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Average Salary To Live Comfortably In Singapore


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Hi guys

What is the average salary that one should earn to be able to live comfortably in Singapore?

Bear in mind that we are gays and don't have wives to share financial burdens?

Do most of us earn around $5 to $6K per month here ?

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Guest Raiden Alpha

A high salary in Singapore.

A friendly advice for those who haven't encounter it yet and hopefully never will. Those who are in the high end salary range,many are always under constant threat of being displace and losing their well paid jobs I think people who are at that level will know what I'm talking about if they are not avoiding it or in self denial mode.

In Singapore it is possible for some to achieve a high income earning range but the true challenge is in sustainability over a long term period.

Don't spend recklessly and stay up to date with your healthcare insurance terms and regulations.

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It really depends on how much your expenses are. 

For my level of expenses, I need at least 3.5k to set aside sizable savings per month.

Rather than wives, I think gays will support their parents more.

 

I think very few would be earning 5 - 6k per month here.

Even so, those who really earn a lot work very hard that they probably won't have time to come to this forum frequently.

Image00109.jpg

I'm always running after you.

You are my ideal.

You are me.

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Guest Raiden Alpha

It really depends on how much your expenses are.

For my level of expenses, I need at least 3.5k to set aside sizable savings per month.

Rather than wives, I think gays will support their parents more.

I think very few would be earning 5 - 6k per month here.

Even so, those who really earn a lot work very hard that they probably won't have time to come to this forum frequently.

Oh you will be surprise to know how many rich wastrels,bankers and recruitment agencies executives are loitering about here in this forum.

They don't hang out in the main forum much that's all. All you sex addicts reveal yourselves here lol. :P

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Guys, can u share how u survive properly on 3K a month. I'm finding it very hard and I'm actually a grad. Always feeling worried and scared of the future. If we're left with almost no savings after minusing expenses each month for self use and taking care of old and sick parents, does it mean we can never stop working even when we are old and sick ourselves? Remember we are gays with no children to support us. Is there any way we can set up an old gays support group to help one another in old age?

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Guest Raiden Alpha

Guys, can u share how u survive properly on 3K a month. I'm finding it very hard and I'm actually a grad. Always feeling worried and scared of the future. If we're left with almost no savings after minusing expenses each month for self use and taking care of old and sick parents, does it mean we can never stop working even when we are old and sick ourselves? Remember we are gays with no children to support us. Is there any way we can set up an old gays support group to help one another in old age?

So what is your point then? You highlighted out all the problems but the pay here for graduates are actually better than those of our neighbouring countries.So instead of the wage structure issues here I attribute it more to the high cost of living in Singapore instead.

And some of the members here are actually foreigners working in PMETs positions,other than paying rents I see they have no reasons to find life difficult here base on the advantage of currency exchange that they set aside as savings to be use back in their homeland and the advantage to leave and come to find work here.

As for the local grads you will have to ask them whether they are okay with such an arrangement.

I prefer to send PAP out along with the surplus of FTs in this country.

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We should share tips on how to live frugally yet still can enjoy life at the same time and stay healthy.

 

Anyone can share how to cut down on food expenses? What is cheap, healthy and easy to bring to work everyday?

 

Is it possible to survive well on less than $5 a day?

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Guest Raiden Alpha

We should share tips on how to live frugally yet still can enjoy life at the same time and stay healthy.

Anyone can share how to cut down on food expenses? What is cheap, healthy and easy to bring to work everyday?

Is it possible to survive well on less than $5 a day?

I totally find your points relevant,practical and useful. But are the grads able to think along your line of thoughts though?

Asking intellectuals to live frugally and cut down on luxury expenses...

Will they be able to live with the indignation of it?

What is the point of investing so much time and money on pursuing higher studies if it doesn't guarantee one a high standard of material life?

You will have to ask them this question instead.

Also I got a feeling TS and some guests (same?) are attempting to kick start a critical thinking process among the grads instead of merely talking about the issue causally so simple.

Admirable effort to you all indeed if my guess are correct.

