View My Profile

How to plan for a sabbatical leave – 5 tips to make it a success

I came across an article recounting a woman’s experience with taking a unpaid sabbatical, in which she expressed regret due to feeling financially strained and falling behind her peers in achieving milestones after. However, despite such challenges, a sabbatical can offer valuable respite from the daily routine, providing an opportunity for personal growth. Particularly in the Asian context, where work culture often emphasizes long hours and high stress levels, embracing a sabbatical and embracing a slower pace can promote mental well-being and overall health.

So how can you have your cake and eat it too? This is part 1 of a 2 part series – 5 simple tips to make your sabbatical leave a roaring success!

5 Tips not to miss!

  1. Start your sabbatical from mid year.
    If you are considering a 1 year sabbatical leave, it is better to do it from the mid of the year than start of the year. This is due to the way income tax is calculated, which assesses income earned over a full calendar year. By initiating your leave in the middle of the year, your chargeable income—and consequently your income tax liability for the preceding year—would be lower
    Additionally, you may not have to contribute to SRS for tax savings (for a year or even two!), thus reducing your financial commitment.
  2. Utilise passive income instead of drawing down on capital fully.
    I have come across many people who drawdown on their savings during their sabbatical. However, watching your hard-earned savings diminish can evoke feelings of unease rather than the desired sense of rejuvenation and contentment.
    Rather than risking insecurity, anxiety, and a rushed return to the workforce, consider living off passive income streams. If you don’t already have passive income sources, focus on building them before embarking on your sabbatical journey. This proactive approach can ensure financial stability and peace of mind during your time away from traditional employment.You may not be able to fund your expenses fully, but even a partial amount is good.
  3. If you have a mortgage, always leave a float in your CPF OA Account.
    Never wipe out your CPFOA when purchasing a property. Whenever possible, leave at least 18-24 month’s worthof mortgage repayment in your OA (example: if your monthly mortgage is $2K. Keep at least $48K in your CPF OA).
    This ensures that you do not have to fork out additional cash for loan repayment when your monthly CPF contribution ceases.
  4. Set clear intentions & set boundaries
    Define your goals and objectives for the sabbatical. Whether it’s for rest, personal development, travel, or pursuing a passion project, the clarity will guide your journey to be a more fruitful one.
    If you are returning to the same job, inform clients, colleagues & partners about your sabbatical plans well in advance. This will help to set clear boundaries regarding communication and work expectations during your absence.
  5. Conduct a thorough review of your finances post-sabbatical.
    Assess any changes in income, expenses, or financial goals, and adjust your financial plan accordingly. It is not bad to take a break but it is bad when taken irresponsibly.


That’s all for now. Look out for the next article for the step by step process to planning for it!
 

Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Published By:

Lim Zhiwen Yvonne

I believe that “Worrying is not planning and Hope is not a good strategy”.

Hence, my role as a Certified Financial Planner CFP® is to help my clients build sound financial strategies and design action plans that put them on track to their financial goals – so that they can live the best possible life for themselves.
This is done via a systematic approach of ongoing cash flow management & asset allocation, as well as investment management, estate planning, and tax optimization.

I also ascertain that I stay up-to-date with industry trends and policies changes to ensure that my clients benefit from the latest strategies and opportunities available.

Over the years, I have developed a specialty in comprehensive financial planning for busy legal professionals & educators. I also particularly like assisting working mothers & young families to achieve their long term financial goals. Working with the largest independent financial advisory (IFA) firm in Singapore also frees me from product pressures and allows me to only recommend solutions that suit my client’s needs. And client’s interest, is always the core of my FA business.

Being a wealth planner is my dream career and this is what I hope to do for a long time.

Other than financial planning & investment, I love to travel, read, bake and I am an adrenaline enthusiast (I am most looking forward to the day my children join me on my adventures).

