Do you remember the thrill of planning your next vacation in your twenties? The anticipation of adventure, relaxation, and trying new things? Well, planning your finances may not seem as thrilling, but it's just as essential for achieving the lifestyle you want in Singapore.
From proposing to your partner to buying a home, all major milestones require financial foresight and management. That's why it's crucial to start your personal financial planning now, so you can take control of your future and be ready to seize any opportunity that comes your way.
In this article, we'll take you on a journey through six major milestones you'll encounter between graduation and retirement. We'll offer you tips and tricks on how to financially prepare for each one, so you can make your dreams a reality.
Step 1: Starting Your Career and Earning Your First Salary
Congratulations, you did it! You landed your first job after graduation and the world is your oyster. Finally, you're earning an income and can start enjoying life! But before you run off to splurge your entire paycheck, take a moment to consider your future goals.
Starting your career is just the beginning of your financial journey. It's time to start thinking about saving and managing your finances to make your income work for you. And even if your initial pay isn't what you hoped for, developing good financial habits now will set you up for a stable and secure future. With the recent pandemic, it's more important than ever to plan for the unexpected and be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
So, let's dive into step one of your financial journey: earning your first salary! From budgeting to saving, we'll show you some essential actions you can take right now to start building a solid financial foundation. Ready to take control of your financial future? Let's get started!
Begin Your Retirement Planning Journey
Start planning for your retirement as soon as you start earning! It's easy to get excited about having your own income, but it's essential to think about your financial security in the future. Fortunately, you have plenty of time on your side, so consider investing in CPF's investment schemes to maximize your savings potential. Over the next four decades, compound interest could help your savings grow significantly.
While CPF contributions are an excellent starting point, remember that it's crucial to allocate some of your savings towards buying your first home. Keep in mind that the more you invest in your property, the less you'll have for your golden years. So, it's a good idea to supplement your CPF savings with a separate retirement account to ensure you have enough for both.
A flexible retirement plan is an excellent way to build your retirement funds. This plan offers monthly cash payouts consisting of a guaranteed and non-guaranteed cash bonus to support you during your payout period. So, don't wait any longer to start planning for your future. Make the most of your time and money by taking the first step towards financial security today!
Consider an Insurance Savings Plan to Achieve Your Short and Mid-term Goals
Starting your career is an exciting time, and it's important to make the most of your income by planning for your future financial goals. While you may be eager to spend your paycheck on fun activities or new gadgets, it's crucial to set aside a portion of your income towards your short and mid-term goals.
Whether it's travel, starting a business, or pursuing a Master's degree, planning for your aspirations now can help make them a reality in the future. By setting aside funds before mortgage payments or childcare expenses become a burden, you can make steady progress towards achieving your goals.
One option to consider is using insurance savings plans that offer flexible policy and premium terms to fit your financial capacity. With this approach, you can build a savings plan tailored to your specific goals and preferences, giving you the financial freedom to pursue your passions without worrying about the costs. So start planning now, and make your dreams a reality!
Explore and experience different parts of the world
Are you ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime outside of Singapore? Now that the world is gradually reopening, it's time to plan your travels and make unforgettable memories. But before you pack your bags and head to the airport, have you considered the importance of travel insurance?
While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, having travel insurance can give you peace of mind and protect you from unexpected situations. From lost personal belongings to emergency medical treatment, travel insurance can provide coverage for unforeseen events, especially with the added unpredictability of COVID-19.
Imagine your flight gets delayed, or you get sick while overseas. With travel insurance, you won't have to worry about covering the cost of medical bills or flight changes. And if you need to cancel or postpone your trip, a travel policy can help you recover expenses from cancelled bookings or delayed flights.
Don't wait until it's too late to purchase travel insurance. Make sure to get coverage as soon as you book your flights and accommodations, so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your travels worry-free.
Step 2: Purchasing your first house
Looking to take the next big step in your life and purchase a property in Singapore? Whether it's a cozy HDB flat or a luxurious private condominium, it's an exciting journey that requires careful planning and consideration.
As a young adult, purchasing a BTO flat with your partner or a resale HDB flat with your family nucleus is an option from the age of 21. And if you're single, you can still purchase an HDB resale flat from the age of 35. But before diving headfirst into the world of property ownership, it's essential to gather accurate information and plan ahead.
With the current property market being more competitive than ever, it's crucial to do your research and determine the best time to embark on this exciting journey. Prices for flats vary depending on location and property type, but by carefully assessing your budget and future plans, you can determine what type of property you can afford and how much you need to save.
Choosing an affordable flat
How much should you spend on housing? The general rule is to keep it at or below 30% of your gross monthly income, which includes your mortgage, utilities, maintenance, property tax, and insurance. Remember to also factor in the cost of a down payment and other home ownership expenses. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point and should be adjusted based on your personal financial circumstances.
