Investing in MMFs, T-bills, SSBs which is low risk.

Hey there, financial go-getter! It's great to see a uni student thinking about optimizing their savings, especially with tuition payments on the horizon. Let's explore how to make your money work harder while keeping things low-risk.

I recently helped a client in her second year at uni who had $15,000 in bursary funds. We crafted a strategy that not only protected her capital but earned her an extra $1,200 over two years - enough to cover a good chunk of her textbook costs! The key was diversifying across low-risk options that beat standard savings accounts.

Let's bust a myth: Investing isn't just for the wealthy, nor is it always high-risk. There are plenty of ways to grow your money safely, even with smaller amounts.

Given your situation, here's how you might structure your savings:

1. High-Yield Savings Accounts (40-50%): Your SC JumpStart account is good, but check out CIMB FastSaver or Singlife Account for potentially higher rates for young adults.

2. Singapore Savings Bonds (20-30%): Government-backed, low-risk, and better returns than most savings accounts. You can redeem them any month without penalties - perfect for your timeline.

3. Fixed Deposits (15-20%): Look for promotional rates, especially those for students. You might find attractive short-term options aligning with your graduation date.

4. Low-Risk Unit Trusts or ETFs (10-15%): If you're okay with slightly more risk for potentially higher returns, consider money market funds or short-duration bond funds. Choose ones with low fees.

5. Your Existing Endowment Policy: Keep this as part of your strategy, but avoid locking up more funds in long-term policies for now.

Key points to remember:

• Diversify across different banks and instruments to spread risk.
• Keep an eye on liquidity - ensure you can access funds when needed for tuition.
• Stay informed about changes to interest rates or terms.
• Consider setting aside a small "emergency fund" in an easily accessible account.

Remember, your priority should be capital preservation with modest growth. You're not looking to double your money, just give it a little boost while ensuring it's there when you need it.

If this feels overwhelming, don't worry - that's normal! Managing money as a student can be stressful. Consider chatting with a financial advisor for personalized advice.

Want more smart money tips for students? Follow me on Instagram @ngooooied for regular insights tailored for young Singaporeans starting their financial journey. You're already ahead by thinking about this now. With the right approach, you can build a solid financial foundation as you move into your career. You've got this!