September goal setting and review

I need a system to be more organised in my monthly posting. To track my goals and things I have done. This will be the format below. 

1. Health
1. Diet
1. Eat less carbohydrates, no more soda, half the portion during dinner. 
2. No more food after 8pm
3. Less sugary drink and food.
2. Exercise
1. Going to badminton session with serene this coming 21/9/2014.
3. To go gym
1. Pack my gym wear and trainers to work at least twice a week
2. Myself
1. Apply PR
2. Apply driving license
3. To be more focus and organised
4. To settle my Singpass by end of September
5. Book a date with MOM for my PR application by End of September 2014.
6. To be more organised
1. To write things down
2. To have schedule and goals
3. Don't procrastinate
4. Label your storage area, sort all the storage area
5. De-clutter regularly
6. Keep only what I need
7. Delegate responsibilities
8. Work Hard
7. To read at least one book a month
1. Book of the month- 7 habits of highly
3. Finance
1. Invest in technology companies- Dig into Baidu, Alibaba and Google
2. Property investment in US. Check three areas mentioned in the magazine
3. To monitor property in Sabah. Contact more sales person
4. To keep track of my credit card bills. 
4. Career
1. Ended spiting art project
2. To search for more jobs
3. To have 5 minutes for planning work
4. Write down to do list for everyday
5. Relationship
1. Wedding plan
1. Start searching for the engagement ring, got contact from Angela, will contact him by end of September
2. Research into photo shoot session by end of September
3. Prepare a budget sheet for wedding by end of September
4. Jenny will be looking into the wedding cost in Hong Kong while I will look into the one in KK
5. To search for a photo shoot session in KK. Photographer in KK. 
6. Search for areas suitable or common for couples for photo shooting.
7. Understand more about travelling and also photo shooting. 
2. To spend quality time together.
3. To set a common goal with Jenny.
6. Family
1. Visit home in Mid October.
2. Spent more time with family
3. Call parents at least once a week
4. To discuss more about moving to somewhere else. So far we got Singapore, Australia and Canada.
7. Business
1. To study airbnb. Spend two hours a week
2. To search for Dell laptop at around $249 by end of October
3. To update website and promote website
4. To search for property in US from realty trac.com
8. Travel
1. Going to Bangkok 1st week of October 2014.
2. To prepare an itinerary for my Trip to US. list down all the goods and bad stuff happened during the trip, and create a system for travelling in the future. From packing, things to bring, places to go, sheets to have, apps to have before the trip, during and after the trip. I need a system to be organised accordingly. 
3. To be more creative
4. To travel to Philippines by 2016
5. To move away from my comfort zone.

US Trip 30/8/2014- 5/9/2014 Simplified

Day 1 (30/8/2014) Los Angeles

Arrived Los Angeles-

Took a bus to downtown and checked in to our Airbnb apartment

After checking in, took a shower,

We walked around the down town area and travel by bus to Hollywood Boulevard,

Took a 2 hours guided tour to Beverley Hills and Hollywood for about 30 dollar for two.

Had dinner in Woodfire restaurant BBQ at Hollywood Boulevard. 

Day 2 (31/8/2014) Grand Canyon

Woke up early in the morning and catch our tour bus from china town to our 3 days 2 night trip in Las Vegas and Grand Canyon.

We had lunch at in and out burger, a typical American burger chain store.

Upon arriving to hualaipai Ranch, we was checked into a cosy hut, and went to Grand Canyon, eagle point to take some photos.

After our photo shooting session, we then went back to the Ranch and have our dinner. It was yummy bbq ribs.

After our dinner, we all went back to our hut, and joined back the crowd for the camp fire

We saw a few shooting stars that night. 

Day 3 (Grand Canyon and Las Vegas)

We woke up at about 6am and watched the Sunrise

Helicopter trip

River cruise

Buffet Chinese

Las Vegas

                Bellagio

                Venetian

                Bally

Jubilee show

Night tour, Fremont street

Harrah’s, Mirage Volcano

Chipotle

Day 4 Las Vegas and Los Angeles

Macdonald’s Brekfast,

Pictu and selfie.

Slot machine

M & M Cactus garden

Outlet, in and out burge

Chow Mein, Mexican Rise

Walmart

Day 5 LA- San Francisco

LA- SFO,

Pick up car/Breakfast @ local table

Santa Monica Beach

Fish & Chip surf beach lunch

Santa Barbara

Los Olivos-Wine tasting, Mountain and Lake

Vineyard, Stole a grape and took pictures

Sanluis

San Jose Italian dinner, gas and is rough

Checked in SFO, bought Shampoo

  

Day 6 4/9/2014, SFO

Twin Peak, Park and Golden gate bridge

Macdonald Breakfast

Wholefood market

Golden gate bridge park

Lombert Street

Coit Tower

Mo’s Grill (Angus burger and Huge salad)

China Town

Pier 39

Fisherman’s wharf

Bay Bridge

Beverley Marina- Walked the pier.

Stanford University and had dinner at starbucks

Museum at Stanford university

Visited google campus and linked-in

Day 7 (5/9/2014, SFO)

Fly back to Singapore via SIA

Milestone as of 28/8/2014 and my Future plan with action list

Milestone:

1. Investment
1. Invested in stock, done research extensively on Technologies and some Commodities
2. Search and monitor properties in KK, Singapore and Philippines. 
3. Read more about Singapore rates- CPF, and down payment for properties.
4. Looked into rental properties in Karambunai pool vila- RM800k
2. Work/Project
1. Updated my CV, Linked in
2. Learnt how to work smart instead of just work hard. 
3. Ended Spitting Art project- Project takeaway, make sure we are engaged with the guy started it instead of just jumping into conclusion without any black and white.
4. Started to explore more about home based work. Travel agent, Data entry or Airbnb
5. Research into Automated income. Airbnb system?
3. Lifestyle
1. Moved in with Jenny. Could spent more time together and work together as a team.
2. Change my diet- Eat less carbohydrates, no more soda, half the portion during dinner. 
3. Plan for a trip to Kinabalu this coming 13/5/2014 with jenny. OS
4. Trip to Philippines this coming July 2014. Pending
5. No more food after 8pm
6. No canned drink
7. No fast food
8. Plan my finance for the coming years, from property, engagement ring, children expenses, family expenses. It would be a great challenge for me this year. OS
9. Set up a common goal with Miss J. This would be a priority this month. OS
4. Family
1. Started website for Summit Kinabalu, maintaining it
2. Spent more time with parents. 
3. Made a trip back to KK on 6/8/2014 and spent quality time with them.
5. Travel
1. Osaka and Kyoto in February 2014
2. Malacca in March 2014
3. Hong Kong in June 2014
4. Penang in July 2014
5. Kota Kinabalu and United states in August 2014

Future Plan/action plan

1. Wedding plan-
1. Start searching for the engagement ring, got contact from Angela, will contact him by end of September
2. Research into photo shoot session by end of September
3. Prepare a budget sheet for wedding by end of September
4. Jenny will be looking into the wedding cost in Hong Kong while I will look into the one in KK
5. To search for a photo shoot session in KK. Photographer in KK. 
6. Search for areas suitable or common for couples for photo shooting.
7. Understand more about travelling and also photo shooting. 
2. Buy a computer by end of October
1. To enable us do research faster and also work from home.
2. Dell laptop at around $249
3. Airbnb
1. Look into how the system work and if it could be applied to Sabah
2. To check on holiday properties in KK/Sabah. 
4. PR Application
1. Book a date with MOM for my PR application by End of September 2014
2. To settle my Singpass by end of September
5. Automated income
1. Brainstorm for more ideas
2. So far, property investment has been the best option. Will search into more internet based automated income.

