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S’poreans’ retirement funds enough for only 13 years: DBS survey

SINGAPORE — The amount of money that emerging affluent (EA) individuals in Singapore intend to set aside for their retirement will last them only about 13 years, based on their expected expenditure after they leave the workforce, a new survey by DBS has revealed.

Of the emerging affluent individuals who plan ahead, those who start early typically begin doing so at 28, while late-starters begin when they are around 39. Photo: Bloomberg

Of the emerging affluent individuals who plan ahead, those who start early typically begin doing so at 28, while late-starters begin when they are around 39. Photo: Bloomberg

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SINGAPORE — The amount of money that emerging affluent (EA) individuals in Singapore intend to set aside for their retirement will last them only about 13 years, based on their expected expenditure after they leave the workforce, a new survey by DBS has revealed.

The survey released yesterday showed that 73 per cent of respondents planned to retire at between 55 and 65 years old with savings of S$571,715, on average. More than 85 per cent said they expected to live on a retirement income of S$3,500 a month for the next 15 to 20 years or more.

“This reflects a gap as the emerging affluent individuals’ retirement fund would last them only 13 years, which falls short of the average life expectancy in Singapore,” the survey said. “For residents born in the 1980s, the average life expectancy is 70 to 75 years, while those born in the 2000s have a life expectancy of 80 to 84 years.”

DBS places EA individuals in two categories: Those aged 18 to 29 with a personal monthly income of more than S$2,500, and those aged 30 to 59 with a personal monthly income of more than S$5,000. The study was based on a sample size of 800 Singapore residents.

Another disconnect is that while 76 per cent of respondents said providing for retirement was a priority, only 49 per cent had a financial plan in place, the survey found.

Of the respondents who plan ahead, those who start early typically begin doing so at 28, while late-starters begin when they are around 39.

The survey also found that “established” EA individuals — defined as those aged 35 to 49 who are single and working — allocate most of their income to investment and savings. This segment set aside 51 per cent of their earnings, compared with the “family focused” — defined as those aged 25 to 62 who are married and working or not working — who placed the least, at 43 per cent. A significant portion of the income of those in the latter group goes to paying off loans, DBS said.

“With longer life expectancy and changing expectations of retirement living, it has become increasingly important for people to start investing for retirement early. An early head start, even if it is with a small amount, will increase the probability of meeting your lifestyle needs when you retire,” said Mr Jeremy Soo, managing director and head of consumer banking group at DBS Bank.

CHANNEL NEWSASIA

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