Start putting money aside for down payment
To purchase a property, start saving for the down payment early, regardless of whether you are single or engaged. The amount you need to save depends on the property and loan you choose. If you use an HDB loan to buy an HDB flat, you need to pay a 10% down payment. Bank loans require a 25% down payment. While CPF OA savings or housing grants can cover a part of the payment, it is recommended to pay the down payment in cash instead of using CPF savings. A 10% down payment on a $315,000 HDB flat requires a savings of $237 a month in an account with 2% p.a. interest to accumulate in 10 years. Do note that there are insurance savings plans available to help you save for the down payment and other financial goals.
Step 3: Preparing for your wedding and tying the knot
Looking for a place to call home can be both exciting and overwhelming. It's essential to strike a balance between finding a comfortable and suitable living space while staying within your budget. A general rule of thumb is to allocate no more than 30% of your gross monthly income towards housing expenses, including your mortgage, utilities, maintenance, property tax, and insurance. But don't forget to consider the additional expenses of home ownership, like a down payment and closing costs.
While it's tempting to splurge on a dream home, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits carefully. Remember, a house is not just a financial investment but also an emotional one. You want to make sure that you're not putting your financial future at risk while also finding a place to call your own. So, take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision that works for you and your family's financial circumstances.
Save for your wedding as you have saved up for your flat
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, it's important to consider where you'll call home after the big day. A great option for couples is to apply for a BTO flat under the "Fiancé/Fiancée" Scheme. Although it takes 4-6 years for the flat to be ready, this gives you plenty of time to save up for your wedding and prepare for the marriage.
Starting to save early on is crucial, so be sure to plan ahead and create a budget for your special day. By setting aside money for the wedding once you've secured your flat, you can have peace of mind and enjoy the journey towards starting your new life together.
Step 4: Expecting and Welcoming Your First Child
If you and your partner are ready to start a family or are already expecting a little one, congratulations! While it's an exciting time, it's also important to prepare for the financial and personal commitments that come with having a child. From maternity costs to delivery fees, there are several expenses to consider.
To make the transition as smooth as possible, it's best to plan ahead and prioritize the major expenditures. This includes budgeting for medical costs and any necessary equipment or supplies. You'll also want to start thinking about childcare options, as well as how you'll manage your work schedule and parental leave.
Set aside minimally $845 for maternity expenses
Preparing for childbirth can be overwhelming, especially when considering the associated maternity costs. However, prioritizing your health and the well-being of your baby is crucial. Maternity costs encompass a wide range of medical expenses and appointments leading up to delivery. It's important to note that the cost can vary depending on where you receive medical care, so doing some research to find the best option for your budget is wise.
One way to save money is by opting for an antenatal package that covers all your gynaecologist's consultation fees throughout your pregnancy. These packages are available from public hospitals and private gynaecologists, but they can be expensive, with prices starting at around $800 for Singaporean Citizens or Permanent Residents.
It's important to keep in mind that specialized tests may not be covered in antenatal packages. It's recommended to set aside additional funds in case any complications arise during the pregnancy.
The good news is that maternity insurance can help offset some of these costs. By planning ahead and budgeting accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free pregnancy journey.
Allocate a minimum of $6,153 for childbirth
Planning for the arrival of a new baby can be both exciting and overwhelming, and one major aspect to consider is the cost of delivery. The amount you'll spend on delivery depends on several factors, such as the hospital and ward you choose. For example, if you prefer a Class A ward in a government hospital, you can expect to spend a minimum of $6,153 for a two-day stay. However, if you opt for a private hospital, it's crucial to research and compare costs to find one that fits your budget.
Thankfully, there are Maternity Packages available that can help offset these expenses. These packages cover a significant portion of the delivery costs, and most offer daily withdrawal amounts for the duration of your hospital stay. So, it's worth exploring the options available to you and finding a package that suits your needs and budget to help ease the financial burden of welcoming your little one into the world.
Secure Your Family's Financial Future: Why Life Insurance is a Must-Have for Young Families
As a parent, you want to give your children the best possible life, but have you considered what would happen if you were suddenly unable to provide for them? Life insurance is an essential safety net for parents, providing financial protection for unexpected events and ensuring that your family can maintain their standard of living even if you're no longer there.
Whether you're planning to start a family or are already expecting, it's never too early to start thinking about life insurance. While we all hope to be around for our children for many years to come, unforeseen circumstances can arise, and it's vital to be prepared.
By investing in life insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your young family's financial future is secure, no matter what the future holds. Don't wait until it's too late to protect your loved ones - start exploring your life insurance options today.
Step 5: Education and Childcare
While pregnancy and childbirth expenses can be expensive, the costs of raising a child for the long term can be even more daunting. Therefore, it's essential to plan ahead and budget accordingly to ensure that you can provide the best life possible for your child. One of the most significant costs you will face as a parent is your child's education. Therefore, it's wise to start saving for your child's future education as early as possible. Consider opening a savings account specifically for your child's university fund, so you can regularly contribute to it.
In addition to saving for your child's education, you'll also need to consider the best childcare options for your family. Whether it's a nanny, a daycare center, or family members, you'll need to budget for this expense as well. If you plan to return to work after your maternity leave, it's crucial to research and compare childcare options that fit your budget and your child's needs.
