Ferrari Me (Ferrarilim)

  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...

 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...

  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

 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...

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."

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 & Disab...

 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...

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 shari...

Netflix documentary on " Blue Zone - Healthy Centurions who live nearing 100 or over 100 yo, healthy". Why Blue Zone ? 1. It started when researchers started to dot a "blue-dot" each place a Centurion was spotted. 2. Over time, over the world, they notice that there are trending of Healthy Centurions living in a Zones in various parts of the world. 3. The documentary visit these zones to speak to these Centurions, to gather their livestyles. 4. They are healthy, many unaided, independent, good mental capacity, physical healthy. 5. I happened to see two series of these Blue Zones: * Japan, Okinawa Blue Zone * * Italy Sardinia Blue Zone * * USA Loma Linda Blue Zone * 6. I captured some points here, for sharing: - Frequent Walks; (some on steep uphill) - Community social norms.  Community care and eat together. Not living in isolation. Care for Elderly. - Traditions n Religion ; faith n hope, interaction, choir - Right Tribe with healthy habits and behaviors...

In one Retirement Planning Webinar, I ask what would be recommended CI coverage.  The reply offline from agent was 2~3 years of annual income. Many would be grossly under covered. I think CI coverage cannot be quoted by percentage.  If 2x 3x, it may run into $Million for household coverage !  Who would cover so much in CI!! And age 60 beyond, CI term premiums are very expensive! Unless one buy CI TermLife.   During 90s, early n late CI are unheard of; CI List is also not comprehensive. ~~~ I remembered someone, whose parents recently both died of cancer, was sure CI is non-essential and coverage $50k~$100k generally suffice.  Surely he is correct; being single in his early 40s, it will be someone's biz to take care of him?

For Mindef-Aviva Term policy: I noticed that Living Care premium: - jumps at age 45 by ~300% (from $9.90 --> $27.50 p.m.). - jumps at age 60 by ~40% (from $58 --> $80 p.m.). Takeaway#1 is to buy Limited Pay TERMLife CI before age 40 where its premium are lock-in at entry. Takeaway#2 for Mindef-Aviva Term Living Care policy: is not worth buying Living Care & Living Care Plus after age 60. (See RED circle above on steep premium from $58 to $80 p.m. from age 60). In fact, mortality charge premium (for senior beyond age 60) for most insurance policy are high. ~~~~ About a year ago, I was at Manulife Roadshow; the young agent sounded convincing to advise me to surrender my ILP Prudlink Wholelife policy and use the cash to switch over buy her ILP Manulife ... with bonus.    This new Manulife policy cover more CI coverage list and properly stated late CI. A few clarification from me about mortality charge and sale charge, she was quietened. ~~~~~ In summary , 1. Dont bu...

We self-drive from Melbourne Central, along Dandedong, Yarra Valley, Warburton, Gippsland, to Tip South Cape Schanck, back to Mornington, Chadstone, to Melbourne Central. The land is so vast with many small towns along the way. Melbourne city is melting pot of many races, very vibrant.  (Not my first holiday in Melbourne).  I didn't face much racial discrimination when holidaying. Outside Melbourne Central, in suburbs , more Caucasians and little Asians are seen; maybe is not school holidays time. As I shop nearby Chadstone which is about 20km from Melbourne Central, more Asians shoppers are seen. My opinion for retirement perspective, - city living in nearby Melbourne Central region, - good time to retire is when we are able, before mid-70s.  - best time to stay is mid-Sep to mid-Feb which is around Late Spring to Summer time. - don't invest big in condo nor apartment.  Small 2BR + 2 Toilets may be good enough. Locals prefer landed away from Central Melbourne, I th...

  25 RULES TO BE OLD AND  HAPPY * 01 -* Don't get involved in your children's lives. * 02 -* Do not interfere with the education of grandchildren. * 03 -* Love or at least tolerate your son-in-law and daughter-in-law, it was your son or daughter’s choice. * 04 -* Never take sides or give your opinion on their marriage. * 05 -* Don't make yourself an elderly complainer. * 06 -* Don't be an elderly person feeling sorry for yourself. * 07 -* Don't get attached *TO YOUR TIME,* it has passed. * 08 -* Have plans for the future. * 09 -* Don't talk about illnesses. Rest assured, nobody wants to know. * 10 -* No matter how much you earn, save a portion every month. * 11 -* Don't procrastinate. There is not much time left. * 12 -* Have a health plan or save money for medical expenses. * 13 -* Save money for the funeral or have a plan for that purpose. * 14 -* Don't leave "problems" for your children. * 15 -* Don't stay connected to the news or politi...