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Guest Theprince

Oh you will be surprise to know how many rich wastrels,bankers and recruitment agencies executives are loitering about here in this forum.

They don't hang out in the main forum much that's all. All you sex addicts reveal yourselves here lol. :P

A slightly unfair comment me thinks..........

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TS should refer to salary.sg.

http://www.salary.sg/

 

Or Glassdoor if TS' company is quite well-known so that he will know where he stands in pay among fellow colleagues.

 

Even with no shared income with wives, there is aways the option of a partner or companion.

Image00109.jpg

I'm always running after you.

You are my ideal.

You are me.

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Earning is under your influence to a certain extent.  Spending is entirely under your control.  It is possible for most of the people in SG, especially graduates, to have a comfortable and dinified living if they don't spend beyond their means and don't harbour aspirations unmatched by their talents and capabilities.  A lot of people are unhappy when they cannot afford a lifestyle that that they think they are entiled to, not realising that other people actually earn it.  Would you rather be in a country where the unemployment rate hits 20% to 30% for young people?

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Not easy to save if you have your own house, take care of parents bills, trying to upgrade (study), have multiple hobbies, prefer branded items, keep pets, own car,  and love to socialise...etc

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Tips on being frugal:

Less socialising.

Less partying.

Less shopping.

Less branded goods.

Less dining out.

Less overseas travelling.

No smoking.

No car.

No children.

No gambling.

No expensive membership.

Look out for offers, discounts and good bargains.

Save at least a third of your income.

Use your savings to invest or buy insurance.

Stay healthy.

Be contented.

These are tried and tested by me, and I can actually semi retire at quite a young age now without worries if I want.

:)

Edited by navyblue
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Tips on being frugal:

Less socialising.

Less partying.

Less shopping.

Less branded goods.

Less dining out.

Less overseas travelling.

No smoking.

No car.

No children.

No expensive membership.

Look out for offers and discounts.

Save at least a third of your income.

Use your savings to invest or buy insurance.

Stay healthy.

Be contented.

These are tried and tested by me, and I can actually semi retire without worries now if I want.

:)

 

In short, less life..

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To cover basic needs such as housing, food and to a certain extent clothing and transport, you need no more than $1,500 per month even though PM Lee won't agree on this. That's about 50 - 60% of the medium individual income. Any spending more than that defines your comfort level. Usually the more you socialise, the higher your comfort level is. 

Do the things at which you are great, not what you were never made for.”

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In short, less life..

Depending on what you see life as.

If your life is defined by what I have listed, then yes it means less life.

But it is all about balance and good management actually. Even though I may not be able to indulge in certain activities very often, but over the years, I have travelled to many exotic places, dined in posh restaurants, had staycation in hotel suite, watched a number of live concerts of the artistes I like, bought a number of branded stuff such as Hermes etc etc... Is this still considered less life? :)

Edited by navyblue
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I think its all depends on ur expenses, it never will enough no matter how much u earn. I believe the avg salary pple earn shld range $3k to $4k. Unless u r manager level or those into sales, then maybe higher.

对自己好是一种幸福,

对别人好是一种积福。

 

Spend time counting your blessings,

not airing your complaints.

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Some people are poor because they spend beyond their means, and then blame everyone (the government, foreigners, etc) except for themselves for their own misery.

Agree!!!

So guys, before you start pitying the "poor", you may want to probe deeper to find out why they end up in "poverty" first.

If you have a big appetite for life, and cant manage money well, $10k per mth for you may still be insufficient.

But if you are someone who is easily contented and able to manage what you earn very well, then I think $3k per mth should be more than enough for you to live comfortably in Sg.

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Thinking the amt u guys toking is gross or net salary eh? $3k gross or $3k nett quite a big difference.

Edited by alien

对自己好是一种幸福,

对别人好是一种积福。

 

Spend time counting your blessings,

not airing your complaints.

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How much will the monthly mortgage payments be if you decide to buy a small condo (studio/shoebox)? Can't imagine myself still living with my parents until I turn 35 lol.

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Guest Raiden Alpha

This thread is so different from the social sites I visit in Facebook lol.