Ting Ting in Singapore and Angela's wedding dress second fit weekend

Sunday Morning, we had some hoo ha at home with our "happy French housemate" . He took our bottle of liquor without asking us and used up all our oil. We reported to our landlord and let him settle it. Good to have a good landlord. 

After that, I make some breakfast of omelette with mozzarella cheese (with no oil) for ourselves which is our new love for breakfast recently. Simple and quick and healthy. 

After our breakfast, we started to spring clean our room, carpet while jenny is doing laundry for me. We also discussed about thinking to share a property in Jurong East. There were a few points which we would like to take note: 

1. Landlord and tenants should be separated
2. Too many variables for sharing a flat/condo with friends
3. Visitors
4. Sharing of the utilities bills, as one would never get to share fairly
5. Room divisions- we set the rate according to the market rates, if we live in the condo, we will have to pay market rate to the landlord, and if we are the landlord too, every month we could rebate back to our owner. This is to make it consistent and let people have a choice to live in or just to rent out.

 We found a few properties that is below 700K, which is one of the cheaper ones in Singapore. Although it is around Geylang city. We also found out a few critical questions to be answered. 

Our conclusion is that it would be too many variables to have 4 people sharing one flat. Unless we all don't live in. 

On top of that we also found a few questions which we need to look for. 

1. How many percentage of our CPF can be used to contribute to our mortgage in Singapore? 23 percent is the answer for those below 35 Years old
2. What is the interest rates in Singapore and what is the mortgage like

After all these discussion it is about time to catch Ting Ting in 136 Hong Kong Street fish head steam boat at North bridge road. We took a cab there due to our long discussion at home, which clearly makes us a bit late. Upon arrival, we met a few new friends, Theresia whom is Ting Ting's secondary friend and Yumeng whom is from Nottingham. The food is good, and I had good time with them. 

After our meal, we went a cafe nearby and sat down to continue our chat. 

After our drinks, we then move on to a nearby bridal shop, Isle Bridge at Tanjong pagar, Angela was there trying her white wedding dress with a few of her friends, suzie and also eva around. We learned a bit about planning for wedding and everything. I asked about the price of some of their packages and manage to get a bit of discount as Angela was their customer. The budget for taking pictures are around 2188 for about 30 pictures. So this figure will be inserted into my budget list soon for my wedding plan.

After that, we then went to Maxwell food center to have Tau Fu Far with Eva and also Angela. From there, we started to talk more about wedding, dealing with friends and relatives. On top of that, we also discussed about managing a wedding. It was good to have Eva which is a mother of one and also Angela who is in the progress now to learn from. It was rather an eye opening session. 

Conclusion for our second round are

•  My parents want me to own a property in Malaysia first before I get married. I guess it is part of their requirement for it. I guess from today onward, I will be starting to look for property in KK now. 
• Jenny wanted to have two photo shooting session
• There will be one ceremony in Hong Kong and also another one in Sabah
• Their friends are excited to go Sabah for a wedding ceremony. 
• There is one contact from Angela to buy diamond ring- To approach him after our US trip. 

10 tips for buy-to-let success

1 You are in the business to make money, not to help people

Property is an investment and a commodity. Don't get emotionally involved with your tenants. "You may have to reject them if they don't have the deposit or a guarantor. Don't let your heart rule your mind," says Fergus. Decide whether you are a professional landlord looking to earn income from your rent, or – as most people are, including the Wilsons – a property investor expecting the rent to cover the outgoings while the house rises in value.

2 Buy two or three-bedroom houses – and never flats

Except if you're in London, where flats will be in greater demand than in suburban areas. "One-bedroom starter homes are no good as people want to move on within six months," Fergus says. There is also limited demand for four-bedroom houses. "Why would anyone pay £1,300 a month in rent when they could get a mortgage for less?" he asks. "Rock-bottom rates have shifted the balance, but generally it should be cheaper to rent than buy."

3 Buy new or nearly new

Avoid the cost and time spent doing DIY. "You don't want the hassle of having to fit a new bathroom and kitchen. Most people with about £200,000 to spend are older and not the DIY type," Fergus says. New-build properties have the added benefit of a NHBC warranty, boiler guarantees, double glazing and tend to attract more professional tenants.

4 Choose your tenants carefully

"I had no trouble [with tenants] for 19 years, then four people inviting me to a punch-up in a year – luckily I'm a big man," says Fergus, a former rugby prop-forward. "You'll see all sorts if you do it as long as we have, but generally it's a bed of roses."

Do checks to ensure they are creditworthy and have a guarantor who is a home-owner. And the best tenants? "Middle age couples who have recently got together from previous relationships," Fergus says. "They won't be moving for promotion so are likely to stay a long time."

5 Leverage your money

If you have £200,000 to invest, don't buy one £200,000 property, buy two and put £100,000 down on each house, says Fergus. He then recommends getting a 50 per cent interest-only mortgage on each. "If you can find interest rates under five per cent, the rent will cover your outgoings," he says.

6 Magnolia wins every time

"Don't impose your tastes on others by painting your house lots of colours. Stick to bread and butter houses. A two-bedroom mid-terrace house painted in magnolia and white is what most people want to rent," Fergus says.

7 Avoid ex-council houses or bungalows

"In ex-council houses, rents will be lower as you will only get as much as the rents office will pay. Ask yourself: 'Who will want to buy it?' " Fergus says. "[With bungalows] you can pay 65 per cent more and receive only 15 per cent more rent than you would for a two or three-bedroom house on the same size plot."

8 Buy close to home

All of the Wilsons' properties are within 30 miles of their home, mainly concentrated on new-build estates in Maidstone, Ashford and Hawkinge. "Go for an area such as the M20 corridor, where there is rental demand and rising prices. The prices of our houses returned to July 2008 levels by July 2009 and have risen since," Fergus says. Don't, on the other hand, buy in an area with a big retirement community. "You don't want economically inactive tenants."

9 No smokers or mechanics – but dog owners welcome

These are personal preferences of the Wilsons, "but generally dog and cat owners tend to keep the house in better condition as they are always hoovering up the hair," Fergus says.

10 Enjoy the experience of being a landlord

Ah yes, enjoyment, easily forgotten for those who have spent the past year watching property values fall and then rents plummet when too much unsold stock came on the rental market. "If people find themselves in trouble, it's because they didn't use their common sense. Otherwise, it's like real life Monopoly. What could be better than watching the money roll in?" Fergus says. You get the feeling he'll know just what that windfall feels like soon enough.

By Zoe Dare Hall

End of August

So I copied what I have written down in my previous post just to tick off some of the goals I have done for July and also August.

Below are all the outstanding ones from July and some of the new goals to achieve by end of August

1) to update my cv
2) to update linked in3) to get my holiday sorted
4) Book a pr application date
5) target 60k investment fund by end if 2014
6) research auctioned property in Sabah
7) US visa
8) CPF Research
9) Singapore driving license
10) Insurance plan
11) Check if CPF can pay for housing mortgage
12) Check singapore loan and also malaysia loan
13) Check foreigner stamp duty

As for item 5. it will be very challenging. I have got 3 more months to go. 

