Budget 2009

Budget 2009

No, I am not referring to the one for Singapore but more for myself.

In the face of this worsening global financial crisis, I am relieved to assert that there is no need for me to dip into my reserves. Furthermore, my job is recession proof and it is most unlikely that I will ever receive a pay cut in the near future.

Does that mean there is no cause for concern? My answer is a big, flat no. Though employed, it is not very comforting to know that I am seriously underpaid. In addition, transportation costs constitute a large financial burden for me. Even the price of hawker food has been rising despite the fall in fuel costs.

Even so, there are several measures which can be taken to minimize expenditure:

1) Stay in from Monday to Friday

Reduction in transportation costs from $60 to $12

2) Eat cookhouse food

Reduction in food expenses from $180 to $0

3) Outings

Reduction from $80 to $40

However, I cannot expect everyday to be the same and thus there will be some allowance for unexpected events, an amount of $50 will be set aside for such purposes. Any remaining amount will be spent on education through books and seminars.

Net expenditure per month: $52 - $102

The goal here is to contribute 90% of monthly salary into savings as compared to the current government scheme of approximately 20%. The only expenditure will be made on items of

1) absolute necessity, and

2) assets which will appreciate or generate passive income, namely investments in New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or Singapore Exchange (SGX)

Damn Diao

Damn Diao

龙战骑士

我坚决

冲破这一场浩劫

这世界谁被狩猎

谁淌血

我却只为

拯救你的无邪

城墙上我在等魔坠

火焰吞噬无名碑

摧毁却无法击溃

我要爱上谁

废墟怎麽被飞雪了解

只能滋长出羊齿蕨

那些仇恨已形成堡垒

我又该怎麽去化解

低吼威胁

那些龙形的傀儡

牠们发不出的音叫心碎

惊觉你啜泣声迂回

如此纯洁

以温柔削铁

以爱在谅解

在末日边陲

纯爱

被隔绝

我在危城的交界

目睹你的一切

锈迹斑斑的眼泪

20th Birthday

20th Birthday

Thanks to Alvin, Shi Jun, Adeline, Li Yan, Xing Zhi, Daniel and Matthew for making this day really special for me. I will always remember this day:)

Catholic High

Catholic High

Thank you to the principal, teachers and students of Catholic High for bringing back the long-lost glory of Catholic High. This amazing feat will serve as a motivation to all Catholic High gentlemen out there and we should strive to achieve even better results in both the academic and sports arena.

No sky is too high for Catholic High.

人早离公教校园，可心永守公教家园

Tears

Tears

I couldn't help it and cried.

The movie was very touching indeed and I loved it.

We all should learn to treasure life and what we have.

Déjà vu

Déjà Vu

Fancy blogging during the last hour of the year again... Many things have changed throughout the course of one year. Somehow, I just can't write this entry with the same amount of enthusiasm and level of optimism. Nevertheless, I am still thankful and appreciative of the company of my friends for the most of the day before I book in for my duty.

Watched Yes Man with Adeline, Alvin and Shi Jun in the afternoon; I thought the movie was pretty funny and yet at the same time meaningful. I have to admit that I used to be the old Carl Allen; afraid to accept challenges or embrace changes in my life. Maybe I have improved a little bit already, I don't really know. I think it is supposed to tell us that we should say a resounding "Yes!" when we know it deep inside our heart.

Had dinner with class at a seafood restaurant near Fullerton Hotel during evening. Food was pretty okay, but nothing beats sitting down and having a nice talk with classmates. Crowds were all gathered around Marina Square for a spectacular view of the impending fireworks. Welcome to 2009! Hope everyone will have a smooth sailing year ahead:)

Just 13 more months to go!

2008 Take-aways

2008 Take-aways

While the term "Take-away" may instill fear in every single undergraduate out there, I am relieved to declare that I am immune to this superstition.

(FYI, "Take-away", aka "Da3 Bao1" in Hokkien is defined as failing a particular module during the course of study and subsquently having to repeat it during the next semester)

Learnt a couple of important lessons in 2008.

1. The importance of time. To think I still had the audacity to waste precious time at the beginning of 2008 prior to my enlistment on unproductive leisure activities; for instance computer games. Really learnt to appreciate time after enlistment. Significance of the phrase "Time is Money" cannot be overemphasized.

2. Ability to recognise genuine friends. These are people who will stick with you even when they are in the army or universities. Frequent meetings are not an absolute necessity, occasional online chats and text messages shall do just fine. Unlike those who have disappeared without a single trace to other "high flier" friends or simply can't be bothered. Nevertheless, I will still treat them as my friends and treasure the relationship we share.

