No Kids, Double Income… So Retirement Should Be Easy — Right?
That’s what many DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) couples assume. After all, you’ve got no school fees, no childcare bills, and more freedom.
But here’s the truth:
Having no kids doesn’t guarantee a smooth retirement. In fact, it brings a different set of challenges — and opportunities — that require thoughtful planning.
Let’s unpack 9 smart moves every DINK couple should make:
Smart Move #1: Be Intentional with Your Extra Cashflow No diapers or school fees? Great — but don’t let lifestyle creep eat up your wealth-building potential.
With fewer obligations, DINKs typically have higher disposable income. But that doesn’t always translate into wealth.
Ask yourself: 🤔 Are we growing our net worth or just increasing our lifestyle costs? 🤔 Are we “rewarding ourselves” too often instead of investing? 🤔 Are we saving and investing with intention?
💡 Tip: Set clear savings and investment goals. Automate them monthly before spending the rest guilt-free.
Smart Move #2: Plan for an Early Exit (If You Want One) With fewer financial commitments, early retirement is possible — but only if you start preparing today.
No kids = fewer dependencies = flexibility.
Many DINKs dream of retiring or semi-retiring by their early 50s. It’s possible — only if you start building passive income streams now.
Ask yourself: 🤔 What’s your FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) number? 🤔 Are you accumulating assets that pay you monthly?
Smart Move #3: Know That CPF Isn’t a Full Retirement Plan You may not have dependents, but that just means self-reliance is even more important in later years.
CPF LIFE helps — but is it enough for the lifestyle you want?
Things to consider: ☑️ Are you topping up your CPF Special Account while earning? ☑️ Do you have private annuities or dividend-paying investments?
Smart Move #4: Maximise Your Prime Earning Years These are your bonus years. Make sure you're investing with strategy, not just splurging with freedom.
Now’s the best time to turbocharge your financial engine.
What to do: ☑️ Reinvest bonuses into long-term assets. ☑️ Avoid lifestyle inflation for status or “because we can.” ☑️ Review your asset allocation and risk profile with a professional.
Smart Move #5: Rethink How You Use Property More properties don’t always mean more freedom. Create a plan that aligns with your liquidity and goals.
Property can be a powerful tool… or a golden cage.
Ask yourselves: 🤔 Are you asset-rich but cash-poor? 🤔 If you’re planning to downgrade later, when and how? 🤔 Do you own multiple properties? What’s the holding cost vs. return?
Smart Move #6: Secure Health Coverage While You're Young No kids to take care of you later? Then now’s the time to prepare for caregiving, long-term care, and rising costs.
With no kids to rely on, long-term care becomes a critical discussion.
Checklist: ☑️ Do you have CI (critical illness) and H&S (hospitalisation & surgical) cover? ☑️ What’s your plan for caregiving or assisted living? ☑️ Have you upgraded your CareShield Life for better disability coverage?
Smart Move #7: Define What Retirement Actually Looks Like Want to travel the world or pursue a passion project? Get clear now so you can fund it later.
A common blind spot: vague dreams with no concrete plan.
Visioning prompts: 🤔 Do you want to live abroad, run a business, or just relax with zero money stress? 🤔 What does a typical day in “retirement” look like for you? 🤔 How much does that lifestyle cost per month?
Once you can see it, you can plan for it.
Smart Move #8: Ask the Tough (but Important) Questions The right questions lead to the right plan. Don’t shy away from thinking long-term and realistically.
“What if you live till 95 — how will you fund the last 30 years?”
“Do you want to leave behind a legacy — or spend it all?”
“If one of you falls seriously ill, are you financially and emotionally prepared?”
Smart Move #9: Don’t Skip the Basics Like Wills, LPA & Nominations Just because you have no kids doesn’t mean you skip estate planning. It’s about control, not complexity.
Many DINKs delay estate planning because “we don’t have kids.” But life happens — and often unexpectedly.
Essentials to review: ☑️ Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): Who will manage your affairs if you're incapacitated? ☑️ CPF & insurance nominations: Are they up to date? ☑️ Will: Who inherits what? How will your assets be distributed?
Final Thoughts
You’ve worked hard to enjoy a child-free, comfortable lifestyle — and there’s nothing wrong with that. But comfort now doesn’t guarantee peace later.
Planning isn’t about restriction — it’s about intentional freedom.
Get started on a retirement plan that fits your goals, values, and lifestyle today!
The views expressed in this media do not necessarily reflect the views of PFPFA Pte Ltd (“PFPFA”). The information provided herein is intended for general circulation and not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use will be contrary to local laws or regulation. You should also note that the information presented does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation or the particular needs of any specific individuals; and therefore, may not be appropriate to your individual needs. You should seek the advice of your financial adviser representative or a professional before making any commitment to purchase or invest in any investment product.
Estate planning services is provided by PFP Legacy Singapore, a sister company of PFPFA Pte Ltd. Estate planning and/or will-writing services are non-financial advisory services and thus are not regulated under the Financial Advisers Act. Prestige Wealth is a group of Certified Estate Planners, representing PFP Legacy Singapore.
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