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	<title>Five Cents Ten Cents &#187; financial freedom in Singapore</title>
	<atom:link href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/tag/financial-freedom-in-singapore/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog</link>
	<description>Financial freedom, one realistic step at a time.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:37:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Health is Wealth: Revisiting It Personally</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/08/30/health-is-wealth-revisiting-it-personally/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/08/30/health-is-wealth-revisiting-it-personally/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:37:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health is wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1128</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I went through a bout of throat infection recently and it took a course of antibiotics plus lots of early nights for my body to fight off the invaders. The GP bill was $64.40 (4 medicines &#8211; antibiotics, cough mixture, tablets for throat swelling and nose block) at one of the big group GP chains [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I went through a bout of throat infection recently and it took a course of antibiotics plus lots of early nights for my body to fight off the invaders. The GP bill was $64.40 (4 medicines &#8211; antibiotics, cough mixture, tablets for throat swelling and nose block) at one of the big group GP chains which was somewhat expensive and set me thinking about what medical fees would face me when I grow older?</p>
<p>We know in theory that health is truly wealth but how much do we practice it <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> in and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> out?</p>
<p>I for one have been telling myself that I need to exercise and to lose weight. The irony is that the lack of exercise, coupled with a few late nights saw my body succumb to a bug that made me lose weight due to lack of appetite. I realise that I need to really sleep by 11pm on most <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >days</a> as I get up around 6.30 am for work from Mondays to Fridays. My health has been something that I neglected a bit as I indulged in more than my usual share of soft drinks, snacks and fried foods.</p>
<p>It took a toll and a 5 <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> course of medication made me re-examine how healthy (or unhealthy) my habits had been for the last month or so.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s no point in me rambling on and on about getting healthy if I don&#8217;t do anything. In terms of diet, I would focus on more soup based foods as they tend to be less oily and with lesser fried stuff. In terms of exercise, I am trying to get myself back into the groove of doing some light jogging at least 2 x a week and something more strenuous 1 x week. My stress level was high last week because my staff was resigning and another staff was on long MC. Fortunately, the one on long MC was able to come back to work today and now I only have to contend with a short period it takes for the replacement staff to replace my staff who is leaving by mid September <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/01/08/new-beginnings-2010/" >2010</a>.</p>
<p>Ultimately, <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> still has to exist in the context of being healthy enough to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> it. No health means that even if you are financially free, your quality of life would be poor.</p>
<p>Life is about balancing one&#8217;s needs and wants and to be healthy and happy in relationships with people who matter.</p>
<p>The closer I get to 40, the closer I realise that this balance is something that one has to constantly work on to make it happen.</p>
<p>How do you achieve your own balance in life?</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/08/30/health-is-wealth-revisiting-it-personally/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Working Beyond Retirement Age in Singapore</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/07/30/working-beyond-retirement-age-in-singapore/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/07/30/working-beyond-retirement-age-in-singapore/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:04:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[live within your means]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retirement in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore retirement]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1111</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[MM Lee&#8217;s comments about retirement has highlighted about the changing paradigm of retirement, in that it is increasingly becoming less of an automatic ritual upon reaching a pre-defined age and more of a lifestyle choice.
Traditionally, retirement is an age where one is able to stop working, collect a pension and to take time to smell [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 343px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanhayag/4400732494/"><img title="Tweak. by digitalpimp" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4400732494_959eec1b08.jpg" alt="Tweak. by digitalpimp" width="333" height="500" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Tweak. by digitalpimp</p></div>
<p>MM Lee&#8217;s <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1072041/1/.html">comments</a> about <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> has highlighted about the changing paradigm of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a>, in that it is increasingly becoming less of an automatic ritual upon reaching a pre-defined age and more of a lifestyle choice.</p>
<p>Traditionally, <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> is an age where one is able to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >stop working</a>, collect a pension and to take time to smell the roses and to take care of grandchildren. My parents count themselves fortunate in that they were school teachers their entire <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >careers</a> and stayed in the pension scheme (and taking pay cuts in the last few years of their working life) even as it was slowly phased out by the CPF scheme.</p>
<p>However, the Civil Service has all but abolished the pension scheme except for a few select schemes e.g. Administrative service and some specialised services. Majority of public sector and statutory board employees are on the CPF scheme, as are virtually all the private sector and GLC or TLC organisations.</p>
<p>Thus, the concept of choosing not to work becomes one of income versus lifestyle needs than an age per se.</p>
<p><span id="more-1111"></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Retirement in the age of CPF</strong></span></p>
<p>On paper, everyone can choose to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retire</a> i.e. to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >stop working</a> if one has enough money to last them the rest of their lives. In theory you can, but in practice, it&#8217;s quite challenging because there are too many variables involved.</p>
<p>First of all, we cannot know for certain our life expectancies and health status over time and thus how much we need for lifestyle expenses and medical expenses. Secondly, CPF may not be enough for many of us have most of our ordinary account monies locked up in our homes and the remainder special account monies are not sufficient for minimum sum.</p>
<p>How then, can we choose to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >stop working</a> if money is not enough?</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Working till death</strong></span></p>
<p>Not to sound morbid but I intend to work until the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> I die. The catch is how I would define &#8220;work&#8221;. I intend to continue in my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a> as an auditor as long as I can to accumulate the savings that brings me closer to the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >target</a> for <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>. But there would likely come a time where I would hit the &#8220;mandatory&#8221; <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> age and get hit with a pay-cut coupled with re-employment on a year-to-year basis. This may or may not be what I will <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> doing when I&#8217;m at that age (probably 67 by the time I hit that age).</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t see myself doing the same old thing at that age. Instead, I choose to build possible paths so that when I&#8217;m close to &#8220;<a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> age&#8221;, I will have alternative sources of income and a plan to live in a lower cost country other than Singapore. My post on <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/07/20/lifestyle-design-and-retirement/">retiring in Thailand</a> talks about some of the considerations of such a plan.</p>
