It Is Always Good To Step Out And See The World (Social Skills)

Been out of here for quite sometime. I was having a getaway trip to Thailand.

I always love to travel round the world to see the contrast between Singapore and the outside world. Along the way, I get to sink into their culture and learn many pointers. These are life skills and experiences which are not attainable by books. It is always wonderful to explore and step out of our comfort zone to see something different. I also love to interact with the people there. Though I know nuts about Thai Language, it's funny and cute to communicate through a common language by basic English or Sign Language. The Thais are generally heart-warming and pleasant people. The only disturbing thing was that the locals love to price discriminate against the tourist. If you go for shopping, they will quote exorbitant prices. Taxi will be quoted at a flat rate to tourist. I managed to get on taxi-meter a few times after much persuasion. Hehe, ACHIEVEMENT! Anw, I got to chat up with a shop owner regarding my idea of shipping her supplies over to SG to sell. Seems like the shop owner is keen on it. Hopefully, I can get my Thai friend to help me out on this :)


I believe one factor that may help us in future is this word called "connections". In this world, we are now so inter-dependent. Working alone may not be the key to success anymore. High EQ and good interactive skills are imperative and it may bring you this "golden opportunity". Of cause, luck do play a part too. Sometimes you do see people with highly inter-personal skills climbing the career ladder faster than others with equal/higher credential. Why? Because they know how to network well and win the likes of fellow colleagues and bosses. I don't encourage you to go to the extent of boot licking your bosses and end up creating a scene of office politics. It's definitely gross and disgusting. Yeah, I do see such people too in every places and it is a real turn off.

Have you watch Wolf of Wall Street? With a skill like Leonardo DiCaprio (Sweet talker, superb convincing skills etc.), it can be a deadly weapon. In that movie, apparently he used it the corrupted way, so don't follow his footstep . But if you have that skill, it will definitely be an upper hand compared to your peers and people around you. These are skills that are very powerful because words can inspire. I also love the part how Brad sell the pen to Leonardo DiCaprio too. Cool huh?

What I am trying to say here is that, social skills are not hone within a day or just by reading a book. Yes, you can read all the book in the world. You can even read Dale Carnegie's book where he teaches you confidence and interactive skills. But without applying it in the real world, you will never learn. That is why the best way to interact is to step out and see the world. Travel round Singapore, pick up a few conversations with people, meet more people, learn foreigner's culture and lifestyle, talk to foreigners, understanding human body behavior, reading how people behave etc. Sooner or later, I'm sure you have no problem mingling with strangers. Use it in a good way, it will be a powerful tool.



Cheers!

Little Boy

Individual Personality Test - Self Assessment

Ever wonder how you actually fair as a person?

Sometimes I'm rather curious about myself and I wonder what others think about me. Most people around will give positive remarks or compliment one another because we always love to hear the good side and filter the negatives. It's very hard to come by "criticism" from people which I love to receive them in open arms. Ironic huh? What I meant are genuine comments or constructive suggestions made by close people around you. I prefer to hear them and look forward to work on it.

More importantly I want to know how I behave and fair as a person. I believe we need to deeply understand our inner self and personality before we can actually develop and change for the better. Each an everyone have an Achilles heel and a strength in us. It's always good to focus on our strength and work on our weakness. Now, the BIG question lies on whether how well you know about yourself. Not knowing yourself well enough can be managed, BUT the thought of you knowing FULL of yourself is worst! That is why some people don't change or a leopard never change it's spot.

Okay, so here are some test that are available to gauge your personality. Please try to answer truthfully to get the most optimal and accurate result. Try not to think too much over 1 question. Let your first thought and follow where your heart goes in answering the question. By the time you hesitate in answering a question, it may change your mind.

https://www.talentoday.com

Here is my test result. 