Back to Kota Kinabalu 8/8/2014-10/8/2014

It was a short and random trip back home. It cost me SGD 400 just to travel back to Kota Kinabalu. Although it was short but it was rather meaningful. It has been more than a year since I am back to my home town. There are so many familiar faces and places. I also had a good chance to try those lovely seafood immediately I touched down Kota Kinabalu. 

Somehow, the air there is slight different, a lot lighter. Life is so much more relaxing. I guess the pace in Kota Kinabalu is nowhere near Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. It is a place with resources.e.g. cheap labour, materials and also properties. 

My trip back this round is mainly to catch up with my family. Haven't met them for ages already, I guess it is time to really have a good round of bonding session with them before I do another trip to other places. 

Having spent 2 days and 2 nights with them, I returned to Singapore on the Sunday. I felt it was a bit short but sweet. Just nice to cover some of the important conversation with my family. 

Looking forward for another round back to home again in October. 

Coffee with Kenny

It always been a pleasure to be able to catch up with Kenny over a coffee, we somehow managed to share our views and opinions.

I guess our similarity is that we are both dating someone from Hong Kong. So it somehow makes us have the same perspective in every thing. We had burger king together at the newly renovated burger king in Velocity in Novena. I ordered a tender grilled chicken and a few chicken wings for share. I have been craving for fast food recently. We both sat down in one of the corners of Burger King and started our conversation away.

If I remember correctly, we started off with how to negotiate more in life. We both agreed that it is one of the key skills which is necessary for us to have a better forms in life. Perhaps, we both do treasure this skill as much. Kenny then gave me a few real life experience he encountered in negotiation skills. It seems that he would want to negotiate for almost everything. Perhaps, this is why Angela would fall for him. On the other hand, he also mentioned that as a businessman, he cannot afford to let his money not work hard enough for him. Therefore, whenever there is a transactions involved, Kenny would be rather cautious about it. He is someone who had done all sorts of calculations for almost everything.

He prefer to work for himself instead of working for others. That is why is interesting about him. I guess there are still a lot to learn from him to be a true entrepreneur.

Looking forward to meet him again.

Before end of July 2014

So this is the start of miss j holiday, she will be in home for the first two weeks preparing for her trips in the coming months. She will be going Australia, Bali, America and Hong Kong.

On my side, I will be starting my project in Tuas south which is really far from civilization,

What I need to settle by the end of this months are

1) to update my cv
2) to update linked in
3) to get my holiday sorted
4) Book a pr application date
5) target 60k investment fund by end if 2014
6) research auctioned property in Sabah
7) US visa
8) CPF Research
9) Singapore driving license


Also to note, I have been attending a few property seminars recently and found a few deals in Singapore. For Australia three is the this order to build in Melbourne area called point cook. The down payment cost about 125k and will generate about 3k a year net.

As for the american property is about 40k usd and get about 700 return a month. That is buying distress property and renovate it and rent it out,

These will be useful when money is available.

Why I need money

1) To feel secure.

2) To travel around, to see more things and experience more.
3) To have more time on my own.
4) To add value to other people's life.

Sunday thoughts

It was a Sunday, a late night after my football till 2 am in the morning. Argentina won Belgium 1-0 .

Woke up at about 7am, prepared breakfast and did my laundry. Went to Zumba.

Had lunch with miss J and we discussed about buying properties in Malaysia and also in Singapore and also to check on the facts of owning properties.

After our lunch, we went to alive museum from Korea in sun tech tower 3. It was very interactive and fun. Catch up with a few friends and we had dinner together at crystal jade.

We mentioned about asking for stuff and making things happen. Although resources had been around us but asking for it is one crucial step for us to success. It was true and I need to learn it.

On top of that, we also discuss about choosing a route which could help us see further instead of just running without knowing direction of how our life would be.

There are a few things and actions which we had already identified already and is ready.

Another fruitfulness weekend indeed 

Love J

Property cooling measures

7 percent ABSD on Singaporean buying second property

5 percent levy on PR buying first property

15 percent ABSD for all purchases by foreigners

Total debt servicing ratio to be 60 percent of gross monthly income.

A systemic downward spiral is unlikely, unless a large number of buyers cannot afford to repay their mortgages when rental values plummet.

By Cheryl Ong

Projected Net worth

I found this interesting calculator from Yahoo and would like to stick it on my blog. It is a projected net worth calculator. Link Below

https://finance.yahoo.com/calculator/retirement/bud08/

We just need to key in some estimates and project our net worth for the coming years.

In my previous post, I have listed down a few items for my self to calculate out by end of this month. One of them is to show my current net worth and also my projected net worth in coming years. Preferably in 5 years time.

I guess the most crucial ones are my as below

1. Property-
2. Stocks-Amount allocated in the stock market
3. My liabilities- Mortgage
4. Residue income- Income less expenses

Property investment

1.Prepare a worksheet. Showing current net worth and projected income in the future. 

2. Calculate cash flow and also projected cash flow

3. What is my current residue income.

4. balance sheet & profit and loss.

5. Read books about personal financial planning- retirement

6. Read about interest only loan.

7. Understand capital growth and rental yield.

8. How to identify a good property

9. How property investment would affect my cash flow. 

Hong Kong for a weekend 6/6-8/6

Took an afternoon airplane from changi to Hong Kong.
Reached there about 7++. Sony picked me up with her cool orange colour A3 and drove Miss J and I to Avis's place,

I forgot to bought wines today to bring it to Avis's place.

She lives with her husband in a lovely place near City gate, a place famous for its shopping.

We had chicken, bread, mushroom soup and dessert. I also had a chance to meet Murphy and Molly. It was a memorable dinner and indeed very welcoming. Thanks Avis for this wonderful dinner.

After our meal, Sony sent us back to Kimberley Hotel. I must say with both their hospitality, I felt very welcome to Hong Kong. It was rather a different experience back then.

On my day 2, woke up, went for a meal in the nearest restaurant with Miss J. We ordered the typical Hong Kong breakfast. pasta, polo bun. We then went to visit Miss J's Grandma. POPO. She gave me ang pau and also treated me a warm soup. I was rather delighted.

After our visit to grandma's place, we took ferry to IFC. Had some small meal, look around and had an expensive high tea.

After our high tea, we then walk around to have a good meal near central, the name of the restaurant is called golden bird. It was a cosy restaurant nicely decorated.

On my third day, which is a Sunday, we are meeting Miss J parents for a meal. We had dim sum, visited her grandma and then shop around Hong Kong. We then took a train back to Airport, bought some souvenirs and prepare to take our late night plane back to Singapore

Reach Singapore around 1am and went to bed straight.

This trip is like a dream.

Financial goals

I have achieve some in my 2013 short term goals, although it was a strong bull in 2013, and average index grew by about 30 %.

Now is already June 2015, and I am 28 while I am writing this blog, just days before my 29th birthday. 

I am writing this post in a rented room, with a huge calculator next to me, my scrap book on my left, and a book on my right. I am wearing my favourite pyjamas, preparing to sleep. Before I do sleep, I would like to list down my financial goals for the coming 15 years. Although it sounded like a saving plan, I guess I just need to start from somewhere.

So there it goes. 

