Understanding the importance of planning for women is essential. Women are more likely to live longer given that they have an average lifetime of 86 years, which is about 5 years longer than that of males. This emphasizes the importance of making long-term plans. A thorough financial plan eliminates a lot of the uncertainty associated with aging.
A man is not a business plan
Women need to understand that early planning is a personal responsibility. If they do so, they will be better able to improve their financial literacy and effectively manage their financial affairs.
Their financial requirements and ambitions will shift over time as their lives change. The same goes for their financial plan.
Here are the three main life stages and the expected financial planning priorities for each:
1. Starting a new job
Women should strive to develop a disciplined savings plan and save enough money for three to six months’ worth of spending. Start by setting aside at least 10% of your monthly income. You will benefit from having some financial security in case of job loss or medical emergency.
While the premiums are reasonable and you are still healthy and insurable, purchase basic life and health insurance and be fully covered. Consider purchasing adequate health insurance (for instance, critical illnesses related to women) and review your family’s medical history to reduce the likelihood of getting diagnosed with diseases that are comparable to those in your family.
If you have dependents, you should think about purchasing term insurance to cover them in the case of your untimely death or total and permanent disability.
To capitalize on the power of compounding and make time your greatest friend to weather market volatility, think about regularly investing some of your savings. Use a robo-advisory platform’s services if you are unsure of what to invest in and would rather do it yourself to have quick access to professionally managed portfolios that are in line with your risk tolerance.
2. Mid-career
A home is a significant investment, so choose one you can afford and set aside more money for risk-appropriate investments that can generate passive income streams for your retirement. Recognize that there are compromises between short- and long-term objectives.
For instance, investing in recognized brands or getting a car loan could have an effect on your financial stability in the future. Perhaps you’ve recently been married and had a baby. Make sure you and your loved ones have enough insurance protection as your responsibilities grow. Make sure you have plans in place for both your parents’ long-term care and the children’s post-secondary education if you have children and are also responsible for your parents.
Especially if you are single, you might want to contribute to your parents’ retirement requirements as well as your siblings’ college expenses.
3. Getting ready for retirement
In order to reduce the risks associated with inflation, longevity, and healthcare costs, a thorough financial plan is required. As you go through life, keep an eye on the income flows that will support the style and length of retirement you want, and fill in any gaps with a financial plan or with the use of financial tools to make it easier for you. Some of the tools you can use are: DBS digital planning tool, Prudential’s financial tool, MyMoneySense’s free digital tool, Great Eastern Life’s Financial Storyboard, and etc.
To benefit from the risk-free interest on your savings, think about topping up both your own and the CPF accounts of your loved ones. You can benefit from tax savings by doing this as well. Think about making wise investments with your CPF and SRS savings.
Before you retire, try to pay off the entire balance on your mortgage. You should consider how to maximize your home’s value as an asset when you make retirement plans. For instance, you might think about downsizing to a smaller space if your children are no longer living with you in order to free up more cash. If you don’t have enough money, think about renting out your property, downsizing, doing a lease buyback, or taking out a home equity income loan.
In addition to the national annuity CPF LIFE distributions during your retirement, you can also utilize some of your savings to purchase a retirement income plan. These retirement income insurance plans have grown in popularity among Singaporeans in recent years.
This becomes easier with insurance companies who offer digital services like Great Eastern Life and DBS Bank. With the help of these digital services, you may track your insurance plans and have a hassle-free online conversation with a financial counselor. For instance, digital retirement products like RetireSavvy lets you modify your strategy whenever you like, making it easier for you to handle adjustments when your circumstances change in the future.
These options available can help you decide when to begin receiving these retirement benefits as well as specify your preferred retirement age during the insurance term.
Whether you’re moving up the corporate ladder or are simply a little apprehensive about what the future holds, these customizable alternatives can help you make saving for retirement a priority.
Finally, a lot of people overlook the necessity of creating a solid estate plan. Whether you are single or married, it is crucial that your final wishes are carried out effectively so that there is enough money for your dependents to be well taken care of even after you are gone.
In conclusion, take control of your financial wellness by planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Get going already!
To get a financial health check and learn how to properly organize your funds, talk to a financial advisor right now.