Survey reveals only 49 percent of Singaporeans feel prepared
A new survey by Etiqa Insurance Singapore reveals only 49 percent of residents feel prepared for the upcoming decade despite 76 percent taking active financial steps
SINGAPORE – The Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey 2026 indicates that just 49% of Singaporeans feel prepared for the upcoming decade. Despite 76% already taking actions to enhance their financial wellness, health and readiness for the future, there appears to be a disconnect between their confidence in the future and the steps they are currently taking.
Conducted by Kantar in May 2026, the survey polled 1,017 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 and above, examining indicators of preparedness in physical health, mental wellbeing, finances and future-readiness. The research reveals that financial security is the most crucial aspect of preparedness, cited by 68% of respondents, while a lack of money (47%) is the biggest barrier to being future-ready, ahead of issues like lack of knowledge (20%), time (16%), and motivation (15%).
Despite 68% of Singaporeans expressing readiness to act on improving preparedness, common priorities include boosting savings (55%), exercising more (49%), spending quality time with loved ones (38%), improving sleep (37%), and learning new skills (33%). However, life preparedness takes a back seat for Singaporeans aged 45 to 54, with 39% not ready to act.
Among this group, 24% prioritize managing household finances, while 21% are most concerned about future care needs. Burnout emerges as a significant obstacle to future life preparedness, affecting 56% of Singaporeans, with one in five feeling burned out "very often." For the 18 to 24 age group, burnout is driven by uncertainty (49%), financial worries (43%) and workload (43%).
Despite these pressures, 42% of young Singaporeans aged 18 to 24 identified wealth accumulation as their top focus for 2026, highlighting a generation striving for long-term stability despite high levels of mental and emotional strain. The survey also highlights that many Singaporeans avoid discussing future care needs, finances and legacy planning with their families, with only 21% having open and detailed conversations on these topics.
Among those aged 55 and above, 13% prefer to handle such matters independently, reflecting a desire for self-reliance. Ms Claudia Soh, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore, emphasized that while financial readiness remains important, resilience today requires stronger support systems and more open conversations around long-term planning.
She added that meaningful action is more likely when people feel supported, informed and empowered. Etiqa Insurance Singapore offers various initiatives to improve financial literacy, emotional wellbeing, and future planning, aiming to help Singaporeans build confidence in navigating life's uncertainties. The full survey can be accessed at www.etiqa.com.sg.
Written by urgent.news from Vietnam Investment Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