Quite accurate but not entirely true for some probably because some questions are rather "tricky" to me. For example, "choosing between earning money or spending time with your friends/family". Of cause I will definitely choose the latter, but that doesn't mean I don't want to earn money. I guess that explains my low ambition test results. HAHA! Anyway, it is still quite a good rough gauge to know yourself better. At least some points are true which I know it myself, so I should jolly well work on it :)


Here is another test I did before which I read it from a book. I forgot what book was it.
Same rules apply, answer them truthfully and give a agga-ration (estimation) of points you score in each question.
Each question is appoint 10.
1 for worst - 10 for best.
If you are hestitating between a score of Eg.8-9. I will score myself the lower point.

Here is a sample of what I did.
I did it a few years ago, when I was really free. I stapled them all together and place it somewhere I can refer to whenever I need them.

Happy Self-Assessing !

Cheers!

Little Boy

Australia (Cultural & Monetary Value)

My parents just got back from Australia, New South Wales not too long ago. Great that they are enjoying their golden years and traveling around the world together. They had quite a handful of oversea trips after their retirement already.

Both of them shared with me their stories about their recent Australia trip. It is fascinating to hear about the cultural differences between Singapore and other nations.

Here are some interesting findings my parents encounter.

1) People
The Australians are very warm-hearted and courteous people. They will greet strangers on the street with a smile lit on their faces; "Good Day Mate". They are very munificent and helpful citizens too. For instance, my uncle was asking one of a passerby for toilet directions. He was so willing to help to the extent that he literally guide my uncle to the nearest toilet which was quite a distant away. These small little help may not be of a big thing, but it really shows how much their people are willing to go an extra mile to help strangers or even to brighten a person's day.

V.S

It is quite rare Singaporeans do that. I am not trying to say Singaporeans are not polite or generous because they do not greet people. It may be due to our conservative environment that we are brought up in or our shy nature. I believed Singaporeans are equally polite and kind hearted but we express in a different manner. I seen many honest, humble and polite people in Singapore and also a fair share of uncouth Singaporeans. We cannot simply write off Singaporeans as unfriendly people because of these minorities.


2) Transportation
They still rely on train conductors; A little backwards in terms of technology as compared to Singapore where we uses EZ-link card. Their payment system based quite a lot on trust. Their payment for the train goes like this:

Train Conductor steps into the train.
Train Conductor: "Who haven pay your tickets, please raise your hand."

I been to Australia once before too. I remembered that their payment for buses are by cash too. They are more carefree, laid back and "slower in pace". Commuters will line up to make cash payment to the bus driver and change will be given back to you. This process can take up a few minutes before the bus starts proceeding on it's journey.

V.S

In Singapore, we have a vast network of transportation. Most part of SG is convenient and accessible. Apart from our frequent SMRT breakdowns (These few days keep breakdown ARGHHHH!) which results in many angry commuters to curse and swear, our public transportation is rather efficient. At the expense of being much faster in pace, sometimes we do get nasty remarks or signs of impatience when we hold up commuters behind us. You may encounter some "death stare" or people behind you making this "TSKKKK" sound. It gets worse if you hold up the peak hour traffic commuters. End of the day, this question arises in my head, "So does technology actually improves our life?"


3) Shops
In NSW, all or most of their shops close at 5pm. Only on Thursday, some of them are open till 9pm.

V.S

In Singapore, most shops close around 9pm or latest 10pm on a daily basis.  

4) Food
Food wise; minimum cost per casual meal is about 10-15AUD. Usually a rather large portion is served which can be shared by 2 medium eaters. NSW have very little variety of food, most of it are Western Food which are deep fried and oily. Their staple food seems like French Fries. I wonder how they are able to indulge in such unhealthy food everyday.

The most worth meal my parents had was Golden Rooster (KFC-alike). They have the biggest chicken portion ever. Tender, crispy and finger licking good. Unlike SG KFC, our chicken seems to be abused and underweight.

The most ridiculous meal my parents had was at a Chinese Restaurant.
A. Broccoli with prawns (28AUD)
B. Duck slice (36AUD)
C. Noodle using curry powder seasoning (Forgotten)
They mentioned that the Chinese food was terrible. It was some ordinary shop, so standard of food may be explainable. But, the price of the food is sky high. It is literally day light robbery.