FOUR STAGES OF ELIMINATION IN LIFE At the age of 60 , the workplace eliminates you. No matter how successful or powerful you were during your career, you'll return to being an ordinary person. So, don't cling to the mindset and sense of superiority from your past job, let go of your ego, or you might lose your sense of ease! At the age of 70, s ociety gradually eliminates you. The friends and colleagues you used to meet and socialize with become fewer, and hardly anyone recognizes you at your former workplace. Don't say, "I used to be..." or "I was once..." because the younger generation won't know you, and you mustn't feel uncomfortable about it! At the age of 80 , family slowly eliminates you. Even if you have many children and grandchildren, most of the time you'll be living with your spouse or by yourself. When your children visit occasionally, it's an expression of affection, so don't blame them for coming less often, as they...

Using my colleague's case of using SRS to build up a layered Retirement INCOME : 1.One senior colleague shared that he uses his SRS to buy into endowments; 2. it will pay him annually $40k p.a. when he retires. 3. I was a little doubtful; upon clarification, he shared that the $40k p.a. payouts will not last till age 85.  4. If I try to illustrate using a more predictable INCOME SAIL-SP policy: Yr-1 to Yr-14 : Invest single premium: $30k p.a. x 14 years (invest at age 50 to 63) = $420k total invested. 5. Maturity payouts from age 65 to 78 From Yr-11 to Yr-24: Maturity sum: 14 x 45k p.a. (payout from age 65 to 78) 6. While we put aside if SRS can achieve it, because only $15.3k p.a. annually, requiring every 2-yearly to buy a $30k policy in our illustration.  He would have bought $15k p.a. instead. In summary, 7. what he says may be achievable. 8. Of course INCOME SAIL policies allow payout over 20-years; need not surrender at age 11 as illustrated.  If he had done it，he ...

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 mo...

Part #1 New Endowments (10 NEW policies) At the age of 47, after fully paid my home mortgage, car loan and children entered into the Secondary schooling, I am better to commence my passive income savings. After some lousy hits-and-runs in local stocks, I decided to slowly nibble into buying new endowments as a way of savings.  No one taught us how to save!! Over 10 years, I finally bought a total of 9 new endowments invested, directly through the insurance companies: 2011: 1 endowment, amt: $100k (from GE) 2012: 1 endowment amt:  $130k (from GE) 2013: 3 endowments amt: $ 92k (from INCOME & GE leveraged endowment) 2015: 1 endowment amt:   $ 42k (from Prud) 2019: 2 endowments amt: $160k (from TM & INCOME) 2021: 1 endowments amt: $ 73k (from GE PLG3) Total premiums: $596k (Part #1) ~~~~~~~ Part#2 - Resale Endowments (10 Resale Policies) In Jun 2021, Monetary Authority of Singapore announced the lowering of Par Fund Performance low and high return payout.  T...

 On MY properties, my friend bought two freehold JB condos as Foreigner buying above RM500k per unit; meant as for bequest/inheritance for his two sons. He shared that he is just renting out the unit to AirBnB stays, for some days he can still stay in JB too. Because of his age at 65, he is not able to take MY home loan and have to pay for full condo by TOP.  Each unit he paid ~RM900k (or S$260k); total RM1.8M (S$520k) by TOP in 2024.  One unit has TOP; while another nearby will TOP by 2024. His two sons' wives are MY who owns MY local properties too. ~ I share my views with him: 1.  Why didnt he pass the monies to his DIL, let them choose the JB condo or landed they wishes.  And being a local, his DILs are not subject to min RM500k threshold pty requirement.   As locals, they would have bought at local prices.   (of course under both sons' names too. His children have already own SG HDB home liao). 2. For AirBnB rental for both units, even if the...

 Someone shared that a particular chap has a wide investment diversification; which included: 1. Pty (local n overseas) 2. FD (T-bills, bonds) 3. Cash 4. Equity (ETF, local n overseas, S&P500) 5. Endowments 6. SRS 7. CPF 8. Cryptos ~~~~~~ My reply would be: If he is in his 20s to mid 40s, he is very commendable and outstanding. Never mind if the passive income is sizable.  His runway is still long way to grow. And being investment savvy, he will outshine. ~~~ Generally, if one is nearing retirement or retired, usually all these taps maybe more or less default. By then we cannot talk in % now. We will be asking what is the real passive income number ?  $200k p.a.?  For working class peoples. If he is willing to share his numbers. ~~~~ For some who has retired, even 3 or 4 taps are already JBL (Jia Buay Liao); do not need to be troubled by so many investment types. I have known of one couple who owns few landed and many pty condos (more than 10 then, local pty)....

