2014 is coming to an end. For me, it was not a fantastic
year, neither was it a bad year. Nothing drastic happen and relatively stable
throughout. Overall I am happy and it is definitely one of the better year
compare to last two years.
year, neither was it a bad year. Nothing drastic happen and relatively stable
throughout. Overall I am happy and it is definitely one of the better year
compare to last two years.
Health
I am thankful that no major illness or recurrence of old illness. Amid my
“sick chicken” health tag, this year is considered one of my healthiest years.
With instilled discipline, I seldom skip meals and eat home cooked food most of
the time (thanks to my mother in law). Multi-vitamins and fish oil intake is a daily
must.
Another
must is exercising 2-3 times a week for 30-60min each time – gym, swim or jog. No
intention to be a bodybuilder or a national athlete, just feels great after the
“sweat it out” session. I quit smoking into my 2nd year after being
polluted internally for >15 years. Clean air definitely oxygenate better
than nicotine. However guilt is not eradicated completely, since I still smoke
socially if needs arises.
must is exercising 2-3 times a week for 30-60min each time – gym, swim or jog. No
intention to be a bodybuilder or a national athlete, just feels great after the
“sweat it out” session. I quit smoking into my 2nd year after being
polluted internally for >15 years. Clean air definitely oxygenate better
than nicotine. However guilt is not eradicated completely, since I still smoke
socially if needs arises.
Family &
Relatives
We welcome
our new member this month. Joy offsets tiredness. We are also home-bound for
this holiday seasons. Nonetheless family togetherness makes you feels fantastic.
With the newborn, the house is getting more crowded, yet also livelier with 7 of
us under one roof including my mother-in-law and helper. My mum and siblings’ family
are also doing great in terms of health and wealth. My mum is enjoying blissful
life with 8 grandchildren now.
our new member this month. Joy offsets tiredness. We are also home-bound for
this holiday seasons. Nonetheless family togetherness makes you feels fantastic.
With the newborn, the house is getting more crowded, yet also livelier with 7 of
us under one roof including my mother-in-law and helper. My mum and siblings’ family
are also doing great in terms of health and wealth. My mum is enjoying blissful
life with 8 grandchildren now.
I come from a huge family
tree of relatives. My father, who already passed away for more than 15 years, had
10 siblings. My eldest aunt and uncle are already in their 80s and with some already
great grandparents. I frequent my aunt’s place with my family and mum. It is a
gathering place where all my relatives bond every weekend. Most of my aunts and
uncles come from humble background with no formal education. For what they
lack, they make up with simplicity and sincerity, helping out each other in
times of needs.
tree of relatives. My father, who already passed away for more than 15 years, had
10 siblings. My eldest aunt and uncle are already in their 80s and with some already
great grandparents. I frequent my aunt’s place with my family and mum. It is a
gathering place where all my relatives bond every weekend. Most of my aunts and
uncles come from humble background with no formal education. For what they
lack, they make up with simplicity and sincerity, helping out each other in
times of needs.
Friends
True friends are hard to
come and I am doing my part to cherish them more this year and in future. On
the contrary, the selfish ones who only “take” and not “give” were filtered out
of my equation gradually. Now, I have one group of best friends that always hang
out during special occasions such as CNY, Christmas, birthdays etc.
come and I am doing my part to cherish them more this year and in future. On
the contrary, the selfish ones who only “take” and not “give” were filtered out
of my equation gradually. Now, I have one group of best friends that always hang
out during special occasions such as CNY, Christmas, birthdays etc.
Separately on ad-hoc basis, I
always initiate catch up with old friends or new found friends over coffee
regularly. I try to set unimposing target to meet up with at least 3 people
outside family once a week and so far, it’s still on track this year.
always initiate catch up with old friends or new found friends over coffee
regularly. I try to set unimposing target to meet up with at least 3 people
outside family once a week and so far, it’s still on track this year.
Since started my blog this
year, I also get to know many very knowledgeable characters in the blogspace. Despite
the disparity in opinions from different people of different age group, blogging
and reading blogs intrigues our mind and creates awareness.
year, I also get to know many very knowledgeable characters in the blogspace. Despite
the disparity in opinions from different people of different age group, blogging
and reading blogs intrigues our mind and creates awareness.
Career
At the beginning of the year, I encountered rough
patch in work when my boss who hired me left the company. I was pretty upset. While
my new boss had excellent personal relationship with me, he does not do much to
help in my work. Hence relationships among colleagues were not the most ideal
with differences resulted from them lacking understanding in Asian business
cultures.
The turn of
events came in last quarter this year, when we won several hard fought orders together
as a team. The orders are vital as it not only eliminated the differences we
use to have, but established mutual trusts among ourselves.
events came in last quarter this year, when we won several hard fought orders together
as a team. The orders are vital as it not only eliminated the differences we
use to have, but established mutual trusts among ourselves.
