I think it was Buffett who said, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Most of us already know the value of saving, insuring and investing, yet actually getting started isn’t always simple.
An online search presents us with an avalanche of guides, opinions, and options. While choice is good, too much of it leads to hesitation. We read, research, and bookmark guides for later, but “later” never comes. Work gets busy, life moves on, and investment and financial planning quietly slips into the “someday” folder. The risks and opportunity cost remain invisible until it is too late.
So, let us make it easier to start.
The first step?
Choosing a platform that will help you overcome the inertia, and help you take the right steps towards your financial goals:
How to choose an investment and money management platform that works?
A good platform reduces friction, builds confidence and makes it easy for you to make the right decisions for the long run. Here are three practical factors to consider:
1. Trust and regulatory safety
A regulated and reputable investment and money management platform gives you peace of mind that your funds are safeguarded. Look for licensed institutions supervised by MAS, with a track record that spans different market conditions.
2. Ease of use
If a platform is hard to navigate or requires multiple accounts to be set up, chances are we will put it off. Opting for a platform that feels familiar can help you cross the psychological hurdle of getting started. At the same time, knowing that human support is available when questions arise can add an extra layer of reassurance.
3. Low minimum investment
Starting small is better than not starting at all. Platforms that allow beginners to invest from a low entry point make it achievable to begin building wealth even with modest sums. Over time, these small initial steps you take can contribute to your net worth significantly.
Choosing a platform that ticks these boxes reduces doubt, lowers the mental barrier required to take action, and makes it easier to stay on track with your financial plans with help from practical digital tools that provide greater financial clarity for the future.
digiWealth: The trusted, practical way to get started
Most of us already have a DBS bank account, which makes digiWealth a natural starting point for anyone who wants to begin investing.
Having been named the “World’s Best Bank” and the “Safest Bank in Asia”, DBS offers a trustworthy and accessible experience.
Moreover, everything sits inside the familiar DBS digibank app, so there is no need to sign up for something new or move funds around. All you need to do is log in to your DBS digibank account, access the digiWealth tab at the bottom, and select Invest.
Congratulations, you now have a wide repertoire of Savings, Insurance, Investments and Retirement products to choose from.
You’ll also be able to access a holistic view of your finances all in one app so you have the confidence to make the right move.
If you have just logged into your DBS digibank app, I know what you’re thinking: “There are so many investing options in there, it’s equally overwhelming!”
Thankfully, DBS recognises our anxiety.
Instead of throwing us into the deep end to grapple with the overwhelming range of ETFs, bond funds, thematic options, regular savings plans, and other institutional-grade products, digiWealth was designed to help us simplify the process and actually start investing and compounding our money.
Here’s how.
CIO Insights Funds: The simple entry to investing, backed by expertise
DBS experts have curated a list of high-conviction CIO Insights Funds designed to meet our core investing needs. They are the same resources that DBS uses to guide its wealth clients, and now, retail investors like you and I can access and invest in them directly from the DBS digibank app:
Put together by DBS’s investment team, CIO Insights Funds are DBS’ best in class investment ideas that’ll help you stay invested over the long term, from as little as S$100, with nil fees charged for recurring top-ups. Whether you’re new to investing or already have an existing portfolio, CIO Insights Funds can offer a reliable foundation on which your future investments can be built upon.
If you are new to investing and are not sure how to select stocks, funds, or ETFs, CIO Insights Funds give you a ready-made solution that avoids decision paralysis.
If you already have other investments, CIO Insights Funds offer an easy way to diversify your portfolio, with the help of trusted investment experts who are watching the markets daily.
If you prefer a “set-and-forget” approach, CIO Insights Funds allow you to select your investment goal and let the fund managers handle the rest.
As an added bonus, DBS is also offering S$68* in digiPortfolio credits, when you insure or invest at least $10,000 with them.
While I have been investing in ETFs regularly, the Retirement Portfolio under CIO Insights Funds’ suite looks like a strong addition to my portfolio. Its glidepath strategy automatically adjusts the investment mix based on how many years I am from retirement, shifting from higher-risk assets like equities to more stable fixed-income as I get closer to my retirement date.
Retirement Portfolio | The effortless and new way to invest for your golden years is here
Because it is managed by the team at DBS Bank in collaboration with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, it feels almost like having a personalised fund manager overseeing a tailored retirement plan on my behalf.
Of course, if access to these options in your app feels too overwhelming, you have the option to speak to a personal banker at any DBS branch.
Take the first step: Explore CIO Insights Funds now
Most people do not regret starting small. They regret not starting at all. But it can be difficult to start if you’re overwhelmed with options.
The good news is you can start immediately by logging into your DBS digibank app. Inside, you’ll find suggestions that help you Plan, Save, Invest, Retire and Insure, basically everything you need to build a strong foundation for your finances. And if you’re looking to put your money to work, DBS’s CIO Insights Funds offer a great entry point.
Do yourself a favor. Take a few minutes to log into your DBS digibank app now and explore the options available at your fingertips. Your future self may thank you for it.
Eligible customers will receive S$68 in digiPortfolio credits when they insure or invest at least S$10,000 with DBS.
Grow Your Wealth with Us
Alternatively, learn more on CIO Insights Funds here
*The above promotion is accurate as of this article publication date and may be subject to changes in 2026.
The article herein is published by Dr Wealth and is for general information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. This article may not be reproduced, reposted or communicated to any other person without the prior written permission from DBS Bank. This information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Before entering into any transaction involving any product mentioned in this information, where applicable, you should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding its suitability for your own objectives and circumstances. If you choose not to do so, you should make an independent assessment and do your own due diligence on the product.
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The information herein is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation. DBS Bank, its related companies, their directors and/ or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in the product(s) mentioned in this article. DBS Bank may have alliances or other contractual agreements with the provider(s) of the product(s) to market or sell its product(s). Where DBS Bank’s related company is the product provider, such related company may be receiving fees from investors. In addition, DBS Bank, its related companies, their directors and/ or employees may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these product providers.
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