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If $10k in ST-Engrg 10-years ago, 4.2%! (I doubt)

 https://sg.news.yahoo.com/invested-10-000-st-engineering-100000695.html In 2014 , if you have invested $10,000 in ST-Engineering shares. In total, you would have received S$1.52 per share in dividends over 10 years. Based on the 2,500 shares that you own, you would receive S$3,800 in dividends. These dividends would have yielded a 38% gain over your original investment sum of S$10,000. Together with the capital gain mentioned above, you would enjoy a 51.5% gain over a decade which translates to a total gain of 4.2% per year. ~~~ My takeaway: 1. Hindsight wisdom. 2. But, let I check: * Anyway, depending when you bought it, its share fluctuated; say $3.70. * Now $4.72.  Increases by (4.72-3.7)/3.7 × 100% = 27% (no such 51% gain !!) 3. But one certainty about putting into CPF SA to earn 4%!! $10,000×(1.04^(10)) = $14,800 ($14.8k-$10k)/$10k * 100% = 48%.  Our SA did earn 48% if you invested 10-years ago. 4.  Even my INCOME SAIL-SP Policy paid $20k to get $29.9k in 10-years, upon year-10
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ILP & Wholelife insurance, buy or not ?

Someone recently said that ILP n Endowments are no longer attractive.  I agree with him. But I am not so sure of indexed UL ILP which tracks the S&P500.  If hold till death, its bequest payout is good. I would say that it depends how savvy one uses the investment: 1. Disciplined form of forced savings which we otherwise may not be able to accumulate diligently. 2. Just another passive income tap, better than FD.  3.  RESALE W/LIFE plans > For me, I bought resale wholelife plans from young Assured person; solely from INCOME, to save as Cash "Critical Insurance" payout if needed when I surrender.  >These W/Life plans already cost breakeven based on their current actual Surrender Value (SV).  Their SV arestill tracking their projected SV Table based on the updated BI when I bought over the policies. >If I buy CI, its premiums are sinking fund, but I can still cash-out my premiums which adds to the SV. (not that I have choice, at my age, CI riders have expired or its
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Should I put $$ into children SA?

  Part 2: Should I put money in my children SA? On far longer horizon, 50-years!! Effective very long-term compounded SA interest rate is 12%.  (1×(1.04^(50)−1)÷50×100 = 12%!! I wouldn't say risk-free for no one can predict the CPF future in next 50-years !!! In other words, $1 ---> $12 (after 50-years) $100,000 ---> $1,200,000 (after 50-years)!! ~~~ Critics may ask if CPF would still be around? I will reply if CPF would be around to pay us 4% p.a. for next 20-years?
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Invest using SA n OA? Worth it ?

  Investment perspective of OA & SA One colleague shared his view on the breakeven return rate for the below: 1. Should we invest using SA? 2. Should we invest using OA? ~~~ 1. Should we invest using SA? To assess if an investment is viable, we check SA @4% p.a compounded for 10-years. 10-year effective SA compounded interest: (1×(1.04^(10 years)−1)÷10 years ×100% = 4.8% p.a. In other words, for 10-year compounded at 4% p.a., for SA pays an effective rate of 4.8% p.a. ! Risk Free. Not many investment can guarantee payout @4.8% p.a My Takeaway: 1. Keep your SA balance in CPF.  Don't invest with it. I wouldn't. ~~~~ 2. Should we invest using OA? To assess if an investment is viable, we check 0A @2.5% p.a compounded for 10-years. 10-year effective OA compounded interest: (1×(1.025^(10 years)−1)÷10 years ×100% = 2.8% p.a. In other words, for 10-year compounded, for OA pays an effective rate of 2.8% p.a. ! Risk Free. Are there many investment which can guarantee payout @2.8% p
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Ways to invest your CPF OA?

 I spoke with few from my cohorts on their use of their OA: 1. REIT . I bought REITs. Small bites for now. (But firstly, with my T-bills maturing in Nov 24, I can invest ~$100k from my srs) 2. ILP . One invested almost all OA into Annuity; he mentioned AIA; 3. ANNUITY . One in Prudential product, maybe not all OA Balance. 4. OA . Few still keep in OA, to earn 2.5% 5. STOCK . One already invested all in local stocks as dividends. He mentioned Banks n Reits. 6. CASH . One withdrew all and self-invest. 7. PROPERTIES . One withdrew to buy properties for children. 8. O/S EDUCATION . One finances his children overseas education. 9. CASH . One was told to withdraw all in CPF as he was no longer a SG, including his RA Balance. 10. LG500 ETF . One couple is all into Endowus LG500!! 11. O/S PROPERTY . One invested in MY property. Caveat : OA balance has to put aside bare minumum sum of $20k which cannot be invested or withdraw. My takeaway : 1. Thanks to the enabling CPF for our retirement
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Mindset of a Retiree - on car

  Mindset of a retiree Happened to be at Vivo City Audi Roadshow yesterday; saw this middle-range A6 price at $289k. Wonder if you are a retiree: * 1. Die-with-zero with no kids. * 2. YOLO with kids. * 3. I am there, matter of fact. * 4. I am not there * 5. Me no licence * 6. Too old to drive already * 7. Keeping up with my neighbours * 8. I don't need a car * 9. Me ? any practical reliable car * 10. I am chauffeurred * 11. Me? Grab-hirer .  Oops. * 12. Me? Poor health to drive. Which would you identify to be ?
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Sorry. NO CPF-MA interest overflow into OA

Interest earned from Medisave account Medisave BHS @2024 = $71,500 assume @4% p.a. interest = $71,500 × 0.04 = $2,860 p.a. earned Premiums deducted from my Medisave: *1:My Enhanced Incomeshield+ As-Charged rider premium is already S$5.6k for next year. Cash premium = $4,046 p.a. * * Medisave deducted = $1,639 p. a. *2: Medishieldlife for my next year @age 61~65 premium = $1,131 p.a. (= 1131/2860 × 100% = 40% deducted) * 3: CareShieldLife premium of $898 p.a. (for 10 years period) Total premium deduction from my Medisave = $1,639 + $1,131 + $898 = $3,668 p.a. (expenses) ~~~ Takeaway #1: Net interest earned = $2,860 - $3,668 = -$808 p.a. In summary, my MA balance was reduced by $808 p.a. ~~~ Takeaway #2: Instead of feeling sad, I am cautiously glad that I topup with cash $3,668 p.a. to max BHS again. This topup reduces my personal earned income tax. Takeaway #3: Don't ever think that annual interest earned from MA can overflow into your OA for OA Withdrawal. Unknowingly, you actua
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Is CPF-OA earning 2.5% p.a. interest good enough?

