Webinar Highlights Importance of Financial Planning for Retirement.

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Webinar Highlights Importance of Financial Planning for Retirement

SERDANG, 26 August 2026 – The Committee of Training and Education Resources on Ageing (TERA), Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing®), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), organised a webinar entitled Managing Debt, Building Wealth: Preparing for a Financially Secure Retirement. The webinar was attended by 87 participants, comprising researchers, professionals and members of the public. The programme focused on the importance of effective debt management, financial planning, saving and investment as key components of achieving financial security in retirement. The session was delivered by Dr. Bavani Chandra Kumar, CFP®, a licensed financial planner and experienced financial education trainer.

Participants were introduced to different types of debt and encouraged to distinguish between manageable debt and high-cost debt. The webinar also highlighted the importance of monitoring monthly debt commitments and maintaining a healthy Debt Service Ratio (DSR). In addition, the session addressed key aspects of retirement preparedness, including the role of EPF savings and the importance of estimating future retirement income needs. Participants were encouraged to consider factors such as their expected retirement age, monthly income requirements, savings, investments and outstanding debts when planning for retirement.

The programme also introduced a five-step financial roadmap, which includes building an emergency fund, clearing high-interest debt, automating savings, investing according to individual financial circumstances, and regularly reviewing financial plans. The webinar served as a platform to enhance participants’ financial awareness and equip them with practical knowledge to make informed financial decisions and strengthen their financial preparedness for retirement.