May the Fourth Be With You!

Persistence, patience, and maybe even investing for retirement are some of the life lessons that the Star Wars franchise has taught us. Whether Sith, Jedi, or humanoid, long-term growth and control of the future has always been a prominent theme.

Having a retirement strategy is also crucial to your future, and while all strategies can be slightly different, they all move towards the same goal—your financial well being.

But before you sit down for a Star Wars movie marathon this weekend, or try to make your own version of bantha milk, keep reading to see which Star Wars character we think might best align with your retirement goals.

May The 4th Be With You!

Yoda

Yoda is to Star Wars as Warren Buffett is to investing. They both have given careful, logical advice for decades and have gained the respect of many followers. Gurus of their craft, whether it be Yoda’s advice to Luke on learning to use the Force, or Buffett’s advice to investors on creating personal wealth over time, they focus on improving the lives of others. Your investment strategy? Probably low-cost index funds. It’s about as lavish as Yoda’s home on Dogabah, but this strategy isn’t trying to be fancy. It’s about the Stash Way: regular investing, diversification, and letting compound interest work its magic. Simple but wise, you are.

Lightsaber Color: Green!

Risk level: Moderate

Darth Vader

“The force is strong with this one.”¹ You possess natural leadership qualities that may seem grave at times, but are directly related to the strict boundaries you have set in place as you run the Galactic Empire under the Emperor. You’re looking for strategic, aggressive growth. The first order of business, find Luke Skywalker—I mean make sure to diversify! Find a few sectors of business that interest you, and companies within those sectors, by buying up some shares to spread the playing field so you don’t put all of your shares into one company. Don’t overthink too much here, the money could be better in the market and you want to invest in companies that matter to you, just as you were diplomatic in your approach to keep ties close with the Dark Side and your son Luke.

Lightsaber Color: Red!

Risk level: Aggressive

Princess Leia

You are about as well balanced as they come, while creating your own Rebel Alliance within your portfolio. A wise leader who is assertive and proactive, approaching every decision with confidence. You have always valued your knowledge as you were the true heroine in many Galactic wars. You are looking for strong growth, but willing to make some bold decisions along the financial journey to get to where you want to be. Risk is your middle name; you hid the Death Star plans inside R2-D2 and then disguised yourself as a bounty hunter to save Han from the frozen carbonite from Jabba’s Palace, you don’t mind a little high risk for high reward. And you don’t just want to retire—you want to retire with a purpose to pursue other passions. Maybe command the Resistance? Become a Jedi Knight?

Lightsaber Color: No saber for you, you tote that Blaster Pistol with pride!

Risk level: Aggressive

Luke Skywalker

Before you hop into your X-wing Starfighter to lead the charge against the Galactic Empire, you check your portfolio, naturally as all Jedis do, to make sure you have all your droids in a row. You’re able to adapt to adversity as you’ve managed to beat the odds, due to your unfortunate circumstances, of being separated from your sister and losing your father to the Dark Side.  Your goal is to create some diversification while still holding onto a few safety nets. Obi-wan and Yoda taught you what it takes to become a true Jedi Master, patience. You must practice the same patience in your retirement strategy and trust in the force to lead you down a path.

Lightsaber Color: Blue!

Risk level: Conservative

Chewbacca

Although you may not say much (RAWRGWAWGGR), you have taken a liking to listening to those around you. You are reserved, with a curious mind to understand why and how things work. You have always relied on your keen intuition; need I remind you of rescuing C-3PO on Cloud City? As you continue to educate yourself towards financial success, try not to get flustered with information overload. You have the right tools to prosper, but need to start slowly to develop a structure that will work best for you. Not sure what to do now? Get started! Stop being a passenger on the Millennium Falcon and get in the driver’s seat. Move over Han Solo, this Wookiee is driving the ship! (And RIP, Peter Mayhew!)

Lightsaber Color: None, you’re more of the Bowcaster type anyway.

Risk level: Conservative. Don’t overthink yourself, your financial journey has to start somewhere—build your knowledge and understanding before pulling the ripcord on which strategy works for you.

Whether you are more Darth Vader or Chewbacca, there is a retirement plan with your name on it.³ Take a hold off your retirement future young Jedi, the Galaxy awaits! “Do. Or do not. There is no try”²