What are the significant expenses ahead that I should start planning for, as a young guy who is getting married soon? Wedding, housing, car, kids, parents etc. How are you planning for retirement?

The best way to think about retirement planning is to first know what kind of life you want to lead. From there, you would know how much that costs, and then how much you would need by the time you hit that retirement age. There's no magical $1m or $2m number. To each his own depending on the kind of life you want to roll out at the end of our productive years.

We have built a free calculator specifically for this purpose - to help individuals understand their plan, and if they are able to stick with it to achieve their retirement goals.

https://retirementcalculator.wixsite.com/2020

I think you have named almost all of them! For housing wise, do take note you are able to pay for CPF once your flat is ready so that is not that big of a concern. You also need to pay 10% of your downpayment for the house. For wedding wise, you must be able to fork out at least 30k, but do realise this amount will be probably be recuperated through the ang paos you get from your familiy and relatives (just being realistic here). Hence, the main amount of money you need would be renovation for your house, I would think that adds up to be around 80K. But, you can always do that slowly too.

I would suggest saving around 20% and using that amount to invest. This amount will be compounded and you will achieve the desired amount you need for retirement!

Some tips based on experience here.

1) Try not to spend too much on the ring (its really not as important as we think only me and my spouse views)

2) Try to avoid paying for additional photos beyond your wedding studio package (we hardly look at the album a couple years into marriage)

3) Try to get a house near to your parents/in-laws to enjoy the housing grant (we dont get to enjoy these grant when we got our house in 2013 at the peak!)

4) Try to fixed a renovation budget and stick to it (a simple contemporary style can be cheap and superd looking at the same time)

5) Try to compare and get your electronics all from the same place to get the best deal (negotiate when required, they give good discounts or vouchers)

6) Try to get a car only when you need it (i.e. when you are going to have a child and when it really becomes a need rather than a want)

7) Try to opt for cheaper baby delivery venues (we did thompson and finding that NUH or KK is actually equaly great)

8) I can go on forever on this but i think this is great for now. GL.

I think you have listed the main expenses. For me personally I'm only aiming for a house and trying to save and grow my wealth as much as I can.

There are too many variables when planning for retirement currently so just have a rough goal and work towards it.