<p>MM Lee&#8217;s observations about keeping active resonate with me in that our minds and bodies are such that if you don&#8217;t use it, you will lose it. Hence, working until we die is not a &#8220;bad&#8221; thing if we <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> what we do. That is the crux of the issue. Would you be able to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> what you do and be able to pursue the experiences you want to until the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> you move on from this world?</p>
<p>I intend to experience life a bit more each <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> even as all of us walk towards our destiny with mortality. I intend to put myself in a position to choose what I want to do when I reach 67 and to continue to be active in <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/" >mind</a>, body and spirit. Working is fine as long as I choose what I want to do. I am prepared to monetise my home to fund retiring in Thailand if needed but am planning to do training and consulting and to be an independent director to fund my future lifestyle post &#8220;<a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a>&#8221;.</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t know for sure if I will achieve it but I know that I&#8217;ll have to invest time, energy and effort today to make it a possibility tomorrow.</p>
<p>The situation many people find themselves in is that when they reach the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> age, they are forced to continue to work for the income to sustain themselves even when they hate their work. That is the situation that makes work a drudgery. I am thankful that my current <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> is a balanced one and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> coming to work daily. Hence, it is not drudgery but a privilege to be doing what I&#8217;m doing now. But I do not take for granted that things will never change so having a back-up is helpful before one needs to activate it.</p>
<p>Do you agree with MM Lee&#8217;s observations that we should abolish the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> age and work until we expire?</p>
<p>What is your own plan towards &#8220;<a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a>&#8221;?</p>
<p>Share with <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/about/" >Panzer</a> in the comments section.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/07/30/working-beyond-retirement-age-in-singapore/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Retirement]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Art of Learning and Financial Freedom</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/06/16/the-art-of-learning-and-financial-freedom/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/06/16/the-art-of-learning-and-financial-freedom/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:04:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art of learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1085</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve read the book, &#8220;The Art of Learning&#8221; by Josh Waitzkin and was completely blown away by some of his ideas as well as his personal achievements in the world of competitive chess and martial arts (Tai Chi Quan).
If you are interested to learn how we can learn better and to achieve peak performance in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/2516648940/"><img class=" " title="Flickr image &quot;I am Here for the Learning Revolution&quot; by Wesley Fryer" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2516648940_ab432e08e9.jpg" alt="Flickr image I am Here for the Learning Revolution by Wesley Fryer" width="400" height="500" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image &quot;I am Here for the Learning Revolution&quot; by Wesley Fryer</p></div>
<p>I&#8217;ve <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >read</a> the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >book</a>, &#8220;The Art of Learning&#8221; by Josh Waitzkin and was completely blown away by some of his ideas as well as his personal achievements in the world of competitive chess and martial arts (Tai Chi Quan).</p>
<p>If you are interested to learn how we can learn better and to achieve peak performance in whatever fields of endeavour; which includes the field of personal finance and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>, then you should consider reading his excellent <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >book</a>.</p>
<p>You can <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >read</a> more about <a href="http://www.joshwaitzkin.com/">Josh Waitzkin</a> here.</p>
<p><span id="more-1085"></span>His <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >book</a> makes for a compelling <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >read</a> for many reasons.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Financial Freedom is a Learning Journey</strong></span></p>
<p>I have mentioned this concept a few times and it is important enough to reiterate here. The only way we can move forward and grow in our knowledge and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> of becoming financially free is to be in the continuous learning mode. Learning continuously does not mean just reading and reading and reading personal finance <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >books</a>. Reading personal finance <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >books</a> are an necessary but insufficient condition in us achieving mastery over our finances and ultimately ourselves.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Having a Beginners&#8217; Mind</strong></span></p>
<p>What we need to do in addition to reading is to integrate our learning into our experiences, i.e. do. To practice investing based on the principles we&#8217;ve learnt. One of the interesting themes I got from &#8220;The Art of Learning&#8221; from Josh Waitzkin was that peak performance comes from first starting with a beginners&#8217; <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/" >mind</a>, i.e. to be open to learning the principles. When it comes to this <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>, I realise my openess to the principles allowed me to absorb what is to now become my principles of living within my means, to save and invest, to grow and protect my means.</p>
<p>His <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >book</a> takes a philosophical and yet practical look at how he achieved peak performance in his chess <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a> as well as tai qi quan <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a>. His world class performances in both these diverse and yet complementary (in spirit) disciplines allowed Josh Waitzkin to distill the learning principles he used to achieve his own peak performance.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Invest in Loss</strong></span></p>
<p>I realise that for me to realise my own potential in <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>, I also need to reflect on my past investment mistakes and to learn from them in order to better avoid being wiped out in investing my capital. It is through such losses that Josh learnt more about performing better in his chess and martial arts <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a>. So too would I grow if I let the lessons of my own investment failures teach me to make better investment decisions.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Develop Your Own Style</strong></span></p>
<p>Josh also strongly encourages us to develop our own approach in our pursuit of excellence in our respective disciplines. Hence, to achieve my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> of being financially free with passive income exceeding living expenses, I should work to my strengths, beef up my weaknesses but most importantly to allow my innate personality to emerge into my execution of the principles.</p>
