30 June 2026
When you picture your future, what do you see? Like most Hongkongers, you probably dream of financial independence—the freedom to live life on your own terms. But this dream isn’t a trophy we’re handed—it’s something we need to actively play for.
The recent excellent Manulife Asia Care Survey 2026 perfectly illustrates this. While 90% of people in Hong Kong say financial independence and self-sufficiency is a top goal, only 52% are actively playing the long game by investing for retirement. Hongkongers have a strong desire not to be a financial “burden on our loved ones,” but many of us are sitting on the sidelines instead of taking shots to secure our own futures.
The problem is clear: people know they need to prepare, but they’re stuck. So, how do we close this gap between intention and action? It all starts with small, doable steps you can take today.
Your Action Plan for a Better Retirement
1. Tidy Up Your MPF Accounts
If you’ve switched jobs a few times, you’ve probably left a trail of scattered MPF accounts behind. While the eMPF platform makes it easier to view multiple accounts, consolidating them into one account makes it much easier to track your portfolio. Many providers also offer incentives for consolidating, rewarding you for getting organised. Plus, the move to eMPF has made the consolidation process simpler than ever.
2. Mix It Up and Make It Grow
Take a look at your investment portfolio every quarter. This isn’t about constantly tinkering, but just making sure your strategy still fits your life and what you’re comfortable with risk-wise. As the survey points out, “diversification and income sustainability are key”. This just means spreading your money across different types of investments to lower your risk. For example, depending on where you are in life, you might also look into investments that generate regular income, like bonds, which pay out interest.
3. Start the Conversation
Retirement planning can feel like a taboo topic, but it shouldn’t be. The Manulife survey found that while 65% of us think talking openly about retirement is a good idea, only 57% are actually doing it. But here’s the thing: it works! People who chat about their plans report a better quality of life. If you don’t know where to begin, a financial planner can help get the ball rolling and boost your confidence. There’s no shame in asking for help or just wanting a sounding board—in fact, it’s a super proactive and responsible thing to do.
4. Know Your Numbers
Facing your financial future isn’t scary—it’s empowering. Figuring out the gap between what you have now and what you’ll need for retirement is the first step to making a real plan. Jump online and use a Retirement Planning Calculator to get a clearer picture. Knowing your numbers gives you a real starting point and makes the goal feel much more achievable.
5. Get Educated
Investing can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Set aside a little time each week—maybe during a coffee break or what would be a short workout—to learn about your MPF. There are tons of great, easy-to-understand resources from the MPFA and scheme providers. You can also use this time to check out the eMPF app, which is designed to help you manage and make the most of your retirement funds.
As longevity expert Dr. Karen Cheung puts it, “Lasting change doesn’t require drastic transformations; it starts with small, consistent steps.”
Think of managing your MPF like going to the gym. We’ve all been there dragging our feet, feeling like it’s a huge effort. It takes a bit of motivation to get started, but once you do, you feel accomplished and in control. The biggest risk isn’t getting it wrong; it’s not starting at all.
So, make it a small goal this week: log into your eMPF account. Do some reading up on fund that catches your eye. Just take that first tiny step. You might find its way easier and more rewarding than you think.
The information contained in this blog is not advice, it is for educational purposes, general in nature and does not take into account personal situations. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.
