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Beyond Money: Redefining True Wealth and How Fortunes Are Really Built

When most people hear the word “wealth,” their minds immediately jump to money—savings accounts, investment portfolios, real estate, or business empires. But true wealth has always gone far deeper than numbers on a balance sheet. Real fortunes are not just built in banks; they are built in lives, relationships, values, and choices. To focus only on money is to miss the bigger picture of what it truly means to live a rich life.

In this article, we’ll explore how wealth extends beyond financial assets, and how redefining it can reshape not only how we live but also how we build lasting legacies.

The Narrow View of Wealth

Our culture often glorifies material accumulation. We measure success by net worth, luxury possessions, or how early someone can retire. The narrative is simple: the more money you have, the wealthier you are. But this narrow definition of wealth has significant flaws:

  1. It’s fragile. Market downturns, inflation, or health crises can shrink financial fortunes overnight.
  2. It’s incomplete. Money alone doesn’t guarantee happiness, purpose, or resilience.
  3. It’s misleading. Many who are “rich” in money are often poor in time, relationships, or peace of mind.

History and lived experiences show us again and again: wealth must be broader than money to be sustainable and meaningful.

The Dimensions of True Wealth

Redefining wealth requires us to recognize the many forms it takes. Here are key dimensions that expand our understanding:

1. Time Wealth

Time is the most democratic form of wealth—everyone gets 24 hours a day, but how you spend them defines your richness. Having time for family, hobbies, self-care, and rest is a fortune many high-net-worth individuals ironically lack. If you’re financially comfortable but chronically time-starved, your wealth is incomplete.

2. Health Wealth

There’s truth in the saying: Health is wealth. Without physical and mental well-being, money becomes meaningless. A strong body and a clear mind allow us to enjoy life and pursue ambitions. Neglecting health while chasing financial gain is one of the most common regrets people share later in life.

3. Relationship Wealth

Our connections with family, friends, and communities form the backbone of fulfillment. A person with millions but no meaningful relationships often feels empty. Conversely, those with supportive loved ones are far more resilient in the face of challenges. True wealth is measured in shared meals, laughter, and emotional safety.

4. Purpose Wealth

Purpose gives direction to life. Money without meaning can feel hollow. Aligning your work, investments, and lifestyle with your values creates a deeper sense of fulfillment. Purpose-driven wealth is about asking: What impact am I making, and what legacy will I leave?

5. Experiential Wealth

Memories often outlast material possessions. Traveling, learning, growing, and creating experiences enrich life in ways that money alone cannot. Fortunes built on experiences add vibrancy to existence.

6. Spiritual Wealth

Whether tied to faith, mindfulness, or personal philosophy, spiritual wealth anchors us in turbulent times. It gives perspective that life is bigger than material pursuits and helps cultivate gratitude and peace.

How Fortunes Are Really Built

When we broaden the definition of wealth, it becomes clear that lasting fortunes come from integration, not isolation. Money is a tool—but it is not the foundation. Here’s how true fortunes are really built:

1. By Prioritizing Values Over Valuables

People who build enduring legacies often prioritize values like integrity, generosity, and resilience. Their wealth isn’t just in what they own, but in how they are remembered. A fortune built on exploitation may enrich one generation but erode trust for the next.

2. By Investing in People

Relationships compound just like interest. Leaders who mentor others, families who nurture children, and communities who support one another create wealth that spans generations. Investing in people ensures fortunes last longer than financial markets.

3. By Cultivating Resilience

True fortunes are stress-tested. They survive crises because they are diversified—not only in asset classes but also in life priorities. Someone who has cultivated strong health, deep relationships, and meaningful purpose can withstand financial storms better than those who only have money.

4. By Creating Alignment

When money aligns with purpose, it multiplies its impact. Philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and impact investors understand this well. Building fortune is not just about accumulation but about intentional direction.

5. By Passing Down Wisdom

Financial inheritance without wisdom often evaporates. But teaching future generations about values, choices, and resilience ensures fortunes endure. A fortune built on wisdom outlasts wealth built solely on capital.

Rethinking Success: Stories That Illustrate True Wealth

The Family That Chose Time

Consider a couple who built modest businesses not to become billionaires but to design their days. They chose to work fewer hours, spend evenings with their children, and prioritize vacations. Their wealth isn’t in lavish mansions but in memories and bonds their children will cherish forever.

The Leader Who Built People

There are countless examples of leaders who measure their wealth not in money but in the number of people they’ve lifted. A school principal who empowers teachers and inspires students creates a ripple of wealth that transforms lives long after retirement.

The Entrepreneur Who Found Purpose

An entrepreneur may sell a company for millions but only find fulfillment after pivoting to a mission-driven venture—like building sustainable solutions or supporting underserved communities. Their “second fortune” is the wealth of meaning and legacy.

