Meet Sin Ting: Singapore’s Finance‑Whiz and Chief Client Officer
At 33, Sin Ting steers the client side of Endowus — a fintech firm that turns CPF, SRS, and ordinary cash into smart investments.
My First “Smart Investor” Move
Like a few of us, I believed I could outwit a bunch of seasoned market veterans. I built my first portfolio by picking stocks from news headlines or companies whose products I actually use.
Reality Check: The Market Had a Lesson to Teach
It didn’t take long to realize that markets are not a playground for “I‑can‑do‑it” self‑confidence. I learned quickly how humble the financial world can be. In hindsight, my early downfall turned into a priceless lesson that I’ve carried along my whole investing journey.
The Mentor that Made the Difference
Fortune smiled on me when a brilliant female mentor entered my life. She kept steering me back to the important truth: “While you’re managing wealth for others, don’t forget to take care of your own cash.”
Adopting Patience & Discipline
- Consistency matters – I turned investing into a habit, saving a slice each month.
- Slow and steady wins the race – My portfolio grew with each disciplined step.
- Empowerment through ownership – Taking charge of my finances gave me a new, robust sense of control.
The Bottom Line
Investing isn’t about outsmarting everyone; it’s about staying patient, learning nonstop, and, most importantly, treating your own money like you treat a prized garden: with care, consistency, and a dash of optimism.
The gift of investing
From a High-Paying Corporate Job to a Purpose‑Driven Startup
Investing didn’t just fill my wallet – it gave me the confidence to step off the safety platform of a corporate career and dive into the messy world of entrepreneurship.
Finding Purpose in the Numbers
Before I could say “I’ve got it!” I spent a lot of time city‑wise looking at my life: Do I really want to be doing this? I figured out that building a business that matters is a marathon, not a sprint. The odds were stacked against me – the survival selection bias of start‑ups means that most folks never see the real payoff. But a few great people joined me on this wild ride, and that changed everything.
Financial Maps: The Power of Little Nest Eggs
- Investing over time created a small safety net that made risking the career switch less scary.
- Watching those numbers climb felt like cheering at a sports game and gave me the “heck yes” feeling.
- When you’re rolling toward an uncertain future, a clear picture of finances is the only piece that keeps you anchored.
Why Every Woman Deserves a Personal Finance Playbook
I’m glad I had early on “the money mentor” in my career, but it wasn’t a cakewalk either. The road is littered with barriers – from biased career paths to hard‑to‑find mentorship. I wish more women got that same level of financial confidence, because once you feel secure, you can actually chase the dream of a purpose‑driven life.
The Take‑away
If you’re dreaming of a startup but have a high‑paying gig, remember that:
1. Prep your finances first – a small investment nest egg is a game‑changer.
2. Partner with people who ride the same rollercoaster with you.
3. Keep a sprinkle of humor and emotional resilience – you’ll laugh through the setbacks.
With these tools, the leap is less scary and more exciting. Good luck, dreamers.
Why it’s important to start investing
Why Money is Your Ticket to Freedom
Think of cash as a passport that lets you book the adventures you want. Skip the pricey soy lattes, tighten your belt, and you’ll be saving a healthy chunk of your paycheck. But the real magic? Laying down a solid investment plan that trips your future in a way savings alone can’t.
Financial Independence for Women: A Game Changer
- Living on your own terms sounds great – especially if you’re a woman looking to keep control over your bucks.
- With a longer life expectancy than men, ladies face a marathon when it comes to retirement. And yet, a whopping 40% of Singaporean women haven’t even started their savings plan, while only 29% of men have.
A Real-World Worry Snapshot
- According to a recent HSBC read, 74% of working-age Singaporean women are fretting over medical bills when they retire.
- More than half also fear that if their partner passes away, they’ll be left scrambling for cash.
Saving vs. Investing: A Tale of Two Money-Paths
- Both savings and investments involve putting money aside today for tomorrow’s needs. The difference? One merely preserves, the other builds.
