November liao! 2 Months Left in 2024! Haiz...

As we enter the final stretch of 2024, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect on the goals we set at the beginning of the year. Have we achieved what we set out to accomplish? For many of us, the answer might be “not yet leh,” or even “not at all.” Why is it that, year after year, so many resolutions go unfulfilled? Here, we’ll explore some common reasons why people miss the mark and, more importantly, provide some practical solutions to hit your 2025 goals with success.

5 Reasons People Don’t Hit Their Resolutions

1. Setting Unrealistic Goals: One of the biggest obstacles is setting resolutions that are overly ambitious or vague. For example, deciding to double your income or radically change your lifestyle without a clear, step-by-step plan can feel overwhelming. Lofty goals can be inspiring but unrealistic expectations often lead to burnout and disappointment. 

2. Lack of a Clear Plan: Many people start the year with enthusiasm but don’t take the time to create a structured plan to achieve their goals. Without breaking down resolutions into smaller, actionable steps, it’s hard to make progress, and people lose momentum when they don’t see immediate results. As they say: Nobody plan to fail, but many fail to plan.

3. Losing Focus Over Time: Life gets busy, and it’s easy for resolutions to take a back seat as new priorities come up. Without consistent reminders and check-ins, many people lose sight of their goals a few months into the year. As routines change and motivation wanes, resolutions are often left behind. As years go by, our dreams eventually gets forgotten.

4. Lack of Accountability: It’s easier to skip the gym or postpone a goal when no one is holding you accountable. People often don’t share their resolutions or find someone to keep them on track, which can lead to a lack of motivation when things get tough.

5. Fear of Failure or Discomfort: Change can be uncomfortable, and the fear of failing can hold people back. Many abandon their resolutions when they encounter obstacles, convincing themselves that they’re not cut out for it. Without resilience and the ability to embrace challenges, it’s easy to give up when the going gets tough.

Solutions to Hit Your 2025 Goals

Now that we understand some common pitfalls, let’s look at solutions for setting and achieving goals effectively in 2025. Whether your goal is professional or personal, these steps will set you up for success and help you turn resolutions into accomplishments.

1. Set SMART Goals: SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—are much more manageable than vague or overly ambitious resolutions. Breaking down your goals into smaller, time-bound tasks helps build momentum, so start by clarifying exactly what you want to achieve, by when, and how you’ll measure your progress.

2. Create a Step-by-Step Action Plan: After setting your goals, map out a clear plan. Break down your resolutions into monthly, weekly, or even daily tasks. A structured approach makes big goals feel more attainable and keeps you on track by giving you small wins to celebrate along the way.

3. Check In with Yourself Regularly: To stay focused, schedule regular check-ins with yourself, whether weekly or monthly. Take time to assess your progress, identify any obstacles, and adjust your approach as needed. Regular self-assessment keeps your goals top-of-mind and allows you to course-correct when necessary.

4. Find a Mentor or Accountability Partner: Accountability is key, and having someone to support and challenge you can make a world of difference. Find a mentor or a goal-oriented buddy who can help keep you on track, provide guidance, and cheer you on when things get tough. Working with someone who shares similar goals, or even someone more experienced, can add valuable perspective and motivation.

5. Embrace Challenges as Growth Opportunities: Instead of fearing setbacks, see them as valuable lessons. Obstacles will come, but they’re an essential part of growth. Remind yourself that achieving goals takes time, and the most rewarding journeys involve persistence and resilience. Each challenge brings you closer to your goal and builds your confidence.

The Road to Success Starts Today

With two months left in the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. Use these final weeks of 2024 to plan for 2025, ensuring you set achievable, meaningful goals and build the right support around you. With a clear plan, a supportive accountability system, and the willingness to adapt, you can make 2025 the year you finally reach your resolutions.

So, as we wrap up 2024, let’s not just reflect but also refocus. Start building your roadmap to success today and set yourself up for a year of accomplishment and growth in 2025!

Watch This Space: I'm Making a Blogging Comeback After 8 Years!

Eight years ago, I stopped blogging. At the time, I thought it was old school—everything was moving faster, shorter, more instant. Instagram, Facebook, and all those platforms made blogging feel like a long-winded, forgotten art. So, I shelved it, figuring, "Why bother? Blogging is past its prime."

But you know what? Some things never go out of style.

I’ve realized over the years that blogging isn’t about being trendy; it’s about having a space to share real thoughts, experiences, and insights. A place where we can take our time—no quick scrolling, no pressure for instant reactions. It’s a chance to connect with people who actually care about what you're saying, not just swiping past it. 

And now, I’m coming back to it. Why? Because the things worth talking about deserve more than just a snapshot or a 10-second clip. They deserve a deeper conversation, a little bit more of us.

So, watch this space. I’m excited to share new ideas, experiences, and maybe a few surprises from my last 8 years. Thanks for sticking around—let’s see where this takes us!

I Was Fat part 2

Previously.. I went for a fortune telling session with my friend and was told my size was double. Not only I did not take what the fortune teller said with a pinch of salt, I aggravated it further by joking about it. I was confidently fat.

Then in 2014, I had a friend that invited me to a small little workshop on weight management. I was told everything I needed to know about nutrition and weight management. I was told it all begins with a healthy digestive system. I was told my eating habits of 2 meals a day is one of the reasons I am putting on weight. I was told to do this and not do that. I was told I have to eat more (great!) but reduction of some of my favourite stuff (bummer!). After the 3 hours workshop, I left. In my head I told myself, it's too much sacrifice and I ain't going to do anything about it. I am confidently fat..

I love my food! How is it possible to change that!? I love my rice I cannot eat my veg and meat without my rice! I also need to cut down on my rice??!! Told myself it's impossible and went home.

The next day, there was a notification I was being added in a WhatsApp chat. My friend and a few of the participants from the workshop last night have started a group chat so that they can log their food they are taking and the trainer is able to help suggest food to eat and what not to eat. I was like 'ok, I'll just stay in for the ride. I mean it's kinda rude to leave the chat, right?'

Lunch time, there was a few notification from the group and when I opened the message, there were pictures of everybody's lunch.. fish soup, Yong tau hu, mix veg rice without the rice... Wa! This people discipline sia.. let's go for chicken rice!

