Thank you for being such a great audience for the last 12 months, despite on the fact that I’ve been pretty toned down from writing on my life experiences.  It’s a real blessing to be able to write again!

Indeed, time has flew by SO QUICKLY that it’s almost the end of an extremely eventful year for me personally!

And yes, we’re all facing the same fact that we’re already 12 months closer to death!

Nope, I’m not being pessimistic… I’m just being realistic!

Let’s face it – All of us are going to die somehow… it’s just a matter of when and how.

I have a lot of friends who are now doing even more extremely well in life, while others are struggling more in life.  Such are the effects of the law of karma.  However, what we see are merely worldly achievements.  In the long run, all of us will die so is it really worth all the efforts to devote so much time on worldly matters?  Fact – nobody defies death, not even emperors and *AHEM* political leaders.  So the big question lingers on every wise men – what can we do (everyday) to elevate ourselves spiritually, and hence detached from worldly distractions?

For me, I know very well how I want to live and pass on my spiritual and human touch.  As my mentor already said, it’s not how much you gain in the material world.  Your legacy is determined by how much you have touched humanity.  This can be directly achieved by elevating one up in our spiritual cultivations.  Thus this post.

Year 2009 has been a very special year for me for the following reasons I shall boldly summarize in a single blog post.  Note:  If you haven’t been finding the year fulfilling, that means you’ve missed some of the most exciting and eventful time in history!

Advanced Trading Institution & Education:

Year 2009 began for me with my first insight into a World Class professional trader’s network – JF Lennon.  I was very skeptical initially but later discovered something Visionary that may be about to happen and may be revolutionary to all entrepreneurs.

I admitted that currency trading may be a very useful tool and skill that empowers ordinary individuals to participate in a good cause to end poverty in 3rd world countries (how this is done you’ve got to consult the founding fathers of JFL).  Perhaps the founders themselves are in the process of contributing to something BIG back to humanity.

Unfortunately, a recent change in the management have let many students, including myself, to doubt the integrity of the new management.  The new management have recently impressed many students into thinking of some form of magic in their ability to take accurate trades by merely observing chart patterns and finding profitable trade entries and exits.  Frankly speaking, I have personally benefited from their course, so I shall not dwell further.  Since such activities can take up a considerable amount of time away from what is truly important in life, I shall cease to devote too much energy into such activities… oh well, I’ll just let nature takes its course as the new year comes around!

Here’s a video that they’ve recently put up to prove their worth (the 4 part video series is eye opening!):

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Personal Finance & Value Investing:

Value investing has been very rewarding for me.  Year 2009 is an excellent year to quickly build up one’s portfolio of outstanding income generating assets.  I am so blessed to learn so many invaluable investing principles from fellow friends and teachers.

Year 2009 is also my first time to attend all the AGMs (annual general meetings) of companies I’ve taken a stake in to personally meet up with the CEOs, CFOs and their board of directors.  This step is very important so as to allow myself to have a feel of the quality of management that is running the businesses.  As of December 2009, I’ve finished off with the final one.  I am very happy to observe all the businesses I’ve vested in has a high quality team of individuals who understand shareholder values and continuously working through one of the Greatest economic downturn in history.

Personally, I’ve added one more component to my investing philosophy – Ethical & Moral Value Investing.

It is true that Ethical Moral value investing will reduce my scope of opportunities, it will however, force me to consider businesses even carefully and hence focus on fewer assets.  Honestly, I’m not too concern about limiting my options.  I’d be more happy to choose quality over quantity since I’m very contented & grateful to every knowledge, wisdom & insights I have developed till today. 

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My Spiritual Elevation & The End of
My Search On The Mystery of The Universe:

I must have been one of the most blessed human in this world.

Several important Life questions have plagued me since I was young.  When I grew up a bit, I am blessed to have the affinity to learn from the Buddha’s teachings.  That was more than 13 years ago since I’ve left Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Secondary school.

When I was conscripted into the Army (conscription is compulsory over here in Singapore), more questions arises and I sometimes pondered about the question if one were ever have a chance to break free from the eternal law of Cause & Effects.  The Army is fill with contamination to the mind… *sign* it’s just not the right place for someone to find answers.

Is it possible to be free from Suffering and attain Enlightenment in today’s environment?

I never had answers nor anyone to consult back then.

Fast forward 13 years…

Not only have I left the Army and Graduated from the local University, I have been in the working industry as an engineer for over 7 years.  Yet, my search for Life answers have deviated to pursue of Worldly answers (wealth & maybe fame).  Personally, I have met many different exciting and wealthy individuals, but none of them have truly inspired me spiritually until year 2005, when I first met my mentor Manoj Sharma after a coincidental chance (it’s a long long story anyway!).

Manoj shared with his mentoring students (I’m in his final public coaching class) what it takes to realize one’s Big Self.  It was a very intensive course, but deep down inside me, I knew something have changed.  My perspective of humanity and the laws of this Universe is just beginning to unfold upon me.  For instance, the principles of Quantum Mechanics and the Law of Attraction, all beginning to point to something I sense to be One and the same.

Fast forward to Mid 2009…

Combining all my previous experiences and new insights to the Universe, I have finally understood that all manifestation in this Universe, originates from the same source.  This include principles shown by all past Saints & Sages, such as Lord Shakyamuni Buddha.

I must emphasized that this is NOT something worldly, for worldly endeavors (such as wealth and fame accumulation) will vanquish the moment we are dead.  Spiritual endeavors (eternal) is what all wise men pursue, while foolish man ignore for plain ignorance.  Embracing the Truth of this Universe hence comes very natural for me after putting much investigations and study using my own little wisdom and insights.   I am now very deeply grateful to have receive such great blessings from the Universe!  Now, I am like a reborn baby, learning everything all over again. 

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Full Time Vegetarianism:

One of the most important change in my life is to adopt a full vegetarian diet.

As a Buddhist already, vegetarianism has been to me, an entirely optional choice.  I wondered why this has been so until recently that I discovered its importance!  I must have been a fool all the while.

There are numerous reasons for going vegetarian, and I urge you to adopt natural meatless diet immediately;  it has been said that giving up meat eating has its mysterious powers to advert the collapse of the world (watch the movie 2012?).  However, one must be knowledgeable and well read in order to fully appreciate and understand the deep and meaningful purpose behind.

Here are some quick pointers:

• Better Health!
• Develop A Compassionate Heart (Empathize The Pain of Being at the Brink of Being Killed)
• Put a stop to Accumulating Bad Karmas (of eating Your kins that were from your Past Lives)
• Reduce our contribution from depriving Humans in 3rd World Countries of Poverty & Hunger
• Increase the efficiency in food (plant/crops) production to feed human beings instead of feeders for animals
• Reduce Carbon Emissions (Reduce Greenhouse Effect); Yes, going vegetarian or vegan eventually reduce meet demand and hence less animals reared for food.

Here are some more reasons:

• Seeds For A Better World v.4 (Part 1 of 6)
• Seeds For A Better World v.4 (Part 2 of 6)
• Seeds For A Better World v.4 (Part 3 of 6)
• Seeds For A Better World v.4 (Part 4 of 6)
• Seeds For A Better World v.4 (Part 5 of 6)
• Seeds For A Better World v.4 (Part 6 of 6)
• 49 REASONS WHY I AM A VEGETARIAN
• Slaughterhouse by Gail A Eisnitz

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A Once-In-A-Lifetime & Most Memorable Europe Trip:

Hotel Mirabeau – The hotel which I stayed for the course in Lausanne, Switzerland

Year 2009 has been a most memorable year for me too for the simple reason that I had a most blessed time in Switzerland (September).  I had the golden opportunity in my life to visit a few cities in Switzerland, and then Paris in France, and finally London in Great Britain!

I’ve brought along my trusty little Netbook (MSI U-100) that I’ve bought in March and it turned out that it has been truly indispensable during that trip!!  Boy, Internet connection is a MUST for me to connect back home for very important matters which I looked forward every evening and morning (Euro Zone Time)!

Fortunately, the accommodations I’ve booked were mostly connected to the Internet, but the connections can be quite bad (occasionally fading signals from wireless access points).

I’ve also learned how to use Facebook and Google Picasa more efficiently to manage and upload thousands of photos onto the social network platform (yes, you’ve heard it right, I’ve over 2,500++ photos taken in just 1 trip!).

Other than snapping tons of photographs, videos and visiting lots of exciting places in Switzerland (Yes!  I’ve finally touched snow on Mount Titlis & Jungfrau!), I experienced a lot of sightseeing… vast patches of farmlands, visiting historical buildings, museums, palaces… and not to forget all those endless walking and stair climbing in subways, metros, tubes… you name it!  Truly, it has been a really exciting experience! 

All in all, I’ve stayed in over 6 different hotels and traveled over nearly a thousand miles around, mainly between cities starting from Zurich till London.  Oh, and that’s not even counting that sinful carbon emission caused from the flight from Singapore to Zurich and back from London.

Ahh… and not to forget a horrible experience; that I was almost daylight robbed in the city of Geneva, Switzerland (Ha!  No good impression for the HQ of United Nation isn’t it?).  Fortunately, my reflex was fast enough as I managed to grab my camera off from the hands of the young thief (& his partner) who got a shock too when I reacted as fast as he reached into my winter wear pocket!

My colleagues and I setting off for the Wednesday Networking night organized by the course facilitators.

My colleague and I in a wine cellar for a Networking night with other course mates.

Outside the ticket booth of Mount Titlis before embarking on a mountaineering cable car trip!

I LOVE COFFEE!  All kinds of coffee indeed!  Here, I am having a cool time enjoying a dose of Switzerland produced Latte.

This is the first time I see REAL snow on mountain!

My trusty Netbook operating on above 3,000++ feet above sea level.

On top of Jungfrau, one of the highest mountain in Switzerland & Europe.

Outside Palais Royal, Musée du Louvre with I. M. Pei in the background.

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Family & Relationships Breakthrough:

Spiritual cultivation has elevated me into the next phase of life, where I am even closer and dearer to my family and my loved ones.  Applying the wise teachings of Saints such as Confucius and Meng Zi, it is not hard to find great blessings this lifetime (and thereafter) by applying principles that are centered around those profound wisdom.

It all starts with One…
Every magnificent achievements in the World begins with simple and manageable steps.  Through steadfast and discipline in the Right direction and guidance will one reach the Final destiny!

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Conclusion:

I have no doubt that year 2009 has been the most fulfilled year of my life to date! 

As I’ve already said in the previous years and here I am repeating them again; It’s no use setting New Year Resolutions for most people.  They are mostly either non-realistic, or not practical enough, thereby causing great sorrows and distresses for people when the New Year is to end.

What is more important for each and every New Year, is to cherish every moment of our human lives, to live to the fullest we can, to reach the highest goal of humanity, in every second that our breathe can takes us to.

With this, I wish you and your family, a most Blessed & Fulfilled year ahead!

Go Vegetarian, Go Green!
May All Beings Be Blessed, Live in Peace & Be Enlightened!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Believe it or not, I am 6 months closer to death…

I haven’t been writing for a while (again!) and I guess it’s time to share my learning & experiences again. If you’ve been following my blog posts over the last 2 years, you will have no doubt realized that I have now merged 2 very important aspects of my life – spiritual and worldly endeavors.

Ancient & wise men have struggled throughout history to attain spiritual accomplishments, very much like modern men do these days. Similarly, history have shown us how men and women in the past have rise to powers and build wealth beyond their dreams. It is no secret that they have already perished and only memories and records of their accomplishment remains. No emperors and kings have defied the law of death, hence my blog post title.

As I started to learn much from wise men (like Albert Einstein, Warren Buffett etc), Saints and Sages (the Buddha, Confucius etc), it is very clear to me that these accomplishments are either material/temporary, or perpetual/eternal. There are so few people who know that they are dying each day and they do nothing to cultivate themselves spiritually. And I’m not even talking about religions; and each religion points one to particular spiritual achievements that few have even attempted to work towards in their lifetime.

