How I’m moving out of my parents’ home 

Living with your parents has its perks: free rent, home-cooked meals, and no bills to pay. But there’s one problem: staying in this comfort zone could easily turn into a permanent vacation from adulthood. You’ve got dreams. You’ve got plans. But they won’t magically happen unless you start taking real steps to own your future. Here’s how to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck and make your financial future a part of your overall plan — not just an afterthought.

Reframe your spending - you’re not buying stuff, you’re investing in yourself

We all make purchases - whether it’s the latest iPhone, that matcha latte or a fresh pair of Nike basketball shoes. Of course, I make sure to put more aside for self-improvement such as signing up for fitness classes, or taking up courses on cooking and coding. Ultimately, these are investments in my happiness, my style, and my personal growth. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t throw my money around. These purchases actually add value - to me at least. 

What are some purchases you need to reframe? That pricey coffee that gave you  the pick-me-up you needed on that one day? That JB staycay that was the perfect recharge to power through those late night grinds? The key is balance. Don’t go from being Scrooge to treating every day like it’s 11.11. Just remember - when you invest in yourself wisely, it’s not about the price tag, it’s about the payoff. And after you choose to make a purchase, remember why you’re doing it and embrace that decision. No guilt required.

Live now, but don’t forget tomorrow

Life’s too short to always play it safe, but that doesn’t mean you should burn through every paycheck like it’s your last. You don’t want to wake up two decades from now and realise you’re still stuck in the same place, dreaming of the life you could’ve had. The truth? You can enjoy today and secure tomorrow—if you’re smart about it.

This is how I go about it. I splurge on the things that make me happy but I make sure I don’t let every impulse turn into a habit that drains my future because that’s how regrets are built. Instead, I make little shifts like saving a portion of all my internship paychecks, investing where I can, and even putting money aside in a “future fund” for when the big stuff comes knocking. (Check out my full cheat sheet here for some tips that have worked for me!)

The trick is to make sure I’m not depriving myself even as I make choices today that allow me to live well now and have a comfortable tomorrow. 

Because let’s face it, no one wants to look back and think, “I wish I’d started earlier.”

Beyond the emergency fund

We’ve all heard about the emergency fund and it’s really important to nail it.  But here’s the thing: I think it’s worth thinking about a level up. Your emergency fund is like your safety net, but your Future Fund? That’s where the magic happens. It’s the cash I set aside to make the things I dream about happen. What’s that for you? Your first home, the business you’ve been thinking of starting, or even that spontaneous trip to Europe that’s been on your mind for far too long? 

Here’s a tip on how to make your money work harder. The GXS Savings Account has competitive interest rates which allows us to grow our savings. (Up to S$100k in your GXS Savings Account is insured fully by the  Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation Limited.)

And now for the pro tip: If you want to give your funds a little extra boost, put it in a Boost Pocket which comes with a higher interest rate - so you’re not just saving, you’re growing. The bonus interest is given if you are able to hold the Boost Pocket to maturity but if you aren’t able to, don’t worry, you get the same base rate you would have enjoyed in the main account. 

Your future is all about putting your money to work for you, not just letting it sit around, collecting dust.

So, yes, your emergency fund will catch you when life throws a curveball. But your Future Fund? That’s what’s going to help you knock it out of the park.

Moving out of your parent’s home

It’s your time to shine. There comes a moment when you realise: you’re ready to take the leap and build a life that’s uniquely yours. 

Moving out doesn’t need to be a financial nightmare. Are you looking for a place to share with friends or are you looking for a place of your own? With the right planning, you can set yourself up without the stress. 

I’m preparing for this by building up my future fund because moving out is not quite on the cards yet.  

By the way, if you’re a few steps ahead of me and already have a home, consider taking out a GXS FlexiLoan to renovate your home and enjoy a whole range of exclusive perks. We have recently launched the GXS Reno Club, the membership you did not know you need, including  which provides, among other things, 1 per cent off your prevailing rate with the GXS FlexiLoan, 0.8 per cent p.a. bonus interest on your GXS Savings Account, and up to S$100 off at Harvey Norman, Prism+ and more. Go to www.gxs.com.sg/renoclub to find out more. 

Remember, you’re not just leaving the nest just for the sake of it - it’s about building a future where you’re in the driver’s seat. Your move.

What’s next?

You’ve got everything you need to make your move. Moving out, building your future fund, and taking charge of your financial path doesn’t have to be a whirlwind—it’s a series of deliberate steps. And trust me, you’re more than capable of pulling it off.

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Signed, Sealed, Secured

‍The writer is a third year university student who enlightened her older colleagues on Gen Z trends and lingo when she was a GXS Bank intern.