While in the lift, I reopened the chat and looked at the pictures and I thought, you know what, if they can eat like that then why not try.. went and have fish soup instead.

Tea time, a reminder to take a snack.

Dinner time, notification came in and there we have again pictures of other people's dinner. Wa.. 'ok la.. try..'

Breakfast.. photos again.. 'ok la.. try..'

Brunch.. snack time..

And the cycle repeat itself. After a week I started to notice my pants were getting loose. After a month even looser. After nine months, I have lost almost 20kgs. Up to just recently, I have people still telling me they think I am still losing weight. Not drastically, but got lose.

I have made new shirts and pants since 2014. I have also been able to fit into some of my old pants that was left in cold storage after I had put on weight.

I had once spoken to a fitness instructor at Amoy food center. It was one of those times when it was really crowded and we had to share tables. This guy in his singlet and shorts asked if he could sit at my table since I was alone. Invited him to sit and got chatting with him. This was in the beginning of 2014 before I went for the workshop. I causally asked him if I needed help with fitness and all , could I call him (actually I just wanted to get a number so that I can follow up with him). He asked me, what is my objective, muscle or lose weight. Told him, lose weight first la, can lose weight then we talk muscle. Actually Tang if you want to lose weight, it's 80% diet, 20% exercise.

Sure or not? You mean it is possible to lose weight without the exercise?! He said it was possible. I did not believe him then. The number of people who are paying gym fees to manage weight is enormous! The slimming centers boss are driving Ferraris and Lamborghini and you are telling me that all you need is to eat right?!

In 2015, I am a believer. I will tell you I lost almost 20kgs by eating right. Though I cannot say I did not exercise cos my job needs me to be walking daily and often throughout the day. I ride a 200+ kg bike and there are articles online that suggest bike riding IS an exercise (so is love making).

Ever since 2015, I have been asked numerous times what I have done to lose the weight. My usual answer change lifestyle... Change the way I eat. The usual answer ... Change the way I eat!! Cannot la!!

This had made me realise that many people know the benefits of losing weight and eating healthy but not willing to make the sacrifice. In fact, there are many people want to achieve but they are not willing to take the pain to get there. They are also not clear what's the objective they want to achieve. They are unsure how they are motivated.

Different people are motivated differently. Some you scold them, they do. Some scold them, they leave. Some people love recognition. Some people love money. Some just want to do things in groups. Do you know how you are motivated?

Last Medical

Being a trainer, I have been trained to keep my trainings fun. I have been trained to ensure participants are kept engaged all the time with different approach and methodologies. One of my favourite icebreakers during my trainings in the insurance industry is to ask participants to introduce themselves , where they are from (agency) and one memorable experience they have as a financial adviser representative.

As I did more and more trainings, I started to realise that in almost every session I conducted, these advisers are sharing about critical illness claims for clients who are young! Stroke, cancer, leukemia.. one adviser even shared a client's kid of 7 years old having leukemia! That got me scared and made me wonder when my last medical checkup was. It also made me realise the importance of having sufficient coverage.

One fine morning as I woke up, I sat up on my bed and felt a tingling session running down my left shoulder. My first thought ' OMG! Is that the early signs of stroke?!' I panicked recalling all the experiences of those advisers in my training. I made a medical check up appointment once I got into office. I chose one of the more comprehensive package that cost almost $400.

The day of my medical came. As I walked into the clinic, I eyed the sandwiches and the coffee machine, my stomach rumbling. I have been fasting the day before to facilitate the check up today. Height and weight taken. Eyesight checked. Stool, blood and urine samples submitted. I was told to grab some sandwiches and coffee for breakfast, suspiciously wondering if I had to pay for it. It seems all those have been included in my package. After I finished breakfast, I was told to wait for the doctor to see me. While waiting , I was told to fill up some questionnaire regarding my lifestyle. Filled in my name and the normal stuff but there was this particular question that I had to think a bit. How often do you exercise? 1. Never 2. One year one time, 3. Monthly, 4. Weekly or 5. Daily. Hhhmmm... I have to do IPPT for NS one year one time so the answer is 2.

My turn came, the doc sat me down and went through the questions with me again, then I was told to pull down my pants and lay on the bed. Alamak! Pull my pants down? The doc is female and relatively young some more. Looks like just graduated from med school. Sheepishly, pulled down my pants and was told to lay on my side with my ass facing her. She mentioned about having to check for growth and before I can register her fingers have inserted into my anus! Sob..

The check took less than a second but it felt like forever.. I never knew that was part of the checkup. The doc told me I can put my pants back on and sit down. As I sat back down I could not look the doc in the eye knowing what she has just done to me. She explained that they will now send all the samples to the lab and if all is normal, come back in 2 weeks time and collect the report and a review. But.. if there is something abnormal, they will call me immediately and I will have to drop everything and come straight away.. wa! Sounds serious.. Date set for review and I left the clinic no more a virgin.

The 2 weeks is a torment. I needed to know if the tingling meant anything. I needed to know if it really was a stroke and how many more years I have to live... It felt as though I am waiting for my 'O' level results. Every phone call without a name displayed sent me into hysteria.

The 2 weeks came without any call from the clinic, I felt good! I felt invincible, knowing all will be normal though still somewhat apprehensive. I walked into the clinic, pressed for my queue number to see the doc, eyeing the sandwiches and coffee again. Could have the coffee but not the sandwiches...

When my number was called, I walked in and sat down in front of the doc. She began.. 'Mr Tng, your cholesterol is...' 'ok 'ok tell me all about it' interrupting her, resigning to the fact that I have high cholesterol but not high enough for them to call me in immediately...

'… is normal.' she continued. 'Really!?' I asked, simultaneously snatching the report from her hand. The line that says 'Cholestrol' and the number next to it is black! Invincible! Yes!

'But...' still got but?

'You got minute traces of blood in your urine. Your blood sugar is slightly high and your liver reading also high. I suggest you do an ultrasound of your liver.' Now? Yes now.

Did the ultrasound and 30 minutes later I was back in front of the doc. She told me 'You have fatty liver, but it's very common with Singaporean nowadays. It say here in your questionnaire you exercise one year one time, I think you should start exercising more.'