  Sharing: Would you invest in CPF OA for mere 2.5%? 1. From next year 2025 , those aged 55 yo or above will have their SA account closed and their SA balance will be transferred to OA. 2. By age 55, unless you hack your SA previously to use your OA or Cash to meet the FRS limit for RA account, your SA balance (after zooped to form RA account upon aged 55), maybe left with $100k+- nett). 3. Of course, there will be peoples who are unable or not choose to even meet RA FRS limit. 4.  For me, this SA account closing is a good news for the "good mental": * It stops SA hacking. * It makes CPF OA/SA withdrawal easier .  No need to be bothered with order of withdrawal amount in order that the CPF SA balances are not reduced. * It makes using OA investment easier .  Any dividend or OA interest made can be withdrawn as retirement passive income tap. * It succumbs many to withdraw their OA balance to buy: ** Insurance annuity that: - offers "capital guarantee upon death"
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SA removed from 2025. Hate it, Love it, No choice

  Removal of CPF-SA after age 55 from Jan 2025.  All its balance will be absorbed into the OA. 1. Though it is not my choice to see my SA balance absorbed into my OA next Jan 2025, and hence we will earn lesser SA interest of 4.08%. 2. Somehow it makes our OA withdrawal easier and not bounded to be bothered how to max cash drawdown from OA, without affecting our SA balance. 3. Contrary, it liberates me/some.  One can simply withdraw at ease from OA balance.  One can simply withdraw the OA interest + Dividend + return make in 2025, retaining the OA balance. 4. OA balance becomes our opportunistic account to time-the-market" buy into equity.  Make the profit or dividend from it, then withdraw them as passive income when we retire. E.g. If one withdraws from OA $500k for investment @5%, it earns $25k! Another retirement Tap without touching our OA balance. And addition from RA max annually at its ERS, one can enjoy a guaranteed monthly payout of at least $3k p.m. standard life. ~~~ M
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Endowment & Stocks for Retirement

 1. My sharing on my layered 20 endowments: a. For the past 10-years, I have been building up about $600k worth of endowments to supplement my Retirement Income base. I started the Endowment Chapter in 2011 at age 47.  (The same year that I also embark from my health regime and clocked 4 full Marathons in 10 years.) b. And 10-year later, this Endowment Chapter is yielding results. Starting from 2022 at age 58, my layered endowments have and will be paying my lifelong cash payouts. Last year was $40k,  This year payout is $70k. Next year onwards will continue to give me $40k+ p.a. , not including annual cashback reinvestment of $12k per year over next 6 ~ 8 years. This endowment payout will give me a stable average $4k p.m. of retirement income when I retire. c. For now, likely I will taper off my Endowments Chapter. One thing about nibbling into endowments, it gives me time and investment maturity & clarity for next portfolio.    d. I supposed that one cannot avoid stock and prop
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Which insurance company best in SG?

Which insurance company is best in Singapore? NTUC Income and Great Eastern top YouGov's brand equity ranking of insurers in Singapore across 2023. Ranking of major insurance companies in Singapore : NTUC Income was viewed most positively by consumers over the past 12 months. It achieved the highest Index score (26.5) – an overall measure of brand health, calculated as the average of its Impression, Quality, Value, Corporate Reputation, Customer Satisfaction and Recommendation scores. NTUC Income (26.5), Great Eastern (23.6), AIA (16.9), Prudential (16.2), Singlife (9.8), Manulife (8). ~~~ https://business.yougov.com/content/48445-yougov-brand-equity-ranking-2023-singapore-insurance ~ My Endowment Policies purchased: Income: 8 GE: 7 Prud: 2 Singlife-Aviva: 3 Mn: 3 TM:1 This type of Insurance Ranking survey is detrimental to the poor performers; and a wake-up call to up the ranking.
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Life's purpose

  Sharing #1 - Yolo Life Just watched a Netflix Award Winning Chinese short 2-hr movie, " Yolo ". Worth watching. 100%🏆 I highly recommended this show; esp for children who is low-esteemed and desire for a meaningful life purpose. The pretty lady director took on herself 2 years to prepare the Lead Role. ~~~~ Sharing #2 - Ordinary who does the Extraordinary Last week reported news of a passing away of an old colleague who is my cohort. He died in during his Europe holiday.   I remembered his dearly as one who well provided for his family; saved enough to give his children each a private condo. He would share his "quiet retiree mode" weekends with his children and cycling/hiking. My condolences of his passing; where ordinary people do extra ordinary things for his family. ~~~ Sharing #3 - Styrofoam Cup In a USA Leadership Summit, a ex-Under Secretary of Defence shared of his Job being that of a Styrofoam Cup.   We are respected by our job appointment and accorde
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Fun with SRS. A retirement Tap

  Fun with SRS 1. Why SRS saving?   Putting some reality scenario helps. Each year savings: * Topup SRS yearly: $15,300 * Tax saving @10% bracket + Div %5% * Daily meal (bf + lunch): $12 By year-1 SRS saving: ((15,300×0.05)+(15,300×0.1))÷(12)÷365 = 6mth free daily meal (bf n lunch: $12 ) By year-2 SRS saving: ((15,300×0.05x2)+(15,300×0.1))÷(12)÷365 = 7mth free daily meal (bf n lunch) By year-3 SRS saving: ((15,300×0.05x3)+(15,300×0.1))÷(12)÷365 = 9mth free daily meal (bf n lunch) By year-4 SRS saving : ((15,300×0.05x4)+(15,300×0.1))÷(12)÷365 = 12-mth free daily meal (bf n lunch) By year-5 SRS saving: ((15,300×0.05x5)+(15,300×0.1))÷(15)÷365 = 7mth free daily meal (bf n lunch: $15 ) ~~~ 2. Before age 45, * personal tax bracket not high, * salary not high , * commitment high 3. E.g. Age 45 to 54 By Year-10 , total SRS savings : $15,300 x 10 = $153,000 E.g. Age 55 to 64 By Year-20 , total SRS savings: $15,300 x 10 = $306,000 ~~~~ 4. Retire at age 65: Cash Drawdown for age 65 to 84: $30
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Resale Endowments explained

 https://theinvestquest.com/resale-endowment-policies-higher-projected-returns-with-shorter-time-to-maturity/ Good article of Resale Endowments.
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Our Present a-peek into our Future

Last Sat at food market, I chatted with 4 seniors in the late 60s to early 70s.   From their mannerism n speaking, one can tell that they are well educated and held important roles before their retirement. Two were seen with walking stick, with one suffering from Parkinson. From web search, I noted that one was a ex-Director in a MNC. My takeaway : 1. 70-yo age tier may reveal our chance of longevity, mobility & mental health state. 2. We still have 10-years to work on it. 3. Do we mind having online public traces of ourselves ? We took a group photo. One of them requested me not to post onto online media.
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Choosing CI (part 2)

My Takeaway: 1. As the 25yo is a long runway to protect, it may be worthwhile to Surrender the Manulife Wholelife policy, and topup to buy SingLife-Aviva (but minimum assured: $500k) Why would I consider switching or Surrender ManuLife Whole/Life? 2. I compare Surrender Value of Wholelife Insurance for INCOME & Manulife: > Manulife drops its SV from projected $39k to $29k @25yo. > INCOME SV remains unchanged as illustrated in initial buy. 3. INCOME CI though limited pay premium, it gives x3.5 coverage from age 25 to 70 at $350k CI, its total lifetime premium is most expensive. 4. SingLife-Aviva offers best CI value, one should not put all into one basket. Imagine the insurer collapses during her lifetime! 5. Early CI coverage is expensive. Afternote: 1. I realised that her Manulife w/life @Year25 has already achieved cost breakeven!  Total Premium paid: $24.2k Net SV @25yo: $29k 2. It may be worthwhile to be $1M wholelife policy which offers Lifetime CI rider.   It will b
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Choosing Critical Illness policy

