Financial reset: Smart money moves to help you build a secure future in 2025

Content by: Melody Tan | Photo credits: Shutterstock

With personal debt on the rise, a fresh financial start will not only boost your bank balance, but also restore peace of mind.

With personal debt on the rise, a fresh financial start will not only boost your bank balance, but also restore peace of mind.

Debt doesn’t just limit spending power — it holds you back from opportunities and long-term planning. With more individuals seeking help to manage unsecured debt, initiatives like the Financial Capability Building Support Programme (FCBS) have been launched to help low-income Singaporeans improve their financial well-being.

Whether you’re tackling debt or looking to grow your nest egg, a financial reset offers a new start to build better money habits and take steps towards your financial goals. HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok Executive Committee member WO2 (NS) Lim June Liang, whose job involves providing business support and trend analysis, shares his tips for making smarter money moves.

TIP #1: LEARN THE BASICS FROM TRUSTED SOURCES

Instead of turning to self-declared investment “gurus” on platforms like TikTok, look to reliable sources like MoneySense by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Manpower, or the Institute of Financial Literacy, a collaboration between MAS and Singapore Polytechnic International.

Start with the basics — understanding budgets, investments and financial products — and gradually progress to more advanced strategies. “Being able to understand and make informed choices give us the confidence to navigate the financial landscape,” says June Liang. “It empowers us to grow our wealth, avoid common pitfalls like overspending or accumulating unnecessary debt, and prepare for unexpected expenses.”

TIP #2: FIND A BUDGETING STYLE THAT SUITS YOU

Not all budgets are created equal, but the right one can make a big difference. June Liang breaks down popular options: “The zero-based budget is ideal for tracking income and expenses, while the pay-yourself-first budget prioritises savings and debt repayment. The envelope system helps control spending, the 50/30/20 budget allocates funds to needs, wants and savings, and the no-budget budget focuses on lowering spending and avoiding debt.”

Choosing the right budget depends on your goals, financial situation, lifestyle preference and income stability. Start by assessing your interest level: If financial planning feels overwhelming, opt for a simpler method that’s easier to stick to. Next, evaluate your debt situation and upcoming expenses. Managing credit card debt or planning for major costs like a wedding? Let these priorities guide your approach.

Lastly, consider your income stability. Fixed-income earners might benefit from structured methods like the 50/30/20 rule, while freelancers and gig workers may prioritise covering essentials, notes June Liang. Long-term goals, like saving for retirement or buying a home, should also shape your choice.

Tip #3: MAXIMISE YOUR SAVINGS

Before choosing between a high-interest savings account or a fixed deposit, ask yourself: How quickly will I need access to this money? When weighing your options, consider how each product aligns with your financial goals.

“High-interest savings accounts are ideal for short-term goals, like saving for a specific purchase, because they allow easy access to your funds,” notes June Liang. “For long-term needs such as retirement, fixed deposits — which lock in funds for a specified term — may be a better option due to their typically higher and more predictable interest rates.”

It’s also essential to evaluate the fees and penalties associated with these banking products. “Yearly fees or penalties for early withdrawals can significantly erode your savings,” June Liang advises. Be sure to review these details before committing your funds.

TIP #4: TACKLE DEBT HEAD-ON

If you’re struggling to keep up with debt repayments, June Liang advises starting with a clear assessment of your financial situation. “Prioritise paying off high-interest loans, like credit card debt, and avoid borrowing from other sources to cover existing debt,” he recommends.

Next, pair your budgeting method with a savings plan, and don’t hesitate to seek expert help. Credit Counselling Singapore, which runs the FCBS, provides personalised debt advice and assistance with restructuring your debt. Additionally, enrolling in financial literacy programmes can help you avoid future debt and improve your financial planning skills.

TIP #5: GROW YOUR WEALTH BY INVESTING WISELY

For beginner investors, especially, setting clear goals is essential. June Liang recommends starting with the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based goals. “Clear goals guide your decisions and set realistic expectations based on the type of investments and their historical performance,” he explains.

First, assess your risk tolerance, which is influenced by factors like age, financial situation and investment objectives. June Liang advises diversifying portfolios to reduce risk and align your investments with both short- and long-term goals, as well as staying informed. “Read up on market trends and economic indicators, such as geopolitical events that create volatility and affect investor sentiment,” he adds, cautioning against impulsive decisions based on market hype.

For a disciplined approach, he suggests implementing dollar-cost averaging, where a fixed amount is invested regularly. “This strategy reduces the impact of market volatility and lowers the average cost per share over time,” he says.

TIP #6: SHOP LIKE A PRO

In addition to avoiding impulse buys, comparing prices, joining loyalty programmes and waiting for sales like Black Friday, June Liang has a few other tips on being a savvy shopper. “I use cashback apps like ShopBack and combine them with promo codes or other deals to maximise savings,” he shares. “For purchases with instalment financing, I always calculate the total cost, including interest, to ensure it fits within my monthly budget.”

For food and lifestyle expenses, he recommends checking the HomeTeamNS app for member-exclusive discounts. These include deals on clubhouse facilities, educational courses, beauty and wellness services, dining and entertainment — like the ever-popular 1 for 1 movie ticket offers.

TIP #7: SET SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS

Short-term goals, typically defined as those achievable within five years, can include repaying credit card debt or saving for a vacation. Long-term goals, on the other hand, might involve funding a child’s university education or preparing for retirement. “Setting clear short- and long-term goals provides clarity in financial planning,” he explains. “It allows you to balance immediate satisfaction with progress towards longer-term aspirations.”

June Liang advises ensuring that your goals are realistic and aligned with your current income, savings and expected financial growth. “Create a budget to support your goals, but be ready to monitor and adjust as life circumstances evolve,” he adds.

TIP #8: START PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT — NOW

The earlier you start saving and investing, the more time your money has to grow. Beginning early also allows you to spread out your savings efforts, making it easier to manage smaller, consistent contributions — rather than scrambling to save large sums later in life. It provides flexibility in your lifestyle choices and reduces future financial stress.

In your 20s, June Liang suggests exploring low-cost investments and contributing to a retirement account to take advantage of compounding interest. Use this time to learn about different investment options and how they work. By your 30s, as your income grows, increase your retirement contributions, while accounting for significant life changes like starting a family or buying a home. You should also ensure that you have adequate health and life insurance if you have dependents.

When your 40s roll around, reassess your retirement savings and adjust as needed. Reduce debt as much as possible to avoid hindering your ability to save. If you’re behind on savings, consider higher-yield retirement accounts to catch up before reaching 50.

As the saying goes, the best time to start saving was yesterday — and the next best time is now. “Starting early not only helps your money grow, but also eases anxieties about the future, leaving you free to focus on other life goals,” says June Liang.

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