Start exercising more? Huh.. sure or not. 'ok doc tell you what. What's the worst that will happen if I don't exercise?' 'Then you may get hep A , hep B symptoms lor.' 'Ok, thanks!' took my report and left.

Whatever the doc said did not sound serious.. slightly high, minute traces, hep A  hep B symptoms. Reached home and googled hep A and hep B, damn! You can die from it! Told myself it was time to buy the rider for my shield plan.

Submitted all the med report and application. Declined! But didn't the doc say everything is slight and minute and fatty liver is common, why decline!?

Lesson learnt then: buy your insurance early.

But took awhile only for the frustration to subside and I was back leading my normal life. Invincible! My friend's could not believe I have normal cholesterol and blood pressure the way I am eating. And I eventually found out the tingling sensations was because of me sleeping on my side to prevent snoring...

I Was Fat! Part 1

The year is 2006. Here I was, a sceptic, standing in front of a HDB flat in Redhill. Beyond the doors is a supposedly accurate fortune teller. A colleague of mine has mentioned about coming to visit and he had asked me to accompany him. During lunch time we have made our way down to Redhill and here we are. I have told myself that whatever the fortune teller told me, I will take it with a pinch of salt. If she says good things, great! If she say bad things, I will take it as rubbish!

I was a team leader in a bank and have done sales and did relatively well for the past 6 years and I will not have somebody dodgy telling me otherwise! We walked into the flat, it was sparse. There was like a waiting room with stools and a curtain separating the living room. There was nobody in line and very quickly we were served.

She sat us down in front of her and mentioned in Mandarin: 'You guys are not happy with work and is coming to ask about your future career.' my sceptic self though 'Abuden! We wearing office attire, any idiot could have decipher that..' She helped my friend read his fortune first and she turned to me after.

She said '你会越老越有钱' .. (loosely translated: you will be richer as you get older) duh! Of course leh..

She continued reading my fortune, which was generally good, though I cannot remember exactly what she has said but there was 2 things she mentioned that stood out. Firstly, she mentioned '你这个人天不怕，地不怕，只怕你爸爸.' (translated literally: you this person, heaven not scared, hell not scared, scared only your father.) Somewhat true...

Second, '你现在的size以后会double' (My size will double in future). We paid like $20 in a red packet and went back to work.

In the following years, my size did double and by 2014 I was weighing in at 106kg. Accurate or what! Actually I would rather think it was something called a self fulfilling prophecy.

Though I have told myself to take what the fortune teller said with a pinch of salt.. I didn't. I was eating like there was no tomorrow, I visited buffets almost weekly. My friends will tell me to control myself but I will always jokingly tell them, never mind la, the fortune teller say my size will double. I use to be athletic in school but when I started working I stopped exercising. I have not as much output but my input has remained the same. With work, meals also tend to become irregular and when opportunity arises to eat, I eat a lot.

Being in sales and a team leader aggravated the situation. I had to meet clients almost daily and when we meet we eat or we drink (usually coffee). On days we weren't meeting clients, I was eating or drinking with my colleagues. I left the bank and started doing training in 2006. And in training, I train people to believe in themselves. I train people to not care what other people think as long as they know they have done their best. And it does not help that I practise what I preach. Yes, I was fat.. so who cares, I still am able to carry out my duties to the best of my abilities. Yes I eat a lot, and I don't care if you are gonna judge me cause I'm fat! I was confidently fat! My self esteem has not been dented even when I am fat, I know I am still handsome . (I apologise if you have just completed a meal and reading this). It did not matter even when my medical report came out to show I have fatty liver, slightly high blood sugar and minute traces of blood in my urine in 2008. Read about why I went for medical check up here.

To be continued. Stay tuned for part 2.

My Genting Horror Story

It's about 3am on a Thursday morning and I just requested for a change of room...

Earlier we had just checked into the hotel in Genting after coming up from Legoland. The kids had a whale of a time and we stayed at this spanking new Condotel in Bukit Indah. It is a 3 bedroom condo unit that is managed by KSL. I love the Bukit Indah area in Johore because of its amenities there and it's relative closeness to Legoland. We even managed to catch Finding Dory after Legoland Water Park!

We arrived Genting on a Wed afternoon and was absolutely impressed by their checking in system. It's all automated! Queues were minimised by the sheer number of check in machines there. Got our rooms in less than 5 mins.

Left our bags in the room and off we go to enjoy the cool air. As you know, Genting is going through a billion RM revamp of their out door theme park so there was nothing much to do but playing the arcade and like 5 kiddy rides... Yawn! With the kids we couldn't visit the casino too. We attempted to watch another movie but there were only 3 cinemas and the movie selection wasn't fantastic. By 11pm we were back in the room to prepare for bed, at least me and my daughter... My wife and her sis were planning to go for some drinks downstairs so I decided I will stay and be guardian to m y daughter.

My wife left the room about 1130 and my daughter was already in her PJs all ready for bed. She hugs her 'ah bu' (a doll which we have affectionately named) and fell asleep almost instantaneously. I took my shower and dressed only in my boxers layed down on the bed.

When you are alone at night in a Genting room, your thoughts automatically will recall all the horror stories you have heard or read others have experienced. I vividly recall my wife telling me about one of her relatives who also visited Genting was in the room in one of the hotels. The son being a kid was using the mom's phone and playing with its camera function. He snapped photos with the phone randomly. After the mom took back the phone wanting to delete all the rubbish photos the son took decides they had to go home that very night, forfeiting the room they have paid for. I brushed the thoughts aside affirming myself , I look too much like Zhong Kui (methodological character who can vanquish ghost and demons) for the supernatural to dare come disturb me. I have always been told I have 杀气 about me so the ghost don't dare come close.

I took out my tablet to catch up on the games I was playing. As I lay there I suddenly have this feeling that I wasn't alone in the bed. I looked over at my daughter, observed her breathing, she has not moved or seems disturbed. I changed position on the bed. For a few minutes it was OK... Then it started again... The same feeling something was in the bed with me. I stood up went to grab some instant 'cham' (new Boh product, with coffee and teh tarik inside!) went out to the dispenser to get some hot water. Went back to lie in bed but almost immediately the feeling came back... I looked at my body and there were marks appearing , this is when I panicked! I quickly looked at all the exposed surface of my daughter to see if there were any marks but there was none. Could it only be me?