As time flies really quickly, we’re already half-way past 2009 and we’re indeed 6 months closer to death than we started the year. How many people really celebrate their birthdays only to realize (if ever) they are really 1 year closer to death?

Think about that!

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Having said so, it’s not about demoralizing you.

And I don’t mean you have to forsake your worldly commitments and go live in the mountains. In fact, nobody these days go to the mountains to pursue spiritual enlightenment. You’ll probably find more tourists than fellow cultivators if you do that!

Intelligent human beings have began to realize that as the world is evolving and converging to a possible destruction as a new Aeon shall arrive in less than 150 years, and that technologies are now enabling uncountable people like you and me to leverage on for knowledge, it is even more mind blowing as I learn that there are technologies that you and I can leverage on to make a good living apart from the traditional income generation sources.

But are we anywhere near to enlighten our spiritual essence?

As I began to study more and more of into the world of finance & spiritual enlightening books, it makes perfect sense to me why we are in a state of the world we are now living in… a world of myriad dangers and opportunities.

Opportunities are everywhere today but few have been trained to see and act upon them. Dangers are everywhere too. Catastrophic disasters or illnesses can hit just about you and me anytime. Sadly, most people live each day as if there are no tomorrow. They eat, idle and spend time and money without self restrains. This causes a lot of problems for themselves without knowing why.

Most people I know are struggling in life. The reason being they have devoted their lives in too much material gains that they could have otherwise investing their a good equal amount of time on spiritual endeavors. As a result of excessive material gains, folks create massive karmas which further spiral them downwards, not know why it happens and what causes it. Even people whom I know who are in no lack of money are feeling empty inside. There are unlimited dissatisfaction and that there is no way their wealth can fill them all.

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Degeneration of The Human Race

The world in we live in today is a most likely a result of how we respond every minute.

I guess you’ve already heard of the butterfly effect? This effect will hit most people and they will not realize why.

Children are now brought up with the best knowledge and environment we do not enjoy some 30 years ago. Sadly, most of them lack moral and ethics as these gems are rarely taught to them when they are very young.

Parents these days are so busy with material pursues that they have little or no time to impart to their children this very important aspect of their life education. Little do they realize that their legacy is all about and instill in their offsprings. Nobody enjoys hanging out with a low character human being. Their “Yin” “Qi” literally repels anyone coming close (except all other “Yin” folks).

As I stand waiting for the MRT trains daily (public transport train in Singapore), I wonder if anyone remember what they “should do” vs what they “like to do”.

Nobody gives way to alighting passengers. Almost everyone I see stands at the doorway once they rush into the train cabin, refusing to move in to fill any gaps in the middle of the cabins. This happens on public buses too.

Almost everyone I see fail to realize that when they read the morning papers or any reading material while standing up, they are in fact occupying more than 1 standing adult space. These spaces could have put to better use.

The worse lots are those who failed to understand what is “Priority” and “Reserved” seats on MRT trains. Irregardless if they are adults or teenagers, Singaporeans or foreigners, I have personally seen them fight with elderly, pregnant and helpless commuters during peak hours.

Yet, many more do not recognize that they should not take any “Reserved” seats even though they are empty? If that is difficult to understand, then one may consider if anyone will take “Reserved” lots in car parks and cinemas, or even “Reserved” tables at the restaurants?

Come on, give me a break! These are classical examples of literate and educated human beings, living in spiritual slums! Their personal comforts/gains have over-rule their nature, their moral and ethics. It is clear that many human beings are spiritually degraded and have tremendous damages to the world we all live in today.

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Degradation of The Financial World & Its Balance

The current financial meltdown is a clear showdown of the results of numerous individuals who care very little for their comrade human beings and think of nothing but their own material gains.

The world is now filled with financial crooks who are out to cheat their fellow human beings. As a result, I highly advocate everyone to pick up solid on-going educations and master them in order to navigate safely across the world of financial disasters (many more to come – you’ll mark my words!).

Having said that, technologies have already facilitated average human beings become financially secure and free in all imaginable ways I’ve seen happening to friends I know. As financial disasters snowball faster and faster in the coming months and years, it is also true for the great abundances of opportunities we are staring at today. Personally, I am harnessing these knowledge and is already taking some time to investigate and test some of these powers.

As I’m saying this, I am also aware that with greater powers, it also means greater responsibilities. That is why I am still very cautious as I proceed to learn, master and share with like-minded people.

Perhaps, the key to financial success is not to be greedy, but to slowly build substantial abilities to strengthen one’s financial stand so as to better focus on one’s spiritual endeavors.

After all, one cannot bring all one’s wealth to one’s grave. Neither is it wise to leave everything to one’s offspring(s). They will become plain lazy, complacent and spend all one’s wealth in all imaginable (and unimaginable) manners.

The only substance we can ever carry along past our death is our spiritual essence (and along with all our karmas).

Will you be courageous enough to take on this long but essential path of spiritual enlightenment – the highest achievement of a human life?

Oh well, that’s a lot from me for now! I trust I’ve not bore you too much but provided you with a glimpse of the purpose on why you are living now?

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish,
Be Blessed & Live A Life With Passion & Gratitude!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

If you’ve been following me and my articles for a while, it’s very difficult not to discover how much I have changed over the past 1 year.  I have grown to learn more about and taking control of my own finances, as well as how to be a better human being; to care for my family, my loved ones, my friends, as well as the people I’ve come across.

On my financial life, I have slowly learn to take control of my finances.  As frankly as I have to admit, my initial investments that I’ve done have been almost a disaster.  I have never thought seriously what my financial health was.  All that I know was that I have a certain amount or figure in my bank account.

Only when the financial crisis hit did I realize that I have substantial investments then (and now) stuck in non-performing financial vehicles.

Now, the problem is not a significant loss on paper.  I take that literally as a valuable learning experience and move on.  And because I take ownership of my experience, I do not lay any blame on anyone now.  I took courses and attend as many seminars as I possible can to accelerate my learning on what has been proven to be my weakness.

Many people I come across blamed everyone, except themselves, on being unable to protect themselves and their own family finances.  They blame the fall of Lehman Brothers and the tragic loss of jobs world-wide as a problem that is caused by others.

Little do these people realize that their present lives are largely in their own hands, less natural and other catastrophic disasters.  All sages in the past, such as the Buddha, have already pointed out the universal law of Cause and Effect.

In other words, you will reap what you sow.

As in every crisis, such as the recent financial meltdown and the upcoming Swine Flu pandemic, do you ever pause to think why all these happen and figure all this out?

More importantly, can you do something about it?

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Looking Back At The 2008 Financial Crisis

Back in late 2007, it never occurs to anyone that most markets were overbought and that a major US housing bubble was about to burst.  Even one of my old secondary school friend (whom I met rarely) was telling me that if the market continues to head North, he would have doubled his new capital invested in unit trusts (mutual funds) in a year time.

It did not occur to me back then that it was indeed a red flag!

Lacking an ability to sense for dangers and opportunities have taught me a very valuable lesson – that in the world of investing, one shall not be lazy and make financial decisions from rumors, public and even opinions of others.  One should assume personal responsibilities to make sound and decisive decisions based on one’s limited competency.  Any mistakes discovered in due course shall be one’s valuable learning experiences – and that nobody can take that away from you until you die of course.

Therefore, I urge you to take responsibility of your own financial education, or just about any form of education in the trade that you are seriously engaged in… to master and be extremely competent in.  Only then can you ever hope to improve your present situation, something that most people probably take a lifetime to figure out… of which you can have easily benefit over here from my personal sharing.

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Looking Forward & The 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic

The very reason why I have progress much over the year is due to my constant reflections of what’s going on around on around me… that is the ‘outside world’, and the ‘inside world’.

Sadly, the recent outbreak of the flu pandemic may be a reflection of the collective state of all human minds.  Nowhere in history have humanity created so much wealth and fear until the last few decades.

Did you know that you and I (I suppose that since you’ve got a computer and you’re reading this blog post now!) are enjoying the lifestyle (if not better), what Kings and Queens have exclusive access to that were merely a century ago?

Has it ever occurs to you that we are so bless to enjoy all the goodness of life that is not even conceivable less than a century ago?

Yet, people in most part of the world are more unhappy in spite of better education and health care that we are all enjoying here right now (especially true in the context of Singapore).  Adults are more frustrated now about the amount of time and efforts they have to put in to cover a comfortable amount income to support their family.

The state of the human mind have collectively lead us to self-destruction if we are not mindful of our spiritual health.  Many people are now rather sick in their mind, as evidences are plentiful on the newspapers you read everyday.  Moral and ethics have gone down the dustbins as information is now disseminate faster with the rise of the use of the Internet.  Wealth are created faster as a result, but the human heart and mind have deteriorated significantly.

Just less than 50 years ago, Kampong life is a heaven for our parents and even some of us who are born before the 1960s or 1970s.  Everyone knows one another and cares for each other despite the scarcity of comfortable lifestyles.  Though we were poor, the hearts were happier.  Everyone were contented and lived in harmony.

Fast forward 50 years… globalization and capitalism had changed everything.

Most people are so cold to one another.  Very few people give way on the bus and MRT queues.  Most people refuse to give way to alighting passengers and attempt to get on-board the moment the train door opens.  Once in the train cabin, most people refuse to move into empty spaces of the train cabins.

When there are discounts or cheap sale in virtually anything, for example, tour packages, free airline/place of interest tickets etc… people will queue up early in the middle of the night and get into heated arguments when there are disagreements.

What have changed over the last 50 years?

Did we not have more and better lifestyle?

Why all these fear and unhappiness?

The problem usually lies in the widely adopted consensus on the scarcity of money (or as debt as I have discussed in my earlier post).  In fact, the real problem lies in the state of our minds, that we are all conditioned to think of scarcity of resources; be it time, money, sleep… whatever you think you feel you are lacking of!

But when you pause to think for a while, do you really think there is a scarcity of what you think it is?

If you ever think hard enough, our basic needs have not changed very much a century ago.

Do you ever need more food?

Do you ever need more clothing to keep warm?

Do you ever need to drink more water than our ancestors?

Do you ever need an advanced roof to protect your family?

As you begin to drill deeper, you may begin to dawn on the critical problems we are all facing.  The human body have not changed much over the last century.  But our hearts and mind have weaken and submitted to the ever unlimited temptations and desires.

The sad truth is, the human heart and emotions have not progress significantly ahead as compared to our material progress.  In fact, keeping your life very simple is one secret to a achieving self-fulfillment in all areas of the human life.

Here, I am speaking about spiritual development of the human mind.

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The ‘Outside World’

Like it or not, we are all living in a dream.  We live in a state of conscientiousness and what we perceive as reality is merely a projection of what our mind perceives and understands.

The ‘outside world’ is what we perceives as real and permanent, when it’s actually not.

So, is the material world false, and that we abandon all pursues of them?

Personally, I have come to discover that the ‘outside world’ is where our physical form and conscience mind operates on.  It’s like a dimension or space; it’s where our senses and emotions are driving us everyday.

As you’re reading this, you are operating from your sight sense, your physical form.  As long as you and I are still attached to this form, we cannot abandon our material needs.  Therefore, it makes the most sense for me to maintain the well-being of my physical form (which is changing and non-permanent) while pursuing development in the ‘inner world’.

And how do we achieve this goal?  It’s through maintaining and developing our financial health with constant meaningful, compassion and spiritual purposes in mind.

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The ‘Inside World’

Maybe all of us have forgotten our spiritual world – or what I call ‘inside world’.

Our material needs have long clouded our minds… and that we’ve forgotten that our very existence are the results of our past actions, our Karmas.

Since most people are so busy dreaming on the ‘Outside World’, it is rather sad that so few people have come to realize that we are so overwhelmed by it and pay so little attention to their ‘Inside World’.

When we look into the mirror, we see ourselves.

