𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪 𝕞𝕪 𝕕𝕒𝕕 𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕤𝕚𝕔𝕜.
I was 20 when I realised that being “covered” and being “prepared” are not always the same thing.
My dad had just been diagnosed with a serious medical condition.
He was the sole breadwinner of our family.
And suddenly, everything changed.
We thought MediShield Life and Medisave would be enough.
But when the bills came, there were still cash payments.
Still decisions to make.
Still that quiet fear of wondering,
“What if this gets worse?”
As the eldest, I already knew the answer.
It would have to be me.
That moment changed the way I saw financial planning forever.
Not because I suddenly understood insurance.
But because I understood responsibility.
I understood what it feels like when a family has no clear plan.
I understood what it feels like to carry that question alone.
I understood that love alone does not give a family clarity during a crisis.
That is why I do what I do today.
Because planning is not about fear.
It is about making sure the people you love are not left figuring everything out when they are already overwhelmed.
If you are the “responsible one” in your family, maybe this is your reminder:
You do not need to carry everything alone.
But you do need to start with clarity.
Have you ever had a moment where you realised you might be the one who has to step up for your family?
Share with me in the comments, or save this for the day you are ready to review your own planning 🤍
—
I’m Jowi Ong, Associate Director at Infinity Financial Advisory under Infinity Lumină.
I share real life stories to raise financial awareness so others can plan better, and live with fewer regrets.
🔔 Follow me Jowi Ong [王思涵] ♾️ for stories that inform, advice that empowers, and planning that gives peace of mind.
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Having gone through a similar experience, I can relate deeply to the realization that being "covered" by basic insurance schemes like MediShield Life and Medisave isn't always enough when a serious illness strikes. Many families, especially in Singapore, often assume that these government subsidies will cover all medical costs, but in reality, there are often significant out-of-pocket expenses that can add to the stress during already difficult times. What truly stood out to me from this story is the emotional weight carried by the "responsible one" in the family. In my own life, when a close family member was suddenly diagnosed with a critical illness, I found myself grappling with both financial decisions and the emotional burden of uncertainty. This made me realize the essential role of proactive financial planning—not just to avoid financial strain but also to reduce the anxiety that comes with unclear preparations. Planning ahead involves more than just having insurance; it means having a comprehensive understanding of potential medical costs, savings allocation, and possibly supplementary coverage. It also requires honest family conversations about contingencies and responsibilities, so no one feels overwhelmed if the worst happens. This clarity creates a stable support system instead of leaving loved ones to scramble in crisis. For those reading, especially the eldest or the family members labeled as "responsible," take this as a reminder: you don't have to carry the burden alone. Engage your family in planning discussions early. Look beyond basic coverage — assess if critical illness riders or additional health insurance are needed. Regularly review policies as circumstances change. If you’re unsure where to start, financial advisors—like the author Jowi Ong—can offer guidance tailored to your family’s specific needs. Ultimately, financial planning is a form of love. It’s about offering peace of mind and ensuring that when life takes an unexpected turn, your family feels prepared and supported, not abandoned by uncertainty.