 It may not be easy for young couple with kids who just started family to start saving big-time for retirement. ~~~ Someone in chat candidly detailed his $12k (x 2?) household monthly expenses; mainly: - fixed expenses $10k - kids enichment classes: $4k - maid n food: $4k - car n other expenses: $2k - HDB + Pte condo loan: $4k+ p.m. On investment : Usually one will start to big-time-save for retirement around age 40s; when your kid is into teenage years.  His loan obligation may get lower. But with so much mentors sharing, the younger ones learn better to invest; unlike us who pay for hard lessons. For him, one hdb and one private are very commendable feat.  From his HDB Town Council charges of $80 p.m., likely it maybe a 3-rm flat? Hefty loan risk: But $4k+ p.m. housing loan, likely for his pte condo, is hefty and maybe risky. What if one or both got retrench, which ever happened to few couples ? (My first resale endowment was bought from a 30-yo young housewife whose sp...

 A lot of chats talk of achieving $3k p.m. retirement passive income.  1. Is it $1k, $2k or $3.5k ? Some asked if $1k p.m. or $2k p.m. is enough.  A retirement lifestyle survey says $3.5k p.m. can retire adequately. 2. Is it $1.8k investible portfolio sufficient to general dividend? 3. Some say 2% or 4% drawdown from your networth. ~~~~ My workable, practicable strategy just require $346k + $143k = $490k portfolio is enough to generate an annual passive income from age 65 with lifetime payout of $46k p.m. (or $3.9k p.m.) Just do the following: 1. CPF-RA: $346k @59yo. 2. 3 x endowments, payout at $32k p.a., singly. ~~~~~ To extrapolate, imagine a couple would double up to lifetime payout ($46k x 2 = $92k p.a.) would receive $3.9k x 2 = $7.8k p.m. lifetime CPFLife payout. ~~~~~ Query1 from someone1: Are these real numbers? My reply: These are my real numbers.   My CPF Retirement RA Payout: 1. Payout is from CPFB estimator calculator at age 65 and 70.   2...

 Someone in chat asked on how best optimise his cash on buying into T-bills; and minimise his effort to monitor. I thought was no-brainer; it has by left and by right implications: Option 1. Easiest is lump sum into T-bills, easier to admin. Then renew in 6mth- or 12mth- bill Option 2: Build-down and do DCA for T-bills; as by averaging, we will dollar average the T-bill auction price. By left answer: "watch your thought on the "Love of money".  Meaningless, absolutely meaningless. ~~~~ Sharing on being slaved in the world Yesterday I spoke to a colleague; asking why he didnt reply to my whatsapp, sent last week ?  His answer was that he read it but too busy to reply.  Upon further asking, his large home aquarium of 1000 fishes, half died of bacterium.  He had to clean up the mess; now the aquarium health is in control. It makes me wonder, if I were the one who were too caught up and slaved by technology. ~~~~ Find a hobby, spend our time wisely. By the way, my c...

 The strategy: 1. Still Withdraw CPFLife payout at age 65. 2. For me, I would select Basic Plan instead of Std Plan or Escalating Plan.  Std Plan or Escalating Plan bequest becomes zero around age 80/82. But Basic Plan payout bequest becomes zero around age 92.  3. Strategy 1 (just by-the-way sharing), difference between Std Plan and Basic Plan payout from age 65 to 85 is ~$180 p.m. x 12 × (86 - 65) = $43k. Choose Basic Plan.  Just build up a sum equals to $43k before retirement, you already would have enjoyed Std Plan Payout.  In addition, re-invest this $43k, you earn even more. ~~~ Strategy #2 (which you requested): 4. Withdraw CPFLife payout at age 65. Then, (depend on how deep your pocket):  option 1: On Jan or any month after age 65, transfer back your $$ into RA or even VC3AC & MA again. This will have effect of delay your payout, and yet withdraw first.  This will earn you 4% interest. Continue to do it from age 65 to 69/70, to match th...

Should I start my CPFLife Payout at age 65 or delay till age 70? Here is my answer:  1. Compare: * BASIC Plan RA payout at 65yo vs * Delayed BASIC Plan RA payout to age 70-yo . 2. The Payout is based on CPFB provided RA Payout Estimator at age 65 and delayed at age 70. Hence more acccurate. 3. My CPFLife payout at age 65 will be $2150 p.m. If I delay my CPFLife payout till age 70, my payout will be $2,870 p.m. Above are based on BASIC Plan payouts. 4. I tabulate the combined payouts; and find that the delayed payout at age 70 will only catch-up at age 84 with those who starts payout at age 65. 5. Breakeven for Delayed Payout at age 70, with Payout at age 65, is at age 84. (comparing BASIC plan and BASIC plan payout.  Not BASIC n STD Plans) ~~~~ 6. Actually I have a legal way to better-er to beat the payout system, even if I withdraw at age 65.  Beat the BASIC age70 payout for life and for bequest. 7. I shared the strategy with my colleagues who early wanted to withdraw a...