Too many have an image to keep up here even when it is just an virtual avatar..

不是死充大头就是在嗮命。

Maybe IB is here too?

I find it not plausible that young people are still hopeful or willing to chase or fulfil the 5c materialistic dreams in today economic systems.

Unless you are a middle age Singaporean who got a head start in life earlier on.

I live under the grace of my parents and even if I hit 6k I still see no future for myself in Singapore.

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This thread is so different from the social sites I visit in Facebook lol.

Too many have an image to keep up here even when it is just an virtual avatar..

不是死充大头就是在嗮命。

Maybe IB is here too?

I find it not plausible that young people are still hopeful or willing to chase or fulfil the 5c materialistic dreams in today economic systems.

Unless you are a middle age Singaporean who got a head start in life earlier on.

I live under the grace of my parents and even if I hit 6k I still see no future for myself in Singapore.

lol.
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For the average working person:

 

Monthly:

Monthly Rent $1000

Lunch, dinner and travel (average  $30 daily) $900

 

Annually:

Clothes $2000

Others $2000

 

So approx $27000 to cover the neccessities and anything more to be used for extras/luxuries?

 

 

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Think some people are complaining too much and has the entitlement mentality. When I first started off as a Poly Grad  15 years back my pay was only 1.6k and every and  on top of that I have to finance my own partime degree study and giving 250 to my parent every month. At the end of the month I still managed to save roughly 1k.

 

So if you think your pay is not enough, there are only 2 way you can improve your situation 

 

1. make more money by getting a better job by improving yourself or investment.

2. Spend less

 

One way that some people here suggest is to change the government, the question is change to which other government?? The strongest opposition party at the moment?? They already said they are not ready to govern. And no matter which party you choose, the outcome is going to be the same. So give it a rest.

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Guest Raiden Alpha

Think some people are complaining too much and has the entitlement mentality. When I first started off as a Poly Grad 15 years back my pay was only 1.6k and every and on top of that I have to finance my own partime degree study and giving 250 to my parent every month. At the end of the month I still managed to save roughly 1k.

So if you think your pay is not enough, there are only 2 way you can improve your situation

1. make more money by getting a better job by improving yourself or investment.

2. Spend less

One way that some people here suggest is to change the government, the question is change to which other government?? The strongest opposition party at the moment?? They already said they are not ready to govern. And no matter which party you choose, the outcome is going to be the same. So give it a rest.

Fifteen years ago your starting pay was $1.6k,after Cpf deductions should be around $1280.

Give $250 to parents per month.

$1280-$250=$1030.

Finance your own part time degree study.

How much is your part time degree study fees??

And you still have roughly $1k left to save you say. So what happen to your food,transport,living and social/luxury expenses?

And I5 years ago cost of living is how much compare to now? Do you still remember how much a plate of chicken rice cost then? How much is your bus/mrt/taxi fare then compare to now 2014?

Not to mention job competition and population density was not as overload as it is now.

Is this the promise and way of life an elected government treat its electorate?

Who is responsible for these inflation/stagnant wage/wealth disparity gap over the years? And who truly get to benefit all the economic revenue of the country over the years?

Opposition say they are not ready to become the new government,when was it ever up to them to made such a claim? The people vote will enable a change in their mentality in due time.

Like hell I'm going to sit and sink in this country that is steer by the current incompetent statesmen.

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Opposition say they are not ready to become the new government,when was it ever up to them to made such a claim? The people vote will enable a change in their mentality in due time.

Like hell I'm going to sit and sink in this country that is steer by the current incompetent statesmen.

Did they really say that? No other opposition party ever says that so if they do then they must be really not ready no matter whether they get voted in or not. So, why do you want to vote for a party that is not ready? Isnt that going to do more damage rather than solve anything?

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Guest Raiden Alpha

Did they really say that? No other opposition party ever says that so if they do then they must be really not ready no matter whether they get voted in or not. So, why do you want to vote for a party that is not ready? Isnt that going to do more damage rather than solve anything?

I quote it on guest word but that guest was correct,worker party did say they were not ready to become the new govt in "that"moment in time.

