LET THE FUND BEGIN Financial planner Karen Tang shows how you can effectively save money for your dream trips. START EARLY For a big year-end vacation, begin saving at the start of the year. Otherwise, three to six months in advance may suffice. DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOU NEED Use these factors to help estimate the cost of your trip: the exchange rate; the prices of activities you’re interested in
In my more than 15 years of financial advisory practice, I noticed that many successful people still handle money in an informal way. Instead of working with a trained Certified Financial Planner, they approach friends who work in the finance field. It sounds perfectly logical but this (misguided) belief has led people down the wrong path. Why do I say so? Finance work and financial planning are two distinct
Recently, I was introduced to the concept of micro-retirement, that is the idea of taking intentional, extended breaks from work, ranging from a few months to even one or two years. Micro-retirement is taken in between career phases rather than waiting for a single “retirement moment” at the end of one’s productive working years. A decade ago, the dominant narrative was FIRE i.e. Financial Independence, Retire Early. Many people
It’s the ‘SRS rush’ season once again. You have just about 3 weeks left to contribute to your Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) and enjoy tax relief for 2025. If you have not done so, it takes only a few minutes to transfer the money to your SRS account. This small but timely action could translate into meaningful tax savings and a stronger retirement future for yourself. What is Supplementary
Before year-end, if we had to pick just one critical financial planning action most people overlook, it would be this: Review and update your insurance coverage, especially critical illness protection. Why this tops the list While debt reduction and legacy planning are vital, the financial shock of a major illness can derail both your savings and long-term plans instantly. Many professionals think their company group insurance or hospital plan
https://youtu.be/1-e5qY8ErCk Most of us think of writing a will to decide what happens after we’re gone. But what about ensuring your affairs are taken care of while you’re still alive, if you lose the mental capacity to decide for yourself? That’s where the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) comes in. Uncle Mike’s Stroke We were shocked when we heard that Uncle Mike, a good family friend of my parents,
https://youtu.be/BBNtQbtdhqs Twice a week, I show up at Focus Pilates reformer studio. I grip the straps, align my spine, engage my core, and push through controlled, precise movements. It’s not just about toned muscles or flexibility – it’s about resilience. Each session builds strength from the inside out, making me more balanced, more stable, and more capable of meeting life’s physical demands. But here’s the thing: the lessons we
https://youtu.be/ZZzyWeYiZHQ Let’s face it – living in Singapore is expensive. Between the rising costs of housing, daily living, and societal pressures to “make it,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to money. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about how much you earn, it’s about how you manage what you have. That’s where financial coaching comes in. Unlike traditional financial advisors who often focus on selling
When it comes to planning for the future, estate planning often takes a backseat to more immediate financial goals, such as saving for a home or preparing for retirement. However, as women in Singapore increasingly take charge of their financial independence, estate planning has become an essential component of securing one’s legacy and ensuring loved ones are cared for. Whether you are in your mid-30s with growing responsibilities or
Happy New Year, my dear friends! Wishing you a wonderful beginning to 2025—a year filled with boundless opportunities and meaningful experiences! Starting the year on a positive note means taking the time to reflect and evaluate different aspects of your life. Doing so can help you set clear intentions and goals for personal growth in the year ahead. Here are some guiding questions and actionable steps to help you
With 2025 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to set new intentions – not only for personal growth but also to strengthen financial security and foster growth to support these aspirations. What financial goals do women want to achieve in the coming year, and how can they kickstart their journey? I am thankful for another opportunity to contribute to the Her World December 2024 issue. The editorial
DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) lag considerably behind parents, especially on the Retirement Planning Indicator.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7aG51646v0 I was recently interviewed by Channel NewsAsia for a segment on their Money Mind TV program that is aired every Saturday at 8:30pm. The focus of the interview was on how to get higher returns with cash as interest rates start going down. As we are aware, the yields for Treasury bills (T-bills) and Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) have declined. Fixed deposit interest rates have also been cut.
For investors with a time horizon beyond a few years, even Fed decisions can amount to just noise
A recent article Five in seven insurers to jack up private hospital premiums under Integrated Shield Plans published in The Business Times on 3 September 2024 brought our attention to forthcoming premium hikes to Integrated Shield Plans and riders. Lifetime premiums for the most costly private hospital plans and riders may approach or even exceed $800,000. As I am writing this article, some of the insurers have already raised
Warren Buffett, the greatest investor in the world, says that it is wise for investors “to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful.”
Let’s Talk About Your Money Mindset – It Matters More Than You Think!
Let’s Talk About Your Money Mindset – It Matters More Than You Think!