Better Late Than Never, Lah!

Why It’s Never Too Late for Retirement Planning in Singapore

There’s a familiar Singapore saying: “Tomorrow, lah.”

Unfortunately, retirement planning is one thing we shouldn’t keep postponing. Every year we delay is one less year for our savings to grow.

If you’re in your 50s and feel you’ve started late, don’t be discouraged. You’re certainly not alone. Many Singaporeans spent their younger years paying for a home, raising children, supporting ageing parents, and simply trying to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Those weren’t mistakes—they were responsibilities.

The important thing now is not to dwell on what you could have done 20 years ago, but to focus on what you can do today.

As another local saying goes, “Slowly slowly, can one.” Retirement planning doesn’t require a huge lump sum overnight. Small, consistent steps—saving a little more, reducing unnecessary expenses, reviewing your CPF, or investing wisely—can still make a meaningful difference over the next 10 to 15 years.

Think of retirement planning like queuing at your favourite hawker stall. The earlier you join the queue, the sooner you’ll enjoy your meal. But even if you’ve arrived later than everyone else, you’ll still get served eventually—as long as you don’t leave the queue.

So don’t compare yourself with others. Start where you are, use what you have, and take the first step today.

Because when it comes to retirement, the best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is today.