My wife returned about 1.30am and I told her about what I felt and suggested we change the room tomorrow depending on the situation. I layed down in bed again feeling relieved that if there was another situation, I had backup. Only after my wife have finished her shower and lay in bed did I also do the same. Tossed and turned in bed and the feeling came back. I sat up on the bed feeling frustrated, stood up and looked at the bed..... then I saw it....... BED BUG!!!! My suspicions were correct! I was not alone in bed!

I ran over to my wife side of the bed told her, we need to change the room now! Called the reception with my fingers and toes crossed that they had another room. They had .. phew! Within 30 mins a segway appeared at my room with my new room key. Scooped up my daughter and 'ah bu' and off we went to the new room.

Did a thorough check of 'ah bu' and my daughter to ensure they ain't carrying anymore bed bugs with them. Showered myself another time just to get rid of the itchy feeling on my back elbows and legs. The new bed never felt better..

Spent one more night in Genting before heading back to Pagoh. Told my mother in law, we had to change room on the first night.. her first reaction ' Why? Ghost ah!?'

I told her honestly if it was a ghost I also not so scared.. you bring a bed bug home in your bag or clothes, your house will be a living hell!

Your Retirement, My Concern

Just completed our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday to start planning for this year. In the meeting, our management invited The New Charis Mission (TNCM) to give a brief introduction into what they do and how we can help.

In the briefing we were shown pictures of apalling conditions some of our old folks are staying in. TNCM collects donations and have volunteers to help refurbish these living quarters so that these beneficiaries will have a better quality of life in the last few years of their lives.

Their mission to help the elderly is to better improve the living environment of the elderly, while benefitting their health and emotional state-of-mind. They have refurbished 1 home per month in 2011 and have increased it to 2 homes per month in 2012. Since then they have refurbished 120 homes!

If you will like to volunteer or donate please go to the link above. Words cannot describe the conditions some of our elderly are staying in. Check out some of the pictures on the website.

Their briefing and introduction also made me think of the job that I do. As a financial planner, my job though insignificant to many, plays a very important role in the lives of individuals and families, be it now or in the future.

Though we may be called financial planners, financial advisers but I will rather be looked as Personal Risk Managers. I deal with risk everyday:

the risk of hospitalisation
the risk of loss of income due to premature death
the risk of loss of income due to critical illness
the risk of loss of income due to disability
the risk of loss of income due to accidents
the risk of loss of value of our monies due to inflation
the risk of not being able to retire
the risk of not being able to send our children to school they want
the risk of investing with the wrong approach
the risk of having to compromise our lifestyle due to any of the above happening
the risk of losing your job with no emergency funds
the risk of having insurance thinking its enough

So if you are to check off all the risk mentioned above, how many of us can comfortably check off everything knowing the risk have been taken care of? What strategies have you employed to mitigate these risk? Who have you spoken to about those risk?

2016 should be the year you must start thinking more about your risk management. 2016 should be the year you asked yourself what your retirement is going to look like. 2016 should be the year you put in place strategies to get you there.

Planning for your retirement is like sailing a boat. Before the captain sets sail to his destination, he first needs to know where his destination is, to set the fastest course to his destination. He plots on the map so that he can follow the bearings on his compass to his destination, but with the advent of the GPS, the compass is almost obsolete.. BUT that does not mean you will not need the compass as the satellites guiding the GPS may breakdown or be shut down and therefore the GPS should still be treated as a supplement and complement to the compass and not take over completely. On the way to his destination, the captain must still check his GPS or compass to ensure the boat is on the right path, as a 1 degree off its course early in the journey could mean missing the destination completely later.

The same in planning for your retirement, you must first know how much you need at retirement and plan accordingly how to achieve it starting from today. As you move through life towards your retirement, you have to ensure you are still on the right course and make adjustments to be on track to ensure reaching your retirement in future.

I am sure many have done some planning towards your retirement therefore let me be your GPS, let me be the complement and supplement to what you already have done. Lets work together to achieve your retirement goals.

I am also on a mission to do lunch time talks in offices. If you ate interested to have a talk conducted in your office. Please direct the person to this blog or drop me a mail tngjinyau@gmail.com

I know it could be daunting speaking to me one on one, so get your colleagues together! I will visit the office, bring lunch and we can discuss how we can all achieve our retirement!

Wa! Markets like that! Buay tahan.. I want to ……

Unless you have been living in a cave, not read the papers at all, not on social media or don't watch the news.. you will have noticed the economy is in a sea of red, currency is falling, interest rate seems to be increasing and commodities is falling.

So in a situation like this what have happened to you emotionally. If you have monies invested, how do you feel? From the sea of red we have seen, alot of people have panicked and sold off their positions in the markets. Are they really investing or speculatiing

As of last night, markets in the US have rallied and most markets in Asia today rallied once it opened. How do you feel now? Probably sad if you had decided to sell to 'cut loss', because you heard somebody tell you that the crisis is coming...

You probably feel happy if you did not sell, at least now there is a glimmer of hope that your losses can be recovered. You probably be happiest when you saw the past few days as discounted price to invest into the market.

So is the rally sustainable? Is this the calm before the storm? I do not know. But I do know that if you have really decided to invest then these small distractions in the market is just a 'glitch in the matrix'. What I do know is that almost every country in the world, (probably other than Greece, just kidding) wants their economy to be good and growing. Every countrt will try their best to be competitive in the world to boost their economy. They will take measures to ensure the economy will not take a straight line southwards and never come back up.

For example, China, the RMB had to be devalued to ensure their goods become cheaper to drive export. Singapore dollar have to go down too to ensure our currency is not too strong that our goods and services becomes too expensive relative to our neighbours or competitors. China has put in measures to ensure the stock market does not crash too much.

With all that said I do know that in a longer term, your returns on your investments WILL make money but following some simple rules:

- Always stay invested
- Do not let your sentiments get the better of you
- When the market is down, hold your investment or invest more
- Have a proper asset allocation strategy, diversify
- Do a balance sheet for yourself and family (eg. Net worth, cash flow)
- Speak to a reliable adviser

Its always tempting that when you hear someone has made heaps of money in the markets and you want a piece of the pie. When that happens the good times are already over.