But why are there so few people who will even bother look at themselves in their spiritual mirrors?  And what I mean by spiritual mirrors, is constant self-reflections on our thoughts and actions.

Personally, I am getting very worried for our next generation.  But I know there is little I can do.  Kids are now getting more demanding and pressurized by the society to perform.  Our good cultures and values have been now been passed over by their maids and their parents do not care if their children are learning the good ethics.  Many have assumed that fighting hard pulling up all sorts of tricks to put their children in good schools will automagically turn their kids into successful and smart grown ups.

Sadly, nothing can be further than the truth!

Perhaps, many parents do not do self-reflections themselves.  Their sphere of compassion is getting very limited now and often assume a mode of scarcity.  This is very dangerous to their mental well being, not just to their children.

As I see teenagers and childrens behave on the trains daily, I can’t help but wonder what the world would be in the next 20 years.  The next generation adults are likely to turn for the worse, and because of this vicious cycle in the human heart, the universe response in greater rage far worse than the Swine Pandemic.

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Conclusion:

Yes, the Aeon of the Pisces is definitely coming to an end in year 2150AD, as it did some 2009 years ago for Taurus.

Today, we all now have plenty of opportunities and tools to become really wealthy compared that to our parents and grand parents some 50 years ago.  Rest assure that humanity will continue to push for greater wealth and scientific advancements in the decades to come, as already predicted by sages.  However, are you cultivating your mind to progress in lockstep tandem?

I pray for your spiritual well-being!

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and

May all beings be Safe and Happy!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Room for Debate: Swine Flu: A Cause for Panic? (roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com)
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• Commentary: Why swine flu scares us (cnn.com)
• Swine flu roots traced to Spanish flu (cbc.ca)
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©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve wrote about my life since my previous blog post.  In fact, I have been rather preoccupied with much personal spiritual development, as well as moving ahead with my little financial development.  I shall not reveal too much over here because life is so uncertain and that I can’t expect too much from the efforts I put in.  But rest assure that this process in me is a slow and long-term focused and self-fulfilling journey! 

If you are confused by what I mean by personal and spiritual development, there are clear distinctions which you must be clear as I will be mentioning the latter often in relation to this post.  The following blog posts I’ve found while I did a little bit of Googling, may be helpful to your understanding in this aspect to assist you to be on track to my discussions here:

1. The Difference Between Spiritual Growth and Personal Development?
2. What Is Spirituality?

Okay, let’s just put my problems aside shall we?  I have to discuss a very serious topic now regarding our current credit crisis that we are all so suck up into.

But first, do treat yourself to this little video that my value investing teacher shared with us in our private discussion forum.  It’s a pretty neat video that can explain to you how our current crisis comes about and why is it linked primary to the sub-prime mortgage problem.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized!

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo

And that its…!

I hope you weren’t depressed by what you just saw in the video?  Now back to the very serious topic regarding your financial future…

It has been quite some time that I pondered over the question of money and spirituality that worked continuously in our lives, and I’ve even attempted to find a link to it.  So in this post, I shall discuss some of my own viewpoints that I think might be useful for further reflections.

But first, let me ask a very important question to start off with…

“Have You Ever Thought If  Everyone HAVE NO MONEY, Now?”

I’m not crazy.  In fact my conclusion for this article is from the standpoint of living spiritually, that we are a lot more happier if our monetary system is not centered around everyone making money (or far more accurately, by carrying more debt), but rather by the capacity of individual to creating social value and exchange that credit for life’s necessity.

I know, this is really unusual for me to conclude first before writing out the full article.  You may not appreciate it now, but allow me to explain…

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Woman Talk Show “Women On Top”

Have you watched the final telecast of Channel U’s talk show “Women On Top” (女人大主意) hosted by Quan Yi Fong 权怡凤?  It was the last of its kind and I must conclude that it is a waste of their time debating on something that is virtual.

I’m not saying that it’s wrong of women having more power and financial control, or that men is weakening in power and have less status.  Afterall, the show never identified the root cause of all the issues.

The root cause is the rise in human being ignorant about finances and how it affect their lives.  In fact many women are rich and successful in life, but find themselves unfulfilled and unsatisfied.  The truth is, many women tend to be more focused on material gains, but failed to admit that they failed to satisfy their emotional needs.  Again, I’m not saying that men don’t.  I’m merely pointing out that the comparison is more on material, being more conscious on material needs, and therefore more likely to be deeply attracted to the 5 senses: sight, hearing, aroma, taste, feel and form.

Buying expensive handbags just for self indulgence?  That’s what most women do (okay, men crave for other things like cars, watches – you name it!).  Desires feed desires.  There is no ending to this vicious cycle.  Not enough money to feed their desires?  Suffering results.  Thinking that making more and more money will solve all problems.

Financially free women?  This is no longer an unheard concept or strange idea.

But is that money spent, or making more money makes one any happier? The more one craves for material indulgences, the more one becomes dissatisfied.

Looks Are Illusions As Well…

Even guys who do not look good or look poor are often despised upon.  Why?

Is this sudden rise in monetary power gained by women in this part of the world becomes a source of unhappiness?

For example, I just openly found out that girls perceive guys from the watches they wear, the shoes they wear, the briefcase they carry, the type of car keys they carry.

Well… Look at me!

I have never carried a wrist watch since the age of 14.  Why do I have to carry one when I can read the time from almost everywhere else?  I steal a shot of time from the watches others are wearing.  Now it’s even showing up on my mobile phone.

Carrying a watch is simply a symbol of status, a symbol of ego.  As you may have already heard of, ego feeds more ego.  Another vicious cycle.

Fortunately, I’ve long learned to be detached from this poison.

So Are Looks Myopic…

I can almost guarantee you that the average Singapore (or even outside Singapore) women will fail to fall for the looks and dressing of Warren Buffett (when he was a lot younger).

Isn’t that plain absurd?!  I have to emphasize that frugality is a virtue.  Quite often, you will hear mature women saying, “it’s not because the man is rich or handsome, he must be kind-hearted and caring.”

Come on!  Give me a break.  It’s the pockets that count in most cases!

Isn’t that a very contradicting statement?  Deep down inside them, there is already a trace of blame, a source of dissatisfaction no matter how one denies.  Looking outwards into thinking that there is a perfect man outside her heart (vice versa with man as well).  It will never happen because perfection comes from within one’s heart, and we need to do something about it rather than hosting talk shows and confusing ourselves over the flawed monetary system we so well buy into (you shall see very soon why, in a ground breaking video below).

The Secrets of Our Young Generation And Their Concepts of Money…

Parents must set examples for kids in the concept of money.

I’ve come up with a new concept that will scare most parents off and they will never appreciate without much self-reflections. And that is to sending your kids to neighborhood schools.  Believe me, it may be a smarter choice in the long run. Why?

At the minimum, kids in neighborhood schools is less likely to crave for expensive gadgets from their parents. Parents themselves must be frugal and virtuous as an example, instead of indulging in overseas holidays, good and expensive food, new gadgets etc.

Aren’t women and men these days who are smart enough parents, know that children are great modelers?  Children learn everything quickly from their environment, their parents being the first impact of all financial courses!  So why aren’t smart women and men taking care of their personal view in relation to their flawed perceived value to money, and allow this flawed values to multiply and pass on to their children?  And then they blame their school teachers for failing to educate their children in schools?

Come on, give me a break ya?!

Why are both parents forced to work so hard until late into the nights, as everyone can easily observed in today’s professional men and women?  Do you really think they are so passionate with the work they do?  Is it by choice or loss of freedom?  So have I already identified where the source of financial dependence (vs independence) comes about?

Frankly speaking, more smart women and men work very hard because they want to feed their egos, rather than true satisfaction because virtually everyone buys into the concept of Money As Debt, which you will see in a ground breaking, eye popping 47-minutes video below.

Pure satisfactions comes from passions that are aligned to spiritual development, not money driven.  Money is merely a concept, a confidence that a certain piece of paper has enough value, that serves conveniently as a means of exchanging or trading for what you need.  Beyond your needs are your wants which is never satisfying because of fueling greed.

Easy Credits, Easy Breaks…

MAS has just recently revised all credit cards applicant’s minimum annual income down to $20,000.  This will induce more people to join the fray of bankruptcies/insolvencies in the years to come.  Money management must be instilled right into these group of people before allowing them to handle easy credits!  I fear that the dark secrets of debts may never be realized and another financial bubble is blowing up, just waiting to be burst.  Increasing easy credit creates more money (and debt) into this already inflated most economies, essentially creating more unhappiness as I have already pointed out why.

Very few people who owe multiple credit card debts can tell you that they are happy or joyous about it.  But what are they really unhappy about?  Haven’t they already bought and consumed their desired products or services (on credit)?  If you are already enlightened by what I mean, credit is essentially or virtually nothing.  It’s thin air.  It’s merely a piece of trust of repaying debt.  So why are people so upset about thin air?  This wisdom is a little Zen, but very true when banks come after you and asking for money they have created out of thin air.

Perhaps you may not be financially enlightened on what I have been talking about.

Read on (or watch on) what I have to show you in an eye popping video on money…

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Money As Debt

In a ground breaking video, Paul Grignon presented the truth of our financial health and obligations.

I must warn you that not everyone has the time and patience to finish watching this video.  In fact, that’s why patience is a virtue.  So few people have it.  If you have been reading this far, then you DO HAVE that patient substance to take your own financial education and even your own spiritual development to the next level.

So as a promise to you, below is the video that I have watch recently that created a big impact on my outlook of money.  I can guarantee you that you will be a lot more financially wiser after investing your quality time on this kind of material that I’ve put together for you, my valued reader.

Paul Grignon’s 47-minute animated presentation of “Money as Debt” tells in very simple and effective graphic terms what money is and how it is being created. It is an entertaining way to get the message out. The Cowichan Citizens Coalition and its “Duncan Initiative” received high praise from those who previewed it. I recommend it as a painless but hard-hitting educational tool and encourage the widest distribution and use by all groups concerned with the present unsustainable monetary system in Canada and the United States.

Some Reflections After Watching This Video…

I’m sure you have a lot to say to me now, or that you have doubts?

Have you wondered midway, while watching the video that the fiat currency that is in your wallet right now may not necessary worth any real value?  Better off carrying gold or silver bars?

Indeed, taking the concept of money from the perspective of debt was very enlightening!  Ever wondered why economies grow so quickly in the last 5 years, with occasional corrections?  Financial bubbles come and burst, but the economy will continue to recover and rebound as long as credits and loans are again flowing; it’s like the blood in our body.  If the blood in us stop flowing, life terminates.

As Paul puts it well, “No Debt = No Money”.  But since all economies in the world are now so tightly bounded by the necessity of debt, it is almost impossible to be debt free.

But if debt DO get paid off, won’t the economy becomes fully dysfunctional?

In my humble opinion, the economy that rides on money as debt requires even more human efforts to sustain.  Good and honest people work hard everyday but they are probably never ever going to be compensated fairly.  All these honest people takes up all sorts of loan and bind themselves to a lifetime of debt that doesn’t even exist in real dollar in the first place!

On the contrary, people who figured out how debt functions in our monetary system, are taking in huge profits in the form of interests and many other equivalent form of payments.

So is this a fair system?  I doubt so.

But instead of whining and complaining that the world is unfair, why not learn the ropes of better finances?

Though I must admit that better finances will not directly drive your spiritual development, it is nevertheless an important skill that supports it.  Without whom, our minds cannot be calm and concentrate on that all important full time spiritual profession that we all embark upon our lives.

And of course… Maybe we might all have a small chance of clearing up all our mess resulting in our ignorance of the power of debts?

Conclusions:

A large part of me have changed significantly over the past 3 months.

Over the past months, I have personally met a number of outstanding individuals whom I have learned much from with regards to my own spiritual perspective of life and in relation with money.

