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Anxious and rattled over a retirement budget dry run. But it was worth it

The writer tried to stick to a fake budget, and the experience turned out to be an emotional roller coaster.

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A 2023 survey indicated that about 80 per cent of Singapore residents kept track of their daily spending.

A 2023 survey indicated that about 80 per cent of Singapore residents kept track of their daily spending.

ST ILLUSTRATION: CEL GULAPA

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In the middle of a busy supermarket, I stood hesitating in front of the gorgeous grapes that I like – an expensive type costing more than $20 a box. I usually think of the sweet treat as being worth the splurge as it will help keep me full, healthy and happy.

However, that day was different as I was hanging on for dear life to an emotional roller coaster of a retirement budget dry run. I felt guilty, then glum, as I wondered if the realistic question should be whether I could even afford to buy $6 or $3 grapes whenever I wanted as a retiree in the future.

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