5) Car Park Charges
Apparently, New South Wales seems to have higher charges for parking. My initial assumption was that Australia being a country with abundant land and space, parking should be relatively cheap. Did not seems to be in this case; car park fee is particularly expensive. On average, most places charges around 6AUD per hour. Some of their parking system is also a little different whereby some car park only limit a maximum of 0.5/1/2 hours of parking. If you exceed the time, you will get fine. The highest car park fee my parents happen to see was 50AUD per hour. That is one huge burn in the pocket. Interestingly, they also have "ERP" but my parents are not sure how they actually work.

V.S

Singapore have considerably expensive car park charges too. As long you own a car in Singapore, be prepared to spend and do some damages to your wallet. We have both the gantry payment system and our very own coupon parking system. We have our distinctive "summon" aunties too. Their presence always brings panicky and funny sightings. Suddenly, you will be able to see people rushing to the car park. At some locations (Eg. Coffeeshop, Restaurants), they provide "informants" to spot for "summon" aunties. Hahaha. Quite an adorable way Singaporeans work together hand in hand to fend them off. We are indeed uniquely Singapore.


Nutshell

It is always good to understand and learn other country's culture. You never know when you need these knowledge. As for me, I am very curious and inquisitive. I love to find out and hope to sink into other country's unique culture. I find it awe-inspiring. Besides that, each an every nation have their pros and cons. No country is perfect but every country got their own distinctive culture and lifestyle. Some of it will defines us from others and that is what makes it so special. Like every human beings, we have a purpose in life, a talent and that is where we should specialize and strengthen on it. Work on your strength!

Cheers!

Little Boy

Retirement : Enjoying the fruits of your labour

Just thought of sharing this story and a little about my background since most people in this financial community are discussing about retirement. From Investopedia, definition of retirement means it is the period when a person chooses to leave the workforce. My definition of retirement is a very big word and a whole new and different step in life. It is the point of enjoying your life forever and ever without financial worries. It is probably the last phase of your life, a carefree one with the least stress ever throughout your existence.

Other than being a child with no worries or stress. I guess the next best phase will be retirement.

Examples of  the worries you have in your phases of life
Teen:  school, homework, studies, getting A's
Young adult:  financial, work, studies, building up a career.
Mid age adult: housing, loans, spouse, marriage, financial.
Adult with kids: children, financial, building a family.

I'm not too sure what worries do retiree have as I have yet to reach that stage. One day, if blogs still exist and I have retired, I will share and note it here :) But right now, from what I observe from my parents, they are really living the life.

Both of my parents have retired for quite some time already. My father about 5-6 years while my mother join in the "retirement" club about 1-2 years later. I would consider us as an average or above average earning income family. My dad was a civil servant serving the nation for 37 years which was his first and very last job. My mother hop around a few jobs, got retrenched once during the SARS period if I recall correctly. Fortunately, my father had an iron rice bowl. Both of them balance their work and family commitment very well, providing ample family bonding time together. We never lack of food, have a roof over our heads and basic necessities are not a problem. I am very privileged to grow up in this family and fortunate to be living in such state. I wouldn't dare ask for more and I am very contented with what I have now.

Now, both of my parents are enjoying their golden years and fruits of labour. I guess they do not have anymore financial worries and stresses because both of my sisters are financially independent already. I am very happy and glad for my parents, they really deserved this life. Having seen them relax and take their time to do whatever they like really makes me envious. There was once my father spent a few weeks flying his kite that he made which reminisce his youth days. He always proclaims to us that during his younger days he was the best kite flyer and he was able to cut down many other kite flyers who competed with him. He always shares with me lots of his real life stories that brings plenty of moral values to it. I roughly can recite a few of his stories because he do repeat them at times. Hahaha. Maybe I should dedicate a blog post to him some day.

