Monday, February 27, 2012

Retirement

Recently I read many articles about many singaporeans not having enough savings for their retirement etc. There are also articles about the sandwiched class n the middle income group who are suffering in this high cost country .

Personally I empathize with all these n agree that certain circumstances may cause certain groups of people to be disadvantaged in society . But I still believe that whether u are a high , middle or low wage earner, living within your own means is the singular most important criteria to determine your personal wealth .

Therefore prudent financial management of whatever wealth u have or may not have will determine your future personal life style. If u do not have the capabilities then don't live beyond your means like buying that expensive car , that private condo n that luxurious bags or suits. Sad to say that many young couples are caught pursuing these material needs n do not practise prudent savings.

I remembered our initial married years, when we kept a financial legend detailing our income n expenses n monitored our savings throughout. Lucky for us , we both belonged to the thrifty kind n we seldom indulge in expensive tastes material wants. So after nurturing two grown up ladies n years of good financial management, we have accumulated enough for our old age. Only now then we pamper ourselves with holidays abroad n occasional spending on good food n luxurious items.

We are also lucky to be blessed with relatively good health unlike some who are burdened by huge medical expenses. On the other hand I also believe that health is in our hands and we should learn to live a healthy lifestyle so as to protect our most important wealth - HEALTH.

To all my fellow singaporeans,it is still not too late to start your financial planning and do make sure that your children are taught good money from that young age.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Stop Loss

Have just returned from a cruise trip to phuket n Penang.

After a few days on the cruise with all the free meals, I've piled on some kilos but unfortunately lost some money on the casino table.

Since the start of the dragon year my money luck has not been so good n according to my Chinese zodiac I should b more careful with my finances this year. So better b safe than sorry so I must mind my financial matters strongly this year.

Having said that I stopped playing at the ship casino immediately when I lost money n told myself that losing less is like winning since I get to keep my money .

However my observation on the cruise is that there are many aunties n uncles who lost their entire cash during the trip n even ended up having to tear open their ang pow money to place a stake. This is what I called compulsive addiction to gambling. Unfortunately the temptation is high n that's why the likes of mbs n genting r reaping obscene profits from these people.

Gambling should just remain as a form of entertainment n not to b indulged in. There must be a stop loss just like investing when u tell yourself that it's time to stop gambling when u have lost certain set amount.

U must b in control of your senses n faculty n know when to retreat. Heard that some old aunties n uncles have lost their homes n its a pity that they become depressed n desolate due to such addiction .

Its fine to entertain ourselves with a bit of harmless gambling at home during the festive season but don't fall into the trap of excessive gambling.

Have fun but learn to stop loss when it's time.