SINGAPORE: In an age of soaring costs and economic challenges, a local man recently took to Reddit to pose a startling question: how did older generations in Singapore manage to raise families while owning both a car and a flat on a single income?

"How did they cope and make things work?" he pondered on the 'Ask Singapore' forum, expressing disbelief over the disparity between past and present living conditions.

He voiced concern over the escalating costs in Singapore, observing that maintaining a similar standard of living as his parents seems almost impossible today. His reflections have sparked a broader discussion on the financial realities that young families face now, prompting queries about whether Singapore has become prohibitively expensive for the average citizen.

The sentiment resonates with many, as Reddit users chimed in with their insights. Most attributed the current struggles to rising inflation and an increasing cost of living that affects essential goods and services. Housing, education, and food are now vastly more expensive than in the past, complicating the financial landscape for those trying to start or support a family.

One commenter recalled their mother's experience, stating, "I remember my mom earning S$3K plus and being able to afford a maid while paying for housing all by herself. The golden age is gone." Meanwhile, another pointed out that although wages have increased, property prices have skyrocketed, making it harder for families to manage on a single income.

Interestingly, while many acknowledge the higher costs today, they also recognize that previous generations faced their own set of challenges. As one Redditor noted, "Even with lower prices, parents had to make profound sacrifices for their children."

The Rise of the DINK Lifestyle

The rise of the DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) lifestyle among young adults is another notable outcome of these economic shifts. More individuals, either out of necessity or personal choice, are opting for this child-free lifestyle, finding comfort in the financial freedom and flexibility it offers.

One Reddit user shared their perspective: “Having grown up poor, I prioritize travel and experiences over starting a family. My spouse and I enjoy vacationing four times a year.”

The term DINK itself, dating back to the 1980s, has gained newfound popularity as child-free couples showcase their lifestyles on social media platforms like TikTok. The hashtag “DINK” has amassed over 42,000 posts, with many users sharing the joys and advantages of a life unencumbered by parental responsibilities. This trend has also spawned variations such as DINKWAC (with a cat) and DINKWAD (with a dog), illustrating a shift in priorities among younger generations.

Conclusion