3. Become less gullible. There have been many instances when I am disavdantaged due to my gullibilty and tendency to place trust on dishonest individuals. At some point of time I almost believed in a particular idea of thinking but luckily managed to detect their hypocrisy and see through their lies. As for MLM, its a downright no-no. Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose. I can't agree more with this statement.

3. Develop an immense passion for learning. To tell the truth, I used to loathe studying since I was young. I do not find studying a mind boggling activity but the results I have achieved so far are supposedly to prove my "status" (which I find unnecessary) as the only son of the eldest son (my dad) in my family. Everything went fine until my misfortune in NJC and that compelled me to analyse the severity of the predicament I was pushed into. I straightened out my thinking after surviving this ordeal which left me pernamently scared but fret not; for it only served to strengthen my resolve and deepen my desire.

For you: I still need more time to think it through. Why me? I have nothing but only the ambition and drive to succeed, unlike those who are busy squandering money and wasting time trying to please others...

To me, 2008 was an epiphany. I have found my path. I have lost something I thought to be priceless for something which is truly priceless. I will master, no I MUST master my craft and do whatever it takes to materialise my ambition. Forbes 400, await my future arrival!

Christmas (Prelude)

Christmas (Prelude)

Somehow I feel that this Christmas will be different.

Never failed to answer any questions before but this particular one stumped me.

I realised the major things I had done in my life were for those around me. Family, friends, school, CCA and those intellectually disabled.

Completely at a loss when I knew something important was done for me.

I wish I can give you an answer.

But now, let us enjoy the ambigiuty.

That Thing u Do

That Thing u Do

You doing that thing you do!

Breakin' my heart into a million pieces

Like you always do.

And you, don't mean to be cruel.

You never even knew about the heartache

I've been going through.

And I try and try to forget you girl

But it's just so hard to do.

Every time you do that thing do!

I know all the games you play

And I'm gonna find a way to let you know

That you'll be mine someday.

Cause we, could be happy can't you see?

If you know me let me be the one to hold you

And keep you here with me.

'Cause I try and try to forget you girl

But it's just so hard to do.

Every time you do that thing do!

I don't ask a lot but I know one thing for sure.

It's the love that I haven't got girl.

And I just can't take it anymore.

Cause we, could be happy can't you see?

If you know me let me be the one to hold you

and keep you here with me.

Cause it hurts me so just to see you go

Around with someone new.

And to find that you, you're doing that thing.

Every day just doing that thing.

I can't take you doing that thing you do

The Case Against MLM

The Case Against Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)

As the famous saying goes: There are many roads to Jerusalem. I believe there are equally, if not more approaches to accumulating great wealth too. However, it is simply premature to assume that all methods are completely feasible and desirable. This is a rather feeble attempt to present the case against the widely popular business sales tactic, namely multi-level marketing, also known as pyramid selling. Although the altered version of MLM is legal in the context of the law and regulations pertaining to commercial affairs, its inherent exploitative nature leaves it an undesirable ploy to achieve spectacular sales. An inquiry shall be made in the paragraphs below.

This seemingly profitable business transaction lands the new members (they are NOT classified as investors) into financial jeopardy by leveraging on their optimism on the positive general outlook of the business or industry. IBOs, in short for Independent Business Owner, is merely an artificial term generated by "financial psychologists" to form the illusion that one is a business owner and can receive a substantial passive monthly income without doing any productive work. Productive work here is defined as creating sales by selling products to customers, who are usually friends or relatives of the IBOs. This is what I identify as emotional selling, where the IBO intentionally or unintentionally deploys his or her relationship with another party as a marketing tool to influence him to purchase the overpriced product in order to push sales figures to new heights. Why do I mention overpriced? Direct selling provides convienence to consumers by bringing the product right in front of them but that comes with a cost. The addition of a distributor network pushes up prices due to the inclusion of a third party between the producer and the consumer. Thus, it is not surprising to find the prices of products highly inflated relative to the production costs.

Even so, it is necessary to acknowledge the fact that this marketing and sales system has proven to produce magnificent profits for the firm with its line of products. However, this delusional success has been achieved at the expense of violating business ethics and principles. Philip Fisher wrote a book called "Conservative Investors Sleep Well", while I hope I can write "Ethical Businessmen Snore Loud" sometime in the future haha..