<p>Hence, investing by listening to personal financial consultants who <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >read</a> and know less than me in personal finance and my own investment <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goals</a> is a recipe for disaster. I know my character best especially if I take time to reflect and think about my own mistakes. This knowledge which leverages on my own personality is what will get me to my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>.</p>
<p>By nature, I am relatively risk adverse. Hence, it is not for me to take one big bet on the market to hit my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >target</a>. I should work on the passive income portion while devleoping my other <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> to monetise them in cash flows to build up my investible capital.</p>
<p>The reality is that I should make full use of my accounting and audit <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> for maximum <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >monetisation</a> as I am my biggest income generating asset.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I realise that the learning and growth <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> is what drives me towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> and not the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> itself of being financially free. Enjoying and appreciating the process that gets you there is just as important as the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> itself.</p>
<p>Have you <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >read</a> any <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >books</a> (especially non-finance related ones) that have shaped your thinking about <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>?</p>
<p>Share with <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/about/" >Panzer</a> in the comments section.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/06/16/the-art-of-learning-and-financial-freedom/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Financial Freedom Lessons from an Egg Sandwich</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/04/20/financial-freedom-lessons-from-an-egg-sandwich/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/04/20/financial-freedom-lessons-from-an-egg-sandwich/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:12:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[grow wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[egg sandwich and financial freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singapore financial freedom]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1040</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am continually amazed at the power of the mind to control our destiny.
I thought for a change that I&#8217;d make my own lunches this week as work is getting busier and I wanted to experiment if I could actually make wholesome healthy lunches just using the office microwave and nearby supermarket.
I bought fresh eggs, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img title="Flickr image Egg Sandwich by amanky" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/141051814_76e04bce6d.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image Egg Sandwich by amanky</p></div>
<p>I am continually amazed at the power of the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/" >mind</a> to control our destiny.</p>
<p>I thought for a change that I&#8217;d make my own lunches this week as work is getting busier and I wanted to experiment if I could actually make wholesome healthy lunches just using the office microwave and nearby supermarket.</p>
<p>I bought fresh eggs, lettuce, bread, cheese and ham that are perfect ingredients for a typical ham/cheese/lettuce sandwich. My office has a refrigerator so I could store the ingredients but I was thinking how I was going to cook the eggs. Turns out that cracking the egg and  microwaving it in a (micro-wave safe) bowl turns out a decent round shaped dry poached egg that is just the right size for a sandwich.</p>
<p><span id="more-1040"></span><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">It all begins with the mind</span></strong></p>
<p>What has making your own lunch in office got to do with <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>?The point is it all begins in the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/" >mind</a>. I thought that it would be a great idea to make my own lunches for a change instead of eating at the cafeteria. After all, they were selling sandwiches made up of two pieces of bread with cheese and ham, a sliver of lettuce and mayo for $2.50 a pop. Might as well do-it-myself for about same cost but with fresher ingredients and fruit (bananas) thrown in.</p>
<p>The success of my little lunch project started in my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/" >mind</a> by planning what I wanted to do, i.e. the PLAN part of PDCA (plan-do-check-act) Deming cycle for quality. Doing (DO) it was to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >go</a> down to the grocery store and get the ingredients that I needed for my wholesome sandwich lunch. Checking was to see if it worked out as <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/02/02/living-within-your-expectations/" >expected</a> (CHECK) and ACT is to take corrective action if needed.</p>
<p>In my case, I at first wanted to have hard boiled eggs but realise that without a stove or cooking element to continuously boil water, hard boiled eggs was out by microwave eggs was do-able.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Applying PDCA to Financial Freedom</span></strong></p>
<p>A similar approach has helped me move nearer to my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> of being financially free. I embarked on this <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> back in 2003 when I finally took up courage to manage my own finances by investing in equities in addition to <a href="http://singapore-fixed-deposits.com/wordpress" >fixed deposits</a>. I disposed my unit trusts that were not performing and used some of the freed-up cash to invest.</p>
<p>I was fortunate to ride the recovery from SARS but more importantly, learnt to start on this <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> to live within my means, to save and invest, to grow and protect my means.</p>
<p>My plan hasn&#8217;t changed too much in terms of my objectives, i.e. to achieve $1 million in investible savings (excluding my home). But by doing and checking, I&#8217;ve come to realise that my earned income will contribute a lot to how I reach my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a>. I&#8217;ve also realised that I need to invest in myself as well, i.e. to build up <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> and experiences that will help me monetise myself the best so that I continue to be the income generating unit. But at the same time, I need to balance with my own happiness with family life, personal interests besides work and my profession.</p>
<p>Acting to refine my approach towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> has also helped me see how different elements of my plan fit together to bring me closer to my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goals</a> aligned to what I am interested in life personally as well.</p>
<p>What life lessons have you encountered in your walk towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>?</p>
<p>Share with <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/about/" >Panzer</a> in the comments section.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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		<title>Passive vs Active Income: Continuum vs Dichotomy</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/03/27/passive-vs-active-income-continuum-vs-dichotomy/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/03/27/passive-vs-active-income-continuum-vs-dichotomy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:12:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[grow wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[continuum in financial freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[passive vs active income]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1031</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s coming to the close of the first quarter of the calendar year (or last quarter of the financial year for organisations with their financial year ending on 31 March 2010) and bonus time.