  Critical Illness (CI) coverage 1.   Three things I consider when buying Termlife CI: a. Coverage duration: b. Lifetime annual or total premium c.  Late or early stage CI coverage Others: d. CI list coverage e. Got Cashback / SV ? f.  Multi-stage Coverage 2.  I compare cost, upto age 85yo coverage duration: - FWD TermLife CI, - INCOME Ltd Pay VivoLife, - SingLife-Aviva TermLife CI. - MANULIFE W/Life insurance w CI (99yo) rider For a 25yo assured as illustration, 1. FWD TermLife CI: $40.60 p.m. fixed premium Total lifetime premium cost: $40.60 × 12 x (85-25) = $29.23k 2. INCOME Ltd Pay 10yo TermLife CI VivoLife: Total lifetime premium cost: $411 x 12 x (35-25) = $49.14k 3. SingLife-Aviva TermLife CI MyProtector: Lifetime lock-in annual premium:$21.20 p.m. Total lifetime premium cost: $21.20 x 12 x (85-25) = $15.26k 4.  ManuLife Wholelife insurance, with CI rider: Lock-in monthly premium: $80.50 p.m. Total lifetime premium cost: $80.50 x 12 x (85-25) = $58.14k Assume Surrender Value:
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NETS FlashPay vs PayWave

Diferences between NETS PayWave and NETS FlashPay - NETS PayWave is a contactless payment method linked to your bank account, while NETS FlashPay is a stored-value card that can be topped up. - NETS PayWave is accepted globally, while NETS FlashPay is mostly used in Singapore. - NETS PayWave has better rewards, while NETS FlashPay is more convenient for public transport and retail purchases. - NETS PayWave requires a PIN or signature, while NETS FlashPay transactions are typically capped at SGD 100. ~~~~ - NETS PayWave is linked to your bank account, while NETS FlashPay is a prepaid card.
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SIMBA Mobile & Home Broadband now

 1. My Singnet Home Fiber Broadband Services ends today (11Jun 24) Today my Home Singnet Fiber Broadband was officially terminated. (End of monthly payment cycle) I have since been using 200GB Mobile Hotspot in place of my Singtel Home Fiber Broadband from 1 Jun 24. My SIMBA home broadband has been running for 10 days @200GB $12/month on 5GB @150Mbps download speed. As at yesterday, Estimated data usage: 80GB out of 200GB.(Day 11) Initially my D2 complained about 2-bar Signal strength.  But I relocated my phone to beside her bedroom, she is now receiving 4-bar signal. ~~~~ 2. MYSINGNET email account My SINGNET.COM.SG account which served me since 1996 was terminated this morning on 11 Jun 2024. Not to worry, I have successfully updated easily: * Local n Overseas Banks on my NEW email. * Affected utility & other services provided. * Singpass new email also updated. ~~~ 3. Choice of Portable Mobile Router Yesterday at Xiaomi Roadshow, I was recommended: - TP-Link M7200 @$89. 4G LTE.
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Retire type (FIRE) . Which is your style ?

 * Coast FIRE * is a variation of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, which advocates saving intensively and retiring early. Similarly, Coast FIRE involves * front-loading your retirement savings, but with the goal of stopping saving at a certain point and letting your investments grow until they are enough to fully fund * your retirement at the traditional retirement age of 65 or so. * Barista FIRE * is a branch of the FIRE movement where you still save aggressively towards retirement. But instead of quitting work full stop and living off of your investments, you * save until you reach the point where you only need to work part-time * (or earn some passive income). * Fat FIRE *—This is for the individual with a 9-to-5 job who aims to * save substantially more than the average worker but doesn't want to reduce their current standard of living .* It generally takes a high salary and aggressive savings and investment strategies for it to work * Lean FIRE *—This
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Cutting overhead cost in retirement

  Retirement overhead cost 1. Wonder if you are aware or like me having the Critical Illness (CI) rider attached to my whole life Insurance expired or expiring at age 60/63. 2. With no CI protection, my wholelife insurance protections are left with $220k Death & TPD coverage at combined premiums of ~$4k p.a. (inclusive of rider). Expensive! 3. Sometimes we bought wholelife policies during our youth some 35 years ago.  They had served our needs. 4.  While I was sad to terminate both wholelife insurance, I am concerned of not adequately covered for CI.  CI alternative 5.  At my age, premium for CI TermLife or Term policies are very expensive.  Also usual Mindef-Aviva GTL $860 p.a. premium is also expensive for Group Living Care $100k; again at increasing cost till age 70. 6.  When it comes to insurance protection for my family, we have ~35 policies, wholelife, Term, CI, H&S, shieldLifes, PA & DPS. 7. And these are not my 25 endowments !! ~~~ 8.  This insurance episode makes m
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Love-Hate ILP

1. It is common that many would critic on ILP.  2. Not that we investors would be bothered with ILP or whatever its name; as what was well said:  "Ne it white cat or black cat.  Any cat that can catch mice is a good cat" as coined by chinese ex-Premier Ding. 3. If any investment is not serving any purpose or not optimal, one can exploit its strength to good use. 4. Every investment serves its purposes; either shareholder wins or Mgmt wins through at fat salary and ownself declared bonus. ~~~ 5. One advantage of ILP insurance is that one can withdraw its cash value without terminating the policy.  The units held are in Fund units; so its Cash Value depends on Fund performance. Example1: optimal use of ILP PVA Someone bought PruVantage Assure (PVA) which suits him. He earns lifetime high dividend payout, though expected portfolio value would reduce, but yet capital is guaranteed upon bequest. If he holds till bequest, he gets best of both world. Example2: Optimal use of ILP Pru
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Your Networth. Your Life Grade

Knowing your Networth.  Your Investment/Earning Grading. I had a chat with someone in his early 50s on his investment journey. Maybe he is humble to share. He appeared to lament that his assets are only his fully paid home and one PA plan. To help him,   I briefly tabulated an action for him, as follows: 1. Maybe first try also account for your assets by every $100ks.  See where they went to or spend on ? 2. Estimate total earnings over the years; through ITX Annual Statement of Income. 3. Then compute your performance (saving/total earning).  Then assign grade to it.  4. And compute your networth.  DBS NAV Planner is useful.  Then it can also provide a guide you the comfortable retirement monthly expenditure, with inflation adjusted. 5. Next then try how to be focussed on investment to reduce your money leakage and build up your dividend/return. ~~~~~ 6. Not sure if there are any such grading to your Passive Income-to-Total Earning Grade. And how is your Networth Grade . I will che
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Of Laughters & Gratitude

Of   Jokes & Laughters One tour leader shared two jokes yesterday: 1. His name initials is " OT ". Today he is on OFF today, being May Year. 2. Good staff is hard to find ; for they are always not around. *  Laughters brings de-stress.  *  Holidays offer rest (body, mind & Soul). *  Travellings bring us to places & making new friends... food. *  Break from regular job to smell roses and wonderful sceneries. ~~~ Special May Day today (1 May 2024 ) 1. I saw on video of our PM Lee bowed after his last May-Day 2024 Message. Of Gratitude 2. I saw Thankfulness & Gratitude as he bowed and made his exit from auditorium stage... (with background spotify playing soothing hymns in my ears.)
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Legacy & Values

  Day 11 of Turkey/Greece Tour Values and Our Legacy 1.  One tour mate couple celebrated both their birthdays during this trip. 2.  From their sharings: * On each every year birthdays, everyone in their family will send video birthday greetings to the birthday persons.  * This tradition continues even now their children have their own family and children. * On each wedding annual anniversary, the couple will also spend time together to reflect for the year and to pray for one another. * On each Birthday, the birthday spouse will enjoy the special 3-day privileges of requests. * I suppose their traditions are also catched on by their children. 3.  Wonderful sharing👍🙏
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US article on new "retirement @75yo" new normal?