• $1000/ monthly savings from age 29-33
• With  1000 monthly savings for 5 years, 2% compounded annually. I will get $107k by end of 33 years old
• $1300/monthly savings from age 33-38
• With 1300 monthly saving for 5 years, 2 % compounded annually, I will get $200k by end of 38 years old
• $1700 /monthly savings from age 39-42
• With 1700 monthly saving for 5 years, 2 % compounded annually, I will get $327k by end of 42 years old

Restful sunday

It was a drizzling Sunday, woke up about 9am, had some home made breakfast and went to Zumba at California Fitness. Which would be my first session with Miss J, had loads of fun. At least, able to dance around with a room full of energetic people.

After our gym session, we went to have dim sum at Kopitiam, and went back home to take a nap.

I did some laundry, clean my room and sharpen my mind with some Anthony Robbins videos and  TED talks.

It is now Mid May already, seems like a long month to go. This is due to project has come to a peak period, and most of my time had been spent at work.

Rest is for us to take a longer journey.

Matters for May

There are a few things I need to get it done in May.

• Do a quick research into SMRT stock. Current Price 1.28
• Do a quick research into Breadtalk SP. Current Price 1.45
• Build my own methodology for analysing stock and put into writing So that I could analyse stock more consistently and also efficiently. 
• Build a spreadsheet for properties or do any research into software about properties apps. So that I can start monitoring properties in Kota Kinabalu, Mekati City and also Singapore. Compare their Revenues. 
• Follow up with the website for Summit with my younger brother. 
• Keep in touch with Family. Will give them a call more often, and talk more with them for at least twice a week. 
• Arrange a gathering with the money grows on tree group in mid June 15/6
• Eat less carbohydrate for dinner, no more economical rice. Work out more for May. 
• Research into Migrating to New Zealand. 

Exhausting Sunday

Woke up at 8, went for a quick dimsum at Kopitiam and then went to Gym for about one and a half hours with Jenny. After gym, I then went to see Charles at Bugis for a quick lunch and also a cup of coffee. We discussed about family matters, pros and cons of living in Singapore and also Malaysia and some of the critical decisions in life to be made.

After that, I took a long journey to Ikea at Tampines, queue up for their meatballs, met up with Jenny to buy some of the stuff for our home. reached home at 1030 and knock out at 11.

It was rather an exhausting Sunday.

Catching up with Serene, Jonathan, Kenny, Doreen and Angela

It was the first week of Sunday, I bought a bouquet of flower with an online shop for my mother in Kota Kinabalu. The flower would be delivered to the office in KK on this coming Thursday. After buying it, I then went out to Dhoby Ghaut to meet up with Jonathan and Serene.

We had a wonderful catchup talked about life, critical decisions, relationships and money making methods.

I still remember we had our meal at Nam nam and moved to coffee bean for dessert. Serene bought us a piece of cake which three of us shared.

The best moments were often spent over a cup of coffee. It was rather a quality bonding session.

After that, I then went back home, dressed up and went back to promenade to meet up with Kenny, boyfriend of Angela, whom is about 40 something. He taught me about properties, shares and also the hotel business. We also discussed about good food in Singapore. I rather enjoy the 1 and half hours one on one with Kenny. Learned many life experience from him. We should have more time of these in order for us to learn more in life. That is for sure.

After our afternoon tea, we then join Doreen, Chinese from Tahiti, works in Arup and also Angela, Jenny's friend. for Pizza at Suntec City. It was rather a short and sweet catching up session. We had a lot of laughters and joy over our dinner.

Kenny sent us home after the meal, grateful. :)

Love it.

21KM Run for tomorrow 350

After my long awaiting 21km run, it was here yesterday.

I woke up at 4am, prepared and took a cab heading to FI pit building. The starting point of the 21km run. Despite sleeping at 12 midnight and woke up at 4am. I don't feel tired. Probably I am rather too excited. This would be my first 21 km run.

upon reaching F1 pit building, I could see a lot of people there preparing themselves for the run. It was rather crowded. After waited for a while, the moment before we are about to start running, There goes an announcement by the organiser saying that there is a category one rain and lightning at Nicole Highway, and is heading towards us.  I found a place for myself at a tent and waited there with all my gears on. Waiting for the next announcement with is due at 15 minutes time. Although I feel agitated, however, looking at the heavy rain out side. I somehow felt good that the organiser didn't let us run. If we would have started to run, I would have become all wet. just a few minutes after the run started.

We all waited for another 15 minutes and the next announcement was that the organiser decided to call off the 21km run. However, the organiser will distribute all the entitlement to us. I immediately texted Chai Ann that the organiser had decided to cancel the 21km run due to weather conditions, they even sent us a text.

Chai ann reached about 630 and I joined her and her colleagues for the 10km run instead. Since I have already travelled so far, might as well just run for fun with them. there was this surprise guest this time, Sinyee is joining us too, she brought us some bananas too.

After a quick chat, the race started at 7am. I ran for about one and a half hours. While fast walked with Chai ann at the beginning of the race. I guess, the cancellation of my 21km made this 10km run more like a social run now. After completed the 10km run, we then took some pictures with our medals and also my finisher Tshirt. We then went to Macdonalds in Raffles city for Breakfast with Chai ann's friends.

They got William, Nana, Bonnie, Sin Yee, Chai ann, carlo and some new friends joining us for breakfast.

After our breakfast, I then went back novena to wait for Miss J at the Gym as she was attending the Zumba Class. It looks rather fun. While I was waiting for her, I surfed the net, lift some weight and etc. I guess in between, I was rather amused to just look into the classroom. They were all very motivated and really enjoying themselves while doing zumba. I would probably consider to join them one day.

After our gym session, we then went back home and had some light bites. I had shower and a short nap.

We then walked to the flower supplier at thomson road, bought some flowers home and Jenny started to cut some.

While Jenny was cutting flowers, I was preparing ourselves mushroom spaghetti,

Did laundry, read some news, drink a few cups of tea and then went to bed.

It was rather another relaxing Sunday, despite my work is at my peak. This would be my ideal Sunday.

Happy man!

Easter weekend 2014 in Malacca

Early Friday, we packed our luggage and headed to key point, a place where our bus to Malacca departs, we took a taxi around 8 o clock and reach Keypoint around 830. We then had typical Singapore breakfast there, Kaya toast, eggs and tea. Which I have been having and is partly one of the reason of my weight gaining recently. After our  breakfast, we set off from Keypoint around 930. Upon departure only I knew we reached keypoint an hour earlier. I should check the departure time next time as Miss J always want extra time before departure. 

After a long journey on bus, we reached Malacca around 5pm, we had a quick meal at Macdonalds and head to Hatten Hotel via taxi. The taxi ride cost us about RM20.00. After reaching Hatten hotel, we were being ushered to a premium lounge. At that point of time, I am in a puzzled state, didn't know what I have signed up. We got light refreshment while we checked in. It wasn't great but at least I feel pampered. 

After checking in, we start our journey to Jonker Street, a Chinese night market, where stalls stretches for Kilometres. It was a pleasant night. We had peranakan at Eleven Cafe, and some beer before we call it a night. 

Day Two, we woke up around 9++ and went to the sky lounge for breakfast, the buffet was rather localised. We got nasi lemak, dim sum and some english breakfast. It was awkward, or I would put it a waste of calories intake in Malacca, as there are so many beautiful delicacy which we could try later on. Without any hesitant, we then proceed with a day Tour in Malacca, we started off with the river cruise to understand more about the culture. We then had a coffee by the river, which was rather relaxing. 