- Bank balances and safety deposit boxes tend to lose value each year because of inflation, so you’re actually shrinking your purchasing power unless you’re actively growing your stash.
- Investing – the real wealth engine – lets your money work for you no matter how much it slows. Albert Einstein called this “the eighth wonder of the world,” and we can’t argue with him.
Start Early, Grow Bigger
- Rather than dip into savings to pile up a large somethin’‑big fund, let your small, consistent contributions compound the long‑term.
- Think of early investing as giving your money a personal training routine; they’ll get buffier faster than you can keep up.
In short, the smartest route to be your own boss with a bedtime that doesn’t involve tucking in “money” and fearing the future is to blend both savings and investing. Keep your finances diversified, be proactive, and let time be your best ally.
Why might it be harder for women to start investing
Why Women Aren’t Naturally Playing It Safe With Stocks
It turns out the myth that women are extra cautious when it comes to money is just that—a myth. Studies on the ground show that women actually rival men in financial savvy.
Confidence: The Silent Investment Barrier
Even when she knows the ropes, many women feel the pinch of doubt. “Do I really know enough to grow my savings?” is a common refrain. The result? Cash sits idle until they feel the “perfect” moment—balance, literacy, a fear‑free mindset.
Pay Gap Points & CPF Crunch
- Salary Split: In Singapore, women earned roughly 16.3 % less than men in 2018, weighing down their earnings even after adjusting for job type, education, and age.
- Career Breaks: Care‑taking roles and pauses in the workforce can stunt upward mobility—plus it shrinks the contributions made to the Central Provident Fund.
- CPF Imbalance: Women’s CPF reserves lag behind men’s by an average of 11 %. This gap is a silent, long‑term hurdle.
Beyond Pink to Real Results
When crafting a financial roadmap for women, skip the “pretty pink” morass and focus on the real numbers: salary, career trajectory, and long‑term savings health. Let the cash‑back percentages decide themselves—be it for a department store or a petrol station, it’s all about the balance sheet.
Risk: More Than Volatile Markets
The danger isn’t merely a dip in the share price; it’s the systemic gaps that can derail a woman’s long‑term goals. If a plan doesn’t address these disparities, the dream of a comfortable, fulfilled life may still feel out of reach.
How to overcome the fear of investing
Investing Without Fear: Let Your Money Grow, Not Your Anxiety
Jumping into the market can feel like stepping onto a tightrope—your stomach rumbles, your hands get sweaty, and you’re worried you’ll drop everything. The truth? Fear is just a barrier that stops you from making the first move, and once you take that step, the world of investing is all about reading risks and earning rewards.
Why staying flat isn’t a safe bet
Think money just sits still? Think again. Inflation snacks on your cash, while your wallet gets lighter each year. Waiting too long means you miss out on the real magic of compound returns, and you pay the price in later opportunities.
Getting started is easy—if you know the game plan
Contrary to the myth that you need a PhD in finance to succeed, today’s platforms let anyone light up small amounts and keep tracking growth. But a little groundwork goes a long way.
- Check Your Situation: Know what you have coming in and going out. A clear view of your finances sets the stage for smart decisions.
- Define Your Goals: Whether you’re eyeing a vacation, a new home, or a secure retirement, your objectives drive the portfolio structure.
- Select the Right Strategy: Pinpoint the risk level that lines up with your targets, and allocate accordingly.
Women’s unique wallet perspective
Women in Singapore, for instance, often juggle a mix of maternity, career, and caring roles that shape how they invest. Rather than chasing exotic products, it’s about building a plan that respects those shifting needs.
Build a habit, not a grand gesture
Step small but steady: invest every month, every quarter, or every semi‑annual cycle. Regular contributions help level out market jitters—think dollar‑cost averaging instead of waiting for the perfect dip.
Take the first step toward your dream life
Going beyond the fear, you’ll sidestep a common regret that echoes across Singapore’s women: “I should have invested more.” The path to an abundant future starts with a single, cautious stride.
— Drafted by a seasoned writer for Her World Online