 Good read.   From US article, Retiring in your 60s is becoming an impossible goal. Is 75 the new 65? Few keys points extracted: 1. People are living longer, and daily life is getting more expensive. It may be time to rethink the timeline for leaving the workforce. 2. Americans become eligible to receive their full Social Security benefits at age 67, roughly the same age that UK citizens can claim their universal State Pensions. 3. Government stipends weren't designed to support people their in 80s and 90s, 4. US workers believe the "magic number" for retirement savings is nearly $1.3m (£1.03m) – wealth that most people cannot accumulate by their 60s. ~~~ My takeaway: 1. We SG are blessed. Thanks to SG, we have CPFLife which payouts (though mainly fixed monthly), augmented by our CPF OA interest payout to support our retirement expenses. 2. Most household in SG should have accumulated at least S$1M in CPF. The affluent couples are even typically looking at S$3M in thei
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Monthly payout $2.4k p.m. How ?

Chat with someone who has bought AIG endowment which pays $2.4k p.m. from age 65 to 84.   It also protects him with Crisis Coverage of $2.4k p.m. upto age 65. On his one policy that gives monthly income of $2.4k p.m. and CI protection till age 65, good planning for a 40yo which he recently bought it in 2023. However, my opinion only: 1. After 1 Jul 2021, the insurer BI illustrated return stated @4.25% par fund performance is not so attractive. 2. AIG payout will likely be reduced for such long 25-year runway to 65yo.  (My opinion only hoh. I no insurance agent.) He lol that he can claim nearing age 65 to enjoy another 20-year CI of $2.4k p.m. (touch-wood hoh, told him). CI = Critical Illness ~~~ I told that he will face dilemma of his CI expired at age 65; just like me. I shared that my Wholelife CI will or has expired at age 60 & 63. Both, I have terminated as no point paying $3k p.a. my wholelife to cover $250k Death & TPD. ( Long story short, the insurer who does not follo
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Understanding Endowments

 Using layered insurance endowments payouts as Annuity Income: 1.  Previously INCOME and some insurers offer CLASSIC ANNUITY Plans for single premiums by cash or OA.  And those days, BI payout illustration was based on higher Par Fund Performance as follows: Before 1 Jul 2013: 4.75% to 5.25% I managed to buy 5 new endowments during this BEST period. After 1 Jul 2013: 3.25% to 4.75 % I managed to 4 new endowments  during this period. After 1 Jul 2021: Now the BI Par Fund Performance projection is much lower at 3.00% to 4.25%. Why Insurers lower than BI illustration ? Because MAS intervened to ensure its projection was based market Par Fund Performance conditions. MAS intervened twice on 1Jul 19 and 1 Jul 21. Since then, my opinion was that new endowments were not attractive anymore. 1. While one can argue that these are payout projections guidelines, insurers can pay more than these projection payout.   2. But again, which insurers would be.so nice to pay much more than it projected in
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INCOME WealthLink ILP ETF for lifetime Dividend ?

Dilemma: Local ETF or DBS shares or Traded Endowment ? 1.  When it comes to buying new/resale endowments, INCOME is my preferred first choice. 2. Of course my opinion is that new endowments are no longer attractive, due to lower BI Par Fund illustration at 3% & 4.25%.   Hardly any insurer will pay more than they stated in their BI; especially if it is a long maturity runway. 3. For me, I won't consider Unit Trust Fund; especially if bought from bank.  You will have to  Fund switching in your self interest. 4.  Today I happened to speak to INCOME Advisor on above INCOME WealthLink (Investment-Link Policy: ILP) investing in Asia Dynamic Return Fund.  It is a local fund managed by Fullerton Fund, incepted since 11 Jan 22 at Par Fund $1/unit.  Now it is trading at $0.81/unit. 5.  Since inception, it has lost 11%.   Fullerton is HQ in Singapore, regulated by MAS. Maybe we can buy at low for now?  lol. My opinion only: I would sure avoid old & mature Fund. In this case, this Asi
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Good Wife is True Key to Happiness ?

Happy Sonday. Someone shared this picture with me. "A Good Wife is Key to True Happiness" I thought that it is not really correct. ~~~   Good wife will slog very hard; and aged very much for the sake of the family. Happy Wife is better.  A Happy & Good Wife is Best. Whether Wife is Good, or Happy, one can maybe gauge on her inner body age.... and frequent smile on her face. ~~~~ Another wise said: When my wife is happy, I am happy. And when my wife is very happy, I am also very happy. Blessed Sunday.❤️🙏
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My 11th to 14th Resale Endowments. Now my 16th.

My 11th & 12th Resale Endowments (INCOME X 2) 1. Yesterday I received the official e-Letter of notification of takeover of the two Wholelife policies. So I proceeded to pay up the $42,670 for initial premiums of two INCOME Wholelife Policies bought under Resale Endowments.    This completes the Resale Transitions. As easy that that. The two policies are seen on my MYINCOME Portal online. My next 13th & 14th Resale Endowments 2. TI13 (from GE) Premium: $23,820. Irr: 4.8% Lifetime payout --> $1,000 p.a. x 26 + $28,225 upon maturity payout at Year-26) At Year-26, I would be 60yo + 26 = 86yo. I have reserved my 13th policies which is to pay $1,000 p.a. for my wholelife from Year-0. 3. TI14 (GE) I just reserved this TI14 yesterday. Also from GE. Irr: 4.8% Premium: $18,470 + $1,900 × 6 = $29,870 Lifetime payout (from Year-6 at age 66) --> $1,600 p.a. x 25 + $40,76 upon maturity payout at 2055, at my age 85) 4. TI13 is better as I start collect at Year-0 at age 60 this year.
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New Endowment can buy ? No

Manulife Income-Secure -  DBS agent quoted me the above Manulife policy yesterday. In short (Pay 5, Collect 60 @60yo) Pay $10k x 5 (Less Yr1 bonus $800). Projected lifetime payout: $1,000 p.a. for 60 years, from Year-3; based on the BI 4.25% Par Fund Performance. My Comment: 1. For me, this fixed income policy really cannot buy. Compare with CPF OA 2.5% (Reference#1) 2. Putting into OA @2.5%, risk free, capital guaranteed, $50,000×0.025 = *$1,250* p.a. In fact, it won't be attractive for anyone above age 55 who already can withdraw from OA interest. 3. I got back to her that we don't need to meet. Besides the BI at 100yo: At 4.25%, return is 2.84% p.a. At 3%, return is 1.87% p.a. Compare with DBS Stock (Ref#2) 4. lol. If I put into DBS $50k shares, I will have dividend $2k p.a. easily. Compare with (T-bills & banks interest rate)(Ref#3) For short term which these money market is still good, invest in them first. ~~~ My takeaway 1. Tradition new endowment market is not so b
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Risk free T-bills, why not invest ?