A lot of people I know in my social circles have the natural tendencies to repel money, simply from the way they speak and behave.  Learning how to navigate one’s success in personal finances is not difficult.  However, this path possess a steep learning curve.  Just remember that as in all discipline and studies, it will require one to take significant amount of efforts to learn, apply and master.  Some people will take months, while others will take many many years, perhaps a lifetime to master.

My personal recommendation for accelerated growth in wealth and/or spiritual studies, is to be and learn with someone or a group of highly motivated individuals who have walked this path successfully.  Your best chance of learning will most likely comes from personal mentor-ship, though this approach is not an easy path.

If you can’t remember anything above, just remember this:
Keeping your life simple is the most direct and easy means to walk the path to spiritual and financial success!

So do Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and

May all beings be Safe and Happy!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

It has been my blessing to have survived yet another year and have lived well into this so-called “Once in 12 Years” of the Chinese Lunar year of the Ox.

Strangely, I didn’t called it ‘Year of the Bull’… fearing that some financial professionals might get upset for the Bears are still very much pounding hard onto the Bulls. 

My buddy Leroy has taken the first step to write about his reflections for this new year, and rightfully I should too.  However, being stuck from the mental block of writing for a long time, I was still searching for a topic to write about when I stumbled onto a book at MPH Raffles City about a couple of weeks ago (18th January 2009; coincidentally this day turned out to be a very special day for me but I shall never reveal the secrets here for very personal reasons).

The title of this book is “Rich Brother Rich Sister” by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Emi Kiyosaki.  If you’re familiar with Robert Kiyosaki, then you are wondering why he was writing a book with a nun.  Was it something about wealth building or financial education again?  But the front cover looked pretty spiritual to me and I sensed something is different that Robert is offering here.

Rich Brother Rich Sister

Flipping to the back of the book, it said:

“My life has been about business and teaching people about money… a laser focus that at times, was all-encompassing…”

“In reconnecting with Tenzin, I realized that a rich life has two balance sheets… a financial one and a spiritual one.”  My financial balance sheet was strong, but my spiritual one paled in comparison.”

I saw in Tenzin a women filled with kindness, happiness and joy.  I knew she had found her spiritual family.”
- Robert Kiyosaki

The second remark stunned me deeply.

Searching deeply inside me, I know that I have done reasonably okay at my own financial balance sheet.  Comparing with Robert, I am in a bad financial shape indeed!  However, financial life is not about comparing.  It’s about what you have now and what are you doing with it in a meaningful manner that matters.

For the other part, that’s my spiritual balance sheet, has indeed strengthened over the years.  In the past 4 years, I had been developing spiritually and being aware of my own ego most of the time.  I learned a set of breathing technique from my mentor which has served me well over the last year to curb my ego, as well as to combat my morning blocked nose.

Until recently, I have been blessed to come back to study Buddhist texts again.  Also, recent strange encounters with a few unique characters have led me to come back to develop my spiritual being.  I am now very blessed to be handled with the rare opportunity to explore both aspects of wealth and spiritual developments (specifically in the areas of finances, relationships and careers).  For personal reasons, I cannot reveal the details yet, but rest assure that it will be wholesome and good for both my balance sheets, and hopefully in times to come, I can share them all here when I’m ready.

Recently, Adam Khoo (a well-known multi-millionaire here in Singapore for his educational businesses) has talked about a topic “How Much Would You Sell 10 Years of Your Life For?“

A very inspirational topic indeed.

For me, I’ve gotten my own inspiration from my showers too… but it’s a Personal Theory I’ve somewhat merge from all that I’ve somewhat been studying over the years and the recent strange encounters for the past 3 months.

It call it “The 4 Quadrants of Life“, very much similar concept borrowed from Robert Kiyosaki’s financial version, but mashed up with a spiritual component.

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“The 4 Quadrants of Life” – My Own (and Evolving) Theory

What is this theory all about?

Basically, its a simple concept.  It involves concepts of universal time and space, primary merging the concept of one’s time and material space on this little green planet we call earth.

As humans, we have finite time breathing.  Once our time is up, something will happen.  Depending on one’s faith, various versions are available to explain what may happen.

Personally, I’m very much subscribed to the original teachings of the Buddha, which makes the most sense to me yet.  When our time is up, our strongest tendencies and habits will steer us yet to another beginning.  This concept if very much like the Theory of conservation of energy; our mental/spiritual energy shall be disintegrated and attracted towards the strongest force that we’re most likely attracted to (law of attraction in after-life).  Until the mind is cultivated purely to understand the truth of time and space to break out of this Samsara, rebirth shall repeat indefinitely.

In the material world (where we’re supposedly to be here; or not to be; concept of “Kong” in Buddhist teachings), each of us cannot escape the concept of money and time.  Thereafter, we depart and just what is left may I ask?

I attempted to condense the life of an urban human being into a simple 4 quadrant chart, very much like Kiyosaki’s ESBI (Employee, Self-employed, Business, Investor) Cashflow Quadrant.

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Quadrant #1 – Trading Time For Money

Frankly speaking, majority of people falls into this quadrant, including myself (though I’m working towards minimizing the effects of this quadrant).

I see in the eyes of urban dwellers, rushing from point to point in the desperate move to feel financially secure… when actually not.  Being at ease is the goal of trading time for money.  But is this true?  How much truth are there in this statement?

It leads one to wonder (if ever one does self-reflections) why one is here anyway?

What is the purpose of life?

Is it worth most of your time trading most of your time away for money?

If not, how much money do you really need?

Ah ha!  As you’re asking deeper, you might have discovered that the keyword is “How Much?”

Does it ever occurs that you CAN retire just NOW?

If that’s the case, then what do you want to do; or more specifically, not do?

The answers to the latter may somewhat be surprise yourself and perhaps force you to re-think what you’re not doing that may be your greatest regret or worry.

I’m not denying that money is not important.  It is the fundamental element to trade, virtually anything for your basic needs.  Beyond that, what are the surplus for (if there are any left over)?

Majority of folks may never comprehend this wisdom.  But there is no need to feel sad too because each individual is born with their freedom to choose what they want to trade their time for.  There isn’t any right or wrong way; perhaps not, but rather, as this question began to dawn upon me, it is more appropriate to ask,

“What is one’s life worthy for?“

Perhaps, this new year is a good year to contemplate deeply on such issues.  The severe financial turmoil and economic downturn has indeed done a lot of good to humanity indeed, both financially and spiritually.  It forces us to reconsider our lives and what we should be doing about our time and finances.

A recent survey taken among Singaporeans have already shown that a vast majority have already changed their outlook in their lives due to the current economic downturn.

Many have changed from (2007-2008 Survey):

1. Traveling and going abroad to see the rest of the world
2. Working hard for their retirements

To something more recent on Life Expectations (Q1 2009 Survey):

1. Settling down (getting married)
2. Starting a family (getting married and nurturing our next generation)

True to my observations, the concept of “Trading Time For Money” has indeed force many who operates solely in Quadrant #1 to steer off-tracked and forced to do with what their finances can offer.  Many realized that their family is still the most trusted and secured resources they have in times of trouble or crisis.

Personally, I agree that family is a very important, if not one of the most important component of a human life.  Unfortunately, we don’t live and breathe only on oxygen.  Human beings are herd animals and we have the craving to live in a community.  As such, trading is a necessity and hence currency was invented to make such trades a convenience.

However, life isn’t so complicated, or too caught up and involved in trading time for money.

Have you ever consider anything beyond “Trading Time for Money”?

If not, be blessed and read on…

—

Quadrant #2 – Trading Money For Money

Smarter folks have already discovered this secret.

In fact, this isn’t a secret any more.  More likely, people are seeking to have their money work hard for them.  Many folks ended up on lots of scams – from MLMs, real estates, land banking, internet marketing etc… – you name it, the market has it!  As economist put it neatly, where there is demand, supply will eventually catch up to meet it at equilibrium.

Before you start flaming me, I must emphasize that most of them are scams, but not all.  Some of them are legitimate ones, though there are so few of them around these days.

The concepts are basically the same… making some or good returns from their spare pools of money (investments), while aiming to minimizing the risks in doing so.

Few have successfully done so in the past.  It is only recently that things are changing all these rules now.  These days, the Internet and media have accelerated the distribution of information in such efficient ways that even average folks with basic financial intelligence can do so without much complexities.  Some have done so in many areas of trading money for money that they actually become quite skillful at it.  Many have decided to share their methods and strategies in the hope to spread the goodwill.  Others took advantage of the current situation and made a killing in educational courses.

Look, if you’re operating in this quadrant, you are very blessed indeed!

As Kiyosaki already pointed out, “Your financial balance sheet is strong, but pale in comparison to your spiritual balance sheet.”

I urge you to reconsider your time wisely and strengthen your other balance sheet too.  As I’m strengthening my financial balance sheet in the years to come, I am also working towards my spiritual assets & liabilities; or not quite close as this cannot be measured as gains or losses.  Spiritual development in my perspective is to let go… to give up (more into this later).

As such, as I trade more money for money, it has been my wish to work on it for meaningful purposes, other than to provide for the living expenses and basic comforts for my family and myself.

—

Quadrant #3 – Trading Money For Time

Many folks these days who claimed that financial independence can empower them to trade money for time.  But is this entirely true?

In my humble opinion, it is both true and false.

Money CAN buy certain type of happiness, and even to the extend of time.

For example, you can hire a maid to do your laundry and cook your meals.  But is that what you really want to have until you pass into the darkness?

Perhaps, more realistically, money is just a concept of trading; one that exchange your time, or frees up your mind so that the basic cost of living is no longer a major burden.  With the extra spare time, financially individuals may truly choose to live the life of their dream.

Having said that, there is still a million dollar question left unanswered:

“What is one’s life worthy for?“

All the money in your bank account will never ever going to provide you with the answer.

My philosophy is simple enough…

Here’s my take on living this Quadrant:

Trade enough money to pay for all my expenses that support my family and live comfortably.  Beyond that, I focus on trading money for money for charity, education and volunteering works.  This way, money becomes a meaningful and useful concept; a skill that I’ve acquired successfully and passing them along to all who are fated to be in the know, how and grow with our fellow comrades.

That to me, is one’s life worth living for.

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Quadrant #4 – Trading Time For Time

In my theory of 4 Quadrants, this is the most advanced stage of the human mind as expounded by the Buddha in His long discourse and teachings of the concept known as “Emptiness“.  This is the path taken by people who cultivates and live truly spiritual lives.

It is even possible for anyone to be already in this Quadrant, here and now in this time and space without being in any of the other 3 Quadrants.  Yet, it is still possible to be in all 4 Quadrants simultaneously.

“Just what is Trading Time For Time?“

It is very difficult to understand “Time For Time” unless you can accept the fact that time and money both operates in the same dimension as time and space, or time and matter (money) specifically.

Essentially, when one trades time for time, one is fully absorbed in the moment; or for any given amount of time traded throughout the absorption.

This is very different from trading somebody’s time for your time!  If you trade other people’s time for your time, you’re essentially paying for it (Trading Money For Time), and not truly Trading Time for Time.  No one in the right mind (except slavery) that one is willing to take over your duties for free.

Then again, living Quadrant #4 is not slavery!

It’s about freedom through renunciation and letting go your 5 Aggregates.  It’s accurately describe as being nobody and going nowhere.  It’s here and now, it’s the moment that matters.  Self-reflections and contemplations of your own deeds are one of the basic activities one has to do to walk this path.  As in any spiritual work done, one has to trade time (it’s pure constant effort and full time work) and work towards timeless.

Sounds complicated?

In fact not!

The good news is, Quadrant #4 is just like any other Quadrants that can be mastered and learn like any skill.  It is strange and elusive initially, as it exist in our lives just like Quadrant #2 and Quadrant #3 for anyone who is unfamiliar with.  One can pretend that it doesn’t exist, but that is just fooling oneself, or as Ken Chee (my stock picking teacher) puts it – it’s self denial.  Better to have short-term pains than long term ones.  Strangely, most people would rather choose the latter (or die) than to do any hard work to make changes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely committed to keep changing for the wholesome, in spite of being misunderstood very often in life (as in almost true in all wise men who have ever walked on this planet in the history of mankind).

