Ready to kick-start your dream retirement? Here are the top 5 investment options that could ensure a comfortable retirement for you in Singapore.

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and retiring comfortably here takes careful financial planning. Whether you're decades away from retirement or just a few years shy, smart investments can help secure your golden years. Here are five investment options that can help you build a reliable retirement fund in Singapore.

1. CPF LIFE – Your Guaranteed Lifetime Income

The CPF Lifelong Income for the Elderly (CPF LIFE) scheme provides a guaranteed monthly payout for life, ensuring that retirees don’t outlive their savings. With options like Standard, Basic, and Escalating plans, you can tailor your CPF LIFE payouts based on your retirement needs. Since CPF contributions are risk-free and backed by the Singapore government, this is a solid foundation for any retirement portfolio.

👉 Tip: Maximise your CPF LIFE payouts by making additional voluntary contributions to your Retirement Account.

2. Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) – Low-Risk, Steady Returns

If you're looking for a low-risk investment option with steady returns, Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) are a great choice. Backed by the Singapore government, these bonds provide flexible investment options with interest rates that increase the longer you hold them.

🔹 Current SSBs yield around 3% per annum over a 10-year period, making them a great hedge against inflation.
🔹 You can invest as little as $500 and withdraw at any time without penalties.

👉 Tip: Use SSBs to supplement your CPF LIFE payouts for an additional income stream during retirement.

3. REITs – Earning Passive Income from Real Estate

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in income-generating properties without actually owning physical real estate. REITs listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) provide regular dividend payouts ranging from 4% to 6% annually.

✔ Top-performing REIT sectors: Retail, Industrial, and Healthcare
✔ Best for: Investors looking for stable, passive income with higher yields than traditional savings accounts

👉 Tip: Diversify your REIT holdings across different sectors to reduce risk while enjoying consistent rental income.

4. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) – Diversify Your Portfolio

Want stock market exposure without the headache of stock-picking? Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) track indices like the Straits Times Index (STI), offering a diversified, low-cost way to invest in Singapore’s blue-chip companies.

📈 Average historical returns: 5%–7% per year
📈 Best for: Long-term passive investors looking to grow their retirement fund without active management

👉 Tip: Consider the Nikko AM STI ETF or the SPDR STI ETF, which track Singapore’s top 30 companies.

5. Annuities & Private Retirement Plans – Additional Security

For extra security beyond CPF LIFE, private annuities or retirement plans from insurers offer a structured monthly payout for a fixed number of years or for life.

🔹 Pros: Customised payout duration and amount
🔹 Cons: Requires a lump sum or regular premiums to build up the annuity

👉 Tip: Compare different annuities to find one with guaranteed payouts and inflation-adjusted benefits.

Final Thoughts

A comfortable retirement in Singapore doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of smart planning and disciplined investing. By leveraging CPF LIFE, bonds, REITs, ETFs, and annuities, you can create a robust financial cushion to enjoy your golden years stress-free.