Why Redefining Wealth Matters Today

We live in an era where financial gains are constantly celebrated on social media. Yet burnout, loneliness, and anxiety are rising at alarming rates. By redefining wealth, we:

  • Challenge cultural narratives that equate success with money alone.
  • Encourage holistic growth where health, time, and purpose matter just as much as earnings.
  • Inspire responsible legacies that focus on impact rather than ego.
  • Equip ourselves for resilience in a rapidly changing, uncertain world.

The next generation deserves to inherit more than just money. They deserve models of living richly in all dimensions of life.

Practical Steps to Build True Wealth

How can we apply this redefined perspective? Here are actionable ways:

  1. Audit Your Wealth in All Dimensions. Ask yourself: Do I feel rich in time, health, relationships, purpose, experiences, and spirituality?
  2. Redesign Your Priorities. If financial goals overshadow everything else, rebalance. Allocate resources and energy toward neglected dimensions.
  3. Protect Your Health. Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental wellness practices are non-negotiable investments.
  4. Build Relationship Capital. Schedule time for family, friends, and mentorship. These are fortunes that pay dividends in joy and support.
  5. Pursue Purpose Projects. Align part of your work or investments with causes that matter deeply to you.
  6. Invest in Experiences. Travel, learn, and create moments. These compound into lifelong fulfillment.
  7. Leave a Legacy of Wisdom. Share your values, lessons, and stories with the next generation.

Conclusion

A young woman with black hair working on a laptop at a desk indoors.

Wealth is never just about money. Real fortunes are built in the quiet moments of health, the laughter of family, the clarity of purpose, and the resilience of spirit. Money is a powerful tool—but it is not the measure of a life well lived.

Redefining wealth is not about rejecting financial success. It’s about expanding the definition so that money serves life rather than dominates it. Fortunes built on this broader foundation endure far beyond one lifetime.

The question to ask yourself isn’t just How much money am I building? but How much life am I creating? That is the essence of true wealth—and the real way fortunes are built

Learn more about: Childcare Subsidies in Singapore 2025: A Complete Guide for Parents

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Childcare Subsidies in Singapore 2025: A Complete Guide for Parents

Raising a child in Singapore is rewarding, but it can also bring financial strain—especially when both parents are working and childcare becomes a necessity. For some families, grandparents or relatives may lend a hand. But for many, preschool, infant care, or kindergarten are essential parts of daily life.

The cost of early education and care can quickly add up. Recognising this, the government provides a range of subsidies and assistance schemes to help parents manage expenses and ensure every child has access to quality care and education. These subsidies are not just about financial relief; they also make it easier for parents—especially mothers—to remain in the workforce while giving children a strong start in life.

This guide explains how the childcare subsidies work in 2025, what you may be eligible for, and how to apply.

Key Points to Know

  • Subsidies are available for infant care, childcare, and kindergarten.

  • The amount you receive depends on your household income and whether the main applicant is working.

  • Payments go directly to preschools or childcare centres, so parents only need to cover the remaining balance.

  • Extra help is available for families experiencing temporary or special circumstances, such as medical issues or caregiving responsibilities.

Infant and Childcare Subsidies

Basic Subsidy

The Basic Subsidy is the foundation of the support system. It offsets a portion of childcare fees for children enrolled in Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)-licensed centres. Parents pay the difference between the school’s fees and the subsidy.

How much you receive depends on your employment status:

  • Working parents

    • Infant care (2–18 months): $600 per month

    • Childcare (18 months–6 years): $300 per month

  • Non-working parents

    • Infant or childcare: $150 per month

To qualify, the child must be a Singapore citizen, and the centre must be licensed by ECDA.

Additional Subsidy

For families with tighter finances, the Additional Subsidy offers further relief. This support is means-tested, meaning the household’s income determines the amount of help.

  • Up to $710 monthly for infant care

  • Up to $467 monthly for childcare

Eligibility requirements include:

  1. The main applicant—usually the mother or a single parent—must work at least 56 hours per month.

  2. Household income must fall below:

    • $12,000 gross monthly income, or

    • $3,000 per capita income (for larger families of five or more).

This structure ensures that families with greater financial needs receive more help.

Special Approval for Extra Support

Not all families fit neatly into the working or non-working categories. Some parents may face temporary challenges that prevent them from working full-time. In such cases, the Special Approval framework provides additional help on a case-by-case basis.

Parents or caregivers may qualify if they are:

  • Seeking employment, studying, or undergoing training for at least 56 hours per month

  • Pregnant or medically unfit for work due to illness, hospitalisation, or disability

  • Caring for a child under 24 months full-time

  • Looking after a dependent family member with medical or special needs

  • Incarcerated

This support is temporary, with the duration and amount depending on the family’s circumstances. Grandparents, legal guardians, and foster parents can also apply if they are the child’s primary caregiver.