Here is another short write up about SGYI's family background. I sincerely respect him for not being afraid to share his background. I sympathize for him because his background is not as fortunate and privileged as mine. But it is great to hear that he is doing very well now, with a positive mindset and a goal in mind.
A little story on SGYI's family background


To end it off
Retirement all depends on personal preference. It is not a rat race whereby whoever retires first is the winner. One can choose to retire at any age as long as you know whether you are capable of doing so. Some people choose not to retire because they rather kill their time at work or they simply love their job too much. Ultimately, one must not forget to enjoy life even if you are retired or working. As long as you are living and breathing, we should lead a happy and go lucky life. Bring a smile along where ever you go. It will not only lighten your mood and brighten your day, it also helps to cheer up the environment around you :)

#YOLO

Cheers!
Little Boy

Earning Money Through A Healthy And Active Lifestyle

Am I pulling your leg?

Nope, not at all. Our government is rewarding us for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

How?
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Guess what, it is specially for men only.
Hmm, government must be bias and unfair against the ladies.

I presume you might have guess it already.

IPPT!

This is a great initiation from our government.
An incentive that rewards you for obtaining different class:

Pass : Allowance          
Bronze : $100
Silver : $200
Gold. : $400

I really feel this is considerably a large sum of money the government is rewarding individuals. $400 is a big sum to me and I hope it is for most of you reading here. Every dollar counts for me. Imagine getting Gold for 10 consecutive years. That will be $4000. Ahhar! With this amount, don't you think you can do a lot of things with it?

I do not know the exact amount our government actually fork out annually for this incentive. (Please haters of government don't bash me). I understand these are tax payers money too. So whatever that we are rewarded are actually coming out of our pocket? Hmm, yes it does make sense. But I like to see in this case where, if there is a chance to take money back from the government, I will try all means to take it back. For this case, I will work my very best to get Gold.


Indeed I got gold for my Year One IPPT last weekend.

I'm very proud of myself because I really work EXTREMELY hard to obtain this goal of mine. During my army days, the best I got was Silver. And running was the only factor that stopped me from getting Gold. Ironically, I seems fitter after ORD than I was in army. I did not come up with a regime or routine to train myself for IPPT. I just remained discipline and run at least twice a week. With a mixture of intervals and long distance running I slowly saw improvements to my 2.4km timing. This is not a 1 day trick, it takes time and patience to see the result. $400 in 1.5 hours is my best paid salary ever! Feel free to ask me any other tips regarding IPPT, I will be more than willing to help :) 

I understand some people dread and hate taking IPPT. Please don't give up. AhGong / Free money is for you to collect, so don't waste this opportunity. You may not have to aim for gold, but if you happen to set a goal and manage to achieve it, you should really feel proud of yourself. I also do understand some people may proclaim they have insufficient time. Hey but wait up, YOU choose your life, and YOU make your own choice. The very next time you come up with such excuses again, please smack your face up down left right and center! Hahaha. Okay, on serious note, I believe time can always be set aside for your own health. Don't neglect your health just to attain some other stuffs. Have a work - life - health balance. 

At least one of my checklist is being tick for my new year resolution. You can see them here : LittleBoy's New Year Resolution. And of cause, I will still continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember, wealth is nothing without health AND health is the greatest wealth!  

To end it off, a simple message to you readers out there. This is one of my key motivation to get me moving and kicking alive! 

If he can do it 

SO CAN YOU! 

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish (The Greatest Fool of All)

Have you heard of this quote before "Penny Wise, Pound Foolish"? 

I give you a simple story that my father once shared with me many years ago. One fine day, my father was invited to play Mahjong with my neighbours next door. So the conversation (summarize) goes something like this:

Neighbour: Wanna play mahjong?

LittleBoy's Father: How much?

Neighbour: $2-4

LittleBoy's Father: HUHHHH?

Neighbour: Ahhh, too little ah? Okay loh, $4-8.

LittleBoy's Father: It's alright, I shall give it a pass. 