Unfortunately
the company is undergoing management change again in the coming year via an
acquisition from a bigger player. I just had to keep my fingers crossed on what’s
next. At certain point of your career, you realise that survivability skills
are probably more important than work ability or uni-directional “chionging!”
the company is undergoing management change again in the coming year via an
acquisition from a bigger player. I just had to keep my fingers crossed on what’s
next. At certain point of your career, you realise that survivability skills
are probably more important than work ability or uni-directional “chionging!”
Wealth
Job Income
My annual
job income had more or less stable over the last 5 years with ~+/-5% variation,
except for a lucrative bonus incentive in 2010. Realistically, I am more than
happy to maintain rather than looking for a significant pay rise. Higher
salaries while fascinating, means higher job expectation (can be unrealistic expectation).
When the tide changes with looming economic situation, you will probably be
first in the queue to “see the axe”. Job performance may be irrelevant then.
job income had more or less stable over the last 5 years with ~+/-5% variation,
except for a lucrative bonus incentive in 2010. Realistically, I am more than
happy to maintain rather than looking for a significant pay rise. Higher
salaries while fascinating, means higher job expectation (can be unrealistic expectation).
When the tide changes with looming economic situation, you will probably be
first in the queue to “see the axe”. Job performance may be irrelevant then.
Investment Portfolio
I always wanted
to be transparent in my portfolio initially. I changed my mind after reading
Jim Rogers “A Gift to My Children” where he reckoned that it is
better not to disclose our personal wealth openly to avoid any unnecessary “vinegar”
misunderstandings. If you are interested in Jim Rogers, read
here. I must quickly confess that my portfolio is mediocre to cause any extra
“vinegar” compare to many other bloggers’ portfolio. Apparently it’s just a
mild precaution on my part. Meanwhile, you can also refer to all my previous
articles pertaining to my
portfolio here.
to be transparent in my portfolio initially. I changed my mind after reading
Jim Rogers “A Gift to My Children” where he reckoned that it is
better not to disclose our personal wealth openly to avoid any unnecessary “vinegar”
misunderstandings. If you are interested in Jim Rogers, read
here. I must quickly confess that my portfolio is mediocre to cause any extra
“vinegar” compare to many other bloggers’ portfolio. Apparently it’s just a
mild precaution on my part. Meanwhile, you can also refer to all my previous
articles pertaining to my
portfolio here.
Without
going into details, please find below my stocks portfolio.
going into details, please find below my stocks portfolio.
|
S/N
|
Name
|
% Cost of Portfolio
|
|
1
|
Coca Cola Amatil :ASX
|
10.7%
|
|
2
|
Vallianz
|
8.1%
|
|
3
|
Comfort Delgro
|
7.9%
|
|
4
|
Raffles Medical
|
7.3%
|
|
5
|
Suntec Reit
|
6.8%
|
|
6
|
CapitaRetail CT
|
5.5%
|
|
7
|
CM Pacific
|
5.2%
|
|
8
|
Lippo Mall Tr
|
5.2%
|
|
9
|
ARA Asset Mgmt
|
4.7%
|
|
10
|
Croesus RTrust
|
4.6%
|
|
11
|
Mapletree Log Tr
|
4.0%
|
|
12
|
Overseas Edu
|
3.6%
|
|
13
|
Sembcorp Ind
|
3.2%
|
|
14
|
Fraser Com Tr
|
2.8%
|
|
15
|
Swissco
|
2.8%
|
|
16
|
Asian Pay TV Tr
|
2.6%
|
|
17
|
Super Group
|
2.5%
|
|
18
|
Aims AMP Cap Reit
|
2.5%
|
|
19
|
SGX
|
2.4%
|
|
20
|
OUE
|
2.1%
|
|
21
|
Courts Asia
|
1.8%
|
|
22
|
Ezion
|
1.6%
|
|
23
|
Starhub
|
1.5%
|
|
24
|
Kris Energy
|
0.5%
|
Note: I am using % of cost rather than market value for my portfolio since cost is fixed while market values fluctuates.
Since I
added stocks on a regular basis, it’s not exactly accurate to say how much my
portfolio had grown since the start of the year. As of
today, using (unrealised profits + realised profits + dividends re-invested) /
total cost invested, my portfolio achieved 11.5% growth in 2014. At any one
time, I try to maintain 20% of portfolio in cash to take advantage of bearish
situation.
added stocks on a regular basis, it’s not exactly accurate to say how much my
portfolio had grown since the start of the year. As of
today, using (unrealised profits + realised profits + dividends re-invested) /
total cost invested, my portfolio achieved 11.5% growth in 2014. At any one
time, I try to maintain 20% of portfolio in cash to take advantage of bearish
situation.