On Resale Endowments, there are about 7 local Resale Agents; Largest is REPS. I prefer TES Capital and Conservation Capital; being smaller and lesser overhead cost.  My opinion. As for reliable, all are reliable as your policy deal is transferred directly at the original insurer; For example, if original policy is bought with Ntuc Income, then your resale transaction can be done at Ntuc branch; discuss directly with the Ntuc branch Agent.  Document is chopped and official. Subsequently Ntuc will send official acknowledgement that you are the new Policy Holder, though Assured is still the original assured. And you can go to Ntuc Income app, your resale policy is registered in your portfolio. Once you go to TES or CC Investment List, the Policy Code will tell you their policy is from which Insurer. Example N1657 refers to Ntuc Income Policy No. is xxxxxx1657 or M1666 refers to Manulife or P4555 refers to Prud or S1355 refers to Singlife As I have bought many resale policies from...

 This present CPF was "suan" by Late Ex DPM Toh CC. I think the EPF is better.  It is more flexible. 1.  Far higher but unsustainably high interest rate at 8.15%. 2. Full withdrawal allowed at age 55.   3. Case by case basis, it can be  withdrawn before age 55. 4. One can choose not to withdraw after age 55 to enjoy the high interest rate; withdrawal of annual interest is allowed.  You keep what you earn. If one is able to save RM1M, annual interest earn is RM1,000,000 x 0.0815 = RM81,500 (eye-bogging sum). 5. EPF can be withdrawn for home repayment. ~~~~ From ChatGPT:  Malaysia EPF Explained: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement savings scheme in Malaysia.  It is a compulsory savings plan for employees, where both the employer and the employee contribute a portion of the employee's monthly salary to the fund. The main objective of EPF is to help Malaysian workers save for their retirement. Here are some key points about Malays...

 1.  Is it OK to exercise near max heart rate? The American Heart Association recommends exercising with a target heart rate of   50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate for beginners, and for moderately intense exercise .  You can work at 70 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate during vigorous activity. 2. How long is it safe to run at max heart rate? Max Heartbeat rate (MHR) is based on 220 - your_age. Since your max heart rate is attained by the most strenuous level of physical exertion your body is capable of, it is only sustainable for very short periods of time.  For the average person, this likely falls somewhere between 10 seconds and 1 minute. 3. Can I run at 95% max heart rate? Vigorous: 77% to 95% of MHR The vigorous heart rate zone is from 77% to 95% of your maximum heart rate.  You are now in the vigorous-intensity zone. You will be breathing very hard and able only to speak in short phrases.   This is the zone to aim for when tra...

you know lah.  I also got Malaysian endowment too with TM 20-year policy; 1. Tokio Marine 20-year endowment bought with  MY bank Total premiums paid: RM300k, guaranteed yearly.  I also got Malaysian endowment too with TM 20-year policy; 1. Tokio Marine 20-year endowment bought in MY bank Total premiums paid: RM300k, guaranteed yearly payout of RM10.5k for next 19 years.  On Year 20, get back maturity amount sum: RM300k+.  2. The policy fund performance Benefit Illustration (BI) is illustrated at 5.5% and 8%.   Unbelievable but that roughly matched EPF at 5.35% @2023. 3. The Policy is transparent ; it shows you: - how much premium used for rider coverage, - its death & TPD payout grows to x1.5 - it's agent fees n charges 4. To maximise return , one should reduce premiums used for rider protection; in this case, use your children as Policy Assured ; this is to keep rider premiums as low as possible to max investment return to the policy which we pay. 5....

When I first started working, that was about 35 years ago, my eldest brother then gave me this advice. "Focus on doing your full time job well;  it will be your best investment". Looking back, his advice may be still valid and true for me. Just a bonus in one year, one can even save the trouble to make small profits bites (say $250 per month) in trading for more than years. Unless it is for purpose of mental exercise play play.  But usually such trading need to spend many nights to monitor which can lose some sleeps.

