Half of Affluent Singaporeans Plan Multiple ‘Mini Retirements’, Highlighting Opportunities for Early Wealth Planning

The global study, which surveyed more than 10,000 affluent adults across 12 markets, shows that 49% of Singapore respondents intend to take a mini retirement compared to 45% globally. These pauses are not early retirements but purposeful resets to focus on family, passions, or well-being.

At present, 62% of Singaporeans feel confident about planning and financing such breaks, compared to 74% globally.

This reflects Singaporeans’ heightened focus on financial security, family commitments and balancing long-term goals with lifestyle aspirations – areas where thoughtful planning and advice can help provide reassurance.

Distinctly Singaporean funding patterns

When it comes to financing these breaks, Singapore respondents stand out for their reliance on personal savings and investment income:

• Personal savings – 56% (global: 49%)
• Dividends, interest, or capital gains – 52% (global: 45%)
• Drawing from pension or retirement accounts – 37% (global: 32%)

This demonstrates Singaporeans’ strong culture of saving and investing, alongside a growing appetite for diversified income streams to sustain lifestyle goals.

Why take multi-retirements?

For affluent Singaporeans, multi retirements are less about leaving work and more about pressing pause to recharge, realign and refocus. The top drivers are travel without constraints (37%) and spending quality time with family (37%) — both higher than the global averages of 30% and 34%. This reflects Singaporeans’ strong desire to prioritise experiences and relationships with a fast-paced environment.

A further 36% of Singapore respondents prioritise physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which is comparatively higher than the global average (31%), highlighting a growing recognition that success is not only financial but also about sustaining health and balance.

These aspirations also bring important priorities to plan for. Nearly half (48%) highlight financial security, while over a third cite family obligations (38%) — such as caring for elderly parents or young children — and re-entering the job market (38%).

Destinations of choice

Popular destinations for Singaporeans to take multi retirements include Malaysia (31%), Australia (26%), and Japan (24%), reflecting a blend of proximity, lifestyle, and affordability.

Not a career exit – a career reset

“Multi retirements are not about leaving work behind; they are about living your aspirations and intentionally creating space to realign priorities,” said Ashmita Acharya, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC Singapore. Singaporeans are ambitious about taking these breaks, and while their confidence is slightly below global peers, this is where early planning becomes essential. As the lines between wealth and wellness continue to blur, digital wealth tools like the HSBC Future Planner and wealth advisory can help clients bridge this gap, giving them the clarity and confidence to live well today while safeguarding their long-term goals.”

HSBC’s global network, suite of resources and partnerships equip customers with the tools to plan and budget for their multi-retirements and traditional retirement.