Its also tempting when you hear 'inside information' and invest. Hoping to make heaps if money in a short time. That's specualtion and not investing. Speculation is almost gambling.

I has an experience at the turf club once. I am not a gambler and I do not know what horses to buy. We had an event at the turf club and while standing around one of the horse trainer came and told us to buy Flying Stallion (really cannot remember the name but horses names in these races tends to be cheesy) for the last race. Wow! 'Inside information' from the horse trainer! We bought the horse and waited and waited and waited.... finally its the last race!

The gates flew open the horses came out of the starting line. My heart was pounding, the crowd was going wild! I looked for the horse I have placed my bets on. Its in second place! Yes its a good chance now!

Then 3rd place.. it ain't over to the fat lady sings! Come on you can do it! 4th.... 5th... crap.. inside information my ass! I can't believe I have waited for the last race just to see my horse lose..

In summary, its about time in the market and not timing the market that will ensure that you will be profitable in investments. So relax, have faith in the markets and invest.

Sabah 2015 Earthquake. Singapore?

So when did we last hear of an earthquake happening in Sabah, Malaysia? Never! At least not in my life time. This morning a 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah neat Mt Kinabalu leaving some climbers still stranded on the mountain.

It also peaked my interest to actually find out why will Sabah be hit by an earthquake. Earthquake hapens when rocks underground breaks suddenly and the sudden release of energy creates earthquakes.

But as I googled it dawned on me that even though Singapore has been relatively earthquake free, it does not mean its not going to happen. If you look at the photo attached, we sit very close to the Eurasian plate and Australian plate that caused the 2004 Tsunami... and Sabah is still quite a distant from the Ring of Fire. So yes there are many types of earthquakes and my fears maybe unfounded, but hearing earthquakes happening around us is unsettling.

Hope everybody in Sabah is alright..

Tze Wei Growing Up

Its been an amazing 3 years already since my daughter has been brought into our world.

She has made me laugh, made me cry.

I can still remember when she first started teething. She has a fever and must have felt terrible. She was lying on my lap and she looked up at me with a 'help me' look on her face. She made me feel helpless. I had to go to the balcony just so I can shed a few tears for not being to help. Well, phases of a new parent..

But now looking at this video, you cannot help but agree that all was worth it.. the tears, the sleepless nights.

And I am sure this is just the beginning tp more tears and sleepless nights... but moments like these, priceless!

https://youtu.be/tTJPJtCZ5L4

Meritocracy

So the past week what have we learnt? I know I have learnt much more of the man that is so respected around the world. I learnt how he and his team built this mud flats to what it is today. Many may argue that it is not just him who have built Singapore, but it was his ideology, vision and foresight to make what Singapore what it is today. It took careful planning, meticulous execution and constant monitoring to ensure the peace and freedom we have today. Its having a purpose in life! And Mr Lee dedicated his whole life to that purpose.

But more importantly, it is about meritocracy. Its about efforts put in by individuals to ensure their own success. It is about creating equal opportunities for all gender, race and religion. It is creating these opportunities so that efforts can be rewarded. And its understanding that education is so important in a country like ours that does not have natural resources. 

But that also have a downside, with education the entrepreneurial spirit is lost. In the beginning when having a degree is something to look up upon, the few roles in upper management are taken by these degree holders. But when more and more people graduate with a degree, the few roles are now being competed by many. And with few supply for the higher demand of higher paying jobs and roles, it boils down to much frustration. And too many Singaporeans have also been indoctrinated by the Poor Dad syndrome that we fail to see other opportunities. 

For those who ain't familiar with Robert Kiosaki's 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' book, let me just briefly explain it as best as I can. Robert Kiosaki had his own dad who believes that as long as you study hard, you will get a good job and good pay and you will stay employed for the rest of your life. He is poor dad. Robert Kiosaki also has a Rich Dad who is actually a friend's dad that is a business man who taught him the way with money and to let money work for you. Robert Kiosaki learnt a lot from his rich dad and the rest is history.

Many have also complained about how things are getting more expensive, about how difficult its going to retire in Singapore. Economics 101 tells us that inflation is an indicator of the health of an economy (Naysayers will say it is something we are all led into believing, then read my Conspiracy Theory post) and so if we know that fact then don't we all know things WILL be more expensive in future? So instead of complaining, ask yourself what have you done to your best capabilities to ensure your retirement is safe guarded? Is your best capabilities enough? What other positive actions can you do to ensure it is enough? There are things you can do today to ensure your retirement is secure. 

Please speak to me and we can explore all the things that can be done today. Do something today so that yourself tomorrow will thank.

So meritocracy, the effort you are going to take today to speak to me will ensure your succeeful retirement in future. 

With a Heavy Heart

And with a heavy heart, Singapore woke up to the news that our founding father has passed. A chapter of our history has closed but not forgotten. Though I have never met Lee Kuan Yew personally but everywhere you go you see the things that have been accomplished by him and his team.

A little red dot on the world map yet our economy challenges the big boys. Our passport, amazing! Our currency stable. Safety, unsurpassed.

And yet, everyday somebody out there curses all the things that have been done. Reading the FB post on people's wall, I am heartened to know that many is still appreciative.

I only wish I can be a fraction of what he is, to have touched so many lives in Singapore and the world. As a financial consultant my vision is to be able to touch as many lives as possible to help families understand the importance of financial planning. But the going is not always easy. People still scorn us, they think we are trying to sell them a product. Some will accept, some will not

Just like the policies of Singapore, not everybody will accept. The magnitude of how many lives LKY has touched is enormous and his legend will continue.

Now it is up to us to keep this going...

The Journey Of A Thousand Mile Begins With A Single Step

There has been much talk on retirement on the news papers recently. It seems that everybody knows its going to be expensive to retire here but none has done much about it. A quick calculation will tell you that you will need about $1.3 million if your expenses are $2,000 and you intend to retire in 20 years time and your years of retirement is 20 years. The calculations has taken an inflation of 3% into consideration. 

So if $1.3 million is what you will need to retire then what are you doing today to achieve it? Many have told me that they are saving every month. That's great! But too many did not consider the effects of inflation on their monies when they save. Lets take for example a savings instrument that gives us 0.5%, we save $1,000 for the next 20 years. You will get $253,000 after 20 years. 