Risk-free T-bills SGS T-bills have been around for many years. It only caught much attention due to recent high T-bill interest rate. For those who can afford to put-aside some money in T-bills, it is a useful avenue to get coffee money which is risk-free. The interest earned can also be used to pay utility bills or even pocket money for our school-going children. Example, 6-mth T-bill interest can fund our monthly expenses: $50,000 @3.7% = 50,000×0.037÷2÷6 = $150 p.m.  $100,000 @3.7% = 100,000×0.037÷2÷6 = $300 p.m. My takeaway Whatever it takes, make effort to invest.
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Wonder why Resale Endowments can pay 4%~5%? Explain.

1. Have you ever asked why Resale Endowments are able to give lifetime payout risk-free 4.1%? 2. What is the catch and where does the returns come from? My reply: 1.  Insurers can also pay because their biz model comes from getting customers invest in them.   2. Recently the policies Benefit Illustration was made to reduce their return projection, these insurers have to keep innovating to draw customers, in a small local market. 3. That's why we have to be careful which insurers we invest in, their fees n costs overhead. Ultimately can they keep delivering? 4. While they guarantee annual cashbacks, they will likely cut in their maturity payout. As an illustration Actually the original policy pays 3.+%, but because it was re-sold at a discount to us, our premiums were lower & discounted. This allows us to now enjoy higher irr 4.+% ~ 5%, though the policy remaining terms and payouts are unchanged at 3.+%.   That's the mechanism and benefits of Resale Insurance. ~~~ My takeaw
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My new "Cash Critical Illness" coverage

 1. Today I signed to takeover the 2 resale insurance; mainly TI11 & TI12. 2. At INCOME Branch, I tallied and confirmed the Policies Cash Values are as sold to me. 3. Interestingly, both policies are not endowments, but someone's wholelife policies, They started at their ages 13 & 21 on 2005 & 2006 respectively. 4. It was the first time buying someone's wholelife policies.   The irony: I surrendered both my PrudLink and Manulife Estate Protector policies as my own CI will expire by my age 63 in a few years' time.  Yet now, I buy someone's much younger wholelife policies which have breakeven.  I buy their wholelife which have Cash Values to form my Cash CI which covers me from now  and beyond. 5.  Both policies have guaranteed surrendered value upon maturity payout in 8~9years (Xirr: 5%) 6. In 2032/33, age 67/68, Total premiums paid $55.2k, Total combined guaranteed maturity payout = $81.7k. (XIRR =5%.) 7. While it was guaranteed upto my age 67/68, they are
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Buy ETF or buy its top components?

  Building a stock portfolio 1. Know your risk tolerance. 2. Adequate industrial diversification 3. Don't put all your eggs in one region 4. Each portfolio size 5. Monitor & Review I wonder if this writer is old-fashioned way of stock investment ?  But I agree that "not to put all eggs in one basket". 1.  What stocks make up STI? Top-5 largest components of the ST: 1. DBS (20.2% weightage) 2. OCBC (11.8% weightage) 3. UOB (11.6% weightage) 4. Singtel (6.2% weightage) 5. Jardin Matheson (4.6%) makes up 60% of STI. These companies pay most of dividends. Why then bother to buy other stocks ? When these stock prices rise, so will the Index. 2. What stocks made up S&P 500 ? Top 8 largest companies of S&P 500 that made up 30% of market capitalization. 1. Apple, 2. Microsoft, 3. Amazon.com, 4. Nvidia, 5. Alphabet 6. Meta Platforms 7. Tesla 8. Berkshire Why then bother to buy other stocks ?  ~~~ Talking of diversification, most of us put 100% of our assets into SG bas
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Endowment. No way. But why ?

Pay5, Wait5, Payout5 This is my first 15-year $100k endowment bought from GE in 2011.  It was my first venture into buying 21 endowments journey.... And I am still buying more. Lol. I heard from my agent that many queue at GE Centre @Pickering St to complain after GE declare their policies payouts cut !!   It suffered a cut in maturity payout from $29,100 to $20,320 at Year-15 maturity year. ~~~ Year-11 to Year-14 (Guaranteed payout) Year-11 to Year-14 is guaranteed at $29,100 annually from 2021 to 2024. My 4th payout is this 7th Mar 2024, guaranteed at $29,100. Year-15 in 2025 Even with the maturity payout cut/revised from $29,100 to $20,320. ~~~ XIRR downs It's effective XIRR drops from 3.77% to 3.16% p.a. annualized return. Effect :  Still beat OA 2.5% p.a. ~~~~~ Paradox of buying endowment/annuity 1. I know how to invest. I would not invest in endowment. I sure can make. 2 Don't trust Endowments. The payouts are not guaranteed. 3. Endowments payout yield will not be eve
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Is CPFLife new ERS payout $3,300 p.m. really enough ?

 One wise shared that: At $3,300 pm per pax, it can be a comfortable income floor for a retiree couple. I wonder if $3,300 p.m. per pax really comfortable ? This $3,300 p.m. per pax will certainly not be even enough to cover Caregiver or Nursing home in 15-years' time for one, excluding inflation. NURSING HOME COST Current Nursing home cost is about $4k to $5k p.m. per pax. In 15~20 years' time, we will add to our children or society burden. WE WILL STILL NOT LAST SANDWICHED GENERATION  Sadly we can never be the last Sandwiched Generation ! ~~~~ Some takeaway: 1. Take good care of our health; physical & mental. 2.  Beef up on our children financial firepower to help  our "future dependency" on them. 3.  Bond & love our loved ones so that their Caregiving would be "sweeter". 4. Retirement expense is not just daily cost. Our most expensive cost maybe our Caregiving home cost from age 75 to 90; any shorter is a blessing. Our RA payout buffers $3k p.m.,
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8 x 3 pointers to wealth, health & longevity

 There are eight health areas to be cared for: 1. Leg: Knee cap pain, bow legged 2. Hearing loss 3. Sights impairment 4. Mental capacity degradation 5. Hair loss/white 6. Dental health (Front teeth loss) 7. 3 fiends (cholesterol, diabetes, High BP) 8. Better your body age ~~~~~ There are eight wealth areas to build up: 1. Max up CPF-Life lifetime payout 2. Fully paid Home  3. Passive Income 4. Annuities 5. Critical Illness Insurance protection 6. Hospital & Surgical (H&S) protection 7. Children & your retirement Plan B 8. Pure Gold ~~~~ There are eight retirement pastimes to build up Blue-Zone lifestyle: 1. Frequent walks 2. Community community care and eat together 3. Traditions n Religion; faith n hope 4. Right Tribe with healthy habits and behaviors. 5. Regular plant based diet; beans, nuts, veg to improve body immunity 6. Emotional health. At peace, contentment. Something to live for. 7. Stay active; do some gardening 8. Volunteering services
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Diligence payoff with CPF-RA topup