We also went to a chicken rice shop for lunch, the drumstick was good but rather expensive. We then found out the place was a rip off for tourist. 

After that, we went to one of the antiques shops in jonker street, we were shown a few pieces of porcelain from at least 100 hundreds years ago. We learned abit more about the history of Malacca and how porcelain would end up in Malacca. We then got ourselves tickets to one of the Museums in Jonker street, we learned more about Baba Nyonya. It seems that the information I was given when I was young was rather misleading. It would be best to learn it ourselves. 

After that, due to the hot weather, we decided to go Geographer Cafe for a quick Sip, I had lime Juice, while Miss J had Espirit Passion. She also mentioned that "I likes my drinks and my boyfriend", I was rather happy to hear that. 

After a short learning session at the museum, we then walked towards Jonker street 88, where is famous for its Kahwin Laksa and also Ice Cendols, it was around 4pm and the queue was shorter. In fact, there wasn't any queue at all. We managed to just walked in, grab ourselves a good sit, and laksa almost instantaneous. Miss J liked the Laksa, while I enjoyed the Chendols. I am glad to see Miss J enjoying herself in one of the small town in Malaysia. Somehow, I could imagine one day we could just spend days here. 

After briefly filled ourselves with Laksa at Jonker street 88, we then moved to Nancy, which reopens at 430pm. When we reached around 425pm, it has a long queue already. We were lucky to be able to go in at the first round. We ordered Duck, Pork and also top hat. It was awesome. Definitely worth going back the second round, Bernard did recommend this place to me. 

After Nancy's Kitchen, we then stroll around Jonker street and head back to Parkson for a quick shopping. We went to Mahkota parade and did our shopping for our new place. Things are relatively cheaper in Melaka. No wonder Singaporean like to come Malaysia. 

After that, we then went back to Hotel, showered, made ourselves some tea, read some books and discuss about plans for the future. It was rather like a heart to heart talk, and also some review of our own character for the past and how to do it better in the future. I am glad that we started of something together and got a common objective now. 

After cups of tea, long chat and a few chapters, I then call it a night. 

Day 3: This will be our last day in Malacca, woke up around 8 o clock and packed our stuff, we then went for the unworthy breakfast as it is free just to fill up our stomach. After our breakfast, we then went back to our room and prepare for our journey back to Singapore. Upon checking out, we then go to the nearest shopping mall to do our final purchase. E.g. Chewing gums, body lotion etc. 

We hopped on our bus around 230pm and reached Singapore Lavender Station around 730pm. 

It was a pleasant trip and looking forward to another one soon. 

Throwback

My mum mentioned about coming to Singapore in May for a quick trip to see his beloved son. I was so excited and immediately offered all the expenses covered so that I could spend more time with her.

As usual, over the phone we discussed about family matters, her work, her life and how she spent her free time. We also mentioned about future plans and how we should start planning already. It seems that she has a lot to do nowadays. She also mentioned about her health too. I guess she should take a good break befo

It is rather enjoyable to catch up with parents once in awhile. Some how, they understand my situation, listen to my brag and give me advice. I Learn new things, new gossip of the week, things that are happening in Kota Kinabalu. Speaking over the phone with her, had let me envisage images from KK over my head. Although I am still at work and it was pitch dark and while the conversation with my mum took place. I do feel that I was back in KK for a little while, contemplating things I can do, and things I can't do there, how my life would be. 

Although it wasn't solid, I am sure it would definitely be a slower pace. I would have more time doing things I like and want in life. I might not earn more, achieve more, learn more than what I did in Singapore, but I would definitely be happier, at least parents are around me.

Social Sunday 13/4/2014

I started my Sunday before 8, probably that is the time I normally get up for work. For this Sunday, it was a day which I host a gathering for some of our secondary school mates in East ocean. 

Before heading for our brunch at Ngee Ann city Tower A, East ocean, I took a cab to Lucky Plaza. There are a lot of domestic helpers from Philippines remitting money back to their country. Putting myself in a queue with over 99 % of them are female domestic helpers, I feel overwhelmed and somehow blend in. 

After settling some issue there, I then walked towards Ngee Ann city which is opposite lucky plaza. We were running late, it was about 1126 when were still opposite Ngee Ann. However, despite arriving there on time. I somehow is the first one to reach the restaurant, I then quickly register myself with the lady at the counter and started calling my friends. 

For this occasion, instead of just 12, we got more people than what I have booked for. We got Teo, Joann, Foh, Joy, Aik Pin, Kally, Lun, Read, How Wei Yang, Joseph, Karen, Shannon, Zoey, Jenny and I. A total of about 15 of us. There is some minor communication breakdown at the beginning but things are sorted very quickly and we are much more settled within minutes. 

After our meal, we went to walk around Ngee Ann, get a birthday present for Noah and a dozen of Crispy Kreme. I always feel excited to buy fatty food in bulk. They just make me feel awesome. 

After getting both, we then went to east coat park, pit 33 near carpark D2. The weather was good, windy and not sunny at all. When I was approaching the pit, I saw balloons tied on the tables and kids wandering around the tables and food on the tables. Said hello to Damien and Doreen, father of Noah and passed them the food and also present to Noah. We then meet a few more new friends and chat around. We ended our party around 630. and we then decided to have a meal with Angela's Parents and Suzie's Family in Imperial treasure at Great world City. 

Despite feeling exhausted at the end of the day, I am feeling happy to be able to meet up with new friends and catch up with some good old friends. 

How I survived my day with just a one way trip to work

It started of when I was approaching my gym place without the membership card, I smiled with the lady at the desk, said hello with confident and walked pass the counter. I feel good, I then tried to try my luck with the towel collection. Although I didn't manage to get the towel smoothly, I then have to talk to the lady behind the desk that there is no towel card at the counter. After a short while, she then passed me the towel.

After my gym session, I then took out my MRT card and tapped on it, I notice that my card had about 3.30 cents. The trip cost me about SGD 1.44. So my cash card left about SGD 2

 It wasn't a comfortable feeling for not having any money or cash card with me. But I guess these will be the feeling I will be going through when there will be a recession and that is the whole exercise is about. Learning how to be lean.

I have got all my breakfast and lunch included at work. So no money spent at work.

At the end of the day, in aljunied MRT station, I walked to the counter and told the lady that I have lost my wallet, she asked me my name and let me pass.

By the time I reached home, I got a wonderful banana rolls waiting for me as my dinner.


End of Day.


Total spending for the day, SGD 1.44

Thoughts worth taken

After having a good chat with Victor last night, I looked back at my goal for last year, I have concluded that there are a few things which I would like to pursue for the rest of life. The good things about making goals and achieving them are we could also identify things we like and things we don't after we took actions towards our goals. I always emphasize this to people around us. Without dreams and actions, we are just as good as salted fish. 

Why I need to list them down, this is to constantly remind me of things I have done and what I would like to achieve in the next 5-10 years. I understand there might be quite a few of goals or mini goals in my blog, I believe we are constantly growing and changing in taste. I have achieved some and I have also dropped some. Somehow, some goals are easy to achieve and some are just not worth doing it, and some are not worth maintaining it. E.g. Having a glass window facing upwards from my bedroom is not my goal any more. This is due to the constant noise from the rain after experiencing it myself. 