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That’s it!

It’s just (again) one of my usual long-winded but insightful thoughts that has been flashing across my mind for the past month in the baths.

Of course, you may disagree on many of my points here.  I agree that it might be flawed too as these concepts are purely based on my own limited wisdom and human experiences.  Do feel free to drop your comments and your exchange life pointers.  I will be most blessed by your insights too!

Meanwhile,

Stay hungry, stay foolish, and

May all beings be Safe and Happy!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Truth to be told, most folks never really take a serious thought what they have done, and more importantly, what they have not done in the year that is to be expiring (or have whichever point in time you’re reading this).  Even then, only a very small percentage of those who did so do not pen it down… or rather blog about it.  After all, we’ve advanced quite a bit technologically have we?  So there’s no excuse for not doing so…

Whichever is convenient for you, do keep a record of all your achievements for the year.  It’s your own report card – something only you along can create and review over if you’re serious about your own life.  Some areas of my life which I focused on  (I conveniently take them from my coach) are as follows:

1. Business (career etc)
2. Finances (relations with money etc)
3. Relationships (family, relatives, friends, enemies etc)
4. Life (spiritual development in general)

For me, it has been a very really fruitful year!  I have set out with an intention to attract an amazing amount of learning in many areas of my life, especially on core competencies such as managing my own finances and take charge of my own investments… and I’m happy and blessed to report that I’ve progressed quite a fair bit!

I know what you’re thinking about…

Most people by this time may have been completely wiped out financially as the major tsunami has finally crashed onto the shores of our economies.  And if you believe me, I have seen this coming at the beginning of the year and it is very obvious that the coming year will be an extremely tough year for businesses.  Many folks will be retrenched, more will have their pay cut or reduced, and many will witness their bonuses evaporated.

Many have asked, “Is there light at the end of the tunnel?”

My simply answer, “Definitely YES!“.

Financial disasters are excellent wealth creators and if you have been working smart (and not hard) by equipping plug yourself into the necessary networks, up your financial knowledge and boost your emotional intelligence by going against the fears of the herd (majority), you will be like me to emerge with for financial abundance when the tide goes down in the coming years!

Of course, financial success does not comes without a lot of environmental support and spiritual growth.  It is naive to pretend otherwise because the laws of the universe simply works that way.  Your inner mind and your outer environment is extremely crucial and it shapes your very present moment.  If you’re broke, it’s because your inner mind (or financial blueprint) has been subconsciously conditioned for financial failures.  Your environment is most likely non-supporting too; it drains you off your precious time and mental energy, resulting with very little time you can spare to concentrate on improving your own finances.

If you’re not so sure what I’m talking about, allow me to share my learning and may you be inspired too!

January-February 2008

• Getting Started in the year of the Flaming Rat – A sense of care for our lonely elders!

I began the year with a very humble beginning thinking how I can contribute back my time and energy for the community.  A rare chance came along for me to join some like-minded friends to give out food to lonely and elderly folks in Chinatown.  Although I didn’t know most of them, it dawn on me that it wasn’t really important after all because our common objectives were met.

Very few Singaporeans actually know that there are many unfortunate old folks who are living very much alone in the heart of the buzz of Chinese New year… commonly known as Chinatown.  Most Singaporeans only know Chinatown as a modernized shopping spot for the Chinese festive season.

Most of these folks live in a block of over 30 levels of single room HDB flat just next to the much elaborated Fuo Ya Si (Buddha’s Tooth) Temple.  It sounds very ironic isn’t it but this is the sad truth in life.  If you take the life up to the 15th (mid-way) level and check out its surroundings, you can quickly contrast the bright afternoon sun ray with the extremely dark corridors where hundreds of old folks live behind closed doors – some of them alone and no more relatives in Singapore.

It saddens me that some of these old folks have quite a number of children.  Unfortunately, most of them have decided to abandon them for their own families and careers outside the country.  The only consolation part is that there are often volunteers who come along to help distribute food and living necessities to them, and some even help out in some cleaning and mopping.

Having experienced the short trip and still being able to reply much of the memory till today has been a great blessing for me.  So while you’re struggling on to provide for your own family, do remember to spare some thoughts how you may end up be lonely and need someone else to take care of you when you’re too old or unable to feed yourself.

• Owning my very first and Powerful Digital Camera!

Owning one of these little digital gadgets has been one of my desires and I am finally blessed to be able to own one myself!  It’s a little hard to justify a $500++ gadget unless I can convince myself to put it to good use.  Now that I know how to work out the compounding mathematics, it turn out that this device will cost me $4231 if the money were to be put to compound 15% for 15 years!

9 months later, I have been enjoying this valuable gadget… something that can help me review lots of memorable moments, pictures and videos.  It certainly did add a lot more excitement and colours to my family and friends!

So was it worth $4000++ future money?

As the saying goes, there are some things money can’t buy! 

March 2008

• What Matters to You and I Most…

March was both a shock and a surprise for me.  It never occur to me that on my birthday, my father was admitted to the hospital for mild stroke!  Life is simply unpredictable.  Suddenly, I realize that our bodies are so fragile… and that our time on this little planet is so limited!  Even my elder brother admitted that his health has not been so good after years of hard work in the insurance business.  The money is good but one is trading health for wealth.  Is our time and wealth all that is worth?  It makes me contemplate deeply…

Waiting at the A&E (accident and emergency) at Changi General Hospital is one unpleasant experience.  You can witness all sorts of people who can carried in on stretchers for all sorts of reasons.  There was even one military escort case for a handcuffed detainee.

For the whole day, I was not quite sure what to expect… and it seems to me that the only thing I could do was to stay with my father.  Fortunately, the doctor finally declare that the stroke was not deadly and my father could recover well with proper medication for mild diabetes coupled with physiotherapy.

Through this incidence, I came to realized that now I am a lot more closer to both my father and my elder brother… especially my brother; for he is rarely at home.  Having a dialog with him in a month is most certainly a rare opportunity these days!

Do you have a very similar situation like mine?

Perhaps, constant in-depth communication with your family is the single most important aspect of your relationships.  I vividly remembered the wise words from my coach: “When the dialogue is stopped, the relationship is over.”  How beautifully phrased can that be!  If only more folks can appreciate the depth and wisdom behind that statement!

• Investment opportunities in Commercial Real Estates!

I’ve finally gotten a glimpse of what it feels like when I was introduced to the concept of investing in commercial real estate.  If you were like me who have never understand what various forms of investment is all about, much less about understanding the risks involved in each type of asset classes, you’ll be amazed at how much I have learned this year alone!

To most investors and speculators, real estate is commonly viewed as owning a piece of land, residential property, REITs or Royalty Trusts.  If invested wisely, real estate investment can generate substantial cashflow periodically along with possible capital gain if the property market is in your favor.

Unfortunately, Singapore’s property market is on the downturn since the beginning of the year and it is likely to hit its low soon.  Thus, many investors start to look for real estate opportunities such as those in Canada, USA, UK, Malaysia and even Thailand.  In my case, I was looking at fundamentally strong economics of oil, gas and tourism industry of Canada, in particular to the state of Alberta, Calgary.

As in any form of investment, liquidity and foreign exchange are one of the highest type of risks one can be exposed to.  It seems strange for me to get started but I guess one has to get take the first step after evaluating all the evidences of sound investment principles.  After all, I can either end up as a sucker or winning reasonably well.

So far, the rental income from that investment had increased in despite the severe decline of the US housing markets.  As of last week, I have received a 3% bonus and tax-free passive income.  The first rental income, as I was informed earlier, will be scheduled for payment in April 2009.  This is the first passive income stream that I’ve built this year. 

April 2008

• Connecting the Dots Looking Back by Steve Jobs

One of most memorable speech I’ve heard this year comes from the famous founder of Apple Computer and Pixar Animation Studio in a graduating message to MBA graduates of Stanford University.

If you’ve noticed many of my previous posts, I’ve sign off using the tag “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”.  This is a really awesome statement when applied to your own life.

Stay hungry, stay foolish!

• Adam Khoo’s Leadership Foundation Course
  

I met Adam Khoo in a workshop last year and I quickly felt very blessed to learn from him.  Interestingly, I’ve gotten another chance this year to learn from some of his best trainers for the cooperate world!

Many folks are not well exposed to the styles of coaching in this part of the world, therefore some students may find the course pretty uncomfortable or unable to appreciate the depth of experiences that were shared.

In fact, the trainers gave a lot of insights on what our economy is heading and how one should develop certain competencies to engage the coming challenges.  I can tell that possibilities are boundless, and it’s only possible if one is constantly ready to challenge oneself, adapt quickly and embrace changes.

This is an obviously a new paradigm but it seems strange that most people are not ready for it yet.  The challenges of our generation (Gen Y) is facing an increasingly complex environment that demands us to handle a lot of information.   Information is useless until we make sense out of them, or find important meaning behind them.  This implies that thinking, understanding, imagination and creativity is absolutely necessary.  Finally, the ultimate purpose of these constant exercise is to find clarity.  Without clarity and purpose in what we are doing, there is no way we achieve what our mind set out to do.

It was a simple course, but there are profound messages embedded behind it.

May-June 2008

• Discovering my Simple Health Formula!

I started taking health supplements again after a 3-year break.  Looking back, it seems that I have already survived 6 months later! 

Combining with a special breathing exercise, I feel myself a lot healthier.  In fact, I have not been sick, not even once since the day I took the special supplements.  However, I still feel tired and very soon, I discovered that it is due to insufficient sleep.  With some good recommendations from a close friend, I have been sleeping before, on and around mid-night.

So whenever possible, I force myself to get to bed as early as possible (preferably before mid-night).  This practice also force me to concentrate only on the important tasks at hand and help me focus and get things done very efficiently.

On 25th November, I took a comprehensive health screening exercise (DaySpring Wellness) and received a scientific “report card” over my health conditions.  I am blessed to discover that all areas of the test appear to be normal and some even optimal.  However, I believe that my HDL and LDL cholesterol level can be further improve upon.

With this purpose in mind, and for a new commitment in year 2009, I intend to take on more natural vegetarian food as often as situation allows, and reduce on meat consumption.

Why Go Vegetarian?

Perhaps, you may not see the benefits I’ve seen recently in a series of videos.  Humans are not designed to eat meat.  By eating meat, we humans have created scarcity in food and create more hunger and poverty in 3rd world countries.  Furthermore, if vegetarian food is taken correctly, there are perfectly no health issues.  Personally, I am a bit “Kiasu” (a Singapore Slang – it means not to loose out) in nutrition and I will continue to take health supplements, solely for health insurance. 

If you’re so blessed like me, you are most welcomed to view the following short videos to learn all about going vegetarian – the whys:

A seed for a better world (让世界更美好的善种子) Part #1

A seed for a better world (让世界更美好的善种子) Part #2

A seed for a better world (让世界更美好的善种子) Part #3

A seed for a better world (让世界更美好的善种子) Part #4

A seed for a better world (让世界更美好的善种子) Part #5

A seed for a better world (让世界更美好的善种子) Part #6

Watch all 6 Parts Here!

—

A New Mobile Gadget For Me!

I’m a pretty frugal person.  Since graduation, I have never paid more than $50 for a mobile phone.  Interestingly, I caught a good deal this year in a StarHub roadshow this year.  This deal comes perfectly timely as my Nokia 6610 batteries are starting to fail quickly and IDA recently announced the freedom in mobile number retaining when customers port between Telco service providers.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I switched over to StarHub on a 24 months contract, paying $48 for the cool Nokia E51 security sensitive device!  Along with it comes a 6 months free subscription, rendering the service an 18-months deal.

It’s a no-brainier deal to a value buyer (Ha!  Speaking of value investing!).

