Have you ever wondered if you’re saving enough for retirement —
or if you’re just hoping for the best?
Many Singaporeans think retirement planning is extremely complicated,
but the truth is simpler:
Retirement is not about how much you have —
it’s about whether you can live your life without fear.
After speaking with friends, colleagues, and observing my own journey, I realised something important:
Every one of us has a different number, but we all seek the same feeling —
security and peace.
So let’s answer the big question properly:
What does “comfortable retirement” really mean?
It doesn’t mean:
❌ driving luxury cars
❌ expensive restaurants every week
❌ living like a king
It means:
✔ no financial stress
✔ sleeping without worry
✔ not depending on children
✔ being able to enjoy life slowly
Retirement confidence is a feeling, not a number.
So how much do you actually need in Singapore?
Here’s a practical breakdown:
| Lifestyle Type | Monthly Spending | Annual Spending | Retirement Feeling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic & Simple | $1,200 – $1,800 | $14,400 – $21,600 | Safe & steady |
| Moderate Comfort | $1,800 – $2,800 | $21,600 – $33,600 | Comfortable & relaxed |
| High Comfort | $3,000 – $5,000+ | $36,000 – $60,000 | Travel & premium lifestyle |
Every lifestyle is valid — just choose the one that fits your values.
But the most important part is:
📌 Your retirement income must cover your spending without fear.
The most reliable retirement income source for most Singaporeans
For many of us — including myself — the foundation is:
CPF Life monthly payout after 65
Why?
- It lasts for life
- It increases if interest accumulates
- It does not depend on market performance
Here’s a realistic example:
| CPF RA Balance at 65 | Estimated Payout (monthly) |
|---|---|
| $200,000 | ~$1,300 |
| $300,000 | ~$1,900 |
| $400,000 | ~$2,500 |
| $500,000 | ~$3,150 |
So the “comfortable retirement number” is personal:
- If your spending is low → $200K may be enough
- If you prefer comfort → maybe $300K–$400K
- If you want travel lifestyle → $500K+
The key is matching payout to lifestyle.
🌱 A simple formula for retirement confidence
Instead of chasing a magic number, use this:
Monthly Income ≥ Monthly Spending → Peaceful retirement
Monthly Income < Monthly Spending → Stressful retirement
If your CPF Life payout covers most expenses,
you only need a little extra from:
- small part-time income
- blog income
- investments
- savings
You don’t need to be rich.
You just need stability.
The secret to retirement confidence is not money — it’s clarity
Once I understood:
- my monthly expenses
- my CPF Life payout
- how much extra I might need
I suddenly felt lighter.
The fear disappeared because I knew:
“No matter what, I can survive.”
If you’re reading this in your 40s, 50s or early 60s,
you still have time to improve your future.
Small and consistent steps make the biggest difference.
Final thought
Don’t compare your retirement amount with other people.
Everyone’s life is different.
The goal isn’t to retire rich.
The goal is to retire in peace.
If you can wake up in the morning and say,
“I don’t need to worry about money today…”
Then you have already won.