My To do lists are ever changing and goals too. 

So my first questions to my self for this Saturday is to talk about things I enjoy doing:

1. Badminton with good friends. 
2. Invest in stock market
3. Invest in rental properties
4. Invest in simple business
5. Invest time with good friends
6. Invest time in good books
7. Invest time with good mentor. 

End of march- Review

It wasn't long after I started to have a plan for small goal for March, now I  would like to review things that I have done for the past one month. It was really an interesting one, and the more I monitor my progress, the more things I found I am lacking. Perhaps, the thinking process and critical thinking are both lacking in me. Before I start reviewing this month, I would like to list down things I had written down last month.

1. Got my April holiday up to Melaka 
2. Understand more about affiliate marketing. I started up a website for my dad. Here is the website which is still under construction, but do feel free to wonder round http://summitkinabalu.com/
3. Re-read 4 hours work week. 
4. Know more about properties in Mekati, attended property guru road show in orchard hotel, and managed to speak to a pinoy who also bought an unit in Greenfield twin oak place, a future ready home near mekati. I also managed to met 
5. Moved to a new place in chancery lane. 

I guess, before the start of April, I would also like to list down things I would like to do for the coming Month. 

1. Catch up with Cedric this coming Friday 4/4/2014
2. Gathering with Nottingham mates on 5/4/2014
3. To date Jenny in Amara hotel on the 6/4/2014
4. Going to Doreen's son for his first birthday 13/4/2014
5. Dimsum with secondary mates on 13/4/2014
6. Going to Melaka this coming 18/4/2014
7. Will be doing a 21 km run on 27/4/2014

What are the small goals which I would like to achieve this coming April 2014. 

1. Change my diet- Eat less carbohydrates, no more soda, half the portion during dinner. 
2. Put at least 1k a  month
3. Plan for a trip to Kinabalu this coming 13/5/2014 with jenny 
4. Trip to Philippines this coming July 2014
5. No more food after 8pm
6. No canned drink
7. No fast food
8. Plan my finance for the coming years, from property, engagement ring, children expenses, family expenses. It would be a great challenge for me this year.
9. Set up a common goal with Miss J. This would be a priority this month. 

Key word for 2014-Automated Income

Automated income is the key word for 2014.

I re read book by Tim Ferris, the 4 hour work week, it was fascinating. In fact, I guess to some extent, this the methodology he did it is somehow duplicable.

Implementation is key.
How could I execute it perfectly over the course of my life would involved every single actions I take today. The motive is not about earning hell loads of money, but to create a simple source of automated income. This could somehow free up my time and allows me to do things I enjoy the most.

I will need to define things that are most crucial to me, and spend most of my resources on it, generating passive income is the one. What are my plans and also actions for 2014 would be crucial for my future.

So I have got my share position in placed, all I need to do now is to go into property, and prepare a simple online business. This would be a strategy of mine to achieve automated source of income by the age of 35. So cutting all this crap, let's see some of the actions that are on going.

• Started website for Summit kinabalu
• Liaise with Gary mason for Spitting image art
• Invested in stock market and options
• Properties hunting
• Start monitoring simple businesses in KK

I will break down all of these actions into smaller ones when I have got time and will explain every single journey I took for automated income. 

Chicken and Egg

So Saturday has been half day training with the company about our operation team.

Some of the actions I have done for the past few days.

I have created a website for dad's shop, a linkedIn account etc, and relisted item on ebay.

Apart from that, I have shifted my gym routine to more weight lifting instead of just running, on top of that, I start to swim at least 3 times a week, which was suppose to be every night due to the hazy conditions recently.

On top of that, I have proof read Miss J"s CV and cover letter as well..


I also sent a letter to my dad's project coordinator to get more resources about our companies latest policy and drafted on excel what information are crucial for the website together with miss J.

This will be an interesting journey. :)

I am trying to break the chicken and egg cycle, for some occasion, it is crucial for us to jump into it and take action first.

Action of the day

I signed up with hostgator.

One small step for me into internet business, glad that I have made it after struggling with starting the first step.

So what is next,

Download wordpress and start getting some free theme.


 I am so excited. :)

Leveraging

Yesterday I had a quick chat with friends about CEO in corporate world nowadays.

They use their limited time, knowledge, experience and network, to leverage on other people's time, knowledge, experience and network. PERIOD.

Simple as that.

Moving in together by end of March 2014

So, miss J and I have finally found a place to move in, it is a small room at Novena neighbourhood.
 It is one of the cheaper ones we could find which fits into both our budget.

House hunting wasn't easy for us, I guess Miss went through at least 15 units already before we managed to find a suitable ones.

There are a lot of variables to consider when a couple decided to move in to a place together. I guess so far, it wasn't a pleasant experience for me. However, on the bright side, these would be the leanest manner to see if she would be the right one. As we would spend more time together in the future and learn a lot more things about ourselves as a couple.

By the end of March, we will be living together as a couple, seeing each other every single day and survive in this concrete jungle.

As an engineer, I always like to list down things to consider when we co-habit.

• My relationship is going to change- This is inevitable, I will be seeing her more often and things are not as exciting as before
• Sex life will change- That is definitely for sure. No question ask
• House chore - This is probably one of the issue that we need to discuss before moving in together as a couple
• Finance- A lot of things are tied down together as a couple already. We need to have a shared fund. How do we share or split our expenses.
• Is our lifestyle compatible? 
• How do we deal with our conflicts?
• Do we still have our personal life?

I always take this as a life changing event, this action would alter the entire course of my life. It could probably be the largest decision I have made this year. 

1st week of March

It is amazing how quickly time flies, just like that I have passed another week, so a quick recap on things I have done last week.

I went to Suzie's place for pictionary and awesome dinner. We had baked fired rice, charsiew, popcorn and some serious fun. Hanging out with them at home is just awesome. Our next meeting shall be on 13/4/2014.

I went to swimming for at least 20 laps a session on a 20m pool on a daily basis. I have also booked my holiday which is to Melaka for our good Friday, I also understand more about affiliate marketing.

On top of that, we found a place to stay in Novena, it is a landed property and is a room for two. I am looking forward to move in. The landlord, Roger Lim, owns a few landed properties in Singapore. It was a good chat with him on that night, and it is awesome to have someone who has become a millionaire through properties. He drove the smallest car, and dress the simplest shirt ever. One of his properties could fetch SGD 25k rental per month, as he is a humble person. I feel honoured to be able to live in one of his properties and learn a little bit more about him.

As on Sunday, when I have got a strong fever and also diarrhoea, Miss J took care of me, she brought me to my favourite place, Kopitiam for dimsum and take care of my body temperature. I feel blessed to have someone take care of me when I am weak. However, time shall not be waste, and while I am on my cooling pad on my forehead, I was doing research on properties in Mekati city with Mau on Sunday, and met another property agent called Brendon Er on Monday immediately after Mau explained to me that this might be a good investment potential.

As for this coming week, I can foresee it will be another awesome ahead, I am joining a bunch of good friends for a night yachting on 14/3/2014. I am looking forward towards it now. That would be the highlight of my weekend. On top of that, I have got another internet marketing talk to attend on this coming Wednesday and another investment seminar to attend on Thursday.