Well that moment has pass and now is another new year already. A lot of things can be change.

And beside worker party this Republic still has other alternate parties available,each with it own strengths and flair in certain aptitude so don't ever adopt a self defeatist mentality that only PAP is the only one and available credible political party that is fit to rule and lead because it is not. Just take a look at how haywire this country has gone under the helm of the current 3rd generation pap team.

And beside Pap is ready? Hah let the vote tell them whether they still have the mandate to rule this country in 2016 then.

Do understand that politics was never once a clean business in the history of man since the dawn of civilisation. In this land there is no PAP there is only one family that see over all and it is their will and ethos that determine the lives of millions here. But the votes can strip that power away from them and transfer it to a more deserving recipient.

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 I think many here are still little children who are still unaware of the realities of life yet.

 

Yes, you can indeed live with $3k per month. That will be music to the ears of a group of people who has been insisting that a salary of $1k can buy you a house.

 

In fact, I have a receptionist working in my organization who told me she only earn $500 each month. She is 55 years old and lives in a 3 room flat with her mother and sister. So yes, you can live with whatever salary you have, even at $500 per month.

 

But is that what life is all about? Scrimping and saving 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year with an exception of one or two days that you splurge on an $10 meal at KFC? Looking to see where you can buy lunch for less than $2 each meal? Trying to go to work early so that you can take the free MRT ride everyday? The best place for a holiday is window shopping along Orchard Road, because even going to Universal Studio in Singapore will cost you $60?

 

Yes, of course there will be people who will start saying that there are people who lives on a $2/day salary elsewhere in other parts of the world. But those people elsewhere may just be able to enjoy a feast for $1 there.

 

I am now wayyyyy above this $3k salary level and I used to feel rich at that type of $3k salary level. But now, even at my salary level, I still feel poor.

 

You guys go work out your own sums. A 2-room BTO may just cost $300k, meaning you have to 100 months to pay back that sums, or 8 years of your life's salary. If you are dreaming of a condo (or that Bishan HDB sold recently) of $1 million, that is 24 years of your $3k salary. And just so you know, $300k flat is pretty much the cheapest accommodation you can get for yourself nowadays, meaning 100% of your $3k salary for 8 years.

 

Not forgetting your medical bills, insurances, food and accommodation, anything miscellaneous.

 

And if you are living hand to mouth here without any savings, who is going to pay to look after you when you grow old? The government? LOL!

 

So, please grow up if you really think $3k is going to do you any thing good.

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Yes indeed. Little children should work hard when they are still young to earn and save as much as possible.

The rich will get richer. So start your ball of money from young and as you age, let the money roll and grow bigger for you.

Many people are so envious of me now because I can quit anytime without much worries. But this is because of the sweat I put in my work all these years and the financial planning I started when I was still in my early twenties.

But nowadays, many youngsters are spending like there is no tomorrow. And to make things worst, they are not willing to work very hard. I mean, if you desire a lavish lifestyle, then you should work very hard for it, isnt it, little children? :)

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I agree that with 3k a month it will be hard to plan for bigger-ticket items like car and accommodation. I earn about 6k nett and it barely funds my car and flat. I also pay give my parents about $500 a month. Having just purchased my flat, I would say that it was a daunting experience writing so many zeros on a cheque. One has to plan for such things in advance. 

 

Having said that, I agree with some who seem to imply that we need to lead a less materialistic life. Being happy is really not about accumulating wealth.

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Yes indeed. Little children should work hard when they are still young to earn and save as much as possible.

The rich will get richer. So start your ball of money from young and as you age, let the money roll and grow bigger for you.

Many people are so envious of me now because I can quit anytime without much worries. But this is because of the sweat I put in my work all these years and the financial planning I started when I was still in my early twenties.

