Buy smart, live well: Power Moves for Building Wealth
You work hard, so enjoy your money without letting it sabotage you. From guilt-free splurging and savvy big-ticket buys to managing debt and planning your legacy, here’s how to keep your spending aligned with your goals.
15 Dec 2025
SOURCE: CPF Board
If your money mindset is ‘go big or go home,’ these might be difficult pills to swallow—but hear me out. Even the boldest go-getters sometimes miss hidden money leaks, like ordering that extra Tomahawk at dinner that seemed like a great idea until the bill arrived.
I’ve been there, done that, and now I know well enough to put a stopper on these sources of unnecessary cash outflow that I used to overlook. These have been game-changers for me, and I know they’ll work for you too.
Limit Impulse Spending
There’s something to be said about the rush you get when you see something you want and just buy it on the spot. Someone suggests ordering that expensive wagyu or the chef’s special tasting menu, and suddenly everyone’s caught up in the moment. The energy is infectious, and honestly? Sometimes those spontaneous decisions create the best memories.
You’ve probably heard something along the lines of, ‘if you keep on spending big, you won’t have enough money when you need it’.
Which begs the question: why can’t you spend while also saving?
Well, I don’t know why you can’t either, because you absolutely can. There’s no need to trade the dopamine hit from landing that fancy pair of earphones you wanted to show off at the next meetup, for building an emergency fund for future contingencies; you can do both.
The key isn’t in spending nothing; it’s in spending less on impulse.
Less mindless spending means more money for the things that actually align with your goals. Plus, you’ll avoid that post-purchase regret that feels like waking up after an expensive day out wondering why you thought you needed 12 new labubus.
Make Smarter Big-Ticket Purchases
That dream home is a significant purchase that deserves a sharper lens. Just like choosing that perfect restaurant for a special celebration dinner—you won’t book a table at a fancy restaurant without checking reviews and making sure their IG vibe suits your tastes, right?
Whenever that dopamine rush tempts me to fall in love with the first property I view, I pause and ask myself these five questions:
- What’s the real cost? Just like factoring in drinks, service charge, and that inevitable dessert order, consider agent fees, stamp duties, maintenance fees, property tax, and renovation costs beyond the purchase price.
- Can I leverage finance smartly? Understand your total debt servicing ratio to find out if you’re overstretched and can no longer afford to do the things that make life worth living. Compare loan options too – rates, lock-in periods, and penalty clauses vary significantly.
- Am I buying at the right time? Check URA’s 5-year price trends like you’d check restaurant seasonal menus. Market timing can save you tens of thousands.
- Is there real demand if I want to rent it out? Talk to local agents about vacancy rates & tenant preferences. No point having the hot new item if no one wants it.
- Is there exit strategy potential? Compare nearby listings and future development plans to get a grasp on the future of the area.
For HDB flats, you’ll also want to understand key conditions like the Minimum Occupancy Period, and available housing grants.
The smarter your research, the stronger your returns, whether you’re planning to live in or invest. It’s like being the friend who always picks restaurants that deliver both incredible food and great value—everyone benefits from your discerning taste.
Handle Debt Like a Boss
Managing debt is like being the friend who handles bill-splitting at group dinners. Done right, everyone walks away happy. Done wrong, and relationships (or in this case, your financial health) suffer.
Between my student loan, car loan, mortgage and credit card bill, I was clueless about managing debt. But as I got into the swing of adulting, here’s how I kept it from burning a hole in my wallet:
- Choose loans that match your income and goals, like picking restaurants that fit everyone’s budget. Prioritise paying off high-interest debt first—it’s like settling the most expensive items on the bill before splitting the appetisers.
- Don’t rush to clear low-interest loans if you can earn more through investments. It’s like choosing to pay for dinner with a cashback credit card instead of cash—work smarter, not harder.
Plan Your Legacy: Leave More Than Just Good Memories
True wealth isn’t just about your investment portfolio—it’s partly also about what you leave behind. Just like how the best dinner parties are remembered not just for the food but for the thoughtfulness behind them, your financial legacy reflects the care you put into planning.
Your CPF savings form a significant part of your net worth, so take control. Making a CPF nomination is like leaving clear instructions for who gets the leftovers—it ensures your loved ones receive what you intend, quickly and without administrative fees.
It’s free, confidential, and 100% online.
Stay Intentional, Live Well
Building wealth while enjoying life is like hosting great dinner parties—it requires intention, planning, and the confidence to make choices that align with your values. You don’t have to choose between living well now and securing your future.
By being strategic with your spending, smart about major purchases, and thoughtful about your financial legacy, you’re not just protecting your future—you’re enhancing your present.
Stay sharp, stay intentional, and keep thriving!
The Glow Curator
The information provided in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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