July 2008

• Millionaire Investor Program -
  Perhaps The Only Course in Asia for Investing the Warrent Buffett’s Way!
  

July is a life changing month for me…

I have been studying diligently about investing in common stocks, attending free seminars so far but I have yet to make any progress in action.  As the saying goes, “Knowledge without Application is Lame”.  Indeed, no amount of books will prepare me to make any move until I discovered a very important deal in July…

I caught sight of a headline, an advertisement, in one of my private forums run by my close buddy Leroy.  It said: “Investing The Warren Buffet’s Way” or something like that.  It was a preview seminar to teach people how to evaluate businesses using Buffett and his teacher, Benjamin Graham, methodology.

I am not an idiot or newbie to this industry… that such preview seminars are out to sell you something by giving you an idea, or something free so as to entice you to sign up for a course.  Also, I am no new comer to the legendary value investor, Warren Buffett and his teacher Graham.  I have personally read his original publication, “The Intelligent Investor” and I’ve always found it inspiring if his methodology can be applied equally in this part of the world.

I invited a few guys to join me on this seminar, but only my colleague CY was interested.

Being a skeptic of scams myself, I still keep an open mind throughout the presentation and understood all the marketing gimmicks presented.  I was ready to shut off my mind when one benevolent presenter went on stage and presented a little game… and this game changed my perspective and understanding immediately!

I thought I was able to understand financial statements after all the reading I had been doing.  The game instantly revealed my deficiencies in understanding various aspects of the financial of any company.  The game had only 4 listed companies, yet I was unable to pick the only winner in the list.

I was no dummy.  I knew from the bottom of my heart that this knowledge and experience in refining this skill alone and itself will put me way ahead of most speculators, traders and so call professionals and analysists in the markets.

Unfortunately, there was one problem – the course fee started out pretty steep – $4,995!

I knew I had to pass this one off, but deep down inside me, I knew its value.  Price is merely a concept of money.  Value is what you can get out of it perpetually for the rest of my life.  I knew that if I had to pay that figure, I would… but my trained skeptical protection immediately kick in and warn me – “Not so fast baby!“.

And true enough, all sort of marketing gimmicks were thrown in… but I was not moved.  I gave myself a target price to pay for the value of the course.  Nothing more than $x,xxx.  Eventually, the price fell below my target price and I gave myself the green light.  I’m already sold on to the course at a huge discount!  It’s a steal – I know it intuitively! 

It’s still above 3 figures, but I’m not a newbie to paying for something valuable, especially for my own personal improvement that is invaluable for life.  Most people cannot understand beyond this and that is why most people struggle in life.  They failed to identify value and grab opportunities when the price is right.  I must warn you that there are plenty of opportunities around you everyday.  Unless you’re trained to see them, there is no way to know, much less take advantage of them!

That’s it!  I was glad to locked in at a very low price what others are still willing to pay about 2x more than I paid for at the time I’m writing this.  I suspect that there is a huge demand for this kind of course, and much more as economic cycles gets shorter and shorter.  It’s really easy to become really rich if you follow through at least 2 bear markets as it is happening right now.  Maybe by the time you read this, the course fee might have skyrocketed back to $4,995 AND without all the bonuses and access to our private mastermind group.

If you are interested to find out more, you are most welcome to send me a comment for more information.  There are no obgligations to take this course, but somwhat, I would like as few people to know about it as possible… ahh… my small self is kicking me again!  Well, let’s just let nature discover you then!  There is no enlightened wealth if folks are not convinced of the benefits.  However, I will be most blessed and grateful to share this with any willing and open individuals who are tired of trading for a living.

August 2008

• Opening up my CDP account at Invest Fair 2008!

Yes!  I have been doing a bit of research by now and I’ve zeroed in a few possible low cost brokers to get started and gaining ownership in my own investments!

I’ve identified CIMB-GK, Kim Eng, DBS Vickers and Philips Capital as one of the most established and lowest cost authroized brokers in Singapore.  Coincidentally, I found a $1 deal for 8 trades with CIMB and I signed up immediately!  Brokerage fees are at least $25 and this means I saved $200 already!  What a no-brainer especially for value investors!

The Invest Fair was a very good event to understand more about value investing and understanding the property market in Singapore.  It’s like a mini-crash course all in one seminar!

You can read in much more detail on the exhibition on the link above.

• Millionaire Investor Program Batch #1
  

End of August was a time for me to absorb the course I’ve taken up.

After the first day, I was like slapped on the head already!  I can challenge you that I have learn more in a single day than most investment courses out there you have ever taken – in a single day!

Investment psychology is so darn important yet people fail to take notice and treat investment like a big gambling game.  You have heard of the concept of “Buy High, Sell Low” right?  It’s a no-brainer, but most people take it the opposite way!  It’s no wonder why most people in the markets are loosing money!  Their psychologies are playing against them, and I’ve read somewhere before… that extensive research have already proven this phenominal, and it’s consistent even with folks who are very high in IQ.

As legendary value investor, Warren Buffett, pointed out: “You don’t need an IQ of more than 125 to invest.  Any more higher is wasted.”

I’m beginning to realize the wisdom of his approach.  The more I keep to that practice, the more I find it intellectually profound and easy to implement as long as you keep your emotions at bay by not following the crowd.  Achieving a compounded return of 15-20%pa is possible and achievable to most retail investors!

September-October-November 2008

• Secrets of Millionaire Mind Intensive by T. Harv Eker
  

Millionaire Mind Intensive is a 3-days seminar over the first weekend of November.  With over 5,000 people from all over the world, folks get to experience and understand their relationships with money.  Though the seminar was heavily peppered with marketing and sales talks, careful filtration enables one to extract really valuable information that can be readily applicable in one’s financial life!

One important concept I find very applicable is the 6 financial jars.  Personally, I like the concept of “Play Jar”.  It helps relieve one from the stress of spending money, which can cause one to feel guilty when one is supposed to be investing it or saving it properly.

The 6 jars form very important money management system which most folks do not have an idea how powerful the technique is.  For me, I’ve already established my FFA, LTSS, NEC and PLAY jars.  The 2 jars remaining I have not sort out is my EDU and GIFT jar.  I am currently adjusting my GIFT jar with my time so that I can maximize them for important FFA and EDU jars.

Besides applying the 6 jars concept, I’ve gotten to experience first-hand how powerful marketers can whipped up so quickly and got so many people to pay their hard-earned money.  It’s a lot like powerful Internet marketers who can craft emotional and triggering words to entice people to buy irrationally.  Having seen all their marketing gimmicks and very little genuinety in their offers, there were very little reasons to pay them any money.  Having said that, there is but one course, “Train The Trainers”, which I think makes the most sense.  Harv himself was a clear example of applying that single skill to make a lot of money in all his seminars.

• Millionaire Investor Program Batch #2

November was a great time to review the MIP after having seen the major market drawdowns in September and October 2008.  I was blessed to attend a complete and slightly revised MIP.  Through this review, I improved my understanding of financial reports by sharing my knowledge with my fellow graduates, as well as students of MIP #2.

You see, you cannot improve quickly unless you can share genuinely  with an open heart and mind with the intention to learn too.  And this can only be accomplished with people who are willing to reciprocate.

I was also blessed to meet many more like-minded friends whom I have increased my learning too!

• Dividends – My First Passive Income Stream!

It’s kinda hard to imagine that I have received my very first passive income stream at the end of the month only having stayed invested for a little over 3 months!

Now, dividends are very nice cashflow to receive in times of financial meltdown.  Coupled with reinvestment and proper money management skills, it its not hard to figure out amazing compounded returns over a long time-frame when one invests in the right type of businesses.

December 2008

• Rental Income – My Second Passive Income Stream!

On the second week of December, a 3% early bird bonus was credited into my bank account!  This cashflow is a one-time payment because I had stay invested since March this year.  Rental incomes are very exciting for me to receive when I know that I don’t have to do any more work and the cash keep coming in for as long as I hold an ownership to the property after paying off all expenses to maintain the professional management services.  It’s a small glimpse for me to be a little business owner… cool!

My first 4.5% rental income is scheduled to flow in by April next year.  It is interesting to note that by April, I will be taking time off from the market to focus on my Internet projects, and I’m still getting paid!

• “Tuesdays With Morrie” By Mitch Albom
  

I was really blessed to have a chance to borrow this book from LR and have invested a few days finishing it.  Man!  I must kick myself for not taking a friend’s advice to read this book when I was introduced to it more than 3 years ago!

This is an awesomely profound and spiritual book to read in under 3 days!  I urge you to read this little novel in the light of your own spiritual practice and see if you can find deeper meaning in your life.  Some of the most beautiful quotes I’ve extracted are as follows:

• “Once you know how to die, you know how to live.”
• “If you can accept that you can die at any time – then you might not be as ambitious as you are.”
• “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half asleep, even when they are busy doing things they think are important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”
• “A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.”
• “Love each other or perish.”
• “Love is when you are as concerned about someone else’s situation as you are about your own.”
• “Love is the only rational act.”
• “Without love, we are birds with broken wings.”
• “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in…”
• “As far as men go, it is not what they are that interests me, but what they can become.”
• “You’re not a wave, you’re part of the ocean.”
• “In truth, there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross.”
• “What’s wrong with being number two?”
• “You talk, I’ll listen.”
• “Only an open heart will allow you to float equally between everyone.”
• “Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness.”
• “There is no experience like having children.”
• “People are only mean when they’re threatened.”
• “You see, you closed your eyes. That was the difference. Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them too – Even when you’re in the dark. Even when you’re falling.”
• “I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations — one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it — you will regret both.”
• “Dying is one thing to be sad about, living unhappily is another thing.”
• “The sick are the greatest danger for the healthy; it is not from the strongest that harm comes to the strong, but from the weakest.”
• “I need to respect my children worlds, or else this disease will have ruined the three of us instead of one.”
• “The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. and you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it.”
• “Why are we embarrassed by silence? What comfort do we find in all the noise?”
• “People act as if death is contagious.”
• “Death takes away life, not relationships.”
• “You live on – in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.”

In fact, my buddy LR wrote a short article on his feelings and afterthoughts that moved me quite a bit.

This little book is selling in Popular Book store for as little as $16.00 ($14.40 if you use the 10% discount card) and it gives so much beauty to the meaing of our lives!

If you’ve never ponder how you are going to die, then I’m sad to affirmed that you’ve never learnt how to live.  Death is the beginning, not an end as you might have been taught incorrectly.  In fact, if you’re well versed in Buddhist teachings, death itself is not frightening.  It is when one is not prepared for it that is frightening!  Death is a natural process that cleans out the old for the new, a universal law that no man have yet breech, and cannot be breeched.  Not even great emperors, or the presidents of supernations.

If you happen to know a very famous MediaCorp artist, Zhou Chu Ming, you would have realized that he has forgotten all that is to life until he was dignosed with his terminal disease.  He has been doing financially well over the years with MediaCorp movies and all his part-time property businesses, and yet, he failed to realized the truth, even when his best friend MC King collapsed and died recently.

What do you want yourself to be remembered as when you die?

Were there anything meaningful in this world that you should be doing, you know it and you’re still not doing, however small it may be?

Give yourself a punch or a slap in the face and set a resolution to get started in year 2009!  You deserve it!

And don’t forget to grab this book and read it.  I promise that your life will become much more fulfil somehow!

—

• Investing In Pure Gold!

Gold to most investors are but mysterious and elusive diversifications.  Recently, I was introduced to this concept of investing in solid pure gold, 24 Karat and 999.9 fine gold bars!

I know, this sounds very skeptical to me too…

Nevertheless, I kept an open mind and checked out the presentation.  It was nicely presented with lots of information to follow up.  The gold bars presented were real 100g gold pieces that anyone can carry around in their pockets.