But nowadays, many youngsters are spending like there is no tomorrow. And to make things worst, they are not willing to work very hard. I mean, if you desire a lavish lifestyle, then you should work very hard for it, isnt it, little children? :)

 

LOL! Yea, little children should grow up. Nobody in Singapore can quit without worries for long. One year or two years or a stretch of three years is fine. But to live in delusion that anyone can quit without much worries is laughable. Thank you for making me laugh on the first day of CNY. 在此祝BW上的小朋友们快高长大,思路成熟! ^_^

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Yes indeed. Little children should work hard when they are still young to earn and save as much as possible.

The rich will get richer. So start your ball of money from young and as you age, let the money roll and grow bigger for you.

Many people are so envious of me now because I can quit anytime without much worries. But this is because of the sweat I put in my work all these years and the financial planning I started when I was still in my early twenties.

But nowadays, many youngsters are spending like there is no tomorrow. And to make things worst, they are not willing to work very hard. I mean, if you desire a lavish lifestyle, then you should work very hard for it, isnt it, little children? :)

 

 

Ok so to be specific, how hard is hard? Working 7 day weeks or 18 hour days? Do those rich bankers and professionals actually work this hard?

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Ok so to be specific, how hard is hard? Working 7 day weeks or 18 hour days? Do those rich bankers and professionals actually work this hard?

Wah, cannot be so calculative, because different jobs require different levels of commitment. The construction workers, hawkers and bankers all have to work different number of hrs to earn the same amt of money.

But what I meant was to do your very best at work, and try not to complain too much when given extras. But of course the extra work should not be too much.

And if you think that certain professions are paid much better than others with less working hrs, then work hard and gear your career towards those professions. If you cant, then you have no choice but to work harder and longer so that you can enjoy a comfortable life. :)

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Tips on being frugal:

Less socialising.

Less partying.

Less shopping.

Less branded goods.

Less dining out.

Less overseas travelling.

No smoking.

No car.

No children.

No gambling.

No expensive membership.

Look out for offers, discounts and good bargains.

Save at least a third of your income.

Use your savings to invest or buy insurance.

Stay healthy.

Be contented.

These are tried and tested by me, and I can actually semi retire at quite a young age now without worries if I want.

:)

 

 

Wow. That's quite a tall order. Nonetheless, I believe we have only one life so live it well. Do what you enjoy and no point hoarding up the money because at the end of the day, money is never the answer to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

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Wow. That's quite a tall order. Nonetheless, I believe we have only one life so live it well. Do what you enjoy and no point hoarding up the money because at the end of the day, money is never the answer to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Hey, the first six is LESS, not NO. :)

Instead of partying every weekend, reduce to every fortnight... etc.

It is not difficult to carry out the "tall order" if you have your targets in mind.

I have been wanting to semi retire at around age 40, so with this in mind, I practice financial discipline since young very willingly. :)

And it is not about hoarding up money, but to spend it meaningfully. Gambling, partying and smoking hard-earned money away are definitely unwise and not meaningful. Isnt it?

Edited by navyblue
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Hey, the first six is LESS, not NO. :)

Instead of partying every weekend, reduce to every fortnight... etc.

It is not difficult to carry out the "tall order" if you have your targets in mind.

I have been wanting to semi retire at around age 40, so with this in mind, I practice financial discipline since young very willingly. :)

And it is not about hoarding up money, but to spend it meaningfully. Gambling, partying and smoking hard-earned money away are definitely unwise and not meaningful. Isnt it?

 

I agree with you but of course what's meaningful to a person varies across the board. A smoker will find smoking meaningful in a way non-smokers cannot understand. As long as it is in moderation, I guess. :-)

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I agree with you but of course what's meaningful to a person varies across the board. A smoker will find smoking meaningful in a way non-smokers cannot understand. As long as it is in moderation, I guess. :-)

"Meaningful" in a generally accepted sense means not harmful to others and oneself, but beneficial.

And yes, I am talking about moderation too. :)

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Comfort level differs person to person.

Clubbing, partying and dining in restaurant is a must for some, but some can just stay home and eat at hawker ctrs and be still perfectly comfy.

Even for the same person, due to changes in commitment and priorities, spending pattern can change.

For a single, healthy guy with no car no housing loan to finance, and no expensive hobbies and taste, I would think 2-3k should suffice.

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