 I free-free extracted some runs from past few months of May- early Jul 23.  My observation from this data extraction: 1. It seems that I am now not able to clock 7+min/km which I used to in early 50s, before Covid.  The extra ~10-year reduces my allowable max heartbeats by ~10beats/min. 2. And be it 5km or 13km, my pace now is fairly consistent at 9+min/km. 3. I am pacing myself not to exceed my max heartbeat of 161 beats/min.  In so doing, 7~8min/km was things of the past. 4. Even if I can achieve 7~8min/km, it will be at my expenses of doing a worthiness stress test on my heart. 5. At age 59, I need to be mindful not to run like a 40-yo, even if I can still clock 7+min/km. But I need to add that my runs timing included a few traffic road stop/waiting-time. My next longer run would be the StdChart full-Marathon on Dec 23.  But let's hope that I can stil complete within the 7.5 h cut-off time; my 5th full marathon.

My email to Mr Ooi to give my comments on this Sunday INVEST article " Avoid buying unsuitable investment products " dated 16 Jul 2023. Thank you for your above Sunday article in "INVEST" Section in The Straits Times. I always enjoy following your Sunday INVEST articles. May I share my opinion about what you shared. 1.  I have bought a total of 19 saving endowment policies, bought since 2011 at age 47. 2. They are a mixed of: a. 7 x new endowments bought directly from insurers, amounting to: Total premiums paid: $100k + $115k + $42k + $20k + $30k + $60k + $100k = $467k (fully paid from year 2011 to 2023)   b. 2 x new leveraged endowment policies from Great Eastern; Premier Life Generation series (PLG1 & PLG3), bought before 1 Jul 2021 (where MAS intervened in the endowment BI illustration).  Total premiums = $150k + $250k = $400k; of which cash paid was $42k + $73k = $115k c. 9 x Traded Insurance policies which I started at age 57 in 2021. Total premiums pai...

Consideration for MY property Purchase 1.  Avoid mixed devt; it is difficult to demarcate Hotel, Residential & Mall for Strata Title issue.  Best choice is JB (& Melaka) as more food choices & rentals. (KL & Penang are too far for me to travel, although it's property may have good return value. Need MM2H or else need to return home monthly to renew Visa extension.) 2. Before Strata Title issue, Unit has to pay State Consent every 2-year @RM5k (recently raised from RM3k) to keep unit ownership interim.  When purchasing, bargain for one time payment for State Consent; no need renewal. But easily than said, Developer may not warrant it after 3-year Latent Defect Period (LDP). Not even through legal statements, unless it's first State Consent Certificate does not have expiry date.   Earlier year, new property buy may have such privileges such as Deferred Interest Bearing Scheme (DIBS) loan absorption by developer during construction phrase; so ...

How my Endowments provide me with a steady stream of passive income which augment by CPFLife and CPF interest payouts. RESALE ENDOWMENTS I had built up 10 Resale endowments, total premiums expected to invest ~$300k since 2020, bulk of premiums are paid within a span of 4-years. Total projected maturity payouts is $410k, (as I also reinvested the Cashbacks @~3% annually into the policies).   When you buy the traded insurance, you need to choose properly. Because I DCA buys these traded insurance, I have built up some relationships with the few Agents whom can help eye-ball and tailor to my needs. ~~~~ NEW ENDOWMENTS On top of these 10 layered Resale endowment, maybe more to be bought,  I have also another lot of 9 new endowments bought from 2011 to 2021 (bought directly from various Insurers).  My last final annual payment is Oct 2023.  This "new endowment Tap" will pay me another source of passive income for retirement, in addition to my Resale Endowment payou...

H&S Lifetime Coverage Premiums Annual premium for a youth to cover H&S for life.  They have to pay annually for life coverage.   Premium increases with age). So, if their Medisave Account has $12,000, their Annual Premium deducted from their Medisave will be paid by the 4% Medisave Account. With $12,000 in CPF-MA, it will earn $480 p.a. interest. $12,000 * 0.04 = $480. ~~~~~~~ The other 2 default cost deducted by G are lifetime premiums for MedishieldLife and CareshieldLife coverage. ~~~~~~ 1. CareshieldLife will commence when the youth reaches age 29. Premium is still reasonable low at $200~300 p.a. rising with age.  This is to protect 3ADL of 6 (Activity of Disability Living) payout. https://www.greateasternlife.com/sg/en/personal-insurance/our-products/health-insurance/great-careshield/6-activities-of-daily-living.html ~~~~~~ 2. Medishieldlife premium start as early as age 1. https://www.moh.gov.sg/healthcare-schemes-subsidies/medishield-life/medishield-li...