PS: I find it a pity that due to time constraint and mental strain serving in the Army, many arguments are not thoroughly developed and elaborated with valid, compelling examples. This load of crap would have failed as a GP essay, but I think it fits the criteria as an interesting read and a time killer. Anyway there is still SO much for me to learn, any idea how to compress 12 years of academic load into 2 years of personal learning? Accounting, Business and Economics integrated in a 2 year course. How does that sound to you?

What's my Answer?

What's my Answer?

Frankly speaking, the subject which I am tackling now is out of my circle of competence. My concern is not how big this circle is, but rather how well I have defined its perimeter. When the people I have spoken to are obsessed with the expected profits and ways to go about spending them in terms of overseas trips and luxurious goods I know we have different goals. We should do what we love to do and every single cent earned should be saved, not spent. I am not going to participate in this venture just for the sake of doing something, as holding on to cash is the default strategy. Furthermore, when the prospective partners are reluctant to share with me the inner workings of the business model including the downside risk especially, I believe they will be less forthcoming in other areas as well. Generally, I do not work with people whom I find it difficult to trust in. Thus there is no need for any cost-benefit analysis. Well, back to my search for opportunities.

Cousin's Wedding

Cousin's Wedding

Attended my cousin's wedding on Friday which was held at ShangriLa hotel, Sentosa. Felt so happy for them... In the midst of the dinner a video was played to show the process of my cousin fetching his bride from her house and it was pretty entertaining.. I was touched by his declaration of love, and they simply looked great and blissful with love.. The dinner was nice, and I tried drinking wine again to "get used" to alcohol but to no avail.. My face was totally red and vision became blur right after a glass of red wine=X I am just a guy who can't drink, smoke or gamble haha.. This may sound boring to a great many, but it helped me save a great amount of money haha.. That's in addition to a cut in unnecessary consumer expenditure, which my tiny little economy needs right now:)

Barack Obama wins the US Elections!

Barack Obama wins the US Elections!

Part 1




Part 2




Part 3

That will never happen.

That will never happen again.

It did not happen this year. Nor do I think it will at next year.

I made it happen last year. But think I am not going to make it happen this year.

I doubt I can make any bigger mistake than this for the rest of my life.

If you are not with me, then you are my enemy! -- Anakin Skywalker

My Money Personality?

Your Money Personality is Tightwad

You don't spend money unless you absolutely have to. And when you do spend, you try to go for the cheapest option possible. You're not a penny pincher because you're poor. In fact, you may have the most cash of anyone you know. You're a true saver. You feel safest when you can watch your bank account grow. While more people should follow your lead, make sure you're not depriving yourself. Spend enough money to take care of yourself in the short term, so you'll be healthy and happy for the long term.

What's Your Money Personality?

Memories

Reality


Let me savour this classic song note by note, word by word, for it brings back bittersweet memories. Dreams provide whatever reality fails to deliver, and I am thankful for this gift.







Met you by surprise, I didn't realize
That my life would change forever
Saw you standing there, I didn't know I cared
There was something special in the air.

Dreams are my reality
The only real kind of real fantasy
Illusions are a common thing
I try to live in dreams
It seems as if it's meant to be.

Dreams are my reality
A different kind of reality
I dream of loving in the night
And loving seems alright
Although it's only fantasy.

If you do exist, honey don't resist
Show me a new way of loving
Tell me that it's true
Show me what to do
I feel something special about you.

Dreams are my reality
The only kind of reality
Maybe my foolishness has past
And maybe now at lastI'll see how a real thing can be.

Dreams are my reality
A wonderous world where I like to be
I dream of holding you all night
And holding you seems right
Perhaps that's my reality.

Met you by surprise, I didn't realize
That my life would change forever
Tell me that it's true
Feelings that are cue
I feel something special about you.

Dreams are my reality
A wonderous world where I like to be
Illusions are a common thing
I try to live in dreams
Although it's only fantasy.

Dreams are my reality
I like to dream of you close to me
I dream of loving in the night
And loving you seems right
Perhaps that's my reality.

Why?

Why?

One of the warrant officers said I looked angry and asked why. He should have known why.

Not just one, but several of my friends commented that I appear... emotionless and dead.

I wish I could tell them why, when I dun even know what's happening to myself.

Well at least the release of Jay's new album Capricorn lifted my spirits a little. As a fellow Capricornian, this title has a certain relevance to me haha.. Anyway, came across something interesting so I shall post it here...