 1.  Current BASIC PLAN payout at age 65 My current RA Balance is $371k as at Feb 2024. [Projected Payout at age 65, for ERS Basic Plan: $2,180 p.m.] 2. NEW ERS BASIC PLAN PAYOUT (if cash topup with $117k in 2025) In 2025, with added RA whole year interest and cash topup permitted at $117k, my new RA Balance would slightly exceed $500k. [New Payout at age 65, for ERS BASIC Plan: $2,920 p.m.). (4 more years runway to age 65). 3. Calculator error beyond $500k But don't trust the CPFLife Estimator for $500k RA Balance at delay payout to age 70. Salivating if new payout is $3,890 p.m. !! (I might have to input as one year younger to calculate Delayed Payout at age 70). ~~~ 4. So far, I have topup RA (at ERS) with: Age 55: $88k (in 2019) Age 56: $7.5k (in 2020) Age 57: $7.5k (in 2021) Age 58: $10.5k (in 2022) Age 59: $10.5k (in 2023) Age 60: $10.5k (in 2024) Total: $134,500 (excluding additional annual MA cash topup to its yearly BHS). Wow a lot of forced saved money. It can be hear
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CPF SA removal upon age 55 news

CPF SA Removal at age 55 news (16th Feb 2024) The Friday announcement of new CPF changes of CPF-SA removal from/at age 55 and its balance is transferred to OA must have caused a stir in the big chat. Those who did their SA hack might be lamenting and even angry with the new SA removal news. Actually the total interest lost may be $50k ? It should not derail one's retirement plan.   On the contrary, the increased RA ERS topup in 2025 would benefit more people.   If I were to topup this $117k next year and subsequent delta topup to its annual ERA, it will add about $3,000 - $2,200 p.m. or $800 p.m. lifetime. This is actually good news for budding retirees... 6 years to age 65. One lesson :  Not easy to outsmart our G. Even if one manages to, just whisper. "makan quietly". Just like the "1-99" loophole in home ownership to skirt around paying ABSD for 2nd pte pty, "makan quietly".
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Layered endowments versus CPF VHR approach

Compare XIRR & CAGR Definition: XIRR takes into account the exact timing and amount of each cash flow, making it a more accurate representation of the true returns of a SIP. CAGR , on the other hand, assumes a constant rate of return over the entire investment period, which may not accurately reflect the returns of a SIP. The CAGR measures the return on an investment over a certain period of time. The most important distinction is that the CAGR is straightforward enough that it can be calculated by hand. The main difference between them is that the CAGR is often presented using only the beginning and ending values, whereas the annualized total return is typically calculated using the returns from several years. ~~~~ My dilemma Just sharing my dilemma over nibbling buy to build up layered endowments versus simply VHR (voluntary home refund) into CPF-OA. Each endowment return singly, or bundled collectively can/may give a XIRR higher than 3.5%.   However in my case, the bundles payo
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Wee Cho Yaw - about his Luck

This week see the passing of Banking Mogul Mr Wee. I try search for published wisdom words from him.  Managed to read this ST article of him by Goh Eng Yeow reporter. Veteran banker Wee Cho Yaw said that the late former deputy prime minister Goh Keng Swee once told him that it is better to be born lucky than to be smart. It is a sentiment most of us would share with Dr Goh; having luck on our side can help us breeze through life. ~~~~ About Luck : To get lucky, think positive 1. Lucky people create avenue of more luck. Lucky people try hard to add variety to their lives - talking to different people, breaking routines and being open to new experiences. In doing so, they create more "chance opportunities" for themselves to get lucky. 2. Unlucky people miss chance opportunities because they are looking for something else. Lucky people see the chance opportunities and pursue them. 3. Count your blessings Lucky people have a positive attitude, and lead happier lives. 4. With luc
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Critical Illness (CI) medical cost in Singapore

This HL Assurance article was dated Sep 2020.  Estimated CI  medical cost in Singapore in 2020. 1.  The  most common types of cancer  for women in Singapore are breast cancer, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer. For men, the most common type of cancer is colorectal cancer, followed by lung cancer and then prostate cancer. Risk factors for cancer include family history, obesity, smoking and diet. However, people can still get diagnosed with cancer despite not exhibiting high-risk factors. The  cost of treating cancer  in Singapore has been estimated at about $100,000 to $200,000 a year. 2. Stroke is quite costly to treat, with the  mean direct medical cost of stroke  estimated at about $12,473.70 in Singapore.   3. Heart bypass medical cost. The median cost of heart bypass surgery at public hospitals in Singapore is $8,312 for those in Class B2 wards and $6,046 for those in Class C wards. 4. Heart angioplasty is an expensive procedure, with the subsidised cost of the procedu
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Saltwater or Listening better for Oral gargle ?

What are the 3 major portals of entry for disease? a. Inhalation (via the respiratory tract) b. Absorption (via mucous membranes such as the eyes) c.  Ingestion (via the gastrointestinal tract) I no Doctor.  But I try to find out about bacteria entry through the above; termed as ENT channel (Ear, Nose & Throat). 1. Does salt water kill bacteria? Salt water may kill some, but does not kill all, mouth and throat bacteria. However, solutions of salt can help bring bacteria to the surface of the gums, teeth, and throat. Once the bacteria is brought to the surface, some of it washes away when a person spits the salt water out. However, the saltwater gargle was not as effective at reducing bacteria as the alum mouthwash. Alum, which is potassium aluminum sulfate, is an active ingredient in some medicated mouthwashes. Doctors and dentists often recommend saltwater gargles to help alleviate mouth and throat pain. 2. Is it better to gargle with salt water or Listerine? Gargling salt water c
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Hearing loss increases dementia risk by 90% !

Something new about Dementia: Protect your hearing. Protect, check and support your hearing 1.  Hearing loss in midlife can increase dementia risk by an average of 90%. 2.  Use hearing aids if needed – they help reduce that risk. Protect your hearing from loud noises. Get your hearing tested. http://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-can-i-reduce-risk-dementia/10-ways-reduce-your-risk-dementia
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Tinnitus - Serious hearing condition ?

 1. Tinnitus is the medical term for "hearing" noises in your ears. It occurs when there is no outside source of the sounds. Tinnitus is often called "ringing in the ears." 2. Tinnitus is common . Almost everyone notices a mild form of tinnitus once in a while. It usually lasts a few minutes. 3. Can tinnitus go away? Many times, tinnitus can't be cured. But there are treatments that can help make your symptoms less noticeable. Your doctor may suggest using an electronic device to suppress the noise. 4. Untreated earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss , irritation, pain in your ear, dizziness, ringing in your ears and other issues. In most cases, earwax impaction isn’t dangerous and symptoms go away with treatment. Earwax blockage treatments include drops to soften the wax. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup--blockage https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/tinnitus https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient
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17 Habits of self-made millionaires who retire early

17 habits of self-made millionaires who retired early 1. Take stock of own finances 2. Track net worth & spending 3. Frugal 4. Underspend on housing 5. Focus on increasing earnings 6. Earn more, to invest more 7. Create passive income 8. Comfortable living outside comfort zone 9. After retiring, spend even less 10. When they do spend, it's on experiences 11. After retiring, money is not huge motivator 12. Value happiness as living life they love 13. Move to areas with lower cost of living 14. Develop hobbies 15. Like to exercise 16. They travel 17. They are optimistic https://www.businessinsider.sg/self-made-millionaire-early-retirement-habits-2019-12/ Further applications Worldly temporal wealth 1. Track net worth & spending 2. Create and grow passive income 3. Be frugal but spend wisely 4. Value happiness and life over money 5. Retire in areas of lower cost 6. Develop hobbies, exercise and travel 7. Be optimistic True Wealth 1. Know the Giver of your wealth 2. Know your w
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PA Senior Silver Passion Card

