Last Saturday, I was invited to InsureXpo by CIMB 2026.
And honestly, one thing really stood out to me.
Almost everyone I spoke to had some version of the same goal.
“I just want to stop worrying about money.”
Not necessarily become ultra rich. Not buy a GCB. Not own a Lamborghini.
Just… stop worrying.
Then I listened to CIMB Singapore and NTU’s latest Financial Independence report, and suddenly everything clicked.
According to the study:
- 56.3% of Singapore residents now aspire to accumulate more than S$1 million
- 35.8% say S$1m to S$2.5m is the “sweet spot” for financial independence
- Retirement expectations have shifted from the 50s into the 40s
- Some Gen Z respondents even envision financial freedom in their 20s and 30s
At first glance, this sounds ambitious.
But the more I thought about it… the sadder it felt.
Because I don’t think Singaporeans are becoming greedier.
I think we’re becoming more anxious.
The report also found that while 78% believe financial independence is achievable, 34.6% experience frequent or constant anxiety about their financial future.
That contradiction says a lot.
We believe freedom is possible. But many of us are mentally exhausted trying to reach it.
And honestly, after working in this industry for years now, I’ve realised something uncomfortable.
A lot of people are trying to become financially free… while emotionally becoming prisoners to money.
I’ve met people earning S$5k to S$8k individually who are perpetually stressed.
Always chasing:
- the next promotion
- the next side hustle
- the next investment opportunity
- the next income milestone
Nothing ever feels enough.
But at the same time, I also have friends where both partners earn maybe S$5k–S$6k combined each month.
- They have kids.
- They own a home.
- They go for holidays occasionally.
- They eat out sometimes.
- They enjoy life.
And honestly?
Many of them seem happier than some high-income earners I know.
That really forced me to rethink something:
What if financial independence isn’t actually about hitting S$1 million?
What if it’s about building a life you genuinely enjoy living?
Because I think many people are accidentally treating S$1m or S$2m like a magic happiness checkpoint.
“As long as I hit that number, then I can finally relax.”
But where did that number even come from?
TikTok? Reddit? FIRE influencers? Your richer friend?
The reality is this; some people genuinely need S$3m to sustain the lifestyle they want.
Others could live very happily with much less.
The number itself is meaningless without context.
I personally think more people should work backwards instead.
Instead of asking: “How do I get S$2 million?”
Maybe ask: “What kind of life do I actually want?”
Do you want:
- a modest home?
- frequent travel?
- flexibility to spend time with your kids?
- the ability to care for ageing parents?
- slower mornings?
- less stress?
- the freedom to take career breaks?
Then estimate what that life costs. Project inflation. Build your investment strategy around that.
That feels much healthier than blindly chasing an arbitrary milestone because the internet told you to. Or just become your friend has that goal.
And this is where I think many people miss the point of financial freedom.
Money is supposed to reduce stress – not become the main source of it.
One concept I’ve personally subscribed to for quite some time is “mini-retirements”, popularised by Tim Ferriss in The 4-Hour Work Week.
The idea is simple, don’t postpone all enjoyment until you’re old.
Enjoy life in chapters.
- Take breaks.
- Travel while you’re still physically energetic.
- Go on that dive trip.
- Climb that mountain.
- Backpack across Europe.
- Spend time with your parents while they’re still healthy enough to travel with you.
Because some experiences are age-dependent.
There are things your 28-year-old body can do… that your 68-year-old body simply cannot. Seriously, money can earn back one.
And I think this is something many Singaporeans quietly struggle with.
We’re so conditioned to optimise financially that we forget to optimise for life itself.
Everything becomes:
- save more
- spend less
- delay gratification
- work harder
- retire later
- maybe enjoy eventually
But what if “eventually” comes with bad knees, lower energy, or health issues?
I’m not saying “YOLO and spend everything.”
I still strongly believe everyone should:
- invest consistently
- plan for retirement
- account for inflation
- build long-term wealth
Because the reality is, retirement is expensive.
The report itself showed that the biggest barriers to financial independence are:
- high living costs (70.7%)
- low income (54%)
- family responsibilities (53.4%)
And despite everyone talking about retirement online, fewer than half of respondents have actually started retirement planning.
That’s dangerous.
You still need to invest. You still need a plan. You still need long-term discipline.
But I think we need to stop turning wealth accumulation into the sole purpose of life.
A lot of people are postponing life in order to prepare for life. And honestly… I don’t think that’s what money is supposed to do.
To me, the ideal outcome isn’t, retire at 40 and do nothing.
It’s:
- having options
- reducing financial stress
- being able to spend time meaningfully
- enjoying life while you’re still healthy enough to fully experience it
That’s real wealth. Not just a number on a spreadsheet.
So yes, invest for the future.
But don’t forget to live in the present too.
Because financial freedom should ultimately give you more life… not take life away from you while chasing it.
And if you’d like help planning your retirement or building a long-term investment strategy that actually aligns with the kind of life you want – instead of blindly chasing arbitrary numbers – feel free to reach out.
I’m always happy to help 😊