6 Financial Tips for Seniors in Singapore

As we enter our golden years, financial planning becomes more critical than ever. With evolving healthcare needs, lifestyle changes, and estate management considerations, staying on top of your finances ensures a comfortable and stress-free retirement.

Consider these six essential financial tips tailored for seniors.

#1: UPDATE YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

Your financial priorities will likely shift once you retire. This stage of life may involve:

  • Traveling more frequently
  • Retiring abroad in a lower-cost country
  • Pursuing new hobbies and interests
  • Providing financial support to children or grandchildren, such as funding education or helping them start a business

Start by clarifying your financial goals and estimating their costs. From there, create a strategic withdrawal plan that maximizes your savings and CPF payouts to sustain your desired lifestyle.

#2: ESTABLISH YOUR EXPENSES

Most retirees rely on a fixed income, making it crucial to understand and plan for both essential and discretionary spending:

  • Fixed expenses: Housing (HDB loan payments or rental), utilities, food, insurance, phone bills, and transportation.
  • Variable expenses: Leisure activities, dining out, shopping, travel, and entertainment.

    Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, factor in future expenses, such as rising medical costs and potential long-term care needs. If your savings seem stretched, consider adjusting your budget or lifestyle to ensure financial security.

#3: PLAN FOR HEALTHCARE FEES

Healthcare is one of the most significant expenses in retirement, especially with the aging population. Be proactive by:

  • Reviewing your MediSave and MediShield Life coverage to ensure it meets your healthcare needs.
  • Exploring ElderShield or its enhanced version, CareShield Life, for long-term care protection.
  • Setting aside a medical fund for out-of-pocket expenses such as specialist consultations, medication, and home care services.

#4: REVIEW YOUR ESTATE PLAN

Estate planning is essential for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Key actions include:

  • Updating your will: This legal document specifies how your assets will be distributed.
  • Assigning a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): This enables a trusted person to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
  • Making a CPF nomination: Unlike other assets, CPF savings are not covered in a will, so nominating beneficiaries ensures smooth distribution.

#5: BEWARE OF SCAMS

Elderly individuals are often prime targets for scams, ranging from phishing emails to fake investment schemes. Protect yourself by:

  • Never sharing personal or banking details over the phone or online.
  • Verifying the identity of callers claiming to be government or bank representatives.
  • Enabling multi-factor authentication for online banking and financial transactions.
  • Staying informed about the latest scams through advisories from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Singapore Police Force.

#6: REVIEW YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Retirement planning isn’t a one-time event as it requires ongoing review. Optimize your financial strategy by:

  • Regularly assessing your CPF LIFE payouts, investments, and passive income sources.
  • Understanding how different income streams (such as rental income, dividends, and annuities) contribute to your financial stability.
  • Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to help align your portfolio with your risk appetite and retirement goals.

IN A NUTSHELL

Image Credits: unsplash.com

 

Financial security in your senior years is about careful planning, smart spending, and protecting your assets. By staying informed and proactive, you can enjoy a fulfilling and worry-free retirement in Singapore.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Expert Tips to Creating a Winning CV

Your CV (or curriculum vitae) is your golden ticket to landing that dream job. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, crafting a standout CV tailored to the Singapore job market can set you apart from the competition.

Here are some tips to make your application shine:

#1: HIGHLIGHT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Singapore recruiters often prioritize candidates whose experience aligns with the job requirements. Customize your CV by emphasizing the skills and achievements most relevant to the position.

Use bullet points to showcase key responsibilities and measurable results.

#2: INCLUDE A PERSONAL SUMMARY

Start your CV with a succinct personal summary. This is your elevator pitch: 2-3 sentences highlighting your key strengths, career goals, and what makes you a perfect fit for the role.

Example: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy and brand management. Passionate about driving customer engagement and delivering data-backed campaigns.”

#3: QUANTIFY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Numbers speak louder than words. Use data to back up your accomplishments—whether it’s revenue growth, project completion time, or client satisfaction rates.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: TAILOR YOUR ATS COMPATIBILITY

Many Singapore companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. Use simple formatting, standard fonts, and job-specific keywords to ensure your CV makes it past the initial scan. Bonus Tip: Mirror the language used in the job description to increase your chances.