Last but not least, I will be going to a property road show in MBS convention ballroom on saturday and a beautiful lunch with Miss J on Sunday.

Looking forward towards it now.

Mini goals or to do list for March 2014

I would like to list down a few things for March 2014.

Basically just one week after a start of March, things I have done, invested in companies and left it untouched. I am sleeping well market has got a lot of noise. That is the most difficult part.

I contacted with Affordable art fair and also liaise with them regarding setting up a booth for Gary. 

I attended a few seminars including, affiliate marketing, meet the masters: Thomas Andrew president of Ogilvy and also lean startup circle. I even joined as a member too.

I also revived my ebay account , and would be sourcing for more things to sell. Looking excited on this part. 

So what is next?

By end of this month, things I would want to achieve would be: 

1. Lose 3 kilos of fat- By cutting down on my meal and gym more often. I need to prepare for my 21km run in April. Swim 30 minutes a day until 22/3/2014 and gym at least 45 minutes a day from Monday to Friday, and 2 hours training session with Miss J at the end of the week at gym. Spinning and body combat class. 
2. Prepare my holiday in April- Probably to go back KK with Miss J. 
3. Go for a night yatch with good friends- This is probably for a friend's (Miss S) party around 14/3/2014
4. I am thinking to be able to understand more about affiliate marketing, whether if is still the mainstream or has been outdated. I would need to spend at least 2 hours on reading topics related to it every week. 
5. Think about what to do for april while swimming at night
6. Read annual report 2012 for Ping An by End of this March
7. Re read 4 hours work week by end of this month and take action. 
8. Know more about properties in Philippines,
9. Study more about Makati city over the weekends. Spend at least 2 hours on it. 
10. Apply for Singapore PR, this is important by next week. Spend two hours in the morning of both first two weeks of March for this. 
11. Attend a property seminar by end of this Month. 

Failures

A brief summary of my failures in life. There are all very very precious to me. 

• 2003-2004:I failed to pass my A-level exam, I retake A-level when I was 18, it took me additional half year for it.
• 2010: I failed to be the champion playing for mix double in Malaysia Nottingham games while I am in Nottingham. It was the closest I could get to my tournament life. It was devastating. 
• 2010: I couldn't get a job after I graduated from University of Nottingham. 
• 2011: I went into depression, a year which I couldn't cope after hunting for job in London. I lost 15 kilos in total. I was working more than 60 hours a week. 
• 2013: I failed at my closest social entrepreneurship Startup with a bunch of good friends. Pet Rangers

• 2014: I wonder what would it be. 

Compromised

After my trip from Japan, I found myself have been compromised on a few occasions, I shall describe briefly below, these are things which I would like to record it down for future references. 

I lost 10 days of membership, I renewed my membership for another year, and the guy who signed me up cancelled my previous membership and restarted a new one for me. Making me to lose around 10 days of membership for the transition. 

Just because I was soft, I let him to do so, and bear the consequences myself. although this had e little cost implications on me, but being short changed is not one would fancy. 

Moreover miss J whom was beside me, was trying hard to fight for the 10 days membership for me while I gave it away.After the incident, I am curious if I am really too soft standing on my own ground. 

I lost a good deal for renting a place because I gave people time to consider about renting to a couple. I should have offered options to her and kill the deal immediately. That was a deal of a life time. I would probably have to pay double the amount of rent for not able to secure the house for another 12 months. 

I lost my holiday for good Friday, as I did not booked my holiday immediately after my boss gave me a green light for the holiday. I was trying to be nice to let my boss have time to consider whether it is ok for me to go for holiday. I found people would put themselves first in front of everything. Set the rules myself and stick to it firmly. 

What I have learned from all these is that when we ourselves compromise our own standards, people compromise my requirements, time, standards and also my own life.

Trip to Osaka & Kyoto with Miss J

It was a short trip immediately after Chinese new year, this trip is to synchronise our thoughts and experience and get to know more about each other. Especially when it comes to making decisions, encounter problems, budgeting, planning and having fun together.

I must say, it is a very important trip for myself to know more about myself, and also my partner.

In the trip, I learned more about how to deal with crisis, our strengths and also our weaknesses.

We also discussed about ideas, business plan, action plans for our future. It was indeed a fruitful trip for me.

On top of that, I also managed to experience a very different lifestyle of Japanese and was very impressed with how their culture is. It was mind-blowing. Their mindsets are definitely a few decades ahead of me and it is a pleasure to be able to experience all these with miss J together. We are able to synchronise our thoughts together.

On our plane back to Singapore, we were stuck in our transit and also miss our flights, despite feeling fatigue after 5 hours flight from Kansai to Kuala Lumpur, we still have to run around in the airport, to get a boarding pass and also to board on the plane which is at the other end of the airport. We were definitely the last few passengers to board the Air plane.

We have also eaten quite a lot of extraordinary food in Japan, experience things we seldom even see in Singapore. It was lovely trip indeed.

Looking forward for our next adventure together.

Reason on why I celebrated my CNY in Singapore

Just recently, a few of my friends asked me why I didn't celebrate my CNY in KK. I would tell them this, If I would spend my 4 days holiday in KK, I would probably spent most of my time celebrating with friends.

However, If I would have spent my holiday with my family elsewhere, I could have spent hours and hours of time with them.

I just want to focus my time with the most precious people in my life.Period.

A mentor of mine

This post is about a friend I met in Urban Prototyping Hackathon 2013, whom is also a member of Pet rangers and also a mentor of mine in startup business. I felt so grateful to be able to know him in person and he is a person with integrity. He tweaked Pet rangers pitching in urban prototyping Hackaton week and managed to get us into finalists of Hackathon 2013.

Until today, I still felt that without him, I might not have a chance to explore startups, lead a group, be confident, manage a project and eventually how to kill an idea. He started off my journey in lean startup, planted the seed of thoughts in me and prepare my journey in coming years.

He guided our pitch, made it a lean start up, identifying the critical values in Pet rangers, which our messages are transferred to our fellow judges as well. He had got his own sustainable business which is called Pixaroll. Until today, he is still constantly growing and also nurturing people around him.

He has been a very motivating mentor and friend, nurturing me how to start off a sustainable business within a very short period of time and taught me about how to identify the single most valuable thing in a business.

He had given me the courage to venture into lean startup, and guidance.

His name is Ian Tay. It is a pleasure to be able to work together with him. Even for a short period of time, he has been a great support of mine.

Reading log:A gift to my Children: A Father's Lessons for life and Investing by Jim Rogers

After reading this book, there are a few things I would like to write down. Although some are for daughters, but hey I might have a daughter myself..

Never act upon wishful thinking. Act without checking the facts, and chances are that you will be swept away along with the mob.

Those who cannot change will be swept aside by it. Those who recognise change and react accordingly will benefit. Jim was saying about the great change from US to China.

Invest in China, and their future. China is commodities for now.

Learn Mandarin

The devil of life is always in the details.

Always buy quality product

Always eat before you go grocery shopping

Learn to do as much arithmetic and figures as possible

Always be early for appointments

2014 Chinese New Year in Singapore with Family

Parents touched down Singapore on 29/1/2014. There is this awkward feeling the short moments before meeting up with my parents, somehow is like you miss them a lot but they have been away, or should I say I have been away from Sabah for many many years already.