I was fortunate that my efforts in the last 12 months from January to December 2009 were recognised and received a decent [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img title="Flickr image Full Spectrum by mdezemery" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/457694256_96fb35935f.jpg" alt="Flickr image Full Spectrum by mdezemery" width="500" height="375" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image &quot;Full Spectrum&quot; by mdezemery</p></div>
<p>It&#8217;s coming to the close of the first quarter of the calendar year (or last quarter of the financial year for organisations with their financial year ending on 31 March <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/01/08/new-beginnings-2010/" >2010</a>) and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/what-will-you-do-with-your-year-end-bonus/" >bonus</a> time.</p>
<p>I was fortunate that my efforts in the last 12 months from January to December <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/roadmap-for-five-cents-ten-cents-panzer%e2%80%99s-workplan-2009/" >2009</a> were recognised and received a decent <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/what-will-you-do-with-your-year-end-bonus/" >bonus</a> from my employer.</p>
<p>Comparing my passive (and semi-active income from capital gains and blogging) against my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/what-will-you-do-with-your-year-end-bonus/" >bonus</a>, I realised that my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/what-will-you-do-with-your-year-end-bonus/" >bonus</a> was still higher.</p>
<p>What are the implications for me in terms of my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>?</p>
<p><span id="more-1031"></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Salaryman/woman Don&#8217;t Quit Your Day Job Yet</span></strong></p>
<p>For many of us who are salaryman (and women) who earn most of our income from employment, it is a sobering reminder that active income will still constitute our primary source of savings and investible capital. Singapore is a place where you can get a <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> if you are still relatively young, have the relevant paper qualifications and experience for the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >jobs</a> available in the industry.</p>
<p>Of course, there is global competition in the labour market given the lax immigration policies of the Government for the last decade or so which has made life quite challenging for the less educated and skilled.</p>
<p>Even though I have a decent <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> now that pays me a fair income to sustain myself and my family. I am driven by the constant worry about financial independence and freedom. Thus, even as my active income from employment is the main driver of savings. I continually push myself to look out for passive income opportunities.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">From Active to Passive: It&#8217;s a Gradual Transition</span></strong></p>
<p>I realise that passive and active income are still income streams. It is a continuum, i.e. your total income comes from both passive and active streams. You don&#8217;t have to choose, you have to develop both. For many of us, the active source will be the main one during the bulk of our economically active <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >days</a> when employment is available. The passive one comes in to pick up as we near to the time called &#8220;<a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a>&#8221;.</p>
<p>Except in today&#8217;s world, the concept of &#8220;<a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a>&#8221; is outdated. So long as I am healthy and able, I want to work. But my work may not continue as my previous <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> role and hence I need to generate income from more novel sources such as project-based, training and consultancy or running my own businesses or even punting in stock and shares.</p>
<p>Supplementing it would be passive income from interest, dividends and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >monetisation</a>.</p>
<p>I intend to continue to work hard and work smart in my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a>. But I also invest in the time to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >read</a> non-fiction in areas that help me build <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> relevant for today as well as tomorrow&#8217;s challenges. I invest the time to try out new <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> e.g. doing training as part of my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> in my organisation to educate my fellow colleagues on internal controls and fraud awareness as well as to polish up my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> in public speaking and training.</p>
<p>For a long time in my life, I saw the world as a dichotomy. Black and white, yes and no, good or bad. Increasingly, age starts to mature my perspective on the world. It is a continuum and a continuous <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a>. It only stops when we die.</p>
<p>In the meantime, we can <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> and experiment with the fullness that the continuum provides.</p>
<p>How are you experimenting between active and passive income?</p>
<p>Share with <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/about/" >Panzer</a> in the comments section.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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		<title>Wishing all of you a Happy Lunar New Year filled with Health, Wealth and Prosperity</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/02/12/wishing-all-of-you-a-happy-lunar-new-year-filled-with-health-wealth-and-prosperity/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/02/12/wishing-all-of-you-a-happy-lunar-new-year-filled-with-health-wealth-and-prosperity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:13:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lunar New year 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1012</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4349983667_59d6e7c88a.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="395" /></p>
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			<wfw:commentRss>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/02/12/wishing-all-of-you-a-happy-lunar-new-year-filled-with-health-wealth-and-prosperity/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