I have just committed to buy this 10th resale insurance.   Resale Insurance are second-hand surrendered policy. This original new policy started in Mar 2019, it was surrendered.  I will buy over in Aug 2023: Aug23 initial lump sump premium: $24,142 Mar24: premium: $6,019 p.a. Mar25: premium: $6,019 p.a. Mar26: premium: $6,019 p.a. Mar27: premium: $6,019 p.a. Mar28: premium: $6,019 p.a. Total premium invested: $54,237 Upon maturity in Mar 2029, Guaranteed payout: $61,620 Projected maturity payout: $66,764 calculated xirr: 5% (rate of return) This is my 3rd resale insurance bought this year. This policy is transacted by 3rd party (with TES Capital).  The transfer will be signed and transacted at the Insurer Branch; so it was safe and official. ~~~~~ These 10 Resale Insurances (Total Premium = $294k) will generate a total combined maturity payouts of $410k. These premiums were paid from 2017 to 2032.  A total of 11-years to generate profit of $410k - $294k = $116k (pr...

Someone asked me if Outram Park uncles can retire with $500 per month. I would say likely enough. 🤷‍♂️ Another chipped in: $500 per month for Jonker Street uncles, I am sure more than enough one. Yet another says: "Poor in wealthy Nation can be a wealthy in poor Nation?" ~~~ So I check for Jonker uncle singly monthly expenses: S$500 ×3.4 = RM1700 p.m. Medical: free Home maint/rental: RM800 Car maint = RM200 Remaining bal: RM1700 - RM800 - RM200 = RM700 for meal. RM700 ÷30 days = RM23 daily for meal. Maybe got chance?  But believe me, their locals can survive by roadside make-shift hawker food.

To participate in the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, there are certain financial requirements that applicants must meet.  As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, here are the general financial criteria for the MM2H program: 1. Financial Proof: Applicants need to show proof of financial capability to support their stay in Malaysia.  They are required to have a liquid asset of at least MYR 500,000 (Malaysian Ringgit), which can be in the form of cash in a bank account, stocks, bonds, or other assets that can be easily converted into cash. 2. Offshore Income: Applicants must also provide proof of offshore income of at least MYR 10,000 per month. This can be from pensions, rental income, dividends, or any other legitimate source. 3. Fixed Deposit: Upon approval, successful applicants aged below 50 years old are required to place a fixed deposit of MYR 300,000 in a Malaysian bank, whereas those aged 50 years and above need to place MYR 150,000. This fixed deposit is t...

 It's important to note that not all Korean women have a desire for nose enhancement, and preferences can vary among individuals.  However, there are a few factors that can help explain the popularity of nose enhancement procedures in South Korea: 1. Cultural Beauty Standards : South Korea has a strong emphasis on beauty, and certain facial features are often considered desirable.  A well-defined, small, and straight nose is commonly regarded as a symbol of beauty in Korean society.  Many people believe that an enhanced nose can improve their overall appearance and make their face more balanced. 2. Influence of Media and K-pop : The influence of media, including K-pop music and Korean dramas, has played a significant role in shaping beauty standards in South Korea. Many idols and celebrities are known for their attractive facial features, including their noses.  As a result, some individuals may aspire to achieve similar looks and turn to cosmetic procedures, in...

  CPF (Central Provident Fund) and EPF (Employees Provident Fund) are social security savings schemes implemented in Singapore and Malaysia, respectively. While both CPF and EPF serve the purpose of providing retirement savings and social security benefits, there are some differences between the two schemes. Here's a comparison of CPF and EPF: 1. Coverage and Eligibility:    - CPF : All Singaporean and Permanent Resident employees are required to contribute to the CPF. Self-employed individuals can also contribute voluntarily.    - EPF : All Malaysian employees earning below a certain income threshold (currently RM 5,000 per month) are required to contribute to the EPF. 2. Contribution Rates:    - CPF : The contribution rates for CPF vary depending on the employee's age and wage level. For example, as of 2021, the employer contributes 17% of the employee's monthly salary to the CPF, while the employee contributes 20% of their monthly salary.  ...

 I asked ChatGPT if xirr is a useful way to calculate an investment yield. It replies: Yes, XIRR (Extended Internal Rate of Return) is a useful way to calculate investment returns, particularly in cases where the cash flows associated with the investment are irregular or intermittent.  XIRR is a financial metric that takes into account the timing and amounts of cash flows, providing a more accurate measure of the investment's performance. XIRR is commonly used to calculate the annualized rate of return for investments such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments where cash flows occur at different points in time.  It considers both the size and timing of these cash flows, allowing investors to evaluate the profitability of their investments more precisely. By using XIRR, investors can assess the actual return they have earned on their investments, even when the cash flows are not evenly distributed over time.  This makes it a valuable tool for ...