I’ve verified further that each gold bars were wrapped in special pastic wraps that were supposed to be tamper protected.  Tearing open each pack will breech the security marks which nullified their certification.  Each gold bar is certified by PAMP, that is claimed to be on par with International Standards and rating as solid as gold issued by Credit Suisse, Switzerland.

Indeed, these gold bars are highly in demand world-wide and are open to investors to buy at 2% discounts.  Under the contract, you can sell them back at the end of the month for the original price you’ve paid.  That is a whopping 2% capital gain while locking down the volatility of spot gold prices for 1 solid month!

Sounds too good to be true?  I’m not sure yet but I’ll probably will not be investing in this one.  I am currently quite strapped up for cash in some solid investments and business, so I cannot commit something new yet.

However if you are interested, feel free to drop me a comment with your details and I can get back to you.

• Onwards To Year 2009!

It’s been a long article, and I must thank you for reading my blabberings (if you have been so faithful, I thank you from the botton of my heart)!

Year 2009 is not going to be easy for most people, but with a little good planning, a little luck and some disciplines, we can expect a very wonderful year to accomplish great things for the benefit of humanity.  Do keep your comments rolling in and perhaps even to engage me intellectually too!

Stay hungry, stay foolish!

Be Blessed, Peace, Inspired & Enlightened in Year 2009!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Two weekends ago, I was sticking around Singapore Expo, attending one of T.Harv Eker‘s Millionaire Mind Intensive seminar – and yes, Harv was here in Singapore!  There were an amazing number of people participating in this event – a whopping 5000++ crowd!

I was with 2 of my friends, whom they were quite irritated by the marketing throughout the entire seminar.  As much as they enjoyed or hated the heavy selling and marketing, I did my very best to listen and pay attention to what Harvey has to share.   Below are some of the key points, which I’ve learned from the 3-days intensive seminar.

• “Don’t believe a word I say” – T. Harv Eker
  

Yes!  You’ve read it right!  And Harv is right too!  Very often, folks take information for granted and have fail to exercise independent thinking.  And I must note that too.  Don’t believe a word I write here too.  Do your own thinking and figure out if I make any sense at all.

• The most dangerous English words are: “I Know That”

How many times do you hear your inner voice saying “Don’t try to teach me that… I already know…”?

In fact, there are so many instances when I caught myself thinking, “I know it”.  Fortunately, I learned over the years how to detect such dis-empowering way of thinking, by constantly opening up my mind and inviting myself to be challenged.  Of course, my ego often gets in the way… and that’s even harder to suppress!

• Pay yourself 10% first.

It’s so fundamental… I don’t have to explain this right?  Unfortunately, most folks never put this into actions.  The worse of the kind are those who already know it but never put any concrete actions into the doing.

Personally, I have an automatic investment of about 10% of my active income every month.  This simple and fool-proof strategy allows me to average up and down irregardless of market conditions.  After much learning about various forms of investments, I am also starting to set aside an extra 10% every month into my FFA jar (more into this later).

• Clarity Is Power

I’m constantly unimpressed by folks who says they want more money but they sit there and do nothing!  Some even have the cheek to tell you that it’s too expensive to attend courses or even time to attend free seminars.  Most importantly, they have no idea how much money is enough.  The usual answer is “The More The Better”.

Unfortunately, “The More Money The Better” is not acceptable!

This mode of thinking is obviously a source of scarcity.  Unless one is aware of this truth, there is no power to change since there is no clarity.  Therefore, financial success to many people is never possible, always suffering without even knowing why.

Clarity leads to power, where power empowers you with the ability to act.  By simply knowing absolutely how much is enough and by when, your financial path is all set once clarity is formed.  The rest is finding your way towards that clear goal.  For example, “$120,000 pa residual income in 10 years’ time”.

• Financial jars – a consistent and proven money management system.
  It forms the basis of your financial success.

For me, the jars are very useful principles that can be easily applied by just about anyone regardless of their income.  I was very inspired by this simple methodology that I started setting aside a PLAY jar.  Here’s how it works:

(Note: The percentages shown are purely suggestive figures.  You are free to adjust them to your needs.)

FFA jar 10% – Financial freedom jar.  You never ever spend this money until you’re financially free.  For investments only.
EDU jar 10% – Pay for your continuous financial education.
LTSS jar 10% – Long term savings for spending jar.  For buying large ticket items.
NEC jars 55% – Necessity.  Used for paying all your bills and living expenses.
PLAY jar 10% – For treating yourself well, you must bust this account every month or quarter.
GIVE jar 5% – Excellent money receivers are also excellent giver.  If you cannot afford $, then give your time.

If you’re married, you’ve got to talk to your spouse to agree on your common distributions.

Again, this is difficult if your spouse is a spender.  Be really honest and open up your communication with your spouse.  Have it agreed upon and set up a separate joint account for each jar.

If you’re just like me who use internet banking exclusively, you may like to open a few separate bank accounts or use an electronic spreadsheet to monitor all your deposits daily.  Either way, I feel that all the jars are very important.  The PLAY jar is something new to me and this is probably one of the biggest take away from the seminar for me.

• Financial Freedom Formula

If you’ve read Harv’s book, this formula is pretty clear:

1. Income
2. Savings
3. Investments
4. Passive Income
5. Simplify

If you’re concerned with your financial future, you must be putting in most of your waking time working to increase on one or more of the above.

• Financial Freedom?
  Formula: Passive Income > Expenses

This is one of the most abused term in the industry. When you hear folks saying they want to be a millionaire, just what  does a millionaire do and think?  The money itself is a result of actions from clear investment and/or business goals.  Even if you make a million and spend it all, you’re nowhere near financial independence!  Your expenses will scale upwards as your income increases.

Hold it there… it appears that the secret formula to financial freedom is to reduce expenses right?

That’s partially right in my opinion…

Most folks do not understand the rule of expense buster.  If you diligently keep track of all your daily expenses (and I mean it!), you’ve already discover how much you need in your necessity jar without shortchanging your survival.

Cutting down expenses is a daily routine you’ll need to be conscious about.  The key is to spend whatever you need based on the value you’re getting out of each item.  The longer the value you can derive out of a product/service without recurring payment, the better.

Of course, not only you’ll need an expense buster, you’ll also need to compound your money (ie. make your money work harder).  That is why I focus my attention to stable and recurring passive income streams through diversifying my investments to various classes of assets.

So what are the common types of passive income the rich invest in?  Personally, I’m not so sure because Harv did not mention all of them in the seminar.  Here is a possible list I’ve came up with:

1. Scalable and Systematized Business/Franchise
2. Network Marketing
3. Stocks/Equities
4. Commercial Real Estates
5. Internet/Affiliate Businesses
6. Royalties from Intellectual Properties (eg. Music, Books, Artwork, Software Licensing etc)

The key is to focus your time building pipelines of passive income, one at a time until all your expenses can be comfortable paid for from these passive sources.  Once that objective is reached, you have achieved financial independence… and you can then decide to choose to work or not, depending on your passions.

• Grow Your Golden Goose and Never to kill it

This concept is very simple but most folks find it hard to understand, let alone to apply it in real life.

The golden goose is your FFA jar.  Never, never, never, never ever spend it.  The main objective is to grow this fat goose to lay as many golden eggs as possible, have them hatch and allow each golden little geese to create that passive income streams for you.

Essentially, this means allowing the magic of compounding to take effect over a long time frame.

Never allow yourself to kill the goose (spend your FFA jar).  If you desire to pass them on to your dependents, set up a trust for this specific purpose such that they will never ever draw out the money, but allow the money to be re-invested and compounded for as long as your linage survives.

• Money Is A Result

As with all things, the amount of money you’ve accumulated is a result of your skill to handle (money management) and to grow them (investments).  If you’re broke at this time, you have to accept it that there is a problem with you, not the world… for the world does not owe you a living.

Your physical world is a result of 3 components:

1. Mental
2. Emotion
3. Spiritual

As Harv put it bluntly – “The only way to permanently change your outer world is to first change your inner world”.  Your emotional attachment to money is the ultimate factor that determines your financial results.

Don’t believe me?  Try changing one of your habits (eg. smoking) and you know how difficult it is to do so by your own will power.  Everyone knows that smoking cost you a ton of money here in Singapore.  It can cost even more money when you seek medical treatments, further destroying your relationship with money (and possibly relationships with your family too).

• Negotiation and Marketing skills.

Probably one of the most important skills that can benefit all areas of your life.

I’m quite interested in Harv’s “Train The Trainer” course.  Unfortunately, I’m already busy with a few matters on hand which will keep me really busy for over a year.  Thus, I can’t get distracted and get de-focused.

Information overloading is the sure-kill formula for failure.  Focus on one thing well first, establish mastery and them move on to learn another skill.

• Hypnotic therapy and anchoring techniques.

This is a big one.  If you’re familiar with the movie “The Secrets”, then you’ll know what I mean.
Using just mental recollection can cause every cells and muscles in your body to respond as if you’re already positioned in reality (as if you’re involved physically).  During day 2 of the seminar, we got a feel of applying it to relax the mind.  This relaxation allowed our minds to flow freely, while we work along to explore our inner most emotions (fear, greed, guilt etc) through writing exercises and sharing it with our partners in the seminar hall.

In neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) there is a term called anchoring.This is where you take an object and make emotional connections to it.  In the training, we placed our left middle finger and press it against our thumb.  This allows us to associate a reference to that emotion.

• “Teaching is a spiritual gift, it is the best profession in the world” – Harv Eker

Indeed, teaching is a spiritual gift.  Everyone has his/her own wisdom and it’s really up to individuals to play their parts and make this world a better place.

Unfortunately, Asians especially, are not too open to share their own knowledge, much less their wisdom.  It is probably a survival instincts that have grounded much into our own heritage – the great scarcity of the mind.

And as Harv pointed out, teaching can be very rewarding, both spiritually (not to forget emotionally), and financially.  Do not ever generalize teaching as only those you see in schools.  Teaching can be anywhere, and the best teachers will show you to path to all areas in you… ie business, relationships, finance, career and life in general.  Another take away I’ve gotten from teaching is, “The only way to grow love is to give love unconditionally”.

So the weekend was not all about money.  It’s about giving and receiving just as well, whether it is love, money or anything you consider important to you.

In case you’re wondering how much financial reward one can hope to receive, Harv mentioned something like, “Training is the most profitable profession.  You can earn $20k-$100k per weekend if you’re well trained to capture a large audience”.

And to add on further, he illustrated how possible it is using Network Marketing as an example.  Network marketing is really all about teaching.  It’s a teaching business in its very own rights.  You cannot really sell and build a monster network marketing empire without imparting or teaching others the ins and outs of the business, and of course not forgetting to pass along intimate product knowledge.

When one have mastered the art of teaching, the next best way to reap the rewards is to sell books/seminars or products to a pre-existing (and large) audience base.  If you’re observant enough, you will noticed how successful teachers like Harv (and network marketers) control their audiences.

These expert teachers uses accelerated learning techniques to capture audience attention, as well as getting their audiences to be involved in answering questions and raising their hands, even to the extend of standing up and dancing!  This is effectively managing high energy levels on their audiences.  When audiences are responsive enough, it is really easy to press their hot buttons and command them to buy at will.

Don’t believe me?  Just ask anyone who had attended the MMI seminar and they can relate how the marketers got hot audiences to literally run to the counters to pay up for courses and products (each worth over S$2000++)!  It’s really an eye opener for me and Harv and Success Resources have been making huge profits that weekend! 

• Finally, Train Yourself To Be An Excellent Receiver
  

In a world where we all live, bounded by the lawy of duality, it makes sense that in order for one to be an excellent receiver of money, one must also be an excellent giver of money.

• Friendly Final Hugs

I’ve never forgotten the touching story of Harv how he hated his dad for stealing his jar of coin collections, only to realized that he had been holding this anger for over 30 years.

When his dad returned from a hard day from work, Harv leaped onto his dad and accused him for stealing his coins.  His dad, being totally confused and now knowing why, very tired too, gave his son a hard slap on his face and shouted, “Get the hell out of my face!”.  That was all it took to send little Harv crying in his bedroom pillow, swearing never to talk to his dad ever.