My father thought that out of courtesy he could join them for a game so as to have a mini neighbours' bonding session. Astoundingly, the bets were too high. I swear my father is a very good Mahjong player. He is a mind reader and an intelligent player. But his intention was not to win their money, so he rejected their invitation politely. If you know about Mahjong, you will understand that that is a huge bet for a average earning income family. In worst case scenario, the lost can amplify up to a thousand or vice versa if you win. 

Here comes the contradicting and hilarious part. 

Another fine day, my mother went to the market to shop for groceries. She overheard my neighbour bargaining persistently with this store owner selling vegetables. Guess how much she was bargaining? I won't kid you. She bargained and asked for a discount of 5cents. The store owner at first was very reluctant, but eventually give in to her. Poor thing!  Isn't it very contradicting? You can bet so big in Mahjong and you want to make life difficult for a store owner selling veggies. It is a true example of the literal meaning of Penny Wise, Pound Foolish. 

I guarantee that there are many other funny Singaporeans out there with this mentality, Penny Wise, Pound Foolish. Another example can be that some Singaporeans are so willing to spend on luxury and lavish car brand. When it comes to car park, they can go the extra mile to park at cheaper locations to the expense of having to walk further or even to the extent of cheating car park coupon timing. Please don't tell me you are guilty of that. I understand every dollar save is a dollar earn, but isn't it absurd you were once so willing to fork out so much on car, when you can actually save much more by buying a cheaper car? My father always tells me that a car main purpose is to fetch you around. A car is meant to work for you, not the other way round. Nowadays, it seems as though humans are enslaved to their car. 

I hope that you understand where I'm coming from. Some of us are guilty of having this mentality but we can always work on it for the better. I have said this a few times in my blog. In life, what we need is to have moderation. Sometimes, we cannot be so calculative and be so nitty gritty on very minor details. We need to give and take. And most of the time, we cannot be so "Pound Foolish" too. Having impulse buying behaviour is definitely an unhealthier habit and we need to weigh the pros and cons before throwing our hard-earned money into something so expensive. I'm not saying you should not invest and spend in yourself. By all means go ahead but please do it moderately. Just don't be the greatest fool of saving so much yet spending away prematurely on unnecessary lavish items in life.

Cheers!
Little Boy

Our Neighbours: Malaysia Johor Bahru (Money Value)

Recently, I went to Malaysia Johor Bahru for a day trip and discovered some intriguing and captivating experience. With our Singapore Currency strengthening against the Ringgit, the exchange rate at the money changer was approximately 2.56 (1 SGD = 2.56 Ringgit). Ah har! I feel so much like a mini king in JB. The increase in income effect and purchasing power seems as though I have double in value of money.

I ventured around City Square JB. Apparel, clothing, accessories, bags, or fashion as a whole are roughly the same pricing as Singapore. Food wise or basic necessities (In RM term) is relatively more pricey too. A normal meal cost 5-10 RM, where in Singapore we can get it from 3-6 SGD. Not too surprising because City Square JB is directly located just outside Malaysia's JB Custom. It is just a stone throw away and inter-link from the custom. This comes to my first point: With such expensive pricing (In terms of RM) I was kind of curious how people in Johor Bahru are surviving?

While I was exploring some of these shops in the mall, I happen to see this shop hiring part timers for 7 RM per hour. It is shocking. That is estimated to be around $2.70 SGD, much lower than our current Singapore part timers' average pay. Even Macdonalds in SG is offering much more. I feel sympathetic for those Malaysian Part-Timers and at the same time, I feel much more appreciative of the value of money. I sense the blood and sweat of every Malaysian having to work twice as hard so as to compensate Singapore's money value. Now I understand why so many Malaysians are crossing over the borders to accept relatively lower wages. A considerably lower wages in SG of about $2000 is equivalent to about a manager's wages back in Malaysia.

