How to Invest Your First S$100,000
Updated: 17 Nov 2025
Written bySingSaver Team
Team
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.
If you have S$100,000 to invest then you have the luxury of building your wealth. Whether you have a sudden cash windfall (e.g. profit from selling a property) or if you’ve built up your savings over the years, don’t spend it all on the lottery.
Instead, invest that money to build a strong investment portfolio so you can continue growing your wealth towards financial freedom.
There are many ways to grow your money and build a strong investment portfolio. So, without further ado, here are some ways to get started.
>> MORE: 5 types of investments suitable for beginners in 2025
Park extra cash in dividend-yield stocks and enjoy great returns
Sustainable income begins with savvy investing, and monthly dividend stocks are a low-risk, good-reward place to start.
What to do before you start investing
Before you start investing your money, make sure that you do two things first: 1) pay off any high-interest debt and 2) have an emergency fund.
1. Pay off any outstanding high-interest debt
If you have outstanding high-interest debt, such as a credit card, it’s best to clear it. The average credit card interest is 25% and unpaid credit card debt can spiral out of control.
In addition, this will also negatively affect your credit score. A bad credit score impacts your chance of getting a good loan in the future.
If you have multiple credit card debts and are struggling to pay them off, you can consider taking a balance transfer plan to pay them off in one go.
A balance transfer consolidates all your credit card debts to a 0% account, allowing you to pay the outstanding amount in interest-free installments.
>> MORE: Balance transfer: what is it and should you consider it?
2. Have enough emergency funds
Another thing to do is to establish an emergency fund. As a rough guide, you should have at least three to six months' worth of your expenses saved up. An emergency fund serves as a safety net in case of unexpected events, such as a job loss or a sudden medical expense.
Store your emergency funds in a place where you can't lose the principal and withdraw quickly, such as a savings account.
Decide what kind of investor you are
Before you begin, ask yourself: how involved do I want to be in managing my money? Your answer determines whether you’ll be an active or passive investor.
Active investing
Active investors prefer a hands-on approach, conducting their own research, monitoring market movements, and adjusting portfolios regularly in pursuit of higher returns. This often means buying individual stocks, sector-focused Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), or short-term trades based on economic trends or company performance.
Active investing can be rewarding, especially for those interested in fast-growing sectors like AI, clean energy, or semiconductors. However, it also requires time, discipline, and market knowledge. Prices can fluctuate sharply, and emotional decision-making often leads to costly mistakes.
Passive investing
If you prefer a “set-and-forget” approach, passive investing may be a better fit. Instead of constantly buying and selling, passive investors aim to grow wealth steadily over time by holding diversified, long-term investments.
In Singapore, passive investing has become increasingly popular thanks to low-cost platforms and automated tools that simplify portfolio management. The key advantage is consistency: you invest regularly, ride out market volatility, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.
Passive investing generally falls into three main categories:
Financial advisors
A licensed financial advisor offers a personalised, human-guided approach. They assess your goals, income, and risk appetite to build a diversified portfolio tailored to your needs. Advisors can also guide you on complex topics such as insurance planning, CPF optimisation, and retirement strategies.
However, professional advice comes at a cost in the form of annual management fees, which can reduce long-term returns. For investors who value personalised service and expert guidance, this can still be worthwhile, especially when managing larger portfolios.
Priority banking
For high-net-worth individuals or those with over S$100,000 in investable assets, priority banking offers an elevated experience. DBS Treasures, OCBC Premier, and UOB Privilege Banking provide dedicated relationship managers, exclusive investment access, and lifestyle perks.
Priority banking bridges the gap between traditional wealth management and premium service — ideal for investors who prefer professional oversight while still maintaining flexibility. In 2025, many of these services also integrate AI-driven portfolio analysis and global market insights, giving clients a smarter edge in managing wealth.
Grow your S$100k wisely
With $100K or more to invest, priority banking can unlock premium access, personalised advice, and exclusive wealth-building tools tailored for Singaporean investors.
Robo advisors
Robo-advisors use algorithms to automate investing, allocating your funds across a mix of ETFs or index funds based on your risk profile. Platforms such as Syfe, Endowus, and StashAway have gained popularity in Singapore for their low fees (typically 0.3–0.8% p.a.) and ease of use.
They also offer CPF and SRS investment options, making them attractive for long-term, hands-off investors. Robo-advisors automatically rebalance your portfolio, ensuring you stay aligned with your goals without lifting a finger.If you prefer a “set-and-forget” approach, passive investing may be a better fit.
