Two lives. Same decade. Different definitions of a rich life.
Earlier this month, I was in Singapore and met two people in their 50s.
Two individuals.
Two very different stories.
One is a dear friend from university.
He was celebrating his 50th birthday - highly successful in his career, deeply connected to his family and friends.
He grew up in a humble household. That background became his fuel.
It motivated him to excel, build financial security, and create opportunities - not just for himself, but to provide comfort and luxuries for his parents and family.
The second friend I met was also in his 50s.
With a big smile, he told me he retired at 55 - and has already been enjoying a few years of retirement.
For him, retirement looks like:
· playing pickleball with friends
· spending unhurried time with family
· being a proud grandfather to a 1.5-year-old
· caring for his healthy 80+-year-old father
Two friends.
Same decade of life.
Very different lives.
And yet, both are equally happy.
There is no single “right” version of success
What stayed with me wasn’t the contrast.
It was the clarity.
Both men were living lives aligned with what they value.
And that, to me, is the real work - knowing what truly matters to you, so you don’t end up spending your life chasing something you don’t actually want.
Not someone else’s definition of success.
Not society’s checklist.
But your own version of a rich life.
My own reminder as I step into 2026
These conversations got me thinking about my own definition of a rich life.
As for me, I genuinely enjoy my work and the privilege of helping my clients build confidence around money and investing.
And I’m also very clear about this:
My work is secondary to my family’s needs.
My schedule has to fit my life - not the other way around.
So as I begin 2026, this is what I’m intentionally striving for:
· more authenticity
· more value
· more implementation
and at the same time:
· less clutter
· less noise
· less unnecessary “stuff” - mentally, financially, emotionally
Not doing more.
But doing what matters.
Ready to define your own version of a rich life in 2026?
🎯 PRIMARY: If you're ready to stop overthinking and start investing with clarity, Start To Invest group coaching is enrolling now.
📻 LISTEN: My recent CNA podcast on making financial goals actually stick (not just setting them)
📹 START HERE: Not ready to invest yet? Begin with my free video on tracking finances without overwhelm
You don't need to do everything at once. But knowing what you're working towards - and why - changes everything.
Here's to defining your own version of a rich life in 2026 🥂
What does a rich life look like for you in 2026? Let me know in the comments below.
