Only 49% of Singaporeans feel prepared for the next decade, despite 76% having already taken steps to improve their financial wellbeing, health and future readiness.
Nearly half, or 47%, said a lack of money was their biggest barrier to being prepared for life, ahead of lack of knowledge at 20%, lack of time at 16% and lack of motivation at 15%, according to Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s Life Preparedness Survey 2026.
The survey, conducted by Kantar in May 2026 amongst 1,017 Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above, found that financial security remains the strongest measure of being prepared, with 68% identifying it as the most important factor.
The survey found that 68% were willing to take further action to improve their preparedness.
The most common steps they planned to take were starting or increasing savings at 55%, exercising regularly at 49%, spending more quality time with loved ones at 38%, improving sleep habits at 37% and learning a new skill or taking a course at 33%.
However, preparedness remains a lower priority for some groups. Amongst Singaporeans aged 45 to 54, 39% said they were not ready to take action.
Within this group, 24% prioritised managing household finances, whilst 21% were most concerned about planning for future care needs.
The survey also found that burnout is affecting Singaporeans across age groups.
More than half, or 56%, said they had experienced burnout in the past year, including 20% who said they felt burned out very often.
Amongst those aged 18 to 24, 44% reported experiencing burnout. Their main sources of stress were uncertainty about the future at 49%, financial worries at 43% and workload or job demands at 43%.
Despite these pressures, 42% of Singaporeans in this age group said wealth accumulation was their top focus for 2026.
Future planning also remains difficult to discuss within families. Only 21% said they had held open and detailed discussions with their families about future care needs, finances and legacy planning.
Amongst those aged 55 and above, 13% preferred to manage these matters on their own.
Ms Claudia Soh, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore, said financial readiness remained an important foundation, but people also needed support and open discussions to prepare for longer-term uncertainties.