Kindergarten Subsidies: The KiFAS Scheme

For children attending kindergartens, the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) provides additional relief. It applies to families with children enrolled in Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens or centres operated by Anchor Operators.

  • Subsidies can go up to $163 per month.

  • Families with lower incomes receive more assistance, while middle-income families may still qualify for partial support.

To qualify:

  • The child must be a Singapore citizen.

  • The kindergarten must be run by MOE or an Anchor Operator.

  • Household gross income must not exceed $12,000 per month, or $3,000 per capita for larger households.

As with childcare subsidies, the support is paid directly to the kindergarten, and parents settle the balance. Parents can also use funds from their child’s Child Development Account (CDA) to cover the remaining fees.

How to Apply for Subsidies

The application process is designed to be simple and integrated into the enrolment process. Parents do not need to apply separately through a government portal; instead, they submit the necessary documents directly to the preschool or kindergarten.

Steps to apply:

  1. Enrol your child at an ECDA-licensed centre or eligible kindergarten.

  2. Provide supporting documents such as proof of income, employment details, or household size.

  3. The school forwards the application to ECDA on your behalf.

You’ll be notified of the outcome via SMS or email. Once approved, the subsidies are automatically deducted from your monthly fees.

Why Subsidies Matter

Childcare subsidies are more than just financial assistance—they form part of a bigger social support system. Here’s why they matter:

  • Encouraging female workforce participation: By reducing childcare costs, mothers are better able to stay employed or return to work.

  • Reducing inequality: Children from lower-income families gain equal access to quality early education.

  • Supporting family resilience: Parents can better manage unexpected challenges, such as illness or job loss, knowing temporary support is available.

Managing Childcare Costs Beyond Subsidies

Even with subsidies, childcare can remain one of the biggest household expenses. Here are practical ways families can prepare:

Start early with financial planning
Consider childcare costs even before starting a family. Research average fees in your area and include them in your long-term budget.

Build a family savings buffer
Life with children often brings surprises—from medical bills to enrichment classes. A savings cushion helps manage these unplanned expenses.

Make use of Child Development Accounts (CDA)
The CDA can be used not just for childcare, but also medical expenses and other child-related costs. Maximising contributions ensures greater flexibility.

Explore flexible work arrangements
Some parents manage costs by staggering work shifts or using part-time arrangements, reducing the need for full-day childcare.

Tap community and family support
While not every family has nearby relatives, community programmes and parent support networks can sometimes ease the caregiving load.

Conclusion

Singapore’s childcare subsidy framework in 2025 reflects a balance between financial relief and encouraging family responsibility. It ensures that no child is left behind due to affordability issues, while also empowering parents to make decisions best suited to their family situation.

For parents, understanding the system is the first step. By knowing what support is available, how to apply, and how to plan for the future, families can focus less on financial stress and more on nurturing their children during the precious early years.

Raising a child will always come with costs—both financial and emotional—but with the right planning and support, families can feel more secure and confident about the journey ahead.

Learn more about: Top 12 Questions Singaporeans Are Asking About T-Bills in 2025

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Top 12 Questions Singaporeans Are Asking About T-Bills in 2025

Not long ago, Singapore Treasury Bills (T-Bills) were the hottest short-term investment in town. When yields touched 3.7% in mid-2024, investors queued in droves to secure a piece of the action. But fast forward to August 2025, and the story has completely changed. The most recent six-month T-Bill auction closed at just 1.59%—a rate that now trails many fixed deposit offerings.

This sharp drop has left investors questioning whether T-Bills still deserve their reputation as a go-to safe haven. If you’re grappling with the same doubts, you’re not alone. Here are the 12 most common questions Singaporeans are asking about T-Bills today—and what the answers mean for your money.

1. Are T-Bills worth considering at 1.59%?

The truth: T-Bills remain among the safest instruments in Singapore, backed by the Government’s AAA credit rating. However, “safe” does not always equal “smart.”

At current yields, you’re barely keeping pace with inflation. The drop from 3.7% to 1.59% within a year represents a 57% decline in returns, showing just how volatile auction outcomes can be. Meanwhile, fixed deposits now offer up to 2.45% for 12 months—meaning you might be better off elsewhere.

Quick takeaway: T-Bills are still safe, but they’re no longer the most rewarding short-term option.

2. Is it wise to use CPF-OA funds for T-Bills?

Not anymore. Using your CPF Ordinary Account (CPF-OA) for T-Bills today guarantees a loss.

  • CPF-OA pays 2.5% per year, risk-free.

  • T-Bills are at 1.59%.

  • That’s a shortfall of 0.91% annually.

You’ll also temporarily lose access to CPF funds for housing payments, miss out on compounding, and pay bank fees. Unless yields climb back above 2.5%, CPF-OA is better left untouched.