Technically, I left Sabah around 2006 to further my studies in KL, after that, never really spent solid time in Sabah. I guess probably I am not very keen with the environment there. The only thing worth mentioned is basically my parents, younger brother and aunty in Sabah. Of course, not to forget some of the few good friends I have got in Sabah. They have been very supportive all the while.

So technically, I have left KK (Kota Kinabalu) for about 7 years already. Time flies and I am still counting my years away from KK.

Back to the topic, so met them brought them around, met some relatives and have some few reunion dinner with them. I have to admit, entertaining people is not easy, in fact, it is downright tiring and cost me an arm and leg. However, I enjoyed every single moment of it. Being able to spend time with my dearest family is just pure happiness. Too bad, my younger brother couldn't join us this year. Looking forward for our next gathering in April.

I have learned a few things over the Chinese new year period, how is the family business doing in KK, how is the environment there, and how people in KK.  Catching up with parents are crucial, listening to them and most importantly spend time with them. I am very grateful to have such a supportive parents. They have been constantly nurturing me throughout, I feel very blessed indeed.

Basically, this meaningful Chinese new year is rather an enjoyable one. Of course, to add icing to the cake, we also made a bit of winnings from the casino. My dad was over the moon and brought the entire family to an expensive Korean cuisine in Vivo city.

Huat A!

Reading log:Beating the street by Peter lynch

I read this book over the weekend, it describe peter lynch life as a portfolio manager. Expanding his portfolio and most importantly how he managed to make profit from stock market. He also explained step by step on how he goes about picking stocks, step-by-step. For example, he sits in his favourite shopping mall and observe people around him, what do they buy etc. He also visit the companies, factories and understand more about how they make money. 

There are a few principles which I would highlight here. 

1. When the operas outnumber the football games three to zero, you know there is something wrong with your life. He regretted being unable to spend time with his family. 
2. Gentlemen who prefer bonds don't know what they are missing. 
3. Never invest in any idea you can't illustrate with a crayon. 
4. When the yield on long term government bonds exceed the divident yield of the S&P 500 by 6%, sell your stocks and buy bond. 
5. If you like the store, chances are you'll love the stock. To me, it is more important for me to love the business/products or even shop. Before I would put my money into the shop. This would be the number one priority to me now. 

Reading log: 4-hour work week by Tim Ferriss

Just recently, I have got hold on a book which I personally like, the title of the book is called 4-hour work week by Tim Ferriss. In his book, he explained what is New Rich. He uses the acronym DEAL for the four main chapters. It stands for Definition, Elimination, Automation and Liberation.

I understand more about my own fear, and definition about about the life I always wanted. On top of that, he emphasised on the 80/20 rules, which I have learned from Jonathan Hiew, a friend of mine when I was in secondary school. (80% of your results come from 20 % of my effort).

The book also mentioned about the difference between efficiency and effectiveness. Efficiency is about how we could complete a task with minimal resources while effectiveness is about working towards our goal, which means doing the right thing. Before reading this book, I used to work hard before planning a strategy. I would pump hours and hours into things I wanted to master, and achieve things I wanted to achieve. But there are times, when all the effort is wasted due to lack of planning. Worse, there are times when things I have achieve are not the things I wanted.

When it comes to Automation, this is the item I wanted to achieve this year, by using resources around me to achieve automation. I guess being rich without time is just  a joke, all I got is just additional figure in my bank account. I would like to set up something which I could run on this year, hassle free. Be it investment, passive income or and internet business. I have managed to set up a substantial amount of my asset in investment generating passive income for me. My money is now working very hard for me even I am sleeping. Sometimes, I would even smile while sleeping.

Liberation, once I achieve automation this year, liberation would be another step for me. I would want to free myself geographically and time. Meaning, I would be able to work everywhere in the world. The idea of this is to leverage the currency, earnings and living standard. Let's say for example, earning SGD while spending in pesos or Thai Baht. All these would give me an edge in achieving ultimate goal. Time and location free.

2nd week of January

I found that my aunty Jo was diagnosed with some sort of health issue. She will be undergoing an operation on 5/2/2014. I believe she needs a lot of strength from people around her to support her and more importantly a lot of attention. I hope she will get well soon. After reading her message this morning, about her diagnosis and reading word by word from the text, my tears soon flowing out from my eyes, running down my face. There are things we have been taken for granted, day in, day out. My relationship with Aunty Jo is like my step mum, I would spend a lot of time with her, she lived with us for a while and have been very helpful for all the while. She sent my to school when I was in Primary school, bought my favourite roasted pork bun for me. I would not dwell too much on the details here. There were a lot of thoughts recently, after knowing that she was probably diagnosed with cancer. In this blog post, I would like to wish her all well, and may god be with her all the time.

Simple happiness

Last weekend, I started a few rounds of swimming session, it was indeed a wonderful experience for me. I guess if I am still the old thinker, I would probably don't have any time for sport and reading session. These two hobbies of mine have been very important to me recently, time for these two activities are not to be compromised. By being able to do these two activities more in Singapore, I need to focus on earning more rather than saving more in the past. I need to leverage capital which I have got on hand and eventually obtain the simple happiness I have been looking for, the ultimate goal of mine is to free up some of my time, for people I treasure/cherish and love. 

The idea is to find people which I could trust to work for me, to earn money for me, even we are talking about RM100.00 a month. I guess it is essential for me to start this year. I am looking for a business model which is simple to maintain and hassle free, automation would be awesome as being hassle free, is by far more convenient than being rich. There are times when money could just not solve the problem. 

There are some precious lesson I have learned from people around me regarding the importance of time versus money. Of course, there are a lot of things which we would probably have to sacrifice just live a life which we truly wanted. I guess becoming a business owner does not sound as attractive as it used to be, I found business to be very time and energy consuming. On a certain manner, it affects our health too ( by looking at the way all my colleagues drink whisky). 

Simple happiness is something I am looking for...

Things I have learned from Tom Yuen in his preview.

I attended a preview yesterday and would like to jot down a few key points which I have learned from Tom.

He started off as an engineer, and worked in Sweden for the first 3 years of his working life, he then found the power of foreign exchange as the fund he received from Singapore government is getting more and more each year during 1980s as Singapore dollar is getting stronger and stronger.

There are a few critical points which he highlighted in his preview. One is to learn from others, this would not make you to become successful quicker but will definitely make your learning curve easier and also less painful.

I guess he had worked very hard for the past 20 years. and had mould him to who he is today.

After consideration, I would like to conclude:

1. Starting risk capital for TA is SGD 20K. 
2. Course is about SGD 4.4k.
3. Learn how to learn from others. 
4. Learn how to let go emotional attachment to my money/stock. They are just tools. 
5. I need to use analysis tools in a way which is different from majority so that you are not part of the herding instinct. 
6. Think of a sustainable way of making money
7. Know myself more
8. Adapt- after all it is all about surviving

2013 brief summary

So a brief summary on my 2013, mostly critical actions I have taken last year.

• Ended Pet Ranger Project
• Attended Value Investing Program
• Joined gym membership. 
• Invested in stock, sold options
• Trip to KK, climbed mountain KK for the second time. VIA Ferrata Route
• Fell in love
• Trip to Brisbane for Brother's graduation
• Went to KL for Eason's Concert
• Attended Sector Connect
• Went to Guang Zhou for Canton Fair
• Went to Chiang Mai for Loy Krathong