uncle lim kopi

 As I approach the special age of 55 (that's why CPF changes happens)...my tolerance for risk in financial investments expectedly dwindles. It's funny, because like most folks, when I was younger in my 30s/40s, my thoughts are I will be ok to take risks even when I am 60s.  Now I am in 50s, I changed. lol Wiser I guess? At this age, what I have accumulated is precious, and I certainly do not wish to go back to slogging for income if my investments turn so bad that I need to top it up via my work income.  I feel this is why risk tolerance drops.  So, while I still want to be invested in the stock market, I will certainly start to gradually pivot the components of my portfolio.  Plan is to pivot to more ETFs, specifically STI ES3 and S&P 500. So my investments will depend on SG and US economies. Not that I think these will be the best countries, but these are places which I am very familiar with over many years of working and investments. Will I still own indi...

When I was young, it was simple. "I just want to earn as much as possible" Then when I am older, it became "I want to retire with as much passive income as possible" But I think this is not so simple, or it should not be so simple. It will be a huge regret when I am taking my last breath.  I should think about what kind of life I want to live now and going forward. While its good to remember what had transpired in my life before this, these are just memories and the real value, besides emotional connection, is ensuring I don't repeat stupid mistakes that wasted my life hours. So what kind of life? I am not gonna lie, I want a life with material comfort: - Live in a nice neighbourhood in a private condo that is nicely renovated - Drive a car I like to drive - Enough to go vacations wherever I want to go - Can buy the latest iPhone and MacBooks :) - Can wear quality shoes and clothes (I am not into luxury brands) I have since decided that I am not going to live an...

My SRS In the tail end of my career, I was fortunate enough to be earning a decent income, and that comes with its corresponding high income tax rate (20-22% range). In order to reduce the cashflow out due to income tax payment each month, I maxed out my SRS contribution which is $15,300 for 4 years. This cuts my income tax repayment per month by close to $300, which is better than nothing. I was paying $6000-$7000 per month of income tax back then for a few years (You are welcome, SG govt) My SRS account was opened when the withdrawal age was 62. This meant I can start penalty-free withdrawal when I reach age 62, and only 50% of it will be considered income taxable. And once I start to withdraw, I'll have 10 consecutive years to empty it.  So, my input into SRS = $15.3k x 4 = $61,200 Started in 2020. (Before that I was an idiot, as I didn't think of using SRS), and I stopped after 2024 since I retired by then.  Essentially, I used almost all my SRS funds to buy only 1 thing, ...

 I cannot overstate how important freedom is. I am free and I don’t take it for granted and I hope will never. Drive safely, don’t rage Exercise  Eat well Enjoy fine things in life you can afford to without going bankrupt. Don’t be a miser Manage to investments and expenses wisely so you don’t lose this freedom by going back to work for a paycheck. I don’t wish to see a paycheck again. Freedom to read any books, watch any shows, try any hobbies, just laze around to enjoy a nice coffee and weather. To just sit back and think about life, or just mindless watching of YouTube  This is precious. Very. 

 What are values? These are things I believe I should do, rules of life that I follow.  First of all, be honourable, honest and have integrity.  Be respectful and polite by default. But stand your ground so you are not a pushover. Don't harm others, but be ready to defend and protect with all your means. Be responsible. To your family, especially your partner, children and your parents. And, keep your word. Don't make promises you cannot keep or have no intention of keeping, especially to someone close. Don't belittle what's important to someone else. And if you do end up making one and breaking it, take ownership of the consequences and apologise.  Personally, I am dealing with the consequences of a promise someone made but broke on me. Its horrible. It's an open wound that did not heal.  As much as I want to let it slide, I can't. Why? Because, in order to let it slide, I had to take action to rectify a situation. And taking this action, to me, violates my val...

Your body needs maintenance.  You can work and grind hard at your job BUT, you must always take some time to maintain your body.  Else you will have to pay for it in future. If it can be fixed, you pay for it with $ and suffering while it’s being fixed If it cannot be fixed, you pay for it in perpetuity suffering, and also $ to find and find solutions  Always exercise. Strength training, stretches to keep joints nimble, runs and walks to keep heart strong Always watch what you eat. Ensure you have sufficient protein, fruits, etc. eat your greens, drink milk. Take vitamins, they are really cheap these days. Just pop a multivitamin a day. That’s costs like $0.30 per pill. Don’t be stingy. It’s cheaper than your useless Starbucks coffee. Always take time to clean your teeth. Brush them properly, use good paste and brush, then floss properly. If you can afford it, get a good electric toothbrush, it will do wonders for your dental health. You won’t want to lose your teeth befo...

 We all want security. Personal security  Economic security  Emotional security  In this modern world, as long as you live in a capitalist country, I believe, for all practical purposes, economic security is what you must strive for. It is the bedrock for everything else in your life. No one will have mood to enjoy music, joke with your partner, take time to whip up a nice meal, if they are struggling economically, unsure if they can afford to have a roof over their head, or food on table