3. What’s the deal with competitive vs non-competitive bidding?

The rules haven’t changed, but the impact feels different when yields are this low:

  • Competitive bids: You set your minimum acceptable yield, with the risk of rejection.

  • Non-competitive bids: You accept the final auction yield and are allocated up to 40% of the issue.

When returns are slim, the difference between the two approaches matters less—you’re essentially deciding whether you want control or certainty over what are now modest yields.

4. How do T-Bills compare to fixed deposits today?

This is where things get interesting. Fixed deposits have suddenly become the more attractive option.

  • 6-month T-Bills: 1.59%

  • Best 6-month fixed deposits: Up to 2.15%

  • 12-month fixed deposits: Up to 2.45%

Fixed deposits also come with SDIC protection (up to S$100,000 per depositor, per bank). While T-Bills are tax-free and backed by the Government, fixed deposits currently deliver better guaranteed returns with similar liquidity constraints.

5. Can my T-Bill application be rejected?

Yes, though rejections usually stem from application errors:

  • Invalid or missing CDP account details

  • Joint CDP accounts (not permitted)

  • No Direct Crediting Service activated

  • Breaching the S$1 million cap on non-competitive bids

That said, rejections may be the least of your worries. Recent auctions saw a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.39 times, meaning demand remains strong despite weak yields.

6. When might yields bounce back?

No one has a crystal ball, but near-term recovery looks unlikely.

  • The US Federal Reserve is signalling possible rate cuts, keeping Singapore yields suppressed.

  • The Monetary Authority of Singapore projects easing inflation and a steady economy, reducing pressure to push rates higher.

  • Global uncertainty has driven investors into safe assets, boosting demand and capping yields further.

Bottom line: Don’t count on T-Bill rates recovering quickly.

7. How do I check if my application went through?

The process hasn’t changed:

  • Cash applications: CDP notifications after 6 pm on issuance date

  • SRS applications: Statements from your SRS operator

  • CPF-OA/SA applications: CPFIS or CPF statements

Checking matters more now—not just to confirm allocation, but to calculate whether the returns are actually worth it.

8. Can I exit T-Bills before maturity?

Yes, but liquidity is limited. You can sell through the secondary market at DBS, OCBC, or UOB branches, but:

  • Trading volumes are thin.

  • Bid-ask spreads are wide.

  • Transaction costs eat into returns.

If flexibility is important, consider Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) instead. They allow monthly redemption without penalties and currently pay better long-term averages.

9. What alternatives should I look at?

Plenty of options now outshine T-Bills:

AlternativeReturnsKey Benefits
SSBs~2.11% (10-year average)Redeem anytime, flexible
Fixed deposits1.6–2.45%Guaranteed, SDIC insured
High-yield savings accountsUp to 8.05% (with conditions)High liquidity
Money market funds1.8%+Professional management, daily access

Top fixed deposit offers—like Citibank (1.8% for 3 months) and HSBC (1.6%)—outperform T-Bills today.

10. Can non-residents invest in T-Bills?

Yes, but the real question is: should they?

Non-residents can open a CDP account and apply through local banks, but they receive the same 1.59% yield. In many cases, USD fixed deposits or money market funds in their home markets offer better risk-adjusted returns.

11. How are T-Bills taxed?

This remains one of T-Bills’ strongest features:

  • Singaporeans and PRs: No tax on interest income.

  • Non-residents: Also exempt.

  • Secondary trades: No capital gains tax.

It’s a genuine advantage, though less impactful when the underlying returns are already low.

12. Should I invest now or wait it out?

This is the big question—and the answer depends on your priorities.

You might wait if:

  • You want higher returns (fixed deposits, SSBs, and high-yield accounts are superior today).

  • You don’t need ultra-safe liquidity right now.

You might invest if:

  • You prioritise government backing above all else.

  • You’re building a T-Bill “ladder” with staggered maturities.

  • You have idle cash sitting at 0% that you simply want working.

For most people, however, waiting makes more sense until T-Bill yields climb above 2.5%—the CPF-OA benchmark.

Conclusion

A happy couple sits by their home's entrance surrounded by lush flowers, symbolizing new beginnings.

T-Bills are not “bad”—they’re just a poor fit for the current environment. The same government guarantee that made them irresistible at 3.7% does not justify accepting 1.59% today, especially when alternatives like fixed deposits and SSBs provide better value.

The smarter move in 2025 may be to redirect funds into higher-yield, equally safe products until conditions shift. T-Bills will become attractive again—but that time hasn’t arrived.

Before you apply, ask yourself:
👉 Am I choosing T-Bills because they’re the best option today—or because they were attractive yesterday?

Learn more about: Smart Renting in Singapore: 10 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for a Hassle-Free Experience