Property
No
intention to increase monthly mortgage payment since interest rate is still
very low ~1%. No intention to sell current home, since we like the serene environment,
and look forward to upcoming train station. Our rental property continues to
generate regular streams of income to offset our current property mortgage. Tenant
agreement expires 1Q15 and there can be worries of non-extension. Intend to set
aside a sum of money for refurbishments to enhance rental potential after
contract ends.
intention to increase monthly mortgage payment since interest rate is still
very low ~1%. No intention to sell current home, since we like the serene environment,
and look forward to upcoming train station. Our rental property continues to
generate regular streams of income to offset our current property mortgage. Tenant
agreement expires 1Q15 and there can be worries of non-extension. Intend to set
aside a sum of money for refurbishments to enhance rental potential after
contract ends.
Expenses
Both my wife
and I work. With my new-born, we have to feed 5 mouths not having income. My
expenses are quite outrageous high frankly, and still considering if “factory”
should stop production. Total expenses including household mortgage accounted
for close to 50% of my total take-home income.
and I work. With my new-born, we have to feed 5 mouths not having income. My
expenses are quite outrageous high frankly, and still considering if “factory”
should stop production. Total expenses including household mortgage accounted
for close to 50% of my total take-home income.
Although majority
of the expenses are on my shoulders now, but if I am jobless, my wife’s income
should then share more of the burden. Moreover, some of my major expenses are
in car, payments for my mother in law and helper. These expenses can be cut
considerably if in needs. Once you have a big family, you tend to forget about pampering
yourself. Material wants for myself are kept low in recent times.
of the expenses are on my shoulders now, but if I am jobless, my wife’s income
should then share more of the burden. Moreover, some of my major expenses are
in car, payments for my mother in law and helper. These expenses can be cut
considerably if in needs. Once you have a big family, you tend to forget about pampering
yourself. Material wants for myself are kept low in recent times.
My safety
margin timeframe to be jobless, is 1 year. In view that I have 6 months’
notice period in my employment contract, I keeps at least 6 months of expenses
in cash.
margin timeframe to be jobless, is 1 year. In view that I have 6 months’
notice period in my employment contract, I keeps at least 6 months of expenses
in cash.
Personal Developments
I started
this blog, March this year. The purpose of the blog is mentioned here. Aside from the reasons
mentioned, one other reason is to break my comfort zone and to learn more from
other bloggers as well. It has been 10 months since. I am fully dedicated to
blogging and spent hours after hours on each post. In total I had written 125
posts (excluding this post) and garnered 70k views. I must say that I am proud
and passionate about blogging so far.
this blog, March this year. The purpose of the blog is mentioned here. Aside from the reasons
mentioned, one other reason is to break my comfort zone and to learn more from
other bloggers as well. It has been 10 months since. I am fully dedicated to
blogging and spent hours after hours on each post. In total I had written 125
posts (excluding this post) and garnered 70k views. I must say that I am proud
and passionate about blogging so far.
Reading is
always a good way to improve oneself. During my overseas trip, I make it a
point to borrow books from library and read it on the plane and airport. I am
subscribed to both Business Times newspapers and the Edge. I will read them
each day to keep abreast of the financial market happenings.
always a good way to improve oneself. During my overseas trip, I make it a
point to borrow books from library and read it on the plane and airport. I am
subscribed to both Business Times newspapers and the Edge. I will read them
each day to keep abreast of the financial market happenings.
I also try
to attend relevant financial courses and seminars organised. Read here
for the list of books, courses and videos that impacted me positively. In the
upcoming month, I am attending a Personal Finance Investment Seminar. Refer to link here. It’s already sold out
though.
to attend relevant financial courses and seminars organised. Read here
for the list of books, courses and videos that impacted me positively. In the
upcoming month, I am attending a Personal Finance Investment Seminar. Refer to link here. It’s already sold out
though.
Leisure
No overseas holidays this year, due to my wife’s
pregnancy. Instead, I had many tiring overseas work assignments.
From a
simple dinner and grocery shopping night to Sentosa excursion, spending quality
family time together is our greatest leisure. Besides spending time with kids,
I do spend time with my wife watching our favourite movies and TVB serials, and
occasionally pampering ourselves with nice hawker or restaurant food.
simple dinner and grocery shopping night to Sentosa excursion, spending quality
family time together is our greatest leisure. Besides spending time with kids,
I do spend time with my wife watching our favourite movies and TVB serials, and
occasionally pampering ourselves with nice hawker or restaurant food.
Balancing
family with friends is of utmost importance too. Catching up with close friends
over coffee and gossiping about current affairs is relaxing. Exercising makes
me feels good as well.
family with friends is of utmost importance too. Catching up with close friends
over coffee and gossiping about current affairs is relaxing. Exercising makes
me feels good as well.