I noticed some dreadful scenes along the way too. There appears to be a handful of beggars along the outskirt of the mall. I was greeted by a mid age lady with a child begging for money. I did not "donate" not because I am selfish or could not care less. I believed it was not right at all. Tagging a child along and begging for money from strangers. What/How will the child grow up into? Won't it lead to a poverty cycle? Will it solve the problem ultimately? I may be harsh with my words, but I feel that if the lady is still capable of walking around or still able, she should exercise some form of responsibility to work and provide for the child. Be it even selling tissue paper, it is still a form of "working". That is why, I am very gracious those people who sells tissue paper. At least they are "working" and not begging for money. Fair enough, I may not know the underlying reason and I will gladly apologize dearly to these people for my misjudgment.




On a lighter note, I had a great time heading over to Malaysia with my friends. We managed to scout for cheap and pleasant bargains which made our day. These entertainment expenditure will burn a hole in our pocket if we enjoy it back in Singapore. I have calculated an approximate cost of $80 SGD. Guess what, I only spent a total of $35 SGD for the list below. That is HALF! Talking about crazy deals and saving, this is A HUGE saving with the same entertainment value you can enjoy in SG. I may even consider going back JB just to catch a movie or to relax a day over there with my friends.

Here is my list of "damage" for the day:

1. Lunch [Japanese Food] ~ 34 RM ($13.30 SGD)
Sushi King
Cheap, delicious, filling and yummy sums it all. I ate till I nearly exploded, it shows how much $13 SGD can get you.

2. KTV [Neway] ~ 38 RM ($14.80 SGD)
3 hours of singing, 1 drink of your choice, 1 set meal of your choice.
I wonder where else in Singapore to get such bargain. Singapore's KBox/Party World lose to this KTV hands down. Moreover, Neway's KTV system is updated to the latest music and well equipped with a good mix of English/Chinese Music with original Music Video (MTV). KBox/Party World has a poor and limited selection of English songs. Not to forget, their MV are absurdly hilarious (Fake MV; Usually those classic video whereby a woman stroll in a park). You should get what I mean if you ever sing Karoke in Kbox/Party World.

3. Dinner [Street Food] ~ 11 RM ($4.30 SGD)
Satay, Mutton Soup, Maggi Goreng, Kwayteow Hailam

Ordered a handful variety of food to have a taste of their street food. Tried out their satay : beef, mutton and chicken. Frankly, this is one of the best satay I had so far. One word, SALIVATING! The generous amount of fatty piece of meat they chunk in one stick plus the juice that ooze out whenever you take a bite leaves your mouth in coma. Perhaps if the satay sauce is great, that will be the best satay combination ever. Their satay sauce is so-so standard. I still prefer Singapore's Pineapple Satay Sauce that some SG satay stalls provide. The rest of the food were still fine and to my liking but not to the standard worth commending. Overall, a reasonable price worth trying out.

4. Movie ~ 12 RM ($4.70 SGD)
Cathay Cinema
Spacious and comfortable. There is ample leg space for you and a cosy armchair to sink into. It is not only a huge theater, it looks rather grand and appealing too. The theater is just as good as Singapore, it live up to Cathay's standard. For the price of $5 SGD and zero hassle to get available slots, what more can I ask for.

To end it off
These are some of the interesting sights I seen just in a day in Malaysia, Johor Bahru. Sinking into their lifestyle for a day has made me learn quite a bit and widen my perspective. It teaches me the importance of valuing money and I grab away some moral values with me. It taught me not to take things for granted. I hope I will revisit JB again and wish to take away more learning points.

Cheers!
Little Boy

Being RICH is not about how much you have, BUT about how much you GIVE.

