How long is FRS designed to last if we start drawing normal payout when its time?

Yes but it will be part of CPF life payout

But while we cannot withdraw our top-up amounts, we can get an "allowance" every month under the FRS payout, right?

Hi anon,

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Yes, the topup amounts are mean for retirement. If you log into your CPF account, and click on "View amount reserved in your account(s)", it will say "You have $xx in your Special Account reserved under the Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme. This comprises the top-ups that you have received and any interest earned, and has been reserved to be transferred to your Retirement Account when you turn 55."

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The question I have is, why are you doubting your choice?

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Sometimes, having forced savings may be a good thing. Do remember that

1. CPF money is protected from creditors (in the event something really goes wrong)
2. Your tax relief would have been quite a sum if you have been topping up for some years.

If your doubts are due to the fact that you could potentially put the monies to use elsewhere (e.g. invest), remember that there's no guarantees with investing, whereas CPF SA interest is guaranteed. Also, as you approach retirement, asset allocation should skew towards more defensive options as risk appetite declines.

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Hope that assuages your doubts.

I apply this for myself and I use this to explain to people.

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How old did your grandparents live to. Average it out. That should be roughly how old you live to. Then look at your amount that you will be taking. There is an amount that will break even. I remember it to be about 88. If you are expected to live to that or further then great. Otherwise, pledge your house and go for BRS. But you just need to make sure you have enough and can grow the money sufficiently.

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In my case, my end could be 98. So for me, it would be ERS.

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And for me, I did not RTSU but use OA to push into SA. I would guess the money there is 50% interest and 50% my contribution.