 

View My Profile
Contact Me

CONTACT US

  • 150 Beach Road #12-01/08, Gateway West Singapore 189720
  • +65 62221889
  • +65 62221019
  • feedback@fa.com.sg

Disclosure & Disclaimer

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Data Protection Policy

Terms of Use

Terms of Use - Mobile

Fair Dealing

Contact Me

What type of services are you looking for? 请问您需要咨询哪些方面的服务？(Please select all that applies)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By submitting this form, I confirm that

提交此表格，即表示

  • I have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy, and hereby give my acknowledgement and consent to FAPL to use my personal data in accordance with FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.
  • 我已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据保护政策，并同意鑫盟理财私人有限公司根据个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用我的个人资料。
  • I have read and understood the disclaimers above and hereby affirm my acceptance of these terms.
  • 我已阅读并理解了上述免责声明，特此声明接受这些条款。
  • I have not been directly contacted or approached by any representative or employee of FAPL with an offer or solicitation to apply for any financial products not offered in my home country.
  • 鑫盟理财私人有限公司的代表或员工并未直接与我联系或提出要约或招揽购买我原居住国境内所不提供的任何金融产品.
  • Financial Alliance Pte Ltd ( “FAPL”) is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) and allowed to conduct financial advisory activities in accordance with the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110) (“FAA”) and the Securities & Futures Act (Cap. 289) (“SFA”) within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Singapore and in accordance with the licenses granted by MAS
  • 鑫盟理财私人有限公司( “鑫盟理财”)持有由新加坡金融管理局(“MAS”)所颁发的牌照，并许可在新加坡共和国境内依据财务顾问法（第110章）和证券与期货交易法（第289章）进行财务咨询等相关业务
  • Any services provided by FAPL to persons not ordinarily resident in Singapore are provided solely on an offshore basis from Singapore, resulting from direct enquiry on the part of the foreign residents.
  • 鑫盟理财为非新加坡居民所提供的任何服务仅限于直接向鑫盟理财发出咨询请求的国外居民。
  • As an integral part of the provision of such services, FAPL may from time to time make available to such residents, documents and information making reference to capital markets products (for example, in connection with the provision of fund management or investment advisory services outside of the foreign jurisdiction).
  • 作为提供此类服务的一部分，鑫盟理财会不时向此类咨询者提供有关产品的参考文件和信息（例如，关于海外司法管辖区以外的资金管理或投资咨询服务等信息）。
  • Such documents and information are provided by Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient.
  • 此类由鑫盟理财所提供的文件和信息仅供收件人做一般信息参考。
  • It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person.
  • 此类文件和信息不会把-个人投资目标，财务状况或其特定需求等考虑在内。
  • It does not constitute the making available of, or an offer or solicitation by FAPL to buy or sell or subscribe for any such capital markets product or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products.
  • 鑫盟理财向该人士提供此类文件和信息将不构成要约或招揽购买或出售或认购任何此类资本市场产品，或达成交易或参与任何特定的投资策略，也不构成有关此类金融产品的建议或推荐。
  • These documents may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without FAPL’s prior written consent.
  • 未经鑫盟理财的事先书面同意，不得将这些文件全文或部分发布，传播，复制或分发给其他人。
  • This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject FAPL and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
  • 鑫盟理财无意在分发，出版或使用此类文件可能违反当地法律，或本公司及关联公司或关联人士需要注册，获得许可或符合规定的司法权区向当地人士分发、出版此类文件或供其使用。
  • You shall ensure that you have and will continue to be fully compliant with all applicable laws in your home country when entering into discussion or contracts with FAPL.
  • 在与鑫盟理财进行讨论或签订合约时，您应确保您已完全遵守并将继续遵守您所在原居住国的所有适用法律及条规。

In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) seek your consent to collect and use your personal data (e.g. name, NRIC, contact numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses and photograph) for the purposes of and in accordance with FAPL’s Data Protection Policy, which can be found on FAPL’s website at https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

根据《个人数据保护法》，鑫盟理财私人有限公司征求您的同意向您收集并使用您的个人信息。鑫盟理财将根据公司的个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用您的个人资料（例如姓名，证件号码，联系电话，邮寄地址，电邮地址和照片）。 该政策可在本公司网站上查寻，网址为 https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

By submitting this form, you are deemed to have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.

提交此表格，即表示您已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据政策

Scan for Contact Details

Enquiry

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on our latest content!

By providing the info below, I confirm that I am the user and/or subscriber of the telephone number(s) and email address provided by me and I consent to receive from Financial Alliance and/or its financial adviser representatives, any marketing, advertising and promotional information organise by Financial Alliance via voice calls, SMS/MMS (text messages) or faxes to my telephone number(s) provided below. I understand I may withdraw any consent I have given at any time by writing in to Financial Alliance Pte Ltd.

