For many Singaporeans, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) is the single most important asset
when it comes to retirement. It's not just a savings account — it's a powerful tool to
build long-term financial security, generate lifelong income, and support essential needs
like healthcare and housing.
But simply contributing to CPF through your employer is not enough.
To retire well, you need a clear and deliberate CPF strategy — one that’s built around
your lifestyle goals, income, and timeline.
In this article, we’ll explore how your CPF strategy shapes your retirement outcomes, what
options you have at every stage, and how to make the most of CPF’s unique features.
Why CPF Is Central to Retirement in Singapore
The CPF system is designed to support you across three pillars:
Retirement income (via CPF LIFE payouts)
Housing (via Ordinary Account withdrawals)
Healthcare (via MediSave)
By law, a portion of your monthly salary is split across your CPF accounts:
Ordinary Account (OA): Housing, insurance, investments
Special Account (SA): Retirement-focused savings
