Prove how wrong the older generations are! Being relatively young does not necessarily equate to ignorance and carelessness. Exude financial readiness by avoiding these scenarios:
BY BEING TOO CONSERVATIVE
Millennials have a distinct currency that many people cannot afford to lose – time. The more time you have, the more powerful the compound interest is. The only problem is that many Millennials are too risk averse. Why is this so?
Well, they had experienced at least two financial crises in the course of their life. Recall the great recession of 2008. The downfall of the economy in United States contributed to the ripple effects that stressed the Singapore economy. It was the first East Asian country to succumb into recession.
Despite these events, it is important to focus on your long-term plan before you retire. Consider investing in stocks and take advantage of it over time. Failing to invest may cause you to have an insufficient fund during your golden years.
BY COLLECTING PASSPORT STAMPS
It is no secret that many Singaporean Millennials are globetrotters. Collecting passport stamps is not a cheap hobby! This is why some of them take up part-time jobs in order to finance their passion for travelling.
The places to explore in our humble island may be limited, but there is no shortage of things to spend on. Some Millennials waste their money on the frequent trips to the themed restaurants or hippie cafes. While, others spend their paycheck on bargain hunting. Notice the flashy “sale” signs in Orchard Road. These are very tempting, if you ask me. It is only later that they realize the essence of cutting back.
BY FAILING TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Knowing the facts on young Singaporeans and retirement may trigger anxiety. It is alarming how many people hold their retirement plans due to fulfilling short-term goals such as purchasing a nice car or creating a fantastic wedding. Not to mention, there are numerous reports that highlight how poor the retirement readiness of Singaporeans are. A 2016 survey showed that 1 in 3 working citizens were not planning for retirement at all!
Just because you are young does not mean that you can put off your plans for the future. Do not solely rely on your CPF account to cushion your foreseen expenses. Start your retirement fund as early as your first paycheck.
The bottom line is to keep your finances simple by focusing on saving your excess money and earning more cash. Planning for a comfortable lifestyle is crucial too!