When I was younger, I used to think that retirement planning meant earning a lot of money.
But as I grew older, I realised something completely different:
Retirement is not about becoming rich — it’s about becoming secure.
And for me, the biggest reason I can sleep peacefully today is CPF Retirement Account (CPF RA).
I am not a financial expert.
I am just someone who worked hard, saved consistently, and made many mistakes along the way.
But today, at 59+, I can finally say:
💛 I don’t need to fear old age
💛 I don’t need to rely on children
💛 I don’t need to worry if I can still work at 70
Because my CPF RA protects me.
What I learned the hard way
For many years, I ignored CPF because:
- I felt like the money was “locked”
- I thought I needed cash instead
- I wanted freedom to use it now
Today, I’m grateful CPF was locked.
The money that I might have spent in the past — now becomes what protects me for the future.
Sometimes the best savings plan… is the one we cannot touch.
Why CPF RA became my safety net
When I turned 55, something changed:
A new account appeared — CPF RA (Retirement Account).
At first, I didn’t really understand it.
But later I realised how powerful it is:
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed interest (up to 6%) | Higher than bank FD, no risk |
| Monthly payout for life | You cannot run out of money |
| Protected from financial mistakes | Even if you overspend, RA stays safe |
| No need financial knowledge | System takes care of you |
For the first time in my life, I felt like I didn’t have to fight so hard anymore.
My turning point — when I saw my RA balance
There was one moment that changed everything for me.
I logged into CPF app and saw my RA balance.
I realised:
“I am going to be okay.”
That number represented:
- 40 years of effort
- Discipline even when tired
- All the days I worked without complaining
- Every sacrifice I didn’t talk about
It was my reward for a lifetime of responsibility.
From that moment, my mindset changed from Fear → Peace.
CPF Life — My most reliable “paycheck after 65”
When payouts start from 65 under CPF Life, it becomes like a monthly salary.
No stress.
No market risk.
No need to monitor investments.
Every month, money comes in — as long as I’m alive.
| Plan | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Standard Plan | Higher monthly payout |
| Basic Plan | Leaves more behind for family |
| Escalating Plan | Payout increases over time (good against inflation) |
Different options — but the same message:
👉 Your retirement income is secure.
My message to anyone younger than me
If you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s — please don’t ignore CPF RA.
You may feel like:
- “Money is locked”
- “I want liquidity now”
- “I need cash for present life”
I understand — I used to think the same.
But one day, you will thank yourself that the money was protected and growing quietly for you.
Retirement confidence doesn’t come from salary.
It comes from knowing you’ll be okay even when you stop working.
My advice after 55
You don’t need complicated investments.
Focus on these instead:
- Top up when you can (for interest)
- Avoid withdrawing unless necessary
- Let compound interest do the work
- Don’t compare with others — everyone’s journey is different
- Remember: slow and steady is enough
Small and consistent steps create the biggest difference.
Conclusion
I used to worry about ageing.
I used to fear becoming a burden.
I used to wonder if I could survive without working.
Today, I am calmer.
Because CPF RA gave me something money cannot buy — security.
Retirement isn’t about living like a king.
It’s about being able to live in peace.
If you are on your CPF journey now, keep going.
Your future self will be grateful — I promise.