If you work in the civil service, this question probably sounds familiar. And if you don’t, you’ve likely heard it from a friend who does. That mid-year announcement from the Public Service Division (PSD) is practically a national ritual — the one time of year when thousands of Singaporeans refresh news feeds to see how … Read more
Singapore looks expensive until you see where the money goes. If you’re planning to study there, knowing the cost of living in Singapore for students in 2025 will save you stress and surprise bills. How Much Will You Actually Need? A realistic monthly range for students is SGD 1,200–1,800 depending on your accommodation and lifestyle. If you prefer private … Read more
Many Singaporeans pour a large part of their CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings into buying a flat or condo. It’s a smart move for homeownership — but it often leaves their CPF balance lower than they’d like for retirement. Here’s the good news: through the Voluntary Housing Refund (VHR) scheme, you can refund the CPF savings you … Read more
Here’s the thing — growing old in Singapore should never mean worrying about daily expenses. Yet, for many seniors who spent their lives working hard in lower-income jobs, savings may not always stretch far enough. That’s why the government has stepped in once again. Starting 2025, eligible seniors will receive up to $4,320 a year under the Silver Support … Read more
As living costs climb across Singapore, the government is stepping in with one of its strongest cost-of-living support packages yet. At the heart of this 2025 plan is the Singapore $760 Relief Payout, a major boost for HDB households struggling with rising electricity, gas, and water bills. Here’s the thing — unlike one-off payments, this support … Read more
Here’s a situation many Singaporeans face: you’ve spent decades contributing to your CPF, but now life throws you a curveball — health issues, early retirement needs, or family expenses. You start asking, “Can I withdraw my CPF savings before the usual age?” The good news? Under the new CPF withdrawal rules for 2025, certain members can access their … Read more
Here’s the thing — Canada’s economy isn’t having an easy time right now. With rising U.S. tariffs and slowing exports, the Bank of Canada (BoC) is once again being pushed to act. According to a Reuters poll of 34 economists, a majority expect the central bank to cut its overnight interest rate by 25 basis points on October 29, … Read more
Let’s be honest — falling sick in Singapore can be stressful, not just physically but financially. Even with government subsidies, MediShield Life, and MediSave, some bills can still feel overwhelming. That’s where MediFund quietly steps in — a government safety net designed for Singaporeans who’ve run out of options. You might not hear about it often, but … Read more
In Singapore, many seniors want to stay connected — to video call loved ones, pay bills online, or use government apps. But for some, the cost of a smartphone or mobile plan can be too high. That’s where the Mobile Access for Seniors (MAS) scheme steps in. This government initiative helps lower-income seniors get affordable smartphones and mobile data … Read more
If you’ve been following Singapore’s Treasury bill (T-bill) auctions, you might’ve noticed something interesting this week — the 6-month T-bill cut-off yield has edged down to 1.41%, slightly lower than the 1.44% seen in the last auction on Oct 9. At first glance, that 0.03% drop might not seem like much. But here’s the thing: even small moves … Read more