Where to start investing in Singapore
An objective guide to Singapore Savings Bonds, ETFs, REITs, and robo-advisors for beginners.
Investing only makes sense once the boring foundations are in place. If you have an emergency fund and basic insurance sorted, here is where to look next.
1. Before you invest a single dollar
Ensure you have 3-6 months of expenses set aside in cash. Investments can fluctuate — you should never invest money you will need in the next 2-3 years.
If you have credit card debt or personal loans, pay them off first. The guaranteed saving on interest exceeds any realistic investment return.
2. Common starting vehicles
Here is how common investment products compare on risk, returns, and accessibility in Singapore:
| Vehicle | Risk Level | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Savings Bonds (SSB) | Very Low | Government-backed, capital guaranteed, flexible redemption | Short-term savings (1-3 yrs) |
| Broad-Market ETFs | Moderate | Funds tracking an index (like S&P 500 or STI) for broad exposure | Long-term wealth building |
| Robo-advisors | Moderate | Automated portfolios balanced based on your personal risk profile | Beginners seeking hands-off simplicity |
| REITs | Moderate | Real estate investment trusts — own slices of commercial properties | Dividend-focused income investors |
3. CPF and SRS as investment tools
Your CPF OA can be used to invest through the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS), and SRS funds can be invested in eligible shares and bonds rather than sitting in cash earning 0.05%.
4. Most common beginner mistakes
Avoid these classic investing traps as you get started:
- Trying to time the market — Regular investing (Dollar-Cost Averaging) beats guessing market peaks.
- Concentrating in single stocks — High concentration increases single-company risk.
- Ignoring fees — Even a 1% platform fee compounds to tens of thousands of lost growth over decades.
- Leaving SRS as idle cash — Leaving SRS in cash defeats its purpose, as inflation eats its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simulate these concepts under your personal income and age profile.
All guide contents are sourced from official publications by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), and the Housing & Development Board (HDB).
We regularly audit calculations for compliance with current 2026/YA 2025 schedules.