Last but
not least, I am extremely thankful to all my readers and those who commented in
my blog.
not least, I am extremely thankful to all my readers and those who commented in
my blog.
I WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS IN 2014!
Rolf,
"I quit smoking into my 2nd year after being polluted internally for >15 years"
This is impressive! Stay the course 😉
Merry Christmas!
Hi SMOL,
Sense like you have the same history as me?
Haha, its not my perseverance! I am not so impressive.
Just that I had not much choice since I am a "sick chicken" being at verge of reporting to Hades at one point of my life.
Happy New Year 2015. Haha….
Rolf,
I don't smoke; I only smoke others when doing sales 🙂
I don't smoke, don't drink, don't gamble (Toto don't count), I only….. Except the last one, I have no vices…
LOL!
In your line, smoking and drinking hard to avoid. I remember applying with a Korean transport company once and they say I had to drink with clients… I withdrew my application.
Cheers!
Hi SMOL,
You are a good boy /monk! 借烟 NOT 戒烟. Still consider guilty..haha..I did it too.
Koreans love and CAN drink. Lucky you withdrew your application! Otherwise you become “Singapore Man of Liquor” Chinese & Jap cannot drink but pretend they can drink, because cannot lose face. Then they get drunk and talk nonsense. Most Ang Moh can drink due to their physiques.
Me, I hate drinking. That’s how you torture me! Remember I am a sick chicken.
Specific to my line of product, I witness trend about drinking changed over the years. Even in China, "force-drinking' is gradually reducing especially for those born 80 and beyond. More like “drink at your wish” now. More non-smokers than smokers on a dinner table too.
Most people misunderstood that I had to drink and entertain a lot. Not true lar! Like I said before, we engineered sales, we do not hard-sell. It’s different.
Our product (more like system) is customized and hard-core engineered. An order can take as long as 2-3 years to close or longer/shorter depends. Delivery time is 1-2 years. Even after delivering, there will be plenty of aftersales service throughout the life span of the product.
For a single sales period this long, you must be technically inclined, stay sincere and genuinely help the clients. There can be many issues/changes throughout the sales, project and aftersales stage.
More Often, “People Must Like You as Person”, Not your Sales Pitch, Nor just your Drinking Ability.
I am an Engineer Never a Sales Person. Hahaha LOL
Still, on some occasions, no choice you just have to drunk-collapse to show your sincerity. Just this month, I toasted the >70% bai jiu several times. The trick is keep drinking plain water. I survived.
Rolf
Smoking is expensive!
Hi CW,
Now it is. Use to be cheaper, $5-6 per pack of 20 when I started. In the 80s, I always kena arrowed by my dad to buy. It cost $2-3.
Rolf
Hi Rolf
A very eventful 2014 year indeed.
Feeling stiff neck and shoulder?? I'm sure you are but you'll be smiling wider from teeth to teeth now that you have a big family. Factory still considering in production? I'm sure the govt will love you very much to produce even more to contribute to the future of the nation.
Smoking is good for the government. Receive tax here and there so I'm sure they don't mind collecting, but be careful that it affects the health, good that you have stopped them for the sake of your own and children health 😀
Hi B
Thanks. Sure yours was "sama sama" or better. I just kalang kabok on bb stuffs, so leave most of the job to the ladies! I focus on educating them on the mental aspects and on life!
I have 3 girls now, so still hopeful for a boy! Haha… Govt love me, I love their bonus and tax rebates! My sister had 4, I looking to break her record to have 5 eventually if I can..
Smoking is bad for people who smoke. Glad I am sick young so to realize it earlier and stop.
I have a friend used to work for British Amer Tabacco here. Not so good to promote smoking, but the company has very good benefits for employees.
Maybe they should R&D another product to replace cigarettes but in a healthier manner and yet provide the same sensation.
You have 2 boys?
Rolf
Hi Rolf,
2014 seems to be a good year for you!
I also started to blog this year but I don't think I have 10 posts! You have 3 kids while I only have 1! Feel so guilty.
Look forward to many more insightful posts from you in 2015!
Cheers,
Naro
Hi Naro,
Nice to see you. 1st of all Merry Xmas to u, and hope your 2014 is excellent?
Btw cannot compare lar! 🙂 I have many many unlucky past, just that you dun know also mah… 人比人气死人！
2014 is a "great"year for nothing v bad happened. 没事就是好事! In 2013, I met with several accidents and had many problems in work. 2012 was worst ever… Just like stock cycles, after the bottom, it go side or uptrend. Haha
Anyway, I hope to see more posts from u in 2015 too. I m sure to visit ur blog regularly. My co is undergoing acquisition changes. I foresee a tougher yr ahead. Not sure if I still can maintain blogging regularly.
For my blog posts, I sincerely appreciate your kind words
Hope to see you around in 2015.