Angela Li didn’t set out to be an expert in pensions and retirement. “It’s a bit of a niche industry that you tend to fall into,” she explains. “But it’s allowed me to use all the knowledge—computer science, math, and teaching—that I gained at UBC!”
Angela’s original career path was to be a math teacher: she was good at math during high school, and wanted to take some practical courses in higher education, ones that would lead to a job right after graduation. She took computer science and math for a BSc, followed by a year for a secondary school teaching certificate, all at UBC. When asked about her favourite memories of UBC, though, she cites not her classes, but meeting the people who became her chosen family. “We all met at Place Vanier Residence, and we get together regularly, going on 40 years now!”
Despite her career taking a left turn from what she thought it might be, she’s grateful she chose the path she did. She’s worked for individuals, helping them move from career life to retired life, and is now helping large corporations and public organizations with their employee pension plans. “I know what I do matters at a basic needs level. Making sure pensioners receive their monthly pension every month can be the difference on whether someone has a roof over their head and food on the table,” she says.
With her experience, she’s seen a lot of people through their retirement, and with that, has seen a wide range of planning that’s informed her own choices for her estate. “I’ve had a will since I was in my twenties. I’ve seen what happens when someone passes away without one.” She notes that having an estate plan in place not only helps protect and support an efficient transfer of wealth, it will also ease the burden on loved ones.
She’s included UBC in her estate plans, establishing a scholarship in math with a preference for women students.
“I received a modest scholarship from the UBC math department in my first year. Totally unexpected, but clearly it has stuck with me all these years. My hope is for this scholarship to lift more women up, to be the best versions of themselves for themselves and the world.”
She’s clearly intent on paying it forward: “I have been very blessed throughout my professional career with talented individuals who have shared their wisdom and taken chances on me. I want my estate to be put to the best use possible, which means a significant portion is going to charities to take advantage of the sizable tax credit.” Along with her mentors and chosen family, she cites Maya Angelou as one of her inspirations: When you learn, teach. When you get, give.
She’s certainly given back: to UBC, to her career, and to others, sharing her wisdom. And as a career pension professional, what does she want everyone to know?
“One of the greatest gifts you can give for your loved ones is to have a formal estate plan, first and foremost. Consider memorable charitable gifts as an easy way to immortality,” she says.
