Ce Singapourien a pris sa retraite à 35 ans sans devenir riche.

Colin Lau, a former language teacher in Singapore, chose to retire at the age of 35, not because he had amassed great wealth, but because he had meticulously planned for a life without a traditional career. After losing his job, Lau decided to invest his savings in purchasing a flat outright, effectively ending his reliance on employment. His decision sparked widespread discussion about alternative approaches to retirement, financial security, and personal fulfillment. Lau's journey began with a pivotal conversation with his property agent, who questioned how he could manage a long-term mortgage without steady income. That prompted him to seek out the cheapest flat he could afford to buy in full. By doing so, he avoided debt and ensured that the property remained entirely under his control. At the time of the purchase, he spent S$87,000 on the flat, a sum he had accumulated through disciplined saving over the years. Once he owned the property, Lau transformed it into a source of income by renting out a spare room. This helped offset the initial investment and allowed him to maintain a minimal standard of living. His monthly expenses are currently below S$150, a figure that has drawn both admiration and criticism. Some view his lifestyle as excessively frugal, while others see it as a model of financial prudence. In the past, his expenses were even lower, under S$90 per month. Lau's approach to retirement has gained considerable attention following his appearance in CNA’s Money Mind, a YouTube series that explores personal finance topics. The video, which discusses his experience, has attracted nearly 1.9 million views and over 3,300 comments. On TikTok, it has received more than 753,000 views, indicating a growing interest in alternative models of living and retirement planning. Reactions to Lau’s lifestyle vary widely. One viewer, @wumingkkk, expressed concerns about the risks associated with aggressive saving, noting that some of his peers who adopted similar strategies faced health issues shortly after retiring. They emphasized the importance of balancing financial preparation with the enjoyment of life’s moments. Another commenter, @lecherhao86, defended Lau’s choice, arguing that many Singaporeans continue working well into their older years due to financial constraints. They suggested that Lau’s happiness should not be judged by conventional standards. Lau himself has spoken about the satisfaction he finds in his current lifestyle. Now aged 55, he revealed a personal anecdote that shaped his perspective on financial stability. As a child, he witnessed his aunt being retrenched in her mid-40s, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. She described the situation as common, highlighting the vulnerability of middle-aged workers facing job loss. This memory influenced Lau’s career choices and financial habits, leading him to prioritize security over immediate gratification. From an early stage in his career, Lau focused on earning as much as possible while saving a large portion of his income. Unlike his peers, who often spent liberally, he adhered to strict budgeting principles. His motivation stemmed from a desire to avoid the precariousness of unemployment. With a first-class honours degree in Spanish, he pursued a career in teaching, always keeping an eye on financial stability rather than lifestyle indulgence. Despite his early retirement, Lau continues to engage with discussions around personal finance and retirement planning. His story challenges conventional notions of success and happiness, offering insight into a different path, one that prioritizes autonomy and self-sufficiency over traditional markers of achievement.