#22 Chris Wilkens - How to Start Building Wealth No Matter Your Age

Aug 15, 2025

Chris Wilkens, a Marine Corps veteran and Vice President at RBC Wealth Management, shares a wealth of insight on building financial security at any age. He emphasizes the magic of compound interest and the importance of starting early, demonstrating how your investment can double over time without extra contributions. Chris stresses retirement as a pursuit of purpose rather than just a financial milestone, encouraging listeners to have meaningful goals post-retirement. His practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone looking to secure their financial future.

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ANECDOTE

Veteran Transition Work In NYC

Chris describes helping transitioning veterans in New York by connecting students to employers and nonprofits.
He emphasizes mentorship and long-term support through internships and career exploration.

ADVICE

Create A Retirement Plan Early

Do build a retirement plan about 10 years before you intend to retire to forecast spending, taxes, and inflation.
Use the plan to test savings increases or later retire dates so retirement isn't a surprise day one.

INSIGHT

Define Retirement Lifestyle In Today Dollars

Be realistic about desired retirement lifestyle in today's after-tax dollars before planning.
Quick answers usually mean you haven't truly thought through future spending needs.

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Are your financial dreams feeling out of reach? What if I told you the secret isn't working harder or sacrificing more, but simply starting now and letting time do the heavy lifting?

In this eye-opening conversation with Chris Wilkens, Vice President and Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth Management, we uncover practical strategies that can transform your financial future regardless of when you’re starting. Chris brings unique perspective as both a Marine Corps veteran who commanded troops in the Battle of Fallujah and as a wealth management professional dedicated to helping clients achieve financial freedom.

The statistics are sobering: half of American households have no retirement savings whatsoever. But rather than focusing on the problem, Chris guides us through actionable solutions, explaining how compound interest works like magic for those who understand its power. Using the "Rule of 72," he demonstrates how your money can double every decade without you adding another penny. This isn't get-rich-quick nonsense; it's mathematical reality that too few people harness.

Perhaps most powerfully, Chris reminds us that successful retirement isn't just about money—it's about purpose. "Retirement is easier if you have something to retire TO as opposed to retiring FROM something," he notes, explaining why even wealthy clients often continue in meaningful work after formal retirement.

Whether you're playing catch-up with retirement savings or looking to optimize what you've already built, this conversation provides the compass you need to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of personal finance. Your future self will thank you for listening today.

How to Contact Chris Wilkens:

RBC: https://us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/c.wilkens/

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwilkens/

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Resources from This Episode:

Don’t Retire Rewire: https://amzn.to/45mMPQk

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