For those Senior finally hitting 60-yo to apply for new PA Silver Passion Card . Not young anymore... ~~~ When one reaching 60yo, People Association (PA) will send you a TransitLink Application Form for you to apply for Silver Passion Card.  This card will entitle you for cheaper Senior rate for MRT & Bus transportation, Cinema movie, Restaurant buffets & other perks. The New Application Form basically captures your personal particulars. Together with recent hardcopy or e-Passport size photo,  we can either to TransitIink Ticketing Booth to apply or register @SimplyGo website to submit application, as stated in the Form QR Code. SimplyGo - Poor UI !! And I need to download app from PlayStore !! This form looks real, not scam.  However this SimplyGo web site will lead us to a "wild-goose chase" to register.   Poor UI (User Interface) and not helpful at all. Sometimes it is a worrying trend.  With so much scams going on, and we still subject to such e-application.  We n
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13 Vitamins our body needs

  What are the 13 classes of vitamins that our body needs? The 13 vitamins your body needs are: vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folate) and B12 (Cobalamin). From the fruit-vitamin chart, these vitamins are available in fruits. Group1 : milk (6): A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D + sunlight Banana (2): B, E Tomato (2): C, K Group2 Egg (4): A, B12, D, E Beans/Nuts (): B1; B2, B, B6, E, K Oranges/Grapes: (1): C I am no Doctor.   Generally as one gets older, our absorption and consumption of vitamins may not be enough.  I hear of people adding supplements beside Multivitamin, Omega 3, 6 & 9 in their supplements. During my younger days, I was given cod-liver oil daily.   I remembered its taste.  Recently I tried to consume the same brand of Cod-Liver oil, it still tastes the same; so this brand is not so adulterated and authentic. ~~~~ One added Magnesium supplements too. Magnesium may help to prom
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SRS another solid income stream!!

1. One perspective of SRS contributions is another solid Retirement Layer (SRS).   2. SRS scheme was started in 2001, which is to augment our retirement.  Only in 2016 when it increased annual contribution to $15,300. 3. A solid 23 years to contribute and grow into a portfolio. This annual topup of $15.3k into SRS can build up into an SRS income stream.   ~~~ 4. Someone shared that his SRS was used to buy endowment single premiums to generate an income stream of $70k p.a. !!! for upto 70+ yo.   5. Maybe it was his gross estimation. Realistically $30k ~ $40k p.a for 10-year maybe possible. Even so, it will be $3k p.m. from age 65 to 75; quite impression stream too ? ~~~~ 6. How much personal income tax saving from SRS contributions? * At say, 10% tax bracket, it would be saving of $15,300 × 0.1 = $1.5k annually. * At say, 20% personal income tax bracket, savings from SRS contributions would be $15,300 × 0.2 = $3k annually saving. https://www.mof.gov.sg/schemes/individuals/supplementar
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Retirement financial consideration

1. Some considerations of Retirement Planning *  Pre-retirement is Wealth accumulation *  Post-retirement is Wealth Preservation, without Wealth de-accumulation, not endless accumulation. *  Emotion Journey in retirement (loss of identity & power can cause unease) *  Steady income steam (from diversify portfolio & allows for long term compounding interest) ~~~~ 2. Layered Retirement Income streams * Stable fixed stream 1. CPFLife Payout 2. CPF Balance (SA/OA) Interest 3. Endowments & Annuities 4. SRS (withdrawal/investment) 5. Cash withdrawal/FD & Bill/Bond interest/ 6. Pension Payout * Dynamic stream 7. Rental income 8. Equity returns 9. Others (e-Vouchers, allowance) ~~~ 3. Retirement expenses woes 1.  High inflation 2.  High living cost expenses 3.  Medical cost 4.  Nursing home cost 5.  Split-over cost from loved ones https://www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/blog/the-journey-through-the-5-stages-of-retirement
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Be kind to your liver. How ?

  5 Ways to Be Kind to Your Liver 1. Be careful about alcohol consumption. 2. Wash produce and steer clear of toxins. ... 3. Prevent hepatitis A, B and C. ... 4. Watch out for medications and herbs. ... 5. Exercise and eat right. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-ways-to-be-kind-to-your-liver&ved=2ahUKEwjp5MbB_dODAxVpTGwGHekPA_4QFnoECAkQBQ&usg=AOvVaw2x218jwjTRw-NqHOmj5kLE ~~~ Best Ways To Detox Your Liver 1. Consume More Water. Starting off easy, water is great and one of the best ways to detox your liver. 2. Sweating Is The Way To Go. It is imperative for your body to sweat. 3. Say Goodbye To Toxic Foods. ... 4. Raw Vegetable Juice To The Rescue. 5. You Need Potassium-Rich Foods. 6. Liver Support Supplements. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://psrihospital.com/simple-ways-to-detox-your-liver/&ved=2ahUKEwjp5M
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Parent topup to children CPF

I realised that this was Mr CPF Loo's sharing with FM93.8 on building up Child's CPF SA. Annually CPF will publish a Table showing CPF Regrossed Balance tabulating for various ages and their corresponding Balance in CPF. Regrossed Balance in 2022, only 30 children have more than $300k ~ $400k in their CPF. Let me try extract this table, as attached. I was thinking if this was real. I checked my SA topup for my children; now in their mid-20s. To-date their SA is more than $110k; projected to achieve $600k+ at their age 65. Thinking back, CPF only started a "Others" category in year 2015 to allow topup for our children; that was when when they were in Secondary schools. And they don't even have Nric to register for CPF Login Account yet !!  Everything is hardcopy then, include bringing their Birth Certs to CPFB Branch to do the transactions for first topup. So from 2015 to 2023, 9 years of topup to reach their present SA $110k+ in Jan 2024. For my case, it is just
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Retrenched without notice

 https://cna.asia/3HbLsbq This morning we heard of Lazada retrenched without notice; and even recalled the staff back from leaves just to be issued the R" Letter. One of the real nightmares is to be retrenched without advanced notice or due to poor performance or other damning reasons. This is esp. worrying if you are sole breadwinner of a young family with schooling kids. Imagine that it happened to your children or loved ones who just started their family. My first Resale Endowment policy was bought from a young housewife of 30yo.  According to her agent whom I met later, her spouse was retrenched and she might have surrendered her policy (~$10k+) to support the family. Sad but harsh reality.  My takeaway: 1.  Std answer: Build up a second source of income, be it from another part-time job or passive income. 2. Choose your SAFE secure job properly. But have a mindset that your job can be taken away from you; lest to get emotionally attached to the job. 3. As parents, give a lif
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Paradox of using CPF-OA to buy T-bills

