My Bucket List for the Next 50 Years

Let's assume you're going to live till 100—and statistics are actually on your side if you haven't been paying attention. Let's also assume you'll be healthy and fit because, well, you discovered this newsletter and have been focusing on these areas as you age (wink). So here's the million-dollar question: after your full-time work comes to an end, what are you going to do with the decades ahead of you?

Having chatted with several people about this, it seems most folks have given this about as much thought as they've given to their high school yearbook quotes. While some want to keep working because they're not financially prepared (fair enough), others want to keep working simply because they have no clue what to do with all that time. It's honestly a bit heart-breaking that all they know is work—like they've been playing a video game with only one level for 40 years.

So I'm going to share my bucket list (still very much a work in progress and currently living rent-free in my head). Hopefully, this will inspire you to stop scrolling through social media for five minutes and actually imagine what life could look like when you're not answering emails at 7 PM.

My "Holy Grail" Adventures:

• Ultimate Road Trip – Drive from Singapore to Europe and back, because I love driving and experiencing different cultures (and their food). This is my preferred way to take my sweet time in different countries, spending extra days wherever something catches my fancy. The list of must-see places this “trip” covers keeps growing like my credit card bill.

• Take the train to Europe – After the road trip, because apparently I'm a glutton for long-distance travel punishment.

• Learn to fly a plane – Have you watched the movie "2012"? Yeah, that's my motivation. Practical disaster preparedness disguised as a hobby.

• Get my motorcycle license – Might come in handy in some countries, plus it'll make me feel cooler than I actually am.

• Eat at a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in Europe – We'll try one first and see what all the fuss is about (and whether it's worth a month's grocery budget).

• Visit Antarctica – The only reason? I met an elderly lady who'd been there, and the immigration stamp covers the WHOLE passport page. I want that bragging right.

• Trek to Everest Base Camp – Who knows, maybe that'll lead to another bucket list item: summiting Everest (or at least pretending I could).

• Learn to play piano – I rejected my dad's offer when I was young. Regret is a powerful motivator.

• Build the Top 10 Lego sets by piece count – Yes, I'm an AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego), and I'm not ashamed.

• See the Northern Lights – We tried the Southern Lights in Australia with zero success. Apparently, the Northern ones are easier? Here's hoping.

• Complete a marathon – Some psychologists say this might be a cry for help, but I prefer to think of it as expensive therapy.

• Hot air balloon in Turkey – You know those iconic photos with 101 other balloons? I want to be tourist number 102.

• Give blood 50 times – I want to hit 100, but I'm not sure if that's age-wise feasible. We'll see how my veins hold up.

• Do a Via Ferrata – I actually have a fear of heights, but apparently, I also have a fear of having a boring bucket list.

The Plot Twist

The more I write this list, the more excited I get! Of course, the next question is "how do I fund this madness?"—which is exactly why learning to invest and trade the market has become one of my passions. But more on that financial wizardry later.

Your Turn

So there you have it—the start of my humble (okay, maybe not so humble) list. What's on your bucket list? As the saying goes, "It costs nothing to dream, but everything not to"—so go absolutely wild with it!

Drop your bucket list items in the comments below! I'm always looking for new adventures to add to my ever-growing list. Who knows? Maybe we'll end up crossing paths at Everest Base Camp or in a hot air balloon over Turkey, comparing notes on our retirement adventures.

Because if we're going to live to 100, we might as well make it interesting, right?

Saving vs. Investing (The Tortoise and the Hare, Money Edition)

Saving and investing are like cousins who went to different schools—related, but with very different personalities. Saving is the responsible one who always wears a seatbelt. Investing is the adventurous one who might come home with amazing stories or a few scrapes.

Saving keeps your money safe and accessible, perfect for emergencies or short-term goals. Your savings account won't lose value overnight, but it also won't grow much beyond what you put in. It's financial security, not financial growth.

Investing, on the other hand, puts your money to work in assets that could grow significantly over time—stocks, bonds, real estate. There's risk involved (your investments can go down), but historically, patient investors have been rewarded with returns that far exceed savings account interest rates.

L-Plate Takeaway: You need both. Save for the unexpected car repair; invest for the retirement you want to actually enjoy. Think of saving as your financial foundation and investing as the house you build on top.