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		<title>Creating Your Own CPF Life Income Stream</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/02/09/creating-your-own-cpf-life-income-stream/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2010/02/09/creating-your-own-cpf-life-income-stream/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:51:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[grow wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[your personal CPF life income stream]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=1006</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My blog monetisation efforts has been one of my greatest achievements in moving myself towards financial freedom. I started out serious blogging to see if I could establish an income stream that would allow me to quit my day job and to retire without working (as what many of those make money online scams and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img title="Flickr image beautiful stream by holl_and" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/3104070521_697a53caf0.jpg" alt="Flickr image beautiful stream by holl_and" width="500" height="334" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image &quot;beautiful stream&quot; by holl_and</p></div>
<p>My <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >monetisation</a> efforts has been one of my greatest achievements in moving myself towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>. I started out serious blogging to see if I could establish an income stream that would allow me to quit my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> and to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retire</a> without working (as what many of those make money online scams and advertisements promise!)<span id="more-1006"></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Can Quit Your Day Job?</span></strong></p>
<p>But the reality was that it&#8217;s quite difficult to make enough for you to quit your <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a>. Thus, my explorations into <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >monetisation</a> has been coming to 2 years and I am able to generate S$100 to $350 per month with minimal effort after the first six months. Nowadays, my main <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a> that brings in real income is fairly passive, I receive updates on the information from a forummer I know whom I give a share of the advertising revenue.</p>
<p>Some of you may scoff at the amount, but I am thinking ahead that if I can sustain this type of income stream with the level of effort that I&#8217;m already putting in, this could be one of my personal <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/21/cpf-life-money-may-not-be-enough-singapore-edition/" >CPF Life</a> type of scheme. <img src='http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Your Personal CPF Life Income Stream</span></strong></p>
<p>For those of you who may not know, <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/21/cpf-life-money-may-not-be-enough-singapore-edition/" >CPF Life</a> is the compulsory life annuity that will kick in when you hit the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> age of 62 (now) or 67 (in the future). It pays you an income for life and is funded by locking away a portion of your CPF minimum sum amount.</p>
<p>Planning ahead means that I am also looking around and thinking of how to create such income streams that are self-sustaining and require minimal effort. In addition, I realise that I need to continually invest in myself in terms of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a>, knowledge and relevant experience that can be monetised when my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a> transits from an 8-5.30 <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> to a freelance/self-employed basis.</p>
<p>On that note, I&#8217;ve volunteered to develop and deliver in-house training to my fellow colleagues on top of my regular work assignments. This initiative helps me to boost up my visibility within the organisation as well as to hone and develop my training <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a>. I intend to build up this <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skill</a> set and the networking so that it could be a viable second <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a> when my daughter becomes independent and can fend for herself.</p>
<p>It is these series of small steps in changing habits that result in more enduring change. My <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >monetisation</a> started out as a small experiment which I intend to continue so long as I have breath and it pays for itself and more. My experiment in eating healthily for breakfasts (rolled oats and raisins) for coming to two years have given me a figure that I once lost for many years but only regained from healthy eating and moderate exercise.</p>
<p>My investment <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >returns</a> for <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/roadmap-for-five-cents-ten-cents-panzer%e2%80%99s-workplan-2009/" >2009</a> were the result of efforts since 2003 to invest in the Singapore stock market and to learn until I was competent enough to make 8%+ <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >returns</a> way above any &#8220;risk-free&#8221; <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >returns</a> on 1-2% on <a href="http://singapore-fixed-deposits.com/wordpress" >fixed deposits</a> or money market instruments.</p>
<p>Take small but concrete steps.</p>
<p>Do, learn and grow.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Exploring Possibilities</span></strong></p>
<p>The more I <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >travel</a> along this <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>, the more I realise it is about being open to possibilities and taking a plunge to do small experiments to see if an idea can work out or not in bringing one closer to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>.</p>
<p>What are you thinking of during this Lunar New Year period that will bring you closer to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>?</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Blog Monetisation]]></series:name>
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		<title>Life, the Universe and Everything</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/12/03/life-the-universe-and-everything/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/12/03/life-the-universe-and-everything/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:40:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[being financially free in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singapore financial freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=961</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Those of you who are readers of science fiction author Douglas Adams would know that the title of my post is taken from one of his book titles.