I happened to chance upon this video from Facebook and I learned a new quote today, YAY! It's my first time hearing this and I am deeply empowered by this quote. It is really meaningful. I am very sure there are living examples in our world as depicted in the video. Please don't say you have lose faith in humanity. It is a simple, short and sweet video which brings so much sentimental values. I only disagree to the part where by his father is so cold to his own son, while he can be so supportive to other kids. I always believe Charity begins at home. Help yourself before helping others. The reason why his very own son reciprocate to him this way when he grows up is probably because of having a not so loving and caring father. But, still a very touching clip (I nearly got moved to tears :X)

While many Singaporeans are working their ass off for money. We do forget at times about the less fortunate people. Giving is also part of receiving. For my small part for example, I do buy tissue papers from aunties/uncles/handicaps which I see this as a form of little giving. I also donate to victims of natural disaster.


On another part, we are moving so quickly nowadays that we tend to overlook all the small details around us. I feel we ought to stop by a moment and think about little bit and pieces of details and enjoy little small things. How often do we get to enjoy the view by the sea, the sounds of bird chirping, the rustling of trees. We are now in the era of instant gratification.

To end it off,  life is all about moderation

Cheers!
Little Boy

Financial Knowledge

I had a little chat with my both of my sisters a few days ago concerning financial matters. From my understanding, my elder sister was convinced into parting her CPF money into unit trust by her insurance agent. Her insurance agent asserted that it will be a good idea to buy into unit trust to make her money roll to save up on her HDB apartment. Yup, her money literally rolls away. Her unit trust value eroded up to $3-4k of a size of about $30k. That is already more than 10% unrealized lost. Sometimes I wonder how fund managers can underperform so poorly. It is really ironic and unfair that these fund managers still receive commissions for “growing” customer’s funds. My simple advice I gave to my sister was to not invest in something you don’t know. At least it is much better to leave your money in the CPF account where you can get an annual risk free interest rate of 2.5%. It pays not to be financially literate I guess.

My second sister is now in a little dilemma. She wants to start investing, but do not know where to start because she has little knowledge about investment. She is cash rich, but she doesn’t make use of her excess cash to perform some compounding effect. As a saying goes, “Don’t work for money, let money work for you” - (Robert Kiyosaki). I advised my 2^nd sister numerous times to set up an investment account, but she always claims that she is too busy. My belief is that time is a choice, it is only how much time you willing to set aside. I hope that she will see my good intentions in the near future and slowly start up researching on her own. The longer she procrastinates, the longer she misses out on an opportunity to grow her wealth. But of cause, investment is not a 100% full proof money making strategy. There are always winners and losers in the market, except winners are usually the one that mitigate their downside risk by doing their own due diligence. So, my greatest advice for her is to delve into lots of research first before entering the market.

Charity always begins at home. I hope to be able to help both my sisters. I can probably start off by having a general informative financial talk with them. Perhaps, one day I will be given a chance to manage their given sum of money. As of now, I still think I am not experience enough to handle such great big responsibility given the fact that I am only less than 2 years old in the market. I can only assist them by giving them simple advice and provide them with any forms of media read-ups. I been giving my 2^nd sister interesting read ups from blogs or links that I found, and I really do hope she find some motivation and inspiration to start up investing. Her motivation always seems to die down after awhile :(

Henceforth, I believe that financial knowledge is one of the most important skill and a key to unlocking potential wealth. I deduce that our education needed to do a little alteration. One subject which is not taught and imparted to youth is financial knowledge. We may be advocated on the importance of saving but financial knowledge is a whole different league. Don’t talk about investments product yet; once we step into the real world, we have to consider the fact that we are going to settle lots of financial issues (Insurance, housing, loans, CPF etc.) Are we actually adequately equipped with such knowledge and well prepared? Most people will believe only the mouth salivating (“good guy”) agents. The naive one will fall for it and probably get the worse end of the deal. Why isn’t our education system preparing us for all of these? Our education system should educate youth/young adults on the importance of financial planning and provide pertinent knowledge on financial matters. At least there should be some informative sessions and general talks to provide understanding on the basics of all these. CPF for instance, is a part and parcel of a Singaporean; it is growing up with you. Knowing nuts about it is embarrassing and puts you at disadvantage. I pray that our education system can review and look in this; for a better and more financially educated Singapore.

Cheers!