“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – Sean Patrick Flanery

Living to 100 is no longer a rarity—it’s becoming increasingly common. The number of centenarians in the U.S. has nearly doubled in the last decade, according to theU.S. Census Bureau, and global projections show that many of us will live far longer than we ever expected.

But here’s the challenge: most people aren’t saving or planning like they’ll live that long.

The Age Brilliantly mindset invites us to treat long life as a gift of time, not a risk. That means designing your financial strategy to support a purpose-driven life—not just to avoid running out of money, but to create a future filled with possibility, contribution, and joy.

So, if there’s even a chance you’ll live to 100 (or beyond), isn’t it time to start planning like it?

Why Saving for Longevity Is Non-Negotiable

A2022 Transamerica Retirement Survey revealed that nearly half of American workers expect to retire after 65 or never retire at all—largely due to financial necessity. Yet fewer than 30% have a plan to support themselves for more than 20 years post-retirement.

With longevity increasing, many could spend 30+ years in retirement—longer than they spent working. The risk isn’t just outliving your money. It’s being unable to fund your vision for a meaningful life—travel, learning, giving back, or staying healthy and independent.

“The best investment you can make is in yourself.” – Warren Buffett

And that investment includes your financial future.

Six Steps to Start Saving—and Planning—for a 100-Year Life

1. Reframe Retirement as a Dynamic Life Stage
 Don’t think of retirement as the end—it’s a transition into one of the longest, most flexible chapters of your life. It may include work, volunteering, learning, caregiving, or creative pursuits.

UseNewRetirement to visualize different scenarios—semi-retirement, part-time work, or phased transitions—and see how they impact your long-term finances.

2. Calculate for 100, Not 85
 Most retirement calculators assume you’ll live to 85 or 90. Instead, run your numbers to age 100+ using tools likeSmartAsset orFIRECalc. Planning for a longer life adds safety and flexibility—especially with rising health care costs.

According to areport from Fidelity, an average retired couple in the U.S. may need over $315,000 to cover healthcare alone.

3. Increase Your Savings Rate—Even by 1%
 If you’re behind, don’t panic. Small changes matter. Increasing your savings rate by just 1% today could add thousands to your nest egg over time, thanks to compounding.

Use apps likeYNAB orPocketGuard to find hidden spending and redirect it to long-term savings.

4. Automate, Diversify, and Rebalance
 Set up automatic transfers into retirement accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, or Roth IRAs. Diversify investments and check your risk tolerance as you age. Use a robo-advisor likeBetterment orWealthfront for simple, automated investing.

Rebalance your portfolio annually to stay aligned with your time horizon and goals. Living longer means you’ll need growth—not just security.

5. Plan for Health and Long-Term Care
 Living longer means planning for wellness and potential care needs. Explore long-term care insurance or hybrid life/long-term care policies. Consider Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) if available—they offer triple-tax advantages and can help fund future health costs.

UsePolicygenius to compare insurance options andAARP’s Long-Term Care Calculator to estimate costs.

6. Align Your Finances With Your Future Life Vision
 What does a fulfilling life look like at 70, 85, or 95? Travel? Learning? Starting a nonprofit? Supporting loved ones?

Your financial plan should support those dreams. UseLifetick orNotion to create a values-based roadmap that ties savings to your goals—not just survival.

Tools to Help You Plan and Save for a Longer Life

• Fidelity Retirement Score: Get a personalized look at your preparedness
• Tiller: Track and organize your finances using customizable spreadsheets
• Happify: Build a money-positive mindset through guided exercises
• Mint: Budgeting and expense tracking in one place
• Boomer Benefits: Free Medicare education and planning tools

Start Saving Like You’ll Live to 100—Because You Might

“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” – Seneca

Designing a 100-year life isn’t about hoarding money or living in fear. It’s about freedom—freedom to choose how you spend your time, pursue your passions, and contribute meaningfully across decades.

Every dollar you save, every hour you invest in planning, every vision you build—it’s all part of creating a future that supports not just longevity, but fulfillment.

So ask yourself:
 Am I saving for the life I want—or just the one I think I can afford?
 What kind of legacy and lifestyle do I want at 80, 90, or 100?
 What can I start doing today that will give my future self more freedom, health, and choice?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts in theforum.