Cash allowance to parents or top up to their CPF RA?

Great question! I am in a similar boat as yourself.

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I think there's 2 questions you need to ask yourself/parent.

1. does you parent require the money? If your parent have enough liquidity for day to day activity then see #2
2. ask your parent if they prefer cash or CPF contribution

you should have your answer then.

I would RSTU

Most elderly parents prefer cash than top up in CPF. Cash in hand is worth more than anything else. They can withdraw any time from the bank and not understanding much about CPF mechanicisim.

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Further more they are not digital savvy and no mobile phone- how to withdrawn.

I feel most asian parents view the physical allowance from children as a token of filial piety, and may not appreciate the compounding effect of CPF savings. In such case, I'd rather give them the hard cash. Of course, if I have more to give, I may do RSTU too!