan for the future, especially your post-retirement years.
When I first started thinking about retirement, the numbers felt overwhelming. I worried about how just a few years without a steady income would deplete my savings. But I learned that it’s never too early—or too late—to start. Small, consistent contributions can make a big difference over time. For me, investment instruments like mutual funds and a Public Provident Fund (PPF) became lifelines, helping me build a retirement corpus despite the career breaks.
Healthcare was another eye-opener. As we age, medical costs increase, and I didn’t want to be caught unprepared. Including healthcare expenses in my retirement plan gave me peace of mind and a sense of security. Knowing that I have savings set aside specifically for that purpose allows me to focus on enjoying life without financial stress.
Even for women who aren’t working full-time, saving for retirement is crucial. I’ve seen friends who chose to stay home or work part-time, take charge of their financial futures by contributing to a retirement corpus. Indeed, the retirement plan is also about independence—being able to live on your terms, no matter what life throws your way—and not be a ‘dependent’ family member.
Retirement planning isn’t just about money; it’s about security, confidence, and freedom. For me, having a clear plan means living in a secure circle where I am prepared to deal with unexpected challenges—whether they are related to my health or shifts in family dynamics—without losing my footing.
My advice thus to my reads is that if you haven’t started yet, do not wait for a divine push. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: retirement planning is about empowering yourself to live the life you deserve.
As told to Mamta Sharma
