Build Your Own Nest presents findings from Singapore’s first study on matched savings schemes for lower-income, older women. Commissioned by the International Longevity Centre – Singapore of Tsao Foundation and funded by the Tote Board, the study examined the impact of a monthly matched savings scheme on retirement savings behaviour among 377 older women over 18 months.
Using an experimental and longitudinal design, the research assessed how scheme features influenced participants’ willingness to make regular voluntary CPF top-ups. Findings show that matched savings schemes can effectively sustain savings behaviour when designed with careful consideration of savings amounts, matching ratios, and how matching is framed, offering evidence to inform inclusive and gender-responsive retirement policies in Singapore.