It&#8217;s a useful title because it can be used for more philosophical posts which touch on many topics and come back to the key theme of my blog, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img title="Flickr image Planet - Jones Valley Urban Farm by Southern Pixel" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3480710493_a316822e3c.jpg" alt="Flickr image Planet - Jones Valley Urban Farm by Southern Pixel" width="500" height="500" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image Planet - Jones Valley Urban Farm by Southern Pixel</p></div>
<p>Those of you who are readers of science fiction author Douglas Adams would know that the title of my post is taken from one of his <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >book</a> titles.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s a useful title because it can be used for more philosophical posts which touch on many topics and come back to the key theme of my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a>, i.e. achieving <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> and the reasons we pursue <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>.<span id="more-961"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Knowing the Why is Important</strong></span></p>
<p>The whys of doing something become increasingly important the older one gets because <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/how-to-commit-suicide-financially/" >Death</a> is literally waiting for us at the end of our lives. The <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> we are born is also the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> we start dying.</p>
<p>For some, the dying starts in the 40s or 50s when mid-life crisis hits and we start to wonder, what has our lives been for? What has the slogging, hard work, providing for ourselves and family got us? Are we happy?</p>
<p>For others, the dying could only start when we are literally near <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/how-to-commit-suicide-financially/" >Death</a>&#8217;s door, in our 80s, 90s and even 100s when we have lived a life filled with purpose, reason and happiness.</p>
<p>I see <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> as a means and not the ends in itself. Being financially free allows you to get out of the rat-race, if you so choose, and explore other facets of life besides being stuck in a 9-5 life behind the desk or out in the world doing what others tell you to.</p>
<p>Of course, some already have lives of their choosing, i.e. they <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> the 9-5 life if their interests, <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/5-essential-kung-fu-elements-towards-financial-freedom/" >skills</a> and passions are aligned with their <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >careers</a> and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >jobs</a>.</p>
<p>The important thing I have realised in my own <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> is to define what <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> means to me and why I want to pursue it. My key reason is to be free to choose how I can <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retire</a> rather than be constrained by the rules put up by the Government to lock up my Central Provident Fund (<a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/retirement/" >retirement</a> savings) through the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/21/cpf-life-money-may-not-be-enough-singapore-edition/" >CPF Life</a> and Minimum Sum schemes.</p>
<p>I want to be financially free so that I can <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/31/how-to-spend-money-without-worrying/" >spend</a> a more time with pursuits that give me immense satisfaction, i.e. my toastmasters <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> where I get to touch other people&#8217;s lives through public speaking. That ability to influence, motivate and inspire people through public speaking is something I only realised after 5 years in the toastmasters movement.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve met quite a <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >number</a> of retired people who <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> fulfilling lives with the help of toastmasters because it helps people who are no longer working in touch with a social group and a common purpose.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Moving Through Life with a Purpose</strong></span></p>
<p>Your own reason &#8220;why&#8221; for <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> is personal. It can be as simple as the need for financial security for yourself and your family. It can be because you want to do whatever you want and don&#8217;t want to have someone i.e. your boss or your customers to tell you what to do.</p>
<p>But when you&#8217;ve set your own reason towards the path of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>, your decisions in life will be guided by the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goals</a>, i.e. to live within your means, to save and invest, to grow and protect your means.</p>
<p>Going through life with a purpose beats meandering around it aimlessly and waiting for things to happen. One of the benefits of setting myself the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> is that it prodded me to take action and gain greater control of my finances. I now tracking my income and expenditure and net-worth Mondays to Fridays.</p>
<p>It allows me to eliminate fuzziness on how much I earn from my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a> and receive from investments, how much I <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/31/how-to-spend-money-without-worrying/" >spend</a> on myself and my family and how much is left to grow my net-worth towards my investible <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >target</a> of $1m (excluding residential home).</p>
<p>The interesting thing is that as I track my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a> and inch closer to my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >target</a> each <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a>, month and year. I become more encouraged to do more to move myself towards my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >target</a>. There is progress, there is growth and there is also knowledge that I am moving towards my objective.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Smell the Roses and Drink the Cappucino</strong></span></p>
<p>Yesterday, my staff told me that her father had been diagnosed with cancer which looks likely to be terminal. Thus, she would be taking a break from work to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/31/how-to-spend-money-without-worrying/" >spend</a> more time with him. Her father is only 55 years old.</p>
<p>Life can hit us with unexpected surprises. You can plan and plan but you cannot predict what will happen.</p>
<p>I now realise more than ever that even as one moves towards growing our net-worth by saving and investing, we should also allocate some money e.g. 10% or more of bonuses, windfall gains and other investment receipts for small luxuries in life.</p>
<p>That cup of cappucino at Starbucks or Coffeebean. That nice iPhone 3GS. That good looking outfit in the store.</p>
<p>Yes, live within our means, save and invest while growing and protecting our means.</p>
<p>But also live a little, <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> life a little and take deep breaths of air and give thanks that we have our lives, our families and our health.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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		<title>Financial freedom: it&#8217;s a mindset, really!</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Singapore personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=867</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The ultimate paradox of financial freedom has been revealed to me.
All this while, I&#8217;ve been reading, researching and writing about financial freedom. It took a recent episode of moving my net worth from one asset class to another that an epiphany struck me.
What is this ephiphany that Panzer encountered?
