Blog onPersonal Financefor Singapore
Everything you need to start saving and investing in Singapore, explained simply — CPF and CPF LIFE, SDIC deposit insurance, Credit Bureau Singapore, HDB flats and home loans, and credit cards. Pick a topic below and you are away.
What is a savings account and how much does it pay?
A savings account keeps your money safe and pays interest that changes over time. How the interest, why bank interest is tax-free for individuals, and how SDIC deposit insurance works — and when a savings account is enough.
Read the full article →What is compound interest and how does it work?
Compound interest is return on your return — the engine behind long-term saving. Here is the formula, how big a role time plays, and how to use the rule of 72.
Read the article →Investing in Singapore: a guide for beginners
From a savings account to CPF, the SRS, low-cost funds and shares on the SGX — a step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to start investing in Singapore from scratch.
Read the article →What are unit trusts and mutual funds, and how do you choose?
Equity funds, balanced funds, money-market funds and bond funds — how the different types work, what the management fee means over time, and how to avoid the expensive options.
Read the article →Savings accounts, fixed deposits and bond funds compared
For money that needs to stay safe there are several routes — savings accounts, fixed deposits and bond funds. How they differ in risk, return, access and tax.
Read the article →What is SDIC deposit insurance and what does it protect?
The SDIC protects your Singapore-dollar deposits up to S$100,000 per depositor, per bank, if the bank fails. What counts, what does not (foreign currency, structured deposits, investments), and how to cover a larger sum.
Read the article →Local bank, foreign bank or digital bank: where to keep your account?
The three local banks (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB) have the widest reach; foreign banks suit overseas needs; digital banks (GXS, Trust, MariBank) pay more with fewer branches. How to weigh them.
Read the article →How to choose your first bank account in Singapore
Your everyday account is the hub of your money. How to compare fall-below fees, the debit card, the app, PayNow, bonus-interest conditions and multi-currency options — and avoid the costs that slip past.
Read the article →What is a credit report and credit score in Singapore?
Before a bank gives you a loan or credit card it pulls your Credit Bureau Singapore report. What the 1000–2000 score and AA–HH grades mean, what shows up, and how to get your report.
Read the article →How credit cards work in Singapore
The grace period, the statement, the minimum payment and interest — how a credit card works step by step, and how to use it without it costing you a lot.
Read the article →The interest rate and the cost of credit: how to compare loans in Singapore
Singapore does not have a single mandated APR figure, but lenders must disclose the interest rate and all fees. How to add them up and compare loans, cards and hire purchase fairly.
Read the article →Credit card, debit card or PayNow: which should you use?
A debit card and PayNow take the money straight away; a credit card gives an interest-free period and stronger purchase protection. How to choose for everyday spending, online and travel.
Read the article →CPF and CPF LIFE: how your retirement payout works
CPF splits your pay across the Ordinary, Special and MediSave accounts. At 55 a Retirement Account is formed; from 65 CPF LIFE pays a monthly income for life. How the contributions, the retirement sums and the payout work.
Read the article →Emergency fund: how much do you need?
An emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses protects you from unexpected costs without expensive debt. Singapore has no unemployment benefit, so it matters even more. How to work out your figure and build it.
Read the article →Financial independence: how to calculate your number
Financial independence means your investment returns cover your spending. How to use the 4% rule, how much your savings rate matters, and how to account for the (light) tax, inflation and CPF LIFE.
Read the article →How income tax and CPF work on your Singapore salary
Resident income tax runs 0% to 24% with the first S$20,000 free — no capital gains, dividend or interest tax. CPF takes 20% of your wage. An overview of what comes out and what you can claim.
Read the article →Buying an HDB flat: CPF, home loans and stamp duty
Around 80% of Singaporeans live in an HDB flat. How the HDB concessionary loan compares with a bank loan, how CPF pays for it, and the Buyer's Stamp Duty, ABSD, TDSR and MSR rules.
Read the article →What happens if you lose your job in Singapore
Singapore has no broad unemployment insurance. What the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme pays, what retrenchment benefit to expect, and why an emergency fund is the main safety net.
Read the article →18 articles available · Informational content, not financial advice.