Title: How to Build $1 Million in Singapore Starting from Zero (2025 Guide)

 

Intro:
$1 million. Sounds like a dream, right? Especially if you’re in your 40s or 50s, stuck in a full-time job, and wondering if you started too late. I get it – I’m Lew Wenwan, and I’m in the same boat. But here’s the truth: it’s possible to hit $1M even if you start late, as long as you follow a plan.

This guide is for Singaporeans who want to hit that first $1M mark without taking crazy risks or quitting their jobs. Let’s dive in.

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Step 1: Know Your Starting Point

If you’re earning $3,000 to $6,000 a month, you might think, “How on earth can I hit $1M?”
Here’s the reality: your salary is your engine, not your limit.

• Save 30% of your take-home pay (start with 10%, work your way up).

• Track expenses – apps like Seedly or MoneyOwl can help.

Even saving $1,500 a month means $18,000 a year – that’s your first seed money for investing.

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Step 2: Master Your CPF

CPF isn’t just a forced savings scheme – it’s a guaranteed return account if you use it well.

• Top up CPF SA early → 4% compounding is gold.

• Use CPF OA for housing wisely – don’t over-leverage.

• By 55, your CPF can easily cross $300k–$400k if you plan right.

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Step 3: Invest for Growth (Not Quick Wins)

Forget chasing stocks that promise overnight riches. In Singapore, the smart way is:

• Index ETFs (S&P 500, STI) for growth.

• REITs for passive income.

• Blue-chip dividend stocks for stability.

Example: If you invest $1,500/month at 6% average return, you’ll have $500k in 15 years – and that’s without CPF.

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Step 4: Add a Side Income

If you’re like me – full-time job, limited hours – side hustles like these make sense:

• Blogging or YouTube (what I’m doing now!)

• Digital products (e-books, online courses)

• Affiliate marketing (promoting products you use)

An extra $500–$1,000 a month invested wisely can shave years off your $1M goal.

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Step 5: Avoid These Traps

• Lifestyle inflation – more salary ≠ more spending.

• Bad debt – don’t carry credit card balances.

• Over-investing in property – don’t let all your wealth get stuck in your home.

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Your $1M Roadmap (Example)

• Year 0: $0

• Year 5: $120k (savings + CPF)

• Year 10: $400k (investments + CPF)

• Year 15: $800k (portfolio + CPF + side hustle income)

• Year 18–20: $1M+

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Final Word:
If you’re starting late, don’t panic. The key is consistency + smart investing + side income.

I’m documenting my own journey to $10M net worth – if you want to follow along, subscribe to my blog and my YouTube channel. We’ll do this together.