Your example of a typical condo retired couple is not typical. Many opted for a more modest lifestyle. They no longer drive a car because it is too costly and they don't need it. They either live next to an
MRT station or their condo has a shuttle bus service to bring them to the nearest
MRT station if they need to travel. They also no longer need a maid as it is not difficult to maintain a two retired persons household. They may also not spend too much on eating out at restaurants.
A more realistic typical condo retired couple has these montly expenses:
Food, and food items and occasional dining out, $1000
Utilities, $250
Medical and health insurance, $700
Holiday, once a year (pro rated), $200
Condo fees (condo assumed to be paid off), $350
Misc, $500
Total, $3000 pm or $36k pa.
So, if they are able to generate a passive income of $36k pa, then they are ok. If they are lucky, their kids will give them monthly allowance of $1000 pm to each of them (assuming 2 kids, each kid give $500 to father and $500 to mother - could be more if they are luckier). They can save these allowances.
To generate $36k pa of passive income is not that difficult. You can get from the
CPF Life, your blue chip investments, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
Typical HDB retired couple
Food and groceries for 2, $500
Utilities, $100
Transport, $50
Health insurance, $400
Holiday (pro rated), $100
Misc, $100
Total, $1250 pm or $15k pa
Typical Condo retired couple
Food, groceries, restaurants for 2, $2000
Utilities, $300
Car (assumed no more loan) related expenses, $1000
Maid, $1000
Health insurance, $1000
Holiday (pro rated, twice a year), $1000
Entertainment, $1000
Misc, $1000
Total, $8300 pm or $100k pa
So, moral of the story is - your retirement expenses depend on your desired lifestyle.
As long as you are happy, it does not matter how much you spend.
Happiness is in the heart. I see many old uncles and aunties who are happy despite retiring with little means. I also see rich retired couples arguing or see them with long faces.
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