The 5 Best Robo Advisors in Singapore
- All-in-one investment platform
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- Licensed by MAS
- Read our full review of Syfe
- Management fee and member benefits depend on account tier
In providing the above information, SingSaver is carrying out introducing activities on behalf of financial advisers. SingSaver is not to be construed as in any way engaging or being involved in the distribution or sale of any financial product or assuming any risk or undertaking any liability in respect of any financial product. Neither singsaver.com.sg or the content on it is intended as securities brokerage or investment advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy, or as an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any company, security or fund. The content on singsaver.com.sg is for general information purposes only and does not review or include all available companies, products or offers. SingSaver may receive compensation from the brands providing the offers or services appearing on this website. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
- Currently the only robo-advisor that allows investing via cash, CPF, or SRS funds
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- Access multi-asset ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) portfolios
- Get the opportunity to build personalised portfolios via Fund Smart
- Read our full review of Endowus
- Min. deposit of S$1,000
- Larger investment amounts required to enjoy lower fees
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- No min. investment amount and account balance required
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- Free personal finance courses and events on StashAway academy
- Get access to a term life insurance product, with premiums starting from S$115
- Read our full review of StashAway
- Larger investment amounts required to enjoy lower management fees
- Min. S$10,000 required for Income Portfolio
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- Personalise your portfolio with over 200 funds to choose from
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- Read our full review of Kristal.AI
- Only accredited investors get access to a wider range of Kristal portfolios
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- Read our full review of Oanda
- Currency conversion fee: 0.5 % mark-up/down on the midpoint price of the applicable currency at the time of conversion
- Inactivity fees apply
- Limited tradable products
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Determine your risk appetite
Your risk appetite defines how much volatility you can stomach in pursuit of returns. Understanding this helps you build a portfolio that suits your comfort level and goals.
Aggressive investors
Aggressive investors are willing to ride out short-term swings for the potential of higher long-term gains. They often invest in high-growth sectors like AI, technology, or emerging markets, as well as alternative assets like cryptocurrencies or private equity. The upside is strong growth potential — but with sharper drawdowns.
Conservative investors
Conservative investors value capital preservation over high returns. They focus on stable-income assets such as bonds, Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs), Treasury Bills, and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Dividend-paying stocks or balanced ETFs can also offer steady, predictable returns.
Balanced investors
Many Singaporeans fall into the balanced category, mixing growth assets like equities with defensive holdings such as bonds and cash equivalents. This approach reduces risk while still capturing long-term upside.
Define your investment horizon
Your investment horizon, or how long you plan to invest, directly affects how much risk you can take on.
Long-term investors (10–30 years)
If you’re investing for long-term goals like retirement or financial independence, you can generally afford to take more risk. Equities, high-growth ETFs, and even alternative assets can deliver stronger returns over time. Market dips are less worrying since you have time to recover.
Short-term investors (1–5 years)
If you’re saving for short-term goals such as a home purchase, education, or retirement within a few years, stability matters more than high returns. Prioritise low-risk instruments like fixed deposits, short-term bonds, and income-focused funds to preserve your capital.
Build an investment framework
Now that you have decided on your financial goals, categorise them into the following buckets:
|
Category |
Time period |
Primary use |
Liquidity |
Typical instruments |
Expected returns (p.a.) |
Example allocation |
|
Now Cash |
0 – 12 months |
Daily expenses, emergency fund, short-term needs |
High, funds accessible anytime |
Savings accounts, high-interest savings, fixed deposits, money market funds |
~2–4% |
10–20% |
|
Soon Cash |
1 – 5 years |
Medium-term goals (e.g. home down payment, wedding, education fund) |
Moderate, withdrawable with notice |
SSBs, short-term bond funds, T-bills, low-volatility ETFs |
~3–6% |
20–40% |
|
Later Cash |
5+ years |
Long-term goals (e.g. retirement, wealth accumulation) |
Low, funds tied up for growth |
Stocks, equity ETFs, REITs, robo-advisors, unit trusts |
~6–10%+ |
40–70% |
Ways to invest S$100,000
While there are many ways to invest your money and build your stock portfolio, below is a rundown of a few popular investments to consider.