Capricorn Personality

Capricorns are diligent, conscientious, hardworking and cautious, seldom allowing themselves any sort of permissiveness; this makes them among the most reliable people to work with. You endure hardship well and can be very tolerant, slogging your way up life's steepest climbs and climb you must. You are highly ambitious and will work your way up with patience and hard work - exactly like the mountain goat that represents your Zodiac sign. You have an admirable sense of discipline and a good head for managing finances. Most of you are self-contained and tend to carve your own way. Those who know you well will admire you for your sense of duty, your selflessness in service and your devotion. Although not exactly the centre of attraction at parties, you have a sense of humour that many find attractive. You are sure-footed and most of your productivity is the result of the confidence you bring to your work. You tend to spend far too much energy in being the achiever. You also tend to be moody and fairly self-destructive.


Capricorn Lover

Your ardent and incurabe romantic yearning for true love, which is checked by Saturn -- the stern planet of discipline. It commands you to be calm, practical and serious. To top it all your practicality and sensibility ensure that you snag the right partner in marriage who can be a good parent and do you proud. Those belonging to the zodiac signs of Taurus, Scorpio and Virgo will make good partners for Capricorns. Nevertheless, love for a stable home and loyalty towards the spouse are your primary concerns. Man or woman, Capricorns love their home, but they are reverent about family ties -- be these their own or the ones created with the partner. If you marry a Capri then be prepared to love your in-laws, no matter what. They seldom marry in haste and abhor divorce, but when it happens it is final.They are pretty good and strict parents always concerned with the best for their children's future.


Capricorn Professional

Capricorns make good business people. Shrewd and hardworking, it is unlikely that you will take any rash decisions. You are ambitious and even if you do not have a career of your own, you will make sure your spouse climbs the ladder. You are not up to too much competition and will work at your own pace and deliver the best you can. Capricorns will do well in the fields of academics, industry and even agriculture. Dealing with antiques is also a good profession for you. Money rarely comes to you as an unexpected windfall. It will come through hard work and it will come in a bit late. You should, however, settle down comfortably by the time you are in your early forties.


Capricorn Traveller

You love high places and blossom on mountains. Though you would love to go on a luxurious and comfortable holiday but you are equally frugal about spending money even on a holiday..and keep your expenses in check. Even on holiday you keep yourself disciplined and active; no overindulgence for you. You enjoy historical places and the romance surrounding them.


Capricorn Teen

The Capricorn lad will rarely find any leisure since he will be busy chalking out future plans. Serious by nature, he has no time for flippant socialising and has his mind on more important matters. Of course he doesn't want to be rude, but his passion for getting things done often makes him a little bossy. In his leisure time the Capricorn boy loves to indulge in competition, especially in sports, and he finds it very difficult to cope with defeat. For that he needs the support of his compatriots. One-to-one competition also appeals to him. Practical and reliable, he can be trusted with any new responsibility. At the end of the day, a Capricorn boy likes to be surrounded by the spoils of his success. He has been striving for it all through the day. Someday his toils will pay off and he will rule the world.


Anyway, gotta go back to my work, Carpe Diem!

魔杰座

魔杰座 - 說好的幸福呢





說好的幸福呢 周杰伦


你的绘画凌乱着

在这个时刻

我想起喷泉旁的白鸽

甜蜜散乱了

情绪莫名的拉扯

我还爱你呢

伴你断断续续唱着歌

假装没事了

时间过了走了

爱情面临选择

你冷了却了我哭了

一开始的不快乐

你用卡片拭写着

有些爱只给到这真的痛了


怎麽了

你累了

说好的

幸福呢

我懂了

不说了

爱淡了

梦淹了


开心与不开心 一一叙说着

你在不舍那些爱过的感觉都太深刻


我都还记得


你不等了

说好的

幸福呢

我错了

泪干了

放手了

后悔了


只是回忆的音乐和还旋转着

要怎么停呢

Tip of the Iceberg

Tip of the Iceberg

Attended a 3 hour seminar conducted by the famous online trader, Conrad Alvin Lim at Adam Khoo Learning Techologies Group yesterday night.

Interestingly, I listened and enjoyed every minute of that 3 hours; unlike my naps during lectures in NJC=X

I also realized that what I have learnt so far is only the TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

However, that does not discourage me from learning EVEN MORE about the art and science of investing. The very thought of acquiring this essential life skill excites me! Like I said, its not about the money, but the fun of earning it purely from NOTHING=P (other than a laptop and a few clicks of the mouse)

Question #1

Question #1

When an average investor approaches you and asks you whether he should invest in stocks, bonds, unit trusts or REITs;

what is the best advice that you can give to an average investor?

"Don't be average."