Is CPF OA to SA shielding still worth doing before 55?
Turning 54 soon. People keep talking about OA-SA shielding to keep more in Special Account earning higher interest. Is it actually worth the hassle and risk? Any regrets?
Anonymous asker·Asked on 20 days ago·803 views·4 answers
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IInsurance Sis PriyaBeginnerFirst-hand experienceAgent turned honest advisor, I help you read policy fine print so you don't buy things you cannot claim.
Did the shielding for my mother two years ago, so I know the mechanics. The idea: just before 55, you invest most of your SA money into a short-term low-risk instrument so the SA balance looks low. When you turn 55 and the Retirement Account is formed, it pulls from SA first at the FRS, then OA. With SA temporarily emptied, more of your higher-interest SA stays out and your OA (lower interest but more flexible) fills the RA instead. After 55 you sell the investment and the money flows back to SA earning 4 percent. It genuinely works and my mum kept more in the 4 percent pool. BUT note the SA is being closed for those 55 and above under the recent CPF changes, so please check the current rules before you plan, because the whole shielding logic may not apply the same way anymore. Talk to CPF directly.
One thing people forget: the investment you use for shielding must be something you can sell quickly and safely right after 55. Some folks parked in stuff that dropped in value during the window and lost more than the interest they saved. Only use very low risk instruments. And time it well, don't leave money uninvested too long.
AAuntie Lay Hoon Wet MarketBeginnerFirst-hand experienceGo wet market every morning, I know where cheapest veg and fish, also which supermarket promo worth queuing.
I looked into it and decided not worth the stress for my situation. The gain is real but modest, and you take on a small market risk during the window plus transaction costs. If your amounts are big it makes more sense. For average CPF balances the difference over the years is there but not life-changing. Peace of mind also has value lah.
Be careful, the rules changed. With the SA closure for members 55 and above, a lot of the old shielding advice on forums is outdated now. Whatever exceeds FRS in the closed SA goes to OA which earns less. Please don't follow a 2020 blog post blindly. Go to CPF board website or call them, this is your retirement money, cannot anyhow.