Financial freedom is in the mind
Financial freedom [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img title="Flickr image Epiphany 3 by Felipe Venancio" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/118/316368422_28fddb5cce.jpg" alt="Flickr image Epiphany 3 by Felipe Venancio" width="500" height="382" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image &quot;Epiphany 3&quot; by Felipe Venancio</p></div>
<p>The ultimate paradox of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> has been revealed to me.</p>
<p>All this while, I&#8217;ve been reading, researching and writing about <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>. It took a recent episode of moving my net worth from one asset class to another that an epiphany struck me.</p>
<p>What is this ephiphany that <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/about/" >Panzer</a> encountered?</p>
<p><span id="more-867"></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Financial freedom is in the mind</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >Financial freedom</a> first and foremost has to begin in the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/04/financial-freedom-its-a-mindset-really/" >mind</a>. It&#8217;s where you conceive the very idea that you can take control of your finances by living within your means, saving and investing, growing your means and protecting your means.</p>
<p>As I started with this idea, and implemented it in the various posts I&#8217;ve outlined in this <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a>, I started to gain new insights about myself. For instance, tracking where every single dollar I earn and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/31/how-to-spend-money-without-worrying/" >spend</a> helped me modify some of my habits when it comes to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/08/31/how-to-spend-money-without-worrying/" >spending</a>. It has allowed me to evaluate where money (that represents life energy) goes and how that either adds value or subtracts value out of my life.</p>
<p>I also started some projects on growing my wealth. My <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >blog</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/blog-monetisation/" >monetisation</a> efforts have given modest <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >returns</a> but they are positive <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >returns</a>. While I&#8217;ve managed to beat <a href="http://singapore-fixed-deposits.com/wordpress" >fixed deposits</a> <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >returns</a> for the past 6 years since I started managing my own money, I&#8217;ve also under-performed for <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/roadmap-for-five-cents-ten-cents-panzer%e2%80%99s-workplan-2009/" >2009</a> year-to-date and I hope I can end the year with a positive return.</p>
<p>Throughout all these experiences, I realised one thing.</p>
<p>I am already financially free.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Financially free</strong></span></p>
<p>Huh? What is <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/about/" >Panzer</a> talking? Is he smoking a banned substance and high?!</p>
<p>No, what I&#8217;m saying is this.</p>
<p>I am not financially free using my traditional definition of being in a position where passive income from investments exceed my living expenses. I still need to get up and <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >go</a> to work in the mornings to make bread for my family.</p>
<p>But what I&#8217;ve realised is that in my current situation, my income exceeds my living expenses. My current <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >career</a> suits me as I look forward to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >go</a> to work in the present environment. Because even if passive income exceeds living expenses, we can never predict if our life is taken away or our health is taken away. Thus, ultimately, happiness in life is wanting what you already have.</p>
<p>That means, in many respects, I already have a form of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Wanting what you have</strong></span></p>
<p>For too long, I&#8217;ve waited to be happy only if I&#8217;ve achieved this or that and only if I&#8217;ve managed to hit <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>. It is still a <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> I am striving for, but I realise that enjoying the process towards <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>. Being able to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/13/financial-freedom-enjoy-the-journey-while-travelling-towards-your-destination/" >enjoy</a> and appreciate what I have, does wonders towards my sense of well-being.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >target</a> of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> drives me. But the awareness and consciousness that being grateful for where I am now is also important liberates me from being dependent on achieving <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a> to be happy.</p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/446348/1/.html">42 year old successful CEO recently passed away</a> at the OSIM International Triathlon. By all <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/31/not-so-secret-diary-of-a-cpa/" >accounts</a>, he had a good life. But it was taken away all so suddenly. Going forward, I&#8217;ll try to take each <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a> at a time and to want what I already have.</p>
<p>I may or may not achieve my <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/04/07/writing-your-life-list/" >goal</a> of being financially free with <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/29/how-movable-is-your-net-worth/">property investment</a> (which I&#8217;m still considering and evaluating suitable properties) or perhaps <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >go</a> back to equities or even stay sidelined and wait for the big &#8220;correction&#8221;.</p>
<p>Whatever it is, health, family and happiness is important.</p>
<p><a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >Financial freedom</a> is a <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a>. If you enjoyed the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >journey</a>, you won&#8217;t fret too while having your eye on the destination.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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		<title>How movable is your net-worth?</title>
		<link>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/29/how-movable-is-your-net-worth/</link>
		<comments>http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/29/how-movable-is-your-net-worth/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:51:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>panzer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[grow wealth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial freedom in Singapore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investing in equities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investing in properties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[singapore financial freedom]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/?p=857</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The more I experiment and try out different ways to achieve financial freedom, the more I learn about real concepts of financial management of my own money.