Types of investments in Singapore
|
Description |
Risk Level |
Liquidity |
Expected Returns (p.a.) |
Suitable For |
|
|
Bonds |
Fixed-income securities issued by governments or corporations that pay interest over time. |
Low |
Low to moderate |
~2-5% |
Conservative investors seeking capital preservation. |
|
Individual Stocks |
Directly buying shares of listed companies (local or global). |
High |
High (tradable anytime) |
~5–12% |
Active investors who research and monitor markets. |
|
Mutual Funds |
Professionally managed portfolios pooling investor money into diversified assets. |
Moderate |
Moderate |
~4–8% |
Investors preferring hands-off, guided investing. |
|
Blue-Chip Stocks |
Shares of large, established companies (e.g. DBS, OCBC, Singtel). |
Moderate |
High |
~4–7% (including dividends) |
Long-term investors seeking stability and income. |
|
REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) |
Listed trusts that invest in income-producing real estate. |
Moderate |
High |
~4–6% (mainly dividends) |
Income-focused investors or retirees. |
Invest in bonds
Bonds are fixed-income securities issued by governments or corporations to raise funds and pay investors regular interest, or coupons, over a set period. At maturity, you get back your principal amount. In simple terms, bonds let you lend money to an issuer in exchange for predictable returns.
For investors, bonds are a useful way to balance risk in your portfolio. They provide steady income and are generally less volatile than stocks, making them a good choice for conservative or income-focused investors.
Popular options in Singapore include:
-
SSBs: Issued by the Singapore government, they’re virtually risk-free and can be redeemed monthly with no penalty. Yields fluctuate with market rates.
-
Treasury Bills (T-bills): Short-term government securities (6 or 12 months) that offer competitive yields for low-risk investors.
-
Corporate Bonds: Issued by local or global companies, offering higher returns than government bonds but with more credit risk.
-
Bond Funds or ETFs: For easy diversification, you can invest through funds like the ABF Singapore Bond Index Fund (A35) or global bond ETFs available on platforms like FSMOne, Syfe, or Endowus.
You can allocate a portion of your portfolio, typically 20–40%, depending on your risk appetite, to bonds for stability and income. They’re especially suitable for retirees, risk-averse investors, or anyone seeking predictable returns alongside growth assets like stocks and REITs.
>> MORE: How to buy bonds in Singapore
Invest in individual stocks
Stocks are the riskiest but also the most rewarding. However, investing in stocks requires a lot of hard work, research, analysis, and some investing experience. If you want your portfolio to outperform the market, you can invest in growth stocks.
The so-called "Magnificent Seven" stocks (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, and Nvidia) are often cited as prime examples of companies with high growth potential, driving significant portions of the modern economy.
>> MORE: How to buy, trade and invest in stocks in Singapore
Invest in mutual funds, ETFs, or index funds
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- Trade over 70 FX pairs, starting at 0.6 pips
- Trading Products: CFDs in FX, Indices, Metals, Commodities, and Bonds
- Rate ® data currency calculator: See real-time rates for major FX pairs (also comes with 25 years' of historical data across 38,000 FX pairs)
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- Complimentary upgrade to ‘Invest’ tier for 12 months: 45 free monthly trades in SG, US, UK, CA and HK and free live US & SG market data
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- All-in-one investment platform
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That said, investing in individual stocks is risky as you’re putting all your eggs in one or a few baskets.
While you can buy several individual stocks to diversify your portfolio and spread your risk, you need to do a lot of homework since you need to know what you’re buying. It’s also an extremely tedious and expensive process to accumulate different stocks.
One easy way to buy multiple stocks while diversifying your portfolio is to invest in mutual funds, ETFs and index funds. These are essentially a basket of different stocks, bonds, or commodities, so they allow you instant diversification without the need to buy several different stocks.
The main differences between mutual funds, ETFs, and index funds are how they’re managed, traded, and the costs involved.
|
Mutual funds |
ETFs |
Index funds |
|
|
How they’re traded |
Not traded on an exchange |
Traded throughout the day, price may fluctuate |
Traded once a day |
|
How they’re managed |
Actively managed by a fund manager |
Passively managed |
Passively managed |
|
Fees involved |
Fees include management and operating fees, sales charges, commissions, redemption fees, etc. |
Brokerage fees |
Brokerage fees |
|
Investment objective |
Fund manager attempts to beat the market for profits |
Matches a specific index, such as the S&P 500, for the same investment returns |
Matches a specific index, such as the S&P 500, for the same investment returns |
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool money from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets, managed by professional fund managers. These managers actively decide what to buy and sell to outperform the market.
