After National Service: How NS Men Transition Back to Civilian Life
Key Takeaways
- Transitioning from National Service to civilian life presents unique challenges and opportunities.
- Reintegrating into academia or the workforce requires adaptability and planning.
- Financial preparation for your future with investments set the foundation for future stability.
- Tools like Income Insurance's Invest Flex can support young adults in achieving their financial goals.
Why the National Service to Civilian Life Transition Matters
Completing National Service is a significant milestone for Singaporean men. The discipline, structure, and responsibility instilled during this period are invaluable. However, re-entering civilian life introduces new challenges, from resuming education or starting a career to investing in your future and redefining one's identity. This transition marks the beginning of adulthood, requiring thoughtful planning and support.
Common Challenges Faced by NS Men After ORD
Rejoining Academia or Starting a Career
Returning to studies can feel overwhelming, especially when factoring in Singapore university costs. Planning ahead financially makes all the difference. Adjusting to study routines or navigating job applications and interviews without prior experience demands resilience and adaptability.
Finding Purpose and Routine Again
The structured environment of NS provides a clear daily routine. Post-ORD, the absence of this structure can feel disorienting. Establishing personal goals, managing time effectively, and maintaining motivation become essential to creating a fulfilling civilian life.
Choosing Investments for Your Goals
Transitioning from receiving allowances during NS to managing personal finances requires a shift in mindset. Budgeting, saving, and planning for future goals are crucial steps toward choosing investments that suit your needs.
Smart Moves to Rebuild Civilian Momentum
Upgrade Your Skills
Pursuing short courses, certifications, or university bridging programmes can enhance employability. Aligning these educational pursuits with personal interests and emerging industry trends promotes relevance in a competitive job market.
Build a Healthy Lifestyle Outside of Uniform
Maintaining physical health through gyms, sports clubs, or group fitness activities supports overall well-being. Equally important is prioritising mental health during this adjustment phase, seeking support when needed.
Start a Basic Financial Plan Early
Utilising budgeting apps, establishing an emergency fund, and understanding CPF contributions are foundational steps in financial planning. Starting with small, consistent efforts can lead to significant long-term benefits.
Taking Your First Steps for Life After NS
Post-NS, many individuals find themselves with their first substantial savings. Income Insurance's Invest Flex offers a flexible, low-barrier entry into investing for young adults:
- Flexibility to take a premium holiday1 at no charge for up to 120 months from the 5th policy anniversary.
- Investment bonus of up to 60.0% of your regular premiums paid for the 1st policy year.
- Provide 0.5% annual loyalty bonus2 starting from the 10th policy anniversary or the end of the Minimum Investment Period (MIP), whichever is later.
- Maximise your investment with up to 105% of your regular premiums paid to purchase units.
- Have the option to withdraw some of your investments at no charge when any specified life event3 occurs during the MIP.
Invest Flex empowers young investors to take control of their financial future with confidence and adaptability.
Tips for NS Men Planning Their Future
Try these tips as first steps in life after NS:
- Set clear short- and long-term goals to guide your post-NS journey.
- Automate savings and investments to build wealth consistently.
- Begin investing early to maximise compound growth.
- Educate yourself on basic financial concepts to make informed decisions.
ORD is the Start of Your Financial Journey
Completing National Service is not just an end but a new beginning. Embracing the transition with proactive planning, continuous learning, and financial prudence sets the stage for civilian life. Tools like Invest Flex from Income Insurance can be instrumental in achieving your financial aspirations.
Ready to take the next step? Explore how Invest Flex can support your financial journey.
Contact us today to learn more.
1 The policy will enter into a premium holiday provided the policy value is able to cover the fees and charges that continue to be due on the policy. The premium holiday charge may be payable during the premium holiday if it is within the MIP. From the 5th policy anniversary, the policyholder can take a premium holiday without any premium holiday charge up to the specified period according to the MIP selected. Please refer to the policy conditions for further details.
2 From the 10th policy anniversary, or the end of the MIP, whichever is later, we will provide an annual loyalty bonus of 0.5% of the policy value based on the anniversary. The loyalty bonus will be provided on the next working day from the anniversary, and will be used to invest in the funds the policyholder has chosen. The policy must meet all the following conditions to receive the loyalty bonus:
a) The policy must not have ended when the loyalty bonus is provided.
b) The policyholder did not make any withdrawal, except withdrawal under life events withdrawal benefit, for the past 12 months before the date for the loyalty bonus payment.
Please refer to the policy conditions for further details.
3 During the MIP, the policyholder may choose to exercise a free partial withdrawal if the insured experiences a life event, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions. Please refer to the policy conditions for further details on the life events and the applicable terms and conditions.
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advise to buy or sell any product(s). It should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income Insurance products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. Please seek independent financial advice before making any decision.
These policies are protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact Income Insurance or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).
This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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