Save in an instrument that gives you 2% for the next 20 years, $297,400. That is $44,400 more just by increasing your rate of return. 

The above assumes that whatever goods and services you pay for $1,000 today does not change in 20 years time. But if we take inflation into consideration, the value of your money, if you save in an instrument of 0.5% will be $185,942 and the value of your money in the the instrument that gives 2% will be $216,326.

Huh? Tang .. cheem leh! Ok, lets use an example which I have used in a previous post. Kopi o. 10 years ago, kopi o, $0.60. Today kopi o $1.00. So if we know that in 20 years time the cost of goods will also be increasing then we know that the same $253,000 that is saved will not buy us $253,000 worth of good in 20 years time. It will only get us $185,942 worth of goods and services in 20 years time. 

So how should we accumulate wealth so that we can buy the same amount of goods and services in 20 years time as we are spending today? There are few solutions:

1. Spend less

2. Save more

3. Save in a higher rate rate of return instrument

1. Spend Less

If you think you can sacrifice your lifestyle and not spend as much as what you are spending now during your retirement then, make a plan so you are sure of the expenses you want to cut at retirement. 

2. Save more

Lets use the example above, if you put $1,000 in the instrument that gives you 0.5% and get $253,000 in 20 years time. You want the same value in 20 years time, you will have to save $1,360 per month for the next 20 years in the same instrument. The extra $360 saved will offset the increase in the price of goods and service caused by inflation in 20 years time.

3. Save in higher rate of return instrument

You can also start saving in an instrument that will offset the inflation of 3% or invest in instruments that give you more than 3%. So depending on your risk profile, if you put the same $1,000 in an instrument that gives 5%, you will get $416,631 in 20 years time! An increase of about 60% from $253,000 with just an increase in 4.5% rate of return over 20 years!

There are many other strategies like delaying retirement, not retiring, ask children to support, work part time, collect tin can to sell, but importantly, whatever strategy you decide to take, talk to your financial consultant first. Your financial consultant can do up a retirement plan for you. He/She can calculate the figures for you so that you have a clearer picture of what to aim for. With that figure then you can make Specific and Measurable plans to achieve it. We will help you make Achievable and Relevant financial decision so that we will be in Time for your retirement.

So make a SMART choice today. Call your financial consultant if not email me for a no obligation consultation. tngjinyau@gmail.com Like they say, nobody plans to fail, but many fail to plan. Start your journey to your retirement with me today! The journey of a thousand mile begins with a single step.

The 20 Year Holiday!

September holidays for the schools are just over. Where did you go with your kids? What did you plan to make the holidays memorable for your kids. Well then again, the September school holidays are about studying for the upcoming exams and for those parents with kids taking the PSLE... its an intensive bootcamp to get them ready. 

We probably have started planning for the December holidays. And for those lucky few without kids planning for the holidays will always happen outside the school holiday periods so its less crowded and cheaper!

With the onslaught of travel promotions, we are constantly tempted to go travelling! But being Singaporeans, we always have to plan for our trips. Even for a 3 days trip we want to be able to make the most of the days as much as possible. We may even take up to 3 months planning for a 3 days trip. 

So how long should we be planning if we intend to take a 20 year holiday? What will you want to do if you have to take a 20 year holiday? What will your itinerary look like? How much money will you need for the 20 years holiday? But Tang who goes for a 20 years holiday??? Well everyone! Its called retirement.. like it or not, you will have to retire sooner or later. Now you can choose how your retirement looks like, or you can just live it up to fate. 

But if you were planning your dream getaway, will you leave it up to fate? Will you not even do a small budgetting to ascertain how long you can not work yet still enjoy your holiday? Most of us know that if we take a short holiday our job will still be around when we get back. So if we happen to overspend during a holiday, no problem, just be good, stay in Singapore and the next few months pay will settle the extra budget. But if you hit retirement and you overspend.... that should not happen if you take the effort to speak to me now. 

Many of us assume that retirement is long way off, we do not have to worry about it so soon. But if we took a week long holiday and we use one month to plan, then how long should a 20 years holiday take to plan? 

Please emal me tngjinyau@gmail.com for a no obligations discussion on your retirement plan. I will be happy to assist. 

Why So Serious?

A colleague commented that my blog is very serious. But financial planning and people's future is serious business. But yes, as financial planners we have fun too. So today I will like to touch on the topic of 'Ah Lians'. We have a colleague named B (just for ease of writing, not naming anybody in particular), we teased her about being ah lian. She insist that she is not, to a point where she actually wiki-ed the definition of ah lian. This is wiki's definition of Ah Lian.

It seems that the definition of ah lian in Wiki is more physical in appearance. Wiki defines them as uneducated and mix English with Chinese and dialect. Those people that may say tomorrow as tomolo. But with the education system in Singapore, there will be less and less ah lians on the street. Really?

This is my personal opinion, any likeness to anyone is strictly coincidental. There... disclaimer. I feel that ah lian is not a physical attribute as defined by Wiki. I feel that being lian is an attitude, a mannerism, a character, not just because of dyed hair and clothings. Talking loudly is also a physical attribute. But more importantly what are emotions and thoughts when they do that? 

I think that there is a beng or a lian in all of us. Just like some research on cancer has shown that all of us has the potential to contract cancer but some are just more prone to it. So there is a beng and a lian in all of us. We just fear coming out of the closet. Some will be more prone to have the lian/ beng syndrome with some symptoms showing, while some are more conscious.

I have walked down Raffles Place with clients during lunch time and they have admitted they just wish sometimes they want to push through all those people that seems to be walking too slowly taking up most of the sidewalk. But most people wouldn't because of social norms and what is expected as a normal human being. 

Lets imagine, you have a few people walking in front of you and blocking your normal walking speed. You shove those people aside and when they stare at you, you can loudly exclaim that they are blocking and if you want to walk so slowly, walk on the side! Those people blocking you will cower in fear or respect as you walk by. Come on, you have not fantasized about doing something like this before? Don't lie, I know you have.

I will confess to you now that I have dreamt of being a Godfather. Not the kind that dotes on little children. But the Mafia kind. The kind that my ring will be kissed by everyone in the 'familia'. I will also confess that I am an 'executive beng'. The kind that wears a tie, speaks good English and feels the urge to push people aside. But no I will never do it. I can start talking loudly if I know I have strength in numbers. Same rationale why ah bengs are in gangs. 