Paradox of using CPF-OA for T-bills & investment. Usually 1 Jan is a routine activity for CPF Balance stock-take. 1.  Check annual interest for the past year; in this case Whole Year Interest for 2022. 2.  VCMA to BHS from $68,500 to $71,500 by $3,000 cash topup, VCRA to its ERS from $298,200 to $308,700, with $10,500 cash topup. 3.  Subsequently another VC3AC by ~$8,000 cash topup to 3 CPF accounts (OA & SA, since MA reached its BHS).  This is to max CPF topup to its yearly $37,740 for Seniors whose CPF contribution rate is reduced after age 55 and then after age 60. 4.  Subsequently few cash topups to refund MA withdrawal by Medical premiums; maybe $3,000 for whole year. ~~~ I noticed that my total whole-year interest (for 2022) actually dropped and less than that of 2021. I expected its interest $33k+ for whole-year 2022.  But it was $30k+. Reason: I use OA to buy 6-mth T-bills.   T-bills interest earned is returned into OA Balance, not accounted as interest paid by CPFB. I
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Keep our teeth intact

  Sharing on Teeth & oral hygiene 1. This week I met with few Seniors in their 70s & 80.  All are still able to walk without aid. 2. Particularly two of them already have full lower mouth dentures. One was candidly showing me his food cutter in case that he had to eat hard meat. 3. It seems like lower teeth decay first.  4. One has to floss our teeth regularly to remove plaques. At least half-yearly regular visit to dentist is required too for cavities, cleaning and oral checks. 5. I used to have my dental in Singapore. But now my dental appointments are in Bkt Indah Dental Clinic. The cost is 1/3 cost of that in SG. ~~~~ 6. Lol. I had an ex-colleague, 60yo then, whose teeth is always seen with full of plaque. Each time I speak to him, somehow I would be looking at his teeth. As I did not know him well, I held my comment. 7. Inevitably after a few years, I saw that he had lost two front lower teeth. Dental Plaque Dental plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. E
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Stock picks for Retirement

 1. My sharing on my layered 20 endowments: a. For the past 10-years, I have been building up about $600k worth of endowments to supplement my Retirement Income base. I started the Endowment Chapter in 2011 at age 47. (The same year that I also embark from my health regime and clocked 4 full Marathons in 10 years.) b. And 10-year later, this Endowment Chapter is yielding results. Starting from 2022 at age 58, my layered endowments have and will be paying my lifelong cash payouts.  Last year was $40k, This year payout is $70k.  Next year onwards will continue to give me $40k+ p.a. , not including annual cashback reinvestment of $12k per year over next 6 ~ 8 years. This endowment payout will give me a stable average $4k p.m. of retirement income when I retire. c. For now, likely I will taper off my Endowments Chapter. One thing about nibbling into endowments, it gives me time and investment maturity & clarity for next portfolio.   d. I supposed that one cannot avoid stock and propert
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Daily Healthy Habits

  10 Healthy Habits to practice everyday 1. Take Vitamin n supplements 2. Hydrate 3. Stretch 4. Walk outside 5. Socialise 6. Mediate n Breathing 7. Eat mindfully 8. Keep a Journal 9. Practice proper hygiene 10. Wind down for bed earlier https://www.foxnews.com/health/10-healthy-habits-practice-every-day-that-take-less-than-10-minutes-each ~~~ I would add: 11.  Be thankful for the day 12.  Say a prayer for your loved ones
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Car park lot fight. You won ?

 Happy Sonday Carpark joke Scene 1: 2 cars fight over a parking lot. (Witnessed today) a. Woman in early 50s got out of car: "I came first, you get out of the Lot." b. Old man sheepishly exit from the half-entered Lot. Scene 2: 2 cars fight over a parking lot. (My encounter 20-years ago) a. Young man in his 30s said: "I came first. You get out of the Lot." b. Older man with his wife: "Sorry sorry, 我无耻的,我下流. (I am despicable)" c. Young man walked away angrily. Scene 3: 2 cars fight over a parking lot. (My encounter 10-years ago) a. Young man's car happened to arrive at the just-emptied lot, but another old man snatched it. b. Old man car was at right turn far distance insisted, rushed in & took the lot: "I waited for 30min, this lot is mine. You just came. You wait." c. Both created a scene for 20s, before another car exit the lot near them. Scene 4: 2 cars fighting for a lot. (My encounter 10-years ago) a. Young man came from opposite
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Don't rob God's People? Backfire

Just had lunch with a missionary.  Their perspective of hoarding assets are so different from us.   Oddly, our conversation did not even talk of CPF, or endowments.  Day-night we dream n breathe $$.   They are contentment, Word and Missions.  In other words, we live in 'Greed'; wonder if you would disagree. Good reminder. One lesson from our chats: "Dont cheat on God's People.  Bad things can really backfire."
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Why I surrender my wholelife insurance at 60yo

Painful & sad to surrender my ILP PrudLink today. Imagine I am a believer in endowments & insurance, and yet to surrender one, due to rising mortality cost. To-date, I have 20 endowment policies (one just matured) , and 14 insurance protection under my name; excludes this PrudLink. Over time, if not surrendered, it will eat up my policy cash value & eventually forced lower my actual death coverage value. At the rate of increasing morality charge after age 60, my annual premium already inadequate to cover my insurance cost; net loss is $54 per month x 12 = $648 p.a. loss . (This net loss over my annual premium was provided by the Prud Counter staff). Any insurance policy (be it ILP or traditional) will encounter rising mortality cost when one gets very old above 60yo.  The annual premiums which we pay will not be adequate to cover the insurance cost. This will eat into my cash value till zero; then the coverage will be reduced over the years. ~~~  My TPD & Disability Cov
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Know your health numbers

 Happened to read about Kidney Disease: 2 test parameters seem important: Creatinine level & Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). ~~~ Usually we hear and share about property, investment, CPF, stocks, rental..   We all say Health is important. So how we keep healthy? ~~~ Usually when we are nearing 50yo or into 60yo, it is recommended that we go for internal body screening: 1.  Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy 2.  If female, more tests like Mammogram & Pap smear. For me, I would do a full body baseline check at age 50. ~~~~ Full Body check-up It involves the following 8 non-invasive screening tests: (ownself idea.  I am no doctor): 1. Brain & Neck MRI 2. Eye Check 3. Breathe Test -  Bacteria in stomach. 4. Upper body Chest X-ray 5.  Heart Exercise Stressed Test or even 3D-MRI) 6. Lower abdomen ultrasound 7. Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy 8. Prostate The last time which I did was in my early 50yo.  As they are fairly comprehensive, it took me about 3-years to complete
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Any good lobang for saving plans?

After 1 Jul21, no good lobang for new endowments. First Option : Limited tenure Structured Deposit or Bonds offer by Banks (or T-bills).  Good time it can offer 3.5% to 4% due to high interest period. Second option would be leveraged annuity, but subjected to high loan interest. I love this, but before 1 Jul21. Not after. Third option : Investment Link Policies (ILP) from AIA, Manulife n GE.  But buy those which has bonuses promotion.  But ilp is love-hate. Of all ilp, AIA seems best performer in par fund performance history. I not so love this, but better bet for higher returns than any new endowments. But for (3) above, it depends on entry age. For me, nearing 60, best is to put into SA n RA. Least risk and guaranteed returns at 4%. Even ILP carrots better than 6%, I wont bite it.  Fourth: Traded Insurances or Resale Insurance.  Better chance of good returns; but choose your policy wisely with guaranteed returns.   I would recommend this. ~~~ After sharing my traded endowments jour
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