#5: SHOW SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Highlight both technical skills (like software proficiency or languages) and soft skills (such as leadership or communication). If you have certifications relevant to the role like Google Analytics, PMP, or WSQ courses, list them prominently.

#6: KEEP IT CONCISE AND ERROR-FREE

Recruiters often skim through CVs in seconds. Keep your document clear, concise, and no longer than two pages. Use professional language, proofread for spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure consistent formatting. A polished, mistake-free CV reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

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Wiggle Wiggle’s Playful Vibes Are Coming to Singapore

If you love all things cute and bursting with color, get ready South Korea’s beloved lifestyle brand, Wiggle Wiggle, is making its way to Singapore!

While wandering the vibrant streets of Myeongdong, I stumbled upon Wiggle Wiggle, instantly drawn to its playful, retro-inspired designs. With floor-to-ceiling displays of adorable accessories, funky homeware, and bold fashion pieces, it was impossible to leave empty-handed. I even snagged a pair of fun socks for my sister and she loved it!

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Wiggle Wiggle is a lifestyle haven that celebrates maximalism. Expect a riot of colors, quirky prints, and whimsical designs across their wide range of products from bags and apparel to keychains and even pimple patches. Teddy bear motifs, giant flowers, and rainbow splashes? You name it, they’ve got it.

Image Credits: facebook.com/KoreaNikePasabuy

If you’re easing into the world of bold prints, start small with their adorable pens, socks, slippers, rugs, bandages, or notebooks. Feeling adventurous? Go all out with their statement-making rain boots or oversized tote bags.

GET READY TO WIGGLE!

Spanning an impressive 2,287 sq ft, this will be the brand’s largest pop-up in Southeast Asia to date. According to an Instagram post from Feb. 27, the pop-up will run from Mar. 13 to 30 at Plaza Singapura’s Level 1 atrium.

Expect a fully immersive shopping experience, complete with interactive installations and a chance to meet the adorable Wiggle Wiggle mascot. Activities kick off daily from 10:30 AM, making it the perfect spot for a fun-filled day out. As an extra treat, the first 2,500 visitors will receive a limited-edition Wiggle Bear stick balloon. Be sure to head down early!

Image Credits: facebook.com/KoreaNikePasabuy

While details on the official store location and opening date remain under wraps, this pop-up offers an exciting sneak peek into what Wiggle Wiggle has in store for Singapore.

Source: 1 & 2

 

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Latest WFH internships posted from 24 to 27 February 2025

a person using a phone in front of a laptop

Welcome to the last day of February! 🫲🫱

Before we bid goodbye to this month, we’ve got WFH internship opportunities for you.

This week you can look forward to openings in content production/social media, human resource management, and more.

#1: JCOMM Pte Ltd – Content Production & Social Media Intern

sgbuy.shop

Website: sgbuy.shop

Allowance / Remuneration: $400 – 800 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Passionate about social media trends
  • Has strong video editing skills
  • Can create engaging content that drives growth and audience interaction.
Key Responsibilities
  • Grow the brand’s presence on TikTok and other social platforms like Facebook.
  • Involves editing, cutting, and reposting engaging content from China-based videos and filming and producing original videos for products.
How to apply?

View the job post here and WhatsApp +65 9630 5676 with your CV if interested.

#2: Funding Societies – Human Resources Intern

fundingsocieties.com

Website: fundingsocieties.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Basic knowledge of HR principles, policies, and employment law is a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or/and Google Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support day-to-day HR operations, such as updating employee records, managing HR databases, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
  • Assist in employee onboarding and offboarding processes, including first day induction and offboarding formalities
  • Help in organizing employee engagement activities and events to enhance company culture, e.g. company offsite, team events, recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and townhalls, and proactively collect feedback to enhance employee satisfaction and morale.
  • Handle simple administrative tasks, such as employee benefits (insurance), letters, immigration matters 
  • Address employees’ basic queries and issues promptly and effectively, ensuring a positive employee experience
  • Assist in drafting HR communications, internal memos, and announcements.
  • Participate in the development and refinement of HR policies and procedures.
  • Assist in office management/ workplace services to ensure seamless functionality and address related issues on the office space, facilities, and office supplies and inventory
  • Fulfill any other tasks as reasonably instructed to assist in the business’s growth and progress
How to apply?