We all NEED to belong. It is a need of humans as identified in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. After the basic and safety needs are taken care of, people need to belong. They feel good once they are accepted.

Wiki also mentioned that ah bengs are usually involved in criminal activity, but aren't we all? We try and cheat on our parking coupon by tearing the 15 mins later than the time we arrive, we sometimes don't even want to put then revel in the joy we did not get a ticket for it. Sure we know that jaywalking is illegal but we also jaywalk just to save time. We also hate to be conforming and we want to be unique. We want to be different and this manifest into dyed hair for ah bengs and ah lians. For me, it manifest into a I-don't-care-what-you-think-I-like-to-wear-shorts-in-orchard-road attitude.

So my theory is that the same needs that drives us also drives the ah lians and ah bengs. So we have a lian or beng in all of us, we want to be different, we hope to be loud, we all have needs that have to be fulfilled, it just is fulfilled in different ways, either socially acceptable or socially unacceptable. So in summary, B you are LIAN.

First Death Claim

The inevitability of this job is having to do claims for clients, but never will I expect the first death claim to come from somebody who was relatively close to me, and cause of death was unnatural. He was somebody I had met last year. 

We had coffee almost every morning learning from each other for about 6 months. We talked about anything under the sun. He told me about how beautiful a family he had. He was the kind of guy that calls a male a 'bro' and female a 'sister'.

He is someone you will warm up to really quickly as he was a cheerful guy with a happy go lucky attitude, but I guess there are things about people you never really understand.

Few months ago, it was almost impossible to reach him. No more text, no more phone calls... nothing. All communication with him practically stopped. he never kept to his promse of staying in contact. We were suppose to have coffee. We were suppose to meet up but his phone was off. Now he is gone...

Why?

I have been asking this question ever since I heard the news last week. Why? Something I will bring to my grave as well. 

Wake Me Up When September Ends

Somewhere in the world its the start or Autumn and somewhere in the world it is the start of Spring. It is also the start of an academic year after summer break in some countries. National Anthem of the USA is written this month. In Australia, Rugby League Grand Final and the AFL Grand Final is played on the last Sunday and Saturday respectively in September.

In Brazil Independence Day is celebrated. In USA and Canada Labour Day is also observed. For the Chinese, Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated in September. In Munich, Germany Oktoberfest is celebrated in the end of September. Vietnam also celebrates its National Day in September.

For the full list of what's happening in September click here.

So sorry Green Day, you will be missing alot in September if you were to sleep. Yes I know its a song title and I love it! Basket Case and all too!

So September is the beginning for many new things for many individuals and countries, is it for you? Is the month of September be an exciting one for you? Are you contemplating to do something new with our live? Are you looking at having a new start to you career and your personal life? 

If you are contemplating, then there is something for you if you are here in sunny Singapore! There is a career discovery event happening on the 11th of September. Register here!

Drop me an email to find out more or just register your interest and I will get back to you! 

My Backside Itchy

I dare say I am a relatively adventurous and spontaneous person. I and a friend have planned a trip to Malaysia one Chinese New Year over a coffee on CNY eve. He was lamenting how CNY is always so boring as he does not go visit his relatives. I told him I will be free after visiting relatives in the morning. We arranged very tentatively that we will go to KL the next day after visiting.

Chinese New Year came and after the usual 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' and collection of ang pow. I waited at home for this friend to call to leave for KL. 3pm, no call. 5pm, no call. 7pm, no call. Finally at 11pm, I called him. 'Eh! Thought we going KL?!'. He said 'Gia la!' (Let's go in hokkien). Hopped into my car, went and picked him up and realized in between us we had less than RM$10. We couldn't go to KL, at least not on the north south highway. We did not have enough to pay for toll. We changed plans and decided to go to Kuantan using route 3, so the only toll we have to pay is the one at Woodlands.

Off we went entering Malaysia just past midnight. We figured we can just try and find a resort in Kuantan and since it's CNY there should be rooms. As we got onto route 3, me being relatively familiar with the roads because of my frequent dive trips to Tioman, I told my friend that he has got a very important job: look out for cows. Those were the days when cows still roamed freely along route 3, they have since installed electric fence along the route to prevent stray cows getting onto the highway. I knew it is going to be at least 5 hours to get to Kuantan. 

About 2 hours into the drive, we were chatting when over the hill coming from the opposite direction another vehicle with its full high beam on, we were blinded. 'This fella so inconsiderate' (language used was far more colourful, adjusted for the purpose of this blog post) 'never mind, we high beam him back!'. Just as I flicked my high beam on, my lights caught the silhouette of a cow, it's ass taking up half the lane I am on. Instinctively, I swerved into the path of the oncoming vehicle and swerved back into my lane to avoid a head on collision with the vehicle and successfully avoiding the cow. 

We were silent for awhile, knowing that we were so close to getting into an accident either with the car or cow. Both would not have ended nicely. But as the initial shock faded we joked about it nervously and carried on our way, but at a relatively slower speed. 

We got to Kuantan at 5am plus, went into some more decent looking resort just to find out they are mostly full too! We forgot that it's Chinese New Year, the other non Chinese holiday too! Oh no! We are in Kuantan at 5 plus in the morning and no resort! My friend said :' bro, I've got friends in KL at the moment, we can bunk in the hotel room till we get a room tomorrow.' Ok, I said. KL then. I know that from Kuantan to KL we have no need to pay toll and therefore the lack of Ringgit will not cause any problem. But little did I know I will get a shock when I reach the highway.

I kept thinking that Kuantan and KL is on the same plane on the map. It should be a short drive from the east side to central Malaysia, when I got to the highway the road sign read: Kuala Lumpur, 270km. OMG! It's another 3 hours of driving! We have not slept at all and I know I am feeling sleepy. I looked at my friend and he was nodding off to sleep. I told him to sleep first, I will rest when I cannot take it. I drove for another one and a half hour and saw a petrol station along the highway and told myself that I better not push it, rest so that we can go further. So at 7.30am I parked the car in the petrol station and slept. 

Woke up at about 9am and continued our journey. We arrived safely in KL.

