I’m now 58, and lately, I’ve been thinking about retirement more and more — not because I’m weary of work, but because my heart is being drawn deeper into full-time ministry.

After almost four decades in the financial world, I still love teaching people about money — but now I see it through a new lens: stewardship for God’s kingdom.

Retirement, to me, is no longer about escaping work; it’s about aligning my work with my purpose. And as I pray, plan, and simplify, I’ve realized that preparing for retirement isn’t just about saving or investing more. It’s also about learning what to let go of.

Here are five things I believe we need to sell before we retire — especially for those of us shifting from accumulation to calling.

1. Idle or Emotionally Attached Real Estate

Many Filipinos see property as the ultimate mark of success. “At least may lupa ako,” we say with pride. I used to think the same. But as I get older, I realize that not all assets remain blessings forever.

That idle lot in the province or condo that’s rarely used might look good on your balance sheet, but if it’s costing you more than it earns, it’s time to re-evaluate. Property taxes, maintenance, and association dues don’t stop when you retire.

If a property no longer serves your purpose — if it doesn’t generate income or joy — maybe it’s time to convert it into something that funds your mission.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
— Matthew 6:19 (ESV)

Holding on too tightly to material assets can prevent us from living freely for God’s calling.

2. High-Risk or Overly Complicated Investments

In my career, I’ve seen too many people enter retirement still gambling with their hard-earned savings — chasing high returns, joining speculative ventures, or spreading investments so wide they lose track of them.

Simplify. As you approach retirement, your goal is not just to grow wealth, but to preserve peace.

Shift from high-risk to stable income-producing investments. In the Philippine context, that could mean downsizing stock exposure, consolidating UITFs, or focusing on safer options like Pag-IBIG MP2, REITs, or dividend-paying funds or shares.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
— Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)

Steady diligence beats reckless haste every time — especially in your later years.

3. Businesses That Depend Too Much on You

I’ve built several businesses over the years — events, ventures, even a coffee shop. And I’ve learned that if a business can’t run without you, it’s not an asset; it’s another job.

Before retirement, ask yourself:
Can I delegate, automate, or sell this business?
If it relies on your daily presence, you’re not retiring — you’re just changing your title.

For me, stepping into ministry means freeing up time and mental space to serve where God leads. Selling or handing over a business isn’t giving up — it’s trusting God with the next chapter.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

4. The Extra Stuff You Don’t Need

At 58, I’ve realized that less really is more. The things that once defined success — the nice car, gadgets, collectibles — don’t matter as much anymore.

That second or third car, that old watch collection, or unused furniture could be liquid funds for your future generosity. Simplifying is not about losing; it’s about gaining freedom.

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”
— Proverbs 15:16 (ESV)

The older I get, the more I crave peace over possessions. Minimalism isn’t just a lifestyle trend — it’s a spiritual discipline.

5. The Habit of Procrastination

Perhaps the hardest thing to “sell” is not an object, but a habit — procrastination.

So many Filipinos delay preparing for retirement because life keeps getting in the way: “Saka na, may tuition pa,” or “May SSS naman ako.”

But time moves fast. As I step more fully into ministry, I realize that postponing financial decisions delays obedience to God’s call.

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

The longer we wait, the fewer days we have to serve freely. The time to act is not when we’re ready — it’s now.

Retirement Is Not an End — It’s a Redirection

At this stage of life, I no longer see retirement as stopping work; I see it as redirecting my work toward God’s purposes.

I want my later years to be less about accumulation and more about multiplication — of impact, generosity, and faith.

When you sell the things that no longer serve your purpose, you’re not losing — you’re making room for what truly matters.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
— Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

So as I prepare for this next season — simplifying assets, consolidating investments, and freeing up time — I do it with one goal in mind: to live lighter, give more, and serve better.

Retirement, when done right, isn’t about having more.
It’s about needing less, trusting more, and living for what lasts forever.