Only 49% of Singaporeans Feel Prepared for the Next Decade

Only 49% of Singaporeans feel prepared for the upcoming decade, despite 76% already taking steps to enhance their financial wellbeing, health, and future readiness. The Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey 2026, conducted by Kantar in May 2026, surveyed 1,017 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 and above.

The survey reveals a disconnect between confidence in the future and the proactive actions taken today. Financial security is the most important factor in being future ready, cited by 68% of respondents. Lack of money emerges as the biggest barrier to life preparedness, affecting 47% of Singaporeans. Despite this, 68% of Singaporeans are willing to take action to improve their preparedness, with the most common actions being increasing savings (55%), exercising regularly (49%), spending quality time with loved ones (38%), improving sleep habits (37%), and learning new skills or taking courses (33%).

However, life preparedness is less of a priority for older mid-life Singaporeans, with 39% aged 45 to 54 not feeling ready to take action. Key challenges to future life preparedness include burnout, affecting 56% of Singaporeans, and a reluctance to discuss future care needs, finances, and legacy planning with family. Etiqa Insurance Singapore emphasizes that life preparedness requires resilience, support systems, and open conversations about long-term planning.