Scan for WeChat QR

Retirement Planning

Will I be able to retire comfortably?

Find Out Now

Contact Me

What type of services are you looking for? 请问您需要咨询哪些方面的服务？(Please select all that applies)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By submitting this form, I confirm that

提交此表格，即表示

  • I have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy, and hereby give my acknowledgement and consent to FAPL to use my personal data in accordance with FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.
  • 我已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据保护政策，并同意鑫盟理财私人有限公司根据个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用我的个人资料。
  • I have read and understood the disclaimers above and hereby affirm my acceptance of these terms.
  • 我已阅读并理解了上述免责声明，特此声明接受这些条款。
  • I have not been directly contacted or approached by any representative or employee of FAPL with an offer or solicitation to apply for any financial products not offered in my home country.
  • 鑫盟理财私人有限公司的代表或员工并未直接与我联系或提出要约或招揽购买我原居住国境内所不提供的任何金融产品.
  • Financial Alliance Pte Ltd ( “FAPL”) is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) and allowed to conduct financial advisory activities in accordance with the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110) (“FAA”) and the Securities & Futures Act (Cap. 289) (“SFA”) within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Singapore and in accordance with the licenses granted by MAS
  • 鑫盟理财私人有限公司( “鑫盟理财”)持有由新加坡金融管理局(“MAS”)所颁发的牌照，并许可在新加坡共和国境内依据财务顾问法（第110章）和证券与期货交易法（第289章）进行财务咨询等相关业务
  • Any services provided by FAPL to persons not ordinarily resident in Singapore are provided solely on an offshore basis from Singapore, resulting from direct enquiry on the part of the foreign residents.
  • 鑫盟理财为非新加坡居民所提供的任何服务仅限于直接向鑫盟理财发出咨询请求的国外居民。
  • As an integral part of the provision of such services, FAPL may from time to time make available to such residents, documents and information making reference to capital markets products (for example, in connection with the provision of fund management or investment advisory services outside of the foreign jurisdiction).
  • 作为提供此类服务的一部分，鑫盟理财会不时向此类咨询者提供有关产品的参考文件和信息（例如，关于海外司法管辖区以外的资金管理或投资咨询服务等信息）。
  • Such documents and information are provided by Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient.
  • 此类由鑫盟理财所提供的文件和信息仅供收件人做一般信息参考。
  • It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person.
  • 此类文件和信息不会把-个人投资目标，财务状况或其特定需求等考虑在内。
  • It does not constitute the making available of, or an offer or solicitation by FAPL to buy or sell or subscribe for any such capital markets product or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products.
  • 鑫盟理财向该人士提供此类文件和信息将不构成要约或招揽购买或出售或认购任何此类资本市场产品，或达成交易或参与任何特定的投资策略，也不构成有关此类金融产品的建议或推荐。
  • These documents may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without FAPL’s prior written consent.
  • 未经鑫盟理财的事先书面同意，不得将这些文件全文或部分发布，传播，复制或分发给其他人。
  • This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject FAPL and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
  • 鑫盟理财无意在分发，出版或使用此类文件可能违反当地法律，或本公司及关联公司或关联人士需要注册，获得许可或符合规定的司法权区向当地人士分发、出版此类文件或供其使用。
  • You shall ensure that you have and will continue to be fully compliant with all applicable laws in your home country when entering into discussion or contracts with FAPL.
  • 在与鑫盟理财进行讨论或签订合约时，您应确保您已完全遵守并将继续遵守您所在原居住国的所有适用法律及条规。

In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) seek your consent to collect and use your personal data (e.g. name, NRIC, contact numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses and photograph) for the purposes of and in accordance with FAPL’s Data Protection Policy, which can be found on FAPL’s website at https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

根据《个人数据保护法》，鑫盟理财私人有限公司征求您的同意向您收集并使用您的个人信息。鑫盟理财将根据公司的个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用您的个人资料（例如姓名，证件号码，联系电话，邮寄地址，电邮地址和照片）。 该政策可在本公司网站上查寻，网址为 https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

By submitting this form, you are deemed to have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.

提交此表格，即表示您已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据政策