Moving from One Asset Class to Another

As you live within your means, you start to have savings. Most personal finance books advise you to keep some buffer or emergency [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><img title="Flickr image Apartments Croatia by Kavanjin Croatia Apartments" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3621795028_500a1c2e49.jpg" alt="Flickr image Apartments Croatia by Kavanjin Croatia Apartments" width="500" height="375" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Flickr image &quot;Apartments Croatia&quot; by Kavanjin Croatia Apartments</p></div>
<p>The more I experiment and try out different ways to achieve <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/guide-to-financial-freedom/" >financial freedom</a>, the more I learn about real concepts of financial management of my own money.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Moving from One Asset Class to Another<br />
</strong></span></p>
<p>As you live within your means, you start to have savings. Most personal finance <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/book-reviews/" >books</a> advise you to keep some buffer or emergency funds enough for 3 to 6 months of expenses or income. The additional savings you should invest in <a href="http://singapore-fixed-deposits.com/wordpress" >fixed deposits</a>, mutual funds, stocks and shares or other asset classes that fit your risk-reward profile.</p>
<p>Different asset classes have different liquidity. Liquidity refers to how easy it is to sell your assets and convert it to cash. Sounds simple but can be fraught with challenges as I found out now that I&#8217;m selling most of my equity portfolio into the currently rising market to move into property investment.</p>
<p>Why am I moving most of my net-worth out of equities at this point in time?<span id="more-857"></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Reasons for Going Out of Equities<br />
</strong></span></p>
<p>I have been selling some of my share holdings when they are at reasonably high prices relative to the troughs experienced during the crash in August to November <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/panzer%e2%80%99s-return-on-investments-for-2008/" >2008</a> time when subprime and the global financial crisis reared its ugly head.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m moving from a ratio of 80% equities : 20% cash to progressively almost 0% equities : 100% cash mainly because I&#8217;m now scouting for completed properties for investment. The downpayment for an investment property sucks up a lot of cash <img src='http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>1) Property market</strong></span></p>
<p>I am relatively bullish about the property market in the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/holding-the-course-investing-for-the-long-term/" >long term</a>, i.e. to invest for the next 15-20 years and even beyond. Singapore is still a place that has limited land and space for living and giving our Government&#8217;s continued approach of &#8220;grow GDP at all costs&#8221; plus lax foreign immigration policy, I see the <a href="http://mrwangsaysso.blogspot.com/2009/07/population-demographics-and-property.html">drivers for residential property demand</a> to be intact.</p>
<p>Property valuations rise and fall and sometimes also sharply depending on sentiment and overall economic outlook. But at the end of the <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >day</a>, with a long enough investment horizon and with sufficient holding power, it is a decent hedge against inflation and provides slightly more predictable cash flows if you are not into flipping for quick capital gains.</p>
<p>As I intend to rent out the investment property so that the rental income covers interest and part of the principal of the bank loan to finance the investment, the rental market has to be there for it to work.</p>
<p>Despite the current recessionary conditions, not all is gloom and doom, there are sectors that are doing all right and there is still rental demand for affordable private housing. The rental income from this will help offset the investment in property in that it is self-financing to a certain extent.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>2) Volatility of Equities<br />
</strong></span></p>
<p>Equities are volatile instruments. During the peak of the global subprime financial crisis. My equity portfolio plunged almost 50% after marking-to-market. It was pretty scary. I was fortunate that I have a stable <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/series/grow-your-means-career/" >job</a> and had holding power to ride out the storm until the rally in the beginning of <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/01/29/roadmap-for-five-cents-ten-cents-panzer%e2%80%99s-workplan-2009/" >2009</a>.</p>
<p>Now, my equity portfolio is only showing slightly paper losses of $8k or so which I am prepared to accept as this is nothing compared to what I saw when things were at its worst in the stock market.</p>
<p>The dividend cash flows from equities are also quite volatile as companies can change their dividend policies to conserve cash during poor economic conditions. Thus, it&#8217;s more challenging to predict cash flows from investing in shares.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>3) Low Interest Rates<br />
</strong></span></p>
<p>The current environment has been helpful that it allowed me to get out of equities with my net worth mostly intact and allowing me to consider switching into another asset, i.e. investment property.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve enquired around some banks and one is offering as low at 1.88% for the first 2 years (of course the caveat is that no matter what rate is being offered, banks can change it giving you 30 <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/2009/07/09/how-many-days-do-we-have-left/" >days</a>&#8217; notice). This is at around 80% financing for investment property.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Movable Net-Worth</strong></span></p>
<p>Equities are relatively liquid as compared to property but I also learnt that you have to make sure your limits for selling is raised when you are trying to sell more equities than your normal trading limit imposed by your broker.</p>
<p>Fortunately, a phone-call to my broker solved that problem though I still had to &#8220;time&#8221; the market to extract maximum value out of my holdings as I move from equities to cash.</p>
<p>Going forward, I&#8217;ll be doing a very focussed search for suitable investment properties and I&#8217;ve actually got a very good idea of what I want and how much I&#8217;m prepared to <a href="http://fivecentstencents.com/blog/road-map-to-financial-freedom/" >go</a> in.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m looking forward to a period of relatively illiquidity although from cash flow perspective it&#8217;s relatively netural as I project rental incomes to cover financing plus a chunk of the principal repayment of the bank loan used to finance this pending purchase.</p>
<p>Be well and prosper.</p>
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