When Reality Kicks In
I'm not too sure when reality kicked in, because I used to live life with worry, and without planning much for tomorrow. It was not part of being a student for so long, since I was pretty happy-go-lucky even after I started work. Perhaps it is when I knew I was never going to have children to look after me, and no nephews and nieces for that matter. In a country like Singapore, money does not go very far when you are out of work. I saw that in my uncle, who used to be a prominent doctor, and now dependent on others, after taking ill. He never did have much savings, having had a messy divorce, and seeing his two children through medical school in Britain. So, when he could no longer work, money dried up fast. Many of his so-called friends also disappeared.
So, while I am reasonably comfortable with what I have, and the money I have in my bank and CPF, there is that ugly thought of what if I am no longer able to work. The money I have, would probably not be enough if I needed extended medical care. The point is, no one gets to choose how they die. Whether it just happens, like an accident, or it long-drawn, like Parkinson's. So, I guess it pays to be prepared. Realization is the first step, and the next is doing something about it. Perhaps it was with the purchase of my flat, that I started putting money away. Hoping to grow that nest-egg, yet realizing how slowly it grows. Now, I do try my best to save money each month.
So, while I am reasonably comfortable with what I have, and the money I have in my bank and CPF, there is that ugly thought of what if I am no longer able to work. The money I have, would probably not be enough if I needed extended medical care. The point is, no one gets to choose how they die. Whether it just happens, like an accident, or it long-drawn, like Parkinson's. So, I guess it pays to be prepared. Realization is the first step, and the next is doing something about it. Perhaps it was with the purchase of my flat, that I started putting money away. Hoping to grow that nest-egg, yet realizing how slowly it grows. Now, I do try my best to save money each month.