View the job post here and send your resume to thaovy.nguyen@fundingsocieties.com

#3: Edventures Pte Ltd – Intern for Curriculum Development – English Remote

acegptuition.sg

Website: acegptuition.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $12 hourly

Job Qualifications
  • You have a strong knowledge and understanding of JC GENERAL PAPER syllabus and SECONDARY LEVEL ENGLISH
  • You have a good command of the English language, both written and verbal
  • You are well versed with current affairs
  • You are highly interested in developing and planning the CURRICULUM to ensure effective and interesting learning for the new generation students
  • You enjoy assisting in the subject research work
  • You possess excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • You are known to be a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills
Key Responsibilities
  • Not specified.
How to apply?

View the job post here and email your CV to hello@acegptuition.sg

#4: CognaLearn Pte Ltd – Finance and Operations Analyst Intern

cognalearn.com

Website: cognalearn.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Organization: Attention to detail across multiple items.
  • Efficiency: Process creation and improvement.
  • Versatility: Switch between different things and adapt to new things.
  • Results: Success and outcome orientation.
  • Communication: Effective written and oral communicator.
Key Responsibilities
  • Capital raising: Investor due diligence, meetings, and pitch decks
  • Investor relations: Monthly investor updates and metrics tracking
  • Financial modeling: Update financial models and metrics
  • Business operations: Automate business and e-commerce processes
How to apply?

View the job post here and send a cover letter and a one-page CV with the subject “Finance and Operations Analyst Intern – [your name]” to careers@cognalearn.com

#5: Total Process Systems Pte Ltd – Digital Marketing Intern

totalprocesssystems.com

Website: totalprocesssystems.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Passionate about digital marketing
  • Eager to learn
  • Ready to gain hands-on experience in SEO, social media, content creation, and campaign management
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing and implementing digital marketing strategies.
  • Create and schedule social media content across various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, etc.).
  • Conduct keyword research and assist in SEO optimization for website content.
  • Write and edit blog posts, email newsletters, and marketing copy.
  • Monitor and report on website traffic, social media engagement, and campaign performance using analytics tools (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, etc.).
  • Assist in email marketing campaigns, including list management and content creation.
  • Research trends in digital marketing and recommend innovative strategies.
  • Support in paid ad campaigns (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc.) by analyzing performance and optimizing for better results.
  • Engage with the online community and respond to customer queries on social media.
How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Subramaniam Ramanan (RAM) via this link.

Editor’s note: These positions are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more details, contact the employer directly.

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Japan’s Iconic Thrift Store 2nd Street Lands in Singapore

When I was in Japan, I couldn’t help but notice the sheer number of people buying second-hand luxury items. But here’s the thing…the items were almost like new, impeccably maintained, and often in pristine condition.

Why? Because in Japan, objects aren’t just objects. They carry a spirit, a presence. This belief stems from an age-old folklore concept called tsukumogami—the idea that objects, once they have been used for a long time, develop a soul of their own.

Japanese culture holds a deep respect for the things they own, but there’s also an understanding that energy lingers. To avoid harboring bad spirits or stagnant energy, many Japanese people refresh their surroundings by regularly replacing possessions. And instead of discarding these items, they pass them on. Hence, there’s the thriving second-hand luxury market.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Now, Singaporeans will get to experience this firsthand. Japan’s renowned reuse shop, 2nd Street, is making its debut in Singapore at 313@Somerset by the end of April. This isn’t just any thrift store as it’s a meticulously curated collection of over 22,000 pre-loved gems straight from Japan.

Spanning 6,198 square feet, 2nd Street will take over units B1-23 to 34, replacing Pomelo, and will be open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM. Whether you’re after vintage streetwear from Levi’s, Nike, and Carhartt or designer handbags from Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel, there’s something for every fashion enthusiast and at a fraction of the original price.

With 881 outlets in Japan and nearly 1,000 stores worldwide, including in the US, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, and an upcoming location in Hong Kong, 2nd Street is a testament to Japan’s cultural approach to sustainability, quality, and the soulful cycle of possessions.

Image Credits: 2ndstreet.jp

So whether you’re hunting for a rare streetwear find or a luxurious statement piece, remember: you’re not just buying an item. You’re giving it a second life and perhaps, carrying forward a little piece of its story.

Source: 1

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