I took up diving in 1994 and have not looked back since. Diving is a great sport accept that it is still dangerous if not practiced properly. You may get decompression sickness, you may get lost at sea, you may be compromised if the boat you are on sinks. But if done properly all is good.

Got my driving license in 1994 and got my motorbike license in 1996. Upgraded to class 2 in 2002. Bought my BMW and eventually my Harley Davidson 5 years ago. Met my wife in 2004 and made frequent trips back to her hometown in Malaysia. Took my bike up to Melaka, KL, Cameron Highlands numerous times. Flew to Vietnam twice to rent Motorbikes to go up their mountains. 

Visited the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea on the day North Korea said they had missiles that can hit US. 

There are so many things that I have done and still doing that increases the chance of a hospitalisation. But never was I hospitalized for 38 years of my life till 24th July 2014. And the reason I was hospitalized: an infection on my left butt cheek......

In the course of my career as a financial planner, I have seen and heard many that have told me that it is not going to happen to them. I admit that I am guilty of that thought too. I never thought I will ever be hospitalized for an infection on my left butt cheek. I should be hospitalized for a collision with a cow on north south highway or falling asleep over the wheel. Maybe a diving encounter with a shark or poisonous creature. Or maybe an over ambitious attempt at a corner on my bike. Or maybe a food poisoning from an over adventurous try out at some Bangkok food street stall. But no... An infection on my left butt cheek.

And I will tell you my left butt cheek now cost $8,000 after a 2 night stay. Almost $1,000 from daily dressing change. And all I can say: thank God for insurance!

So I urge you that if you have not re-looked your financial portfolio recently especially your insurance, please email me tngjinyau@gmail.com. Even if it's just to ask me out for coffee to find out more.

Because I'm Worth It!

L'oreal's advertisement has a slogan 'Because I am worth it'. What does that mean to you? L'oreal had the intention to target females to embrace feminism, embrace independence, embrace confidence, self esteem, decisions, style and probably embracing lifestyle as a whole. 

But if we tell ourself that I am worth it, how much are you worth? How much does your success worth, how much does your job worth, how much does your life worth? Most of us will probably will never be able to quantify it because it is suppose to be priceless!

But if, unfortunately, a premature death was to happen, your loved ones will really know how much you really worth. Your $10,000 a month job is worthless when you are not around, your high flying career belongs to somebody else if you are not around, your priceless life means nothing if you are not there to enjoy it.

So how much are you worth? Do you even know how much life insurance cover do you have? So if you are supposedly priceless, then your life insurance should reflect that right?

So if you are priceless then will a minimum $1,000* per year premium for a $1,000,000 coverage on your life be of value to you? If it is, please drop me an email tngjinyau@gmail.com to request a quote. 

Live life to the fullest, but make sure somebody pays for it when you die.

* Based on Male, age 37, non smoker for 10 years. Terms and conditions apply.

"I Hate My Job!"

So how often have you felt that way? How often have you felt unappreciated? How often do you feel you are overworked and underpaid? How often have you managed to leave office on time? Can you go on leave whenever you like without having to consider that somebody else is on leave? Do you feel sidelined because somebody else seems to be able to carry the boss's balls better? Have your promotion been deferred because the person they promoted joined the company earlier than you but you clearly did more?  Do you drag yourself out of bed every morning to go to work? Are you bored?

So if your answer to many of the above question is 'Yes', what steps have you taken to get out of it? Have you asked yourself what's your 5 years goal for your life? Can your current job help you achieve your goal? 

Yes, stay in your current job and somehow swallow the injustice, hang in there you are almost there!

No, then what steps have you taken to get yourself out of it?

Research have shown that 95% of us spend up to 45 years of our lives making the rest of the 5% successful and wealthy. Too many of us complain about our work but what do we do about it? Usually nothing.... we complain just to let go of the frustration. Frustration vented we forgot how miserable our work is.

I felt all of that when I was working in corporate. I was promoted after somebody because they came in earlier. I was not promoted because somebody has a better relationship with the boss. I decided it is time to take my life, my career into my own hands. Nobody should dictate whether I should get promoted or not. Nobody should dictate that the work I put in should only cost $80,000 per year.

I went back to the financial services sector as a consultant so that I can serve the people I love. I was in the financial sector since 2000 and went through the bad times and good times in the economy and every time people seem to lose money in their investments. They do not have proper advise when it comes to investments and make rash decisions that are detrimental to them. Many also make rash decisions regarding their insurances and other financial solutions that also makes no economic sense at all.

I know that doing the right things for my clients and managing expectations of clients investments will eventually give me the remuneration. So how am I remunerated, one basic principle:

See the people, help the people. 

The more people I see the more I will be remunerated. I have clients that say that they don't like to talk to us consultant's because we make a lot of money.... eerrrr.... it still comes with hard work. She eventually upgraded her Medishield plan to cover all the expenses in a private hospital. At the point when I delivered her policy, she asked me how much I will earn from that. I told her about $100 plus for her $500 plus premiums. She looked at me horrified and said Only?! I said yes.. so we don't make a lot of money through one person. We can make a lot of money from tears, sweat, blood and grit. It is still all effort that we put in. But we can control our remuneration by just determining the number of people we want to see, to get the kind of income we want. Want more, work more. Want less, work less. 

This is the place where it does not matter when you come in, how well you can make the boss like you to get your promotion. This is a place where if you put in the effort, see the people, help the people you can choose your path. You can decide to be a manager or you can get promoted through the ranks as a consultant. The choice is yours. 

I just got back in May from an incentive trip and will be going for another in 2 months. Fully paid. All because of effort and hard work.

I am starting a team this year and is looking for people to join me. What kind of person should apply:

• Driven 
• Adventurous
• Motivated
• Loves to help people
• Knows what they want in life
• Won't settle for less
• Team Player
• Loves fun and travelling
• Not afraid of hard work
• 'Can do' attitude
• wants to be the 5% that is successful and wealthy
• Singaporean or PR

This is an opportunity that may change your life. Opportunity is not for the chosen few, but for the few who chose. Are you the few?

Please do not apply if:

• you want a fix pay
• you are comfortable in your misery
• you are not open
• your job can fulfil your dreams
• you hate to meet people

To apply, please submit your CV to: tngjinyau@gmail.com and I will get back to you shortly.