FollowEver since I made the leap almost two decades ago—leaving a high-paying corporate career to become a full-time mom to my two toddler girls Alycia and Sherilyn—a quiet, persistent worry has been my constant companion: “Will I have enough?”
That very question was the seed that grew into my blogs. I started writing not just to share my journey, but hoping to monetize my words and bring in a little pocket money. And it worked! But as any parent in Kuala Lumpur knows, raising a family in this vibrant, expensive city means that “a little” is rarely enough. So, I took a deeper plunge into a 10-year online business venture.
Yet, no matter how much I hustled, that nagging question never truly left me. Will I have a surplus when I’m 82, or will I face a deficit? (I’ve chosen 82 as my planning age, but ultimately, I leave my actual expiry date to God).
If you’ve ever lain awake at night with the same worry, you’re not alone. And today, I want to share the most powerful tool I’ve recently discovered to tackle this fear head-on: Artificial Intelligence.
From Excel Sheets to AI: My Search for Answers
I’m a spreadsheet girl at heart, ever since I worked in the HR Dept of a large bank. My trusted Microsoft Excel has been my financial diary for many years. But retirement planning isn’t just about static numbers; it’s about forecasting inflation, rising medical costs, and investment returns over decades. That’s where AI comes in.
I turned to DeepSeek (you can also use ChatGPT, but I find DeepSeek’s responses more factual and comprehensive). I gave it my entire financial picture:
- My current EPF and savings balance
- My estimated future income
- My monthly expenses and, crucially, my medical insurance premiums
- My savings that are reserved for traveling
- My planned retirement age
I asked it the big question: “Based on this, will I have enough to live comfortably until I’m 82?”
The answer came back in seconds, and it was a sobering NO. ☹ And DeepSeek explained why with calculations.
DeepSeek even told me not to rely on inheritance (if any) and children to provide for me financially in the future, as it will be too risky. It even asked me “what if you live longer than 82?”
The answers from DeepSeek were all backed by calculations, with inflation factored in. See how intelligent AI is! I am really amazed not just with this but with other matters whenever I sought its advice.
But here’s the thing—DeepSeek didn’t just give me a bleak verdict. It didn’t leave me anxious. It gave me a plan.
The AI-Powered Blueprint for a Comfortable Retirement
DeepSeek laid out clear, actionable solutions to bridge my financial gap. The advice was stunningly practical:
- Delay EPF Withdrawals: The most powerful lever. Let that compound interest work its magic for as long as humanly possible.
- Work Longer, Work Smarter: The projection suggested I consider working part-time or freelance into my late 60s, maybe even early 70s.
- Simplify and Adapt: Continually review my budget for flexibility.
A Shift in Perspective: Why “Working Longer” Isn’t a Bad Word
My initial reaction to “work until 70” wasn’t dread. It was reframing. If I don’t work, what will I do? I thrive on being active! A fulfilling job isn’t just an income stream; it’s a way to stay socially connected, mentally sharp, and physically active. It’s a proven way to stave off dementia and immobility.
The key isn’t to just work—it’s to choose work I have a passion for. That doesn’t sound like a sentence; it sounds like a plan for a vibrant, engaged life.
Your Turn to Find Clarity
So, if you’re wondering whether you can retire early or if you need to keep grinding, I urge you to have a conversation with AI. It’s a free, incredibly powerful starting point to gain clarity and direction.
Try it yourself. Gather your numbers and ask:
“Based on my current savings, EPF, and expenses, will I have enough to retire at [desired age]? Factor in inflation, especially for medical costs.”
For a hyper-accurate, personalized plan, a paid wealth manager is still the gold standard. But for a comprehensive, insightful, and immediate projection that can either ease your mind or kick you into gear, AI is an unbelievable resource.
It didn’t just give me an answer. It gave me back a sense of control. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.
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