In Singapore, mutual funds are often available through banks, financial advisors, or platforms like FSMOne and Endowus. While they offer convenience and professional oversight, they usually come with higher management fees (often 1%–2% p.a.). Mutual funds can suit investors who prefer hands-off management but are willing to pay slightly more for professional guidance — especially for niche sectors or global diversification.
>> MORE: What are mutual funds, and how to pick the best mutual funds in Singapore 2025
ETFs
ETFs are similar to mutual funds but trade on stock exchanges like regular shares. Most ETFs track an index or sector (e.g., the Straits Times Index ETF or the S&P 500 ETF) and are passively managed, which means lower fees and greater transparency.
They’re accessible to Singaporeans via brokerages such as Moomoo, Tiger Brokers, or Saxo, and can be bought in small amounts, making them ideal for DIY investors who want diversification and flexibility. ETFs are great for cost-conscious investors seeking broad market exposure or those building long-term portfolios through regular monthly investments (DCA).
>> MORE: How to invest in ETFs: a guide for beginners
Index Funds
Index funds are mutual funds that track a market index like the S&P 500, MSCI World, or STI, but unlike ETFs, they are not traded intraday. They’re usually bought directly through fund platforms or robo-advisors such as Syfe, Endowus, or StashAway.
Because they mirror the index instead of trying to beat it, index funds tend to have lower fees and deliver steady, market-matching returns over time. Index funds suit long-term, passive investors in Singapore who prefer to “buy and hold” without worrying about daily market movements. They’re especially effective for CPF or SRS-linked portfolios targeting consistent growth.
>> MORE: What are index funds and mutual funds?
Invest in blue chip stocks
Blue-chip stocks refer to large, well-established companies with a solid reputation, stable earnings, and a history of paying regular dividends. In Singapore, these typically include Straits Times Index (STI) heavyweights like DBS, OCBC, UOB, Singtel, and Keppel Corp. These companies tend to be market leaders in their respective industries and are known for weathering economic downturns better than smaller firms. For local investors, blue-chip stocks offer a good balance of income and stability, making them ideal core holdings in a long-term portfolio.
If you’re building a foundation for your portfolio, start by allocating a portion to blue-chip stocks or STI ETFs for consistent dividends and moderate growth. They’re especially suitable for CPF, SRS, or long-term passive investing strategies, helping you build wealth steadily while managing risk.
>> MORE: Best-performing blue-chip stocks for Singapore investors
Invest in REITs
REITs are companies that own and manage income-generating properties such as shopping malls, offices, data centres, and industrial parks. In Singapore, REITs are particularly popular because of their stable dividend payouts and accessibility to retail investors — you can invest in real estate without needing to buy a whole property.
Singapore is one of Asia’s largest REIT markets, with well-known names like CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT), Mapletree Logistics Trust, and Keppel DC REIT. Many of these offer attractive yields averaging 4%–6% per year, making them a preferred choice for income-seeking investors.
REITs are suitable for investors who want steady passive income and moderate growth potential. In 2025, focus on sectors with resilience and growth drivers, such as data centres, logistics, and hospitality, while being mindful of interest rate movements, which can affect REIT prices and yields.
>> MORE: A complete guide to REITs
Want to capitalise on real estate gains?
In Singapore, where land is money, REITs are a great way to get in on some of the profits.
Should you invest S$100k all at once?
There are two ways to invest your money: lump-sum investing or dollar-cost-averaging (DCA).
Lump-investing
Lump-investing basically means that you invest all (or a large sum of money) in one go. Studies have shown that lump-sum investing outperforms DCA about 75% of the time over the long run. However, investing large sums of money is riskier in the short-term especially if the market crashes.
Dollar-cost-averaging
The DCA strategy is a slow-and-steady approach: you spread your investments by making regular, recurring purchases at a fixed schedule, regardless of market conditions. This helps to spread your risk and avoid timing the market. However, returns are lower than with lump-sum investing, and this strategy also requires discipline.
What to do with your $100k
Deciding which approach to take depends on your risk tolerance and investment performance. If you favour performance, go with lump-sum investing. But if you’re more risk-averse, investing using the DCA strategy can help to reduce stress and nervousness, while gradually exposing you to risk.
Remember, no matter what you choose to invest in, the key to a good investment strategy is to diversify your portfolio with a variety of asset classes. This helps to reduce your risks in case one of the asset classes underperforms.
About the author
SingSaver Team
At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.


















