NothingLeft, I sympathize with ppl in yr generation. You grow up
and got older in an era when things appreciated like there is no
tomorrow. Government has been asking ppl to upgrade, in their plan
taxis drivers should be able to buy executive condo, not that such
condo would be priced lower but they expected taxi drivers income
would increase. Their tone changed when costs of business become
too high due to high rental and high labour costs.
When you buy an HDB flat you actually paid much more because of the
interest. Nobody realized the impact because you did not pay in
cash. Before we paid up for the first flat, many upgraded by moving
to a bigger flat, taking up more loans and paying more interests.
Can you now sell the flat and get back all the money, principal
plus interest?? This may be too late to realise, but few ppl
realise the problem we got ourselves in when it was automatic in
singapore for everybody to buy a flat, whether we need it or not.
You are not alone for many singaporeans are in the same shoes, not
much of a consolation for you, but at the appropriate time, through
the appropriate channels, let your voices add up, its time for the
government to take note.
Retiring overseas is a good option to stretch your retirement
money. malaysia is an option, outskirt of KL is a good option if
you don't want to go to a small town or village. South China is
also an option, outskirt of Xiamen is a good option when the
lifestyle is very similar and much more affordable, just be careful
if you allow a local woman into your life, cheaper but ... or
unless she truely wants to retire with you also.
In all these areas, medical care is an important issue. You can use
local GP for cough and cold but surgery and hospitalization are
expensive for foreigner. Buy a travel insurance that provide
repatriation to singapore during emergency.
If you have a better option, pls let us know. good luck.