Life has so much worry at every stage, except for the innocent childhood days. 1. Money; have & have not. 2. Physical Health 3. Mental Health 4. Ailment 5. Body degeneration 6. Sandwiched Generation worry 7. Spiritual Health One Wiseman says: "No worries lah! Just need to handle and manage one at a time CALMLY🙏🙏" Another asks: "Isn't 'Happiness being Worries', or 'Worries = Real Living'.? " Yet another shares: "Worry = Absence of God or Happiness = Presence of God? 🙏🙏 " The wisest of all said: "Matt 10:39, Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."

I have heard of a case of SG homemaker, recently widowed, having difficulty repaying her S$1200 monthly HDB loan & have to work to repay it, beside covering her monthly expenses.  She decided to stay in MY with her sibling, rent out her whole HDB home for $1,800 monthly.    This S$1,800 helps repay her HDB housing loan, and with surplus, it funds her retirement in MY. So, her HDB home is an asset to her. A mindset shift that set her free. Now with the cash suplus converted to Ringgit of RM1000+, free stay with her sibling & keeping her sibling company, both have each other company, and are able to make local tours together at affordable cost.

Paradox of Long Life 1. I want to live till age 100 and still not a burden to my children who will be in their late 60s. 2. My money still keeps growing.  I still hold on to them; so that for money sake, my children will still visit me. 3. Even my old friends will be long gone, I will still be loved, wanted and have good company. 4. I still have money for my expenses, not worried about inflation, high cost & medical care & bills; Certainly no need to burden my children. 5. I stay healthy. I do my regular and mental exercises and watch my diet; sickness will depart from me. 6. My spouse and children will always be by my side. ~~~~~~ Why paradoxical?  1. Is long life surely me? 2. Will my money still of worth at age 100? 3. Will anyone still bother with an old old man ? 4. Who can be sure money enough and can last ? 5. Will staying healthy sure to keep sickness away ? 6. Hope and pray for your spouse and children. ~~~~~ I always hope that I am the Last Sandwiched Generat...

 While we may look down on MY banking system, allow me to share my experience of MY E-wallet n MY Banks "Paynow". ~~~~~~ Actually Malaysian Banks and its National Touch-And-Go  eWallet Debit App are more systematic and secure than SG.  1. Their "Paynow" recipients must have its phone number tie to a bank account.  One cannot simply transfer to anyone randomly. 2. Banks withdrawal or deposit is limit at RM10K daily for foreigner.  This limit cannot change at all. 3. It's National Touch-And-Go has 3 level of topup limits; Lite cap at RM200, Std: RM500... and monthly limit cap too. 4. Banks' ATM Debit card which similar to SG. ~~~ While you can use Grab or other app to make payments too at your own risk, its Nationals can use the Government E-Wallet or nric to make payment. Even before SG started its online Paynow or Paylah years ago, I had already used such service in MY online payment; that was more than 10 years ago.  ~~~~ Interesting, the online transfe...

 Just sharing. I admitted myself at A&E this Wed.  Wonder why? It was hot Wed afternoon. Suddenly I felt that my right eye had sort-of a film in front of it. I quickly went to the mirror to assess. Looks normal, eye ball is still white, no sign of cataract, not flashes looking at all directions.  Hardly floaters when I close my eyes. The effect was like someone's eye sight just woke up in the morning. My intuitive was quickly to buy an Eye-Mo moist eye-drop.  It sorts of help a little. Why I then have to admit to A&E? What is the outcome?  Want to try guessing? ~~~~~~ For quick knowledge sharing Two severe degradations of the eyes are: Glaucoma & Retina tear or detachment.  For others, you can search online.  Should these severity happen, immediate medical attention is important; not even to wait for another day. Retinal detachment itself is painless. But warning signs almost always appear before it occurs or has advanced, such as: -sudden...

Just sharing on Personal Health charting Some people keep full record of the wealth and networth charting. For me, I keep a full record of 25-year personal health screening record of ~57 parameters tally; since 1998 to 2023. I would tabulate them, make diet adjustment to keep their numbers within baseline. In that way, my health numbers (cholesterol count, key organs numbers, blood and urine numbers) are regulated.  So far, from my 2023 health record to-date, I am able to keep these numbers to match my age 34 yo body health numbers. Many of my cohorts suffer from some conditions of diabetes, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol issues, some already on stents.  Putting aside hereditary cases, one can actually regulate through your dieting and regular exercises. ~~~~~~ For me, I started my jogging regiment since 2011 when I realised that my LDL cholesterol numbers had exceeded its nominal ranges.   Over the past 10-years, I pick my jogging, starting from 1.5km to compl...