By planning and budgeting for the long-term costs of raising a child, you can ensure that you're financially prepared to provide the best life possible for your child.
Selecting the Ideal Childcare Solution for Your Family
Before going back to work, start having a think about what childcare options will work for your family. From asking for a flexible working arrangement to hiring a babysitter, there’s a spectrum of childcare options that suit different preferences. You can pay anywhere from nothing to more than $2,000 a month, depending on what childcare arrangement you choose.
Regardless of which childcare you have chosen, an increased interaction with people beyond your household means that there is a chance for your child to become exposed to various diseases, such as Hand Food Mouth Disease (HFMD). This is why it’s important to have the necessary insurance plans in place before these instances occur. Personal Accident plans covers medical expenses for infectious diseases including HFMD. thay also come with child and student care expenses optional benefit which reimburses child care fees if your child is hospitalised or on certified medical leave due to an injury or infectious disease.
Preparing for Your Child's Education
As a parent, it's important to plan for your child's education expenses, especially for tertiary education. While primary and secondary education in Singapore is relatively affordable, university fees can be steep, ranging from $30,331 to $168,308 per annum, even with the MOE Tuition Grant Subsidy. If you're considering overseas education, costs can be even higher.
It can be challenging to balance retirement savings and your child's education expenses, but with proper planning and regular saving, it's possible to manage the financial burden. Savings plans offer the flexibility to save for your child's future while allowing you to enjoy life on your terms. So start planning and saving for your child's education now to give them a bright future.
Step 6: Retirement planning
To secure a comfortable life after retirement, it's crucial to start planning and saving early, even in your 20s. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a financial bind later on, especially if you're part of the "sandwich generation" - those who support both their children and ageing parents.
Unfortunately, many Singaporeans aged 35 to 55 find themselves in this predicament, and without proper retirement planning, their children could face the same fate.
Starting early allows your savings to grow over time, providing a cushion for your golden years. This also relieves your children of the burden of supporting you financially in old age. Therefore, it's never too early to start planning and saving for retirement.
Understanding the Numbers and Your Options
In Singapore, planning for retirement is crucial, especially with the official retirement age being 63 and re-employment allowed until 68. However, it's important to note that the average life expectancy of Singaporeans is increasing, and you need to plan for at least 25 years of expenses, including potential health care expenses in old age. While $1,200 a month may suffice for a basic lifestyle, if you have other goals and plans, you will need to save more. You can use the CPF's Retirement Calculator to determine the amount you need to save each month to meet your retirement goals, based on your expected expenses. Seeking professional advice can also be helpful.
Evaluating Your Retirement Savings and Planning for the Future
Take some time to assess whether you have saved enough for retirement to meet your financial goals. If you started saving early and invested in a retirement plan, you should be on track to accumulate a significant amount of savings by the time you reach your 40s.
However, if you started later or have fallen behind on your retirement goal, your 40s are a great time to catch up. As you are likely at your peak earning years and still have two decades until retirement, increasing your savings can help you achieve your goals. You can research additional investment options or reach out to me at 9790 1583 to supplement your retirement portfolio.
Some factors to consider when making your retirement plan include your expected expenses, income sources, and risk tolerance. By taking the time to review your retirement plan and make necessary adjustments, you can ensure that you are on the right path to a comfortable retirement
CPF Life
If you haven't already enrolled in CPF LIFE, a low-risk annuity program that offers monthly payouts for life, it's a good idea to consider doing so. This scheme provides guaranteed payouts, regardless of how long you live, which can help you feel more secure about not depleting your CPF savings.
However, it's important to note that CPF LIFE payouts may not be enough to cover all of your retirement expenses, and you may need to supplement them with a comprehensive retirement portfolio. To determine how much additional savings you need, assess your expected monthly retirement expenses and compare them to your projected CPF LIFE payouts.
Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)
One way to boost your retirement savings is through the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS). You can open an SRS account with DBS, UOB, or OCBC and transfer up to $15,300 per year into the account, which can be invested in various options such as investment-linked plans (ILPs), Singapore Savings Bonds, unit trusts, blue-chip shares, and index funds.
It's important to note that you should only transfer an amount that you can manage without needing it before retirement, as withdrawing the funds before turning 63 will incur a high 5% withdrawal fee. By using the SRS in conjunction with your CPF LIFE payouts and other retirement plans, you can enhance your retirement portfolio and achieve a more comfortable retirement.
Achieving Your Life Goals Through Financial Planning
Financial planning may not be as exciting as planning a dream vacation or wedding, but it is crucial for achieving the lifestyle you desire. Proper financial planning can help turn your goals into a reality.
While the milestones discussed here may not align with your specific objectives, it's important to create a list of your own life goals and the necessary resources to achieve them. This will help you determine the best course of action. If you need professional guidance on how to manage your income to achieve your goals, feel free to contact me at 9790 1583.
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