Spending everything as you get it, not being a saver, using all the credit lenders will allow - that means you have no cushion. In the US, money is taken from

Spending everything as you get it, not being a saver, using all the credit lenders will allow - that means you have no cushion. In the US, money is taken from you for Social Security and you can't get it back until you're 60. Or, rather, you get paid when later generations pay in. In Singapore, there is forced savings. You still own everything you save. There's more freedom with how you invest it. And it's not dependent on future generations paying in. You are correct about the rural area. There is less pressure, more ability to save. Its also more boring with fewer activities and people of interest, but you can save your pennies, invest in your ability to earn and perhaps move to where you can profit from those skills.