 This week I spoke to two Seniors on the topics: They are in the Go-go years. Go-Go Years (age 65 to 75) . Slower-Go Years (age 76 to 85) N o -Go Years (age 86 to 100)   One was too absorbed into work into late nights still, even if he/she is able to retire; adult children nearing 30s and already working.  Within ~5 years, suffered some bad health that required few hospitalizations. But thankfully had recovered. The second retired who chose to stay at home looking after grandchildren on weekdays. Both knees had undergone Kneecap replacements. I shared on their Go-go years which is now. Don't choose to stay at home if you can. Leave it to the No-Go years stage when you can't even or has to be lugged to go out.

  Counting our blessings When one retires, one casual question usually someone would ask; that is, "what do you today these days into retirement? " I might say, "No nothing.  Even if it is just eat-sleep-shop-walk for few years, we deserve it.  Afterall, we have toiled a long whole lifetime." Allow me to share three heart-warming scenes which I saw this week. ~~~~ Scene 1: I was doing my regular jog at the KR Hill, I saw 2 retired couple, lifting up drain iron grills to remove the clog in the drain.  Upon asking, they were concerned of mosquitoes breeding.  The man came prepared, wore gloves, shovel in hand, he scooped up the blockages to clear the water flows.  He even went to the extent to ensure water flow into the reservoir. Scene 2: I heard an elderly woman gentle voice to her teenaged granddaughter ,"See you and have fun?" Upon seeing, this young girl seems mildly retarded, helped by a domestic helper. It was quite heartfelt pain for who would want...

 Usually such CPFLIFE Table payout refers to those who choose Standard Plan . When my RA account started at age 55: I topup my RA account to its max ERS in 2019. Over the years, annually in beginning of subsequent years, I keep topping up to the allowable RA limit.  The first cash sum of $88k then was a steep amount.  Subsequently I remembered it was easier: roughly $7.5k, $8k, $9k, now $10.2k.  2019: age 55: $264,000 2020: age 56: $273,000 (+$9k) 2021: age 57: $300,000 (+$13k) 2022: age 58: $322,000 (+$22k) 2023: age 59: $346,000 (+$24k) CPFB ever replied to my query on my Payout at age 65, under Basic Plan which I pay to choose,  the CPFLIFE payout would be: $2,200 to $2,500 p.m. for my life. So, this seems align with the above Std-Plan Payout Table. ~~~~ Why Basic Plan not Std Plan? 1. Large Bequest Sum is main consideration. For Basic Plan, Bequest Sum is $94k, at age 83. For Std Plan, Bequest sum: $0 after age 80. 2. Small Payout difference in monthly payou...

I wrote to CPFB to query on my ERS payout if I keep topping up from age 55 to age 65. Their reply for my case, under CPFLife Basic Plan: At age 65, I should get $2,200 ~ $2,500 p.m. for life. This was the official CPFB payout reply of my ERS payout. ~~~~~ If for each year I keep deferring payout till age 70, my CPFLife payout will be: Age 65: $2200 ~ $2500 p.m. Age 66: ($2200 * 1.07) ~ ($2500 * 1.07).. Age 66: $2,354 ~ $2,675 p.m. Age 67: $2,518 ~ $2,862 p.m. Age 68: $2,695 ~ $3,062 p.m. Age 69: $2,883 ~ $3,276 p.m. Age 70: $3,085 ~ $3,506 p.m. At age 70, Under Basic Plan, payout $3k ~ $3.5k p.m. singly, just from CPFLife payout.

Someone mentioned that his RA can touch $825k at age 65.  Now his SA is $210k early 40yo. My opinion: RA @65yo $825,000 seems a large sum to reach.   What would be the FRS or ERS amount to reach this $825,000 at age 65?   During my time at age 55, my RA @55/ERS was then $264,000. Max that I can topup. And I annually rtsu max $9k to $10.3k every Jan still might not even touch this large number.    I am still working and contributing to my max RA annually.  At age 58, my ERS is only $355k. Some calculation hopefully correct, $355k+(($355k−$264k)÷(58−55)) ×(65−58) = $567,300 at my age 65 yo. (Still cannot touch $825k for me in my RA at age 65.) With 7 more years to reach age 65, I dont think that I would touch $825k. ~~~~~ So I extrapolate from age 55 to 58, Even with SA $0 at age 55, one can max cash topup into RA. So need not bring in SA. So we focus on what is the RA required at age 55 to reach $825k. So, I try to interpolate, ($825,000−$60,000)×(...