Fast forward 30 over years later, he found out eventually from his dad that it wasn’t meant to happen as he had imagined.

His father, on that faithful evening some 30 years ago, was showing to his neighbors how proud he was with his son for saving up coins in his private jar.  While doing so, he spilled beer over the coins.  So he washed them and dried them using a piece of cloth, putting the coins carefully into a sealed plastic bag which he soon forgotten and went to sleep without putting the dried coins back into the jar.

Harv literally broke down and cried when he finally understood what happened.  Imagine holding that poisonous state of mind (harbouring anger and resentment) for sustained period of time only to discover that the poison itself have killed oneself in doing so!

Holding on to anger and resentment is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die.
- Unknown

Harv never ever got the guts to say “I love you dad”, even when he knows he might never ever get to see his dad again in a year’s time while he travels all over USA conducting his seminars and workshops.  When he finally got it all straighten out, he drew up his courage, in his dad car while being driven to the airport with his gears in the car boot.  He finally drew up all guts in the risk that his dad will loose control of the car and have them both killed in a car accident.

Harv: “Dad, I have something I’ve always wanted to ask you…”

Dad: “WHAT IS IT ABOUT?!!” almost shouted (as usual).

Harv: (too scared then… but pressed on) “Dad… I’ve always wanted to ask you this… why is it that I’ve never hear you say, ‘I LOVE YOU SON’ ?”

Dad: (Tears rolling down cheeks…) “…”

Harv: (bracing for a motorist accident)

Finally, his dad stopped the car as they’ve reached the airport.  Still tears in his eyes, he didn’t say a word, but rushed to the boot to unload his son’s luggage.  Finally, Harv hugged him and heard him said for the first time in all his life, “I LOVE YOU SON!”.

It was an almost touching scene…

At this point, the seminar audiences (some 5000+ people) where gathered together in a huge circle in the middle of the huge Expo Hall 2, crossed our arms with our neighbors, and started singing a very touching song “The Living Years” by Mike and the Mechanics.  The lyrics was most beautiful and meaningful too!

Here’s a little video clip “The Living Years” I’ve found on YouTube:

Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door

I know that I’m a prisoner
To all my father held so dear
I know that Im a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thought
Stilted conversations
Im afraid thats all we’ve got

You say you just don’t see it
He says its perfect sense
You just can’t get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defence

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It’s the bitterness that lasts

So don’t yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different day
And if you don’t give up, and don’t give in
You may just be o.k.

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

I wasn’t there that morning
When my father passed away
I didn’t get to tell him
All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I’m sure I heard his echo
In my baby’s new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

—

10 hugs following that…

Of course, the final (Day 3) seminar ended with a grand ending song which I enjoyed pretty much, and was it called “One Moment In Time” by Whitney Houston.

My buddy LR related how he almost forgotten how to hug as he shared with me his past (and unhappy) relationship with his dad.  Of course, it was all sorted out and their relationships have been fantastic now!

Contemplating LR’s story, I have somewhat arrived with a little insight; that we all must have been fools in one way or another, taking for granted upon the people around us that we love.  Somehow, we have all forgotten how to say thank you to each another, or have we all forgotten how to hug our love ones?  At least we can still do so while we are all still alive.

That’s it all for now!

Be blessed and keep your comments rolling in!

Stay hungry, stay foolish, and live a life with passion!

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©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Well, I don’t really call it “work”.  It’s quality time invested in boosting my financial intelligence, as well as equipping myself with sufficient knowledge to get started in the next phase of my life.  It hasn’t been my own philosophy to reveal secrets, but rather, share with some of my own findings over the month – a sort of intensive month growing professionally and investing personally.

Let me break things down by weeks (and sub-dates):

1st October 2008

While folks were busy celebrating Hari Raya Puasa, I had a secret meeting with a close friend discussing the possibilities of running our own automated partnership business.  It was a rather short 2hrs meeting, but I was quite convinced that a market downturn is the best time to get started when everything goes on sale and hiring and outsourcing jobs gets cheaper for same or better quality.

Don’t believe me?  That’s how Adam Khoo, a local entrepreneur, made most of his million dollar fortune in the previous two downturns (1997 and 2002).  In fact, the smart businessmen are now seeking to expand and takeovers in this financial crisis with all the spare cashes they have saved up during the good times (2004-2007).  Adam Khoo himself took advantage of the low flat interest rates to finance his property which he already bought at a huge bargain during the crisis!

—

9th October 2008

Secret Meeting with LR.  Can’t reveal much, but it got me quite excited just thinking about it.

—

11-12th October 2008

1. SMART Investment & International Property Expo at Suntec.

I was at the seminar twice to pick up some investment ideas.  Interestingly, I was stunned by Thomas Mathew’s presentation – “My Formula – Financial Planning for Lifetime Success”.  A retired professional with IPP Financial Advisers, he currently manages the portfolios of over 600 clients.

He is a darn frugal guy who doesn’t believe that he buys his own car, but rather takes the MRT.  I agree wholeheartedly with him, although most folks who are used to driving doesn’t think so.  I only consider driving one if it is sponsored, or that it comes around at a significant bargain.

Nanz Chong Komo’s (founder of ONE.99shop and author of ONE Business 99 Lessons) personal story to rebound from her own failure in business inspired me a lot.  Not only can she face her first business failure squarely, she turned her situation around her and gave to her children and to take time to plan her new business!  Of course, all these could not have been possible without her supportive husband.

Lesson learned: In life, your family and your friends (environment) will be one of the most important components to supporting your own financial success.

2. Secret meeting #2 with LR

I can’t reveal much, but the draft plan looks like a lot of details we have to fill in!

Planning to run a business is not as easy as it seemed!  It certainly requires a lot of research work in many areas that neither of us are aware of.  Also, I have no idea how things will turn out until we jump into it and get things started.

13th October 2008

An afternoon with Jim Rogers at NUS Culture Auditorium:

This is the first time I ever set my foot onto NUS (National University of Singapore).  Interestingly, it is my second time to see a billionaire (in person) life on stage.  The first time I saw a billionaire was last year – when Bill Gates was up on stage in San Francisco, California, USA, sharing probably one of his last keynote before he resigns from Microsoft and go full time into the foundations.

Jim Roger has an very deep understanding on the problems in China and he recommended that you have to make absolutely sure that your children learn the Chinese and English language very well.  This means a big NO-NO to Singlish and other Chinese dialect slang.  His toddler daughter, Happy, can now speak perfect Beijing Chinese accent under the excellent guidance of her nanny.

When it comes to investments, Jim rates the water problem in China to be the most immediate problem to handle.  In fact, his 100k+ mile across the world lead him to the conclusion that for China to move economically ahead, Water and Energy are two of the most important resources that are lacking (and pressing) at hand.

Smart investors can reap tremendous wealth by carefully analyzing his recommended Sino files, taking the actions and have a long investing time frame.

More information can be readily available from his latest book “A Bull In China“.

—

16th October 2008

My financial adviser was quite (sounded) excited when he texted me this morning out of the blue.  He was surprised to see me on the papers today, appearing in an advertisement to endorse a value investment course which I had completed more than a month back.  I thought it was a good idea to share the opportunity to learn about value investing which is literally unheard of in this part of the world.  However, he wanted me to give him the gits of it, without wanting to pay to attend.

I couldn’t of course and I believe any of our class can do that in a few SMS messages.

Frankly speaking, I have no intention to pursuade people to sign up for anything anymore.  I learned in the past that people who are curious enough will go and find out more themselves, for example, a preview seminar.  There is no longer an expectation that I used to carry in the past, whenever I got so excited in something I believe to be of great value, and wanted every of my valued friends know about it.

It was during one of my coaching lessons (more than 3 years ago) that I realized my invitation process literally turns people off when I got excited and became pushy.  It dawn on me that most people are just not trained to recognize opportunities, or are not ready for the good stuffs in life… so I have to learn to let go without further expectations.

It is lately that I discovered too, that most folks have strong egos in them which prevented them from opening up to new ideas, wisdom or whatever that will add a lot of value to their lives.  I have seen in my own eyes (in one of the preview seminar) that many old time investors (and by the way, they look really old!) are just too proud to let go and learn something new, or to take immediate actions and grab a rare opportunity when it slapped right onto their faces.

I guess there was nothing I could do really, but to maintain a compose and peaceful outlook in life. 

—

17th October 2008

I came across a very interesting article “Market Crash or Opportunity?“, recommended by CY and it was (possibly) written by Adam Khoo.  I said possibly because he could have taken a ghost writer to do that on his behalf.  On a way, that article alone can drive a stake through your heart unless you are a long term investor.

Further reading reveals yet another useful article by Adam Khoo, “Why I love market crashes and you should too!”

Wise investors are clearly aware of the huge opportunities now and take full advantage of this one-in-a-century financial tsunami that is now sweeping over Asia.  In fact, many rich people make their first bucket of gold in economy downturns in the past and this one can easily turn you in to one if you set your investment foresight right.  Everything is now tumbling to new lows, from the stock market to very soon to the property market.  In fact, savvy property investors now are eying to intercept foreclosures before banks take them onto the auction market.

Sure, a lot of folks are getting burned now by flipping stocks and properties when the time is good.  Speculators, like gamblers seldom win.  Many can make buck loads, and may loose them all due to one single ill judgment.  I hardly call this consistency!  In fact, I wonder how many of these folks are able to sleep soundly at night now.

As Adam Khoo already said, gigantic opportunities like this one now rarely come around.  Save as much as you can and make the best use of your time now to do your research and due diligence… and most importantly, act decisively!

The $1 commission opportunity:

I guess this isn’t any secret but in case you’re just getting started with the stock markets, CIMB-GK has an attractive deal that you can take advantage of right now.  When you sign up as a new customer between now and end of December 2008, you are give up to 8 trades commissioned at $1.  That to me is a huge savings in times like this, further taking advantage of the already undervalued and hugely discounted businesses that you will want to own over the next 5-10 years.

—

20th October 2008

I took a whole day leave in anticipation of a private forum with Mr Song Sung Wun, chief economist of CIMB-GK Singapore.  He someone which I believe, based on his extensive insights from the mountains of economic data he gathers, does point out where the economy may be heading in the next 2 years.

Interestingly, Singapore’s GDP may be revised downwards to 2% or less given the grim outlook that are not expected by the majority of Singaporeans.  When asked if STI will fall through 1,000 points this year, he gave a very optimistic view that we should not be that persmistic, while admitting that if that ever happens, he will probably be forced to return to China and become a farmer.

I don’t know if it ever happens, but anything is just about to be possible in this kind of once-in-a-century crisis like this one we’re all so fortunate today that we will be able to ride through, and rebound stronger than ever.

Later in the afternoon, I enjoyed an excellent afternoon at Marina Bay Food Court – all by myself!  It’s a real luxury for me really… slowly enjoying a nice big cup of ice coffee, in an air conditioned environment, gazing across the cool sea view outside, having the Esplanade and Singapore MerLion in the background, while doing one of my favorite activity – reading!

In fact, I did not realized that I had been sitting down there for more than 4 hours and actually finished reading the whole book, “A Bull In China” by Jim Rogers, all in one stroke!

Believe me, if you are an investor and you have not read this one book, you may be missing out one of the largest investment opportunities in your lifetime!

–

22nd October 2008

Light at the end of the tunnels for Lehman Mini-bond holders?

The ugly side of banking and financial professional had surfaced.  Local bankers are the main culprits who forced these professionals to meet monthly sales targets.  Pressures for survival caused irrational and desperate behaviors, ignoring risks and transfer these risk onto their customers.  How can professionals even recommend their clients to invest in financial derivative products they do not even understand in 30 minutes?

Interestingly, I found a friend who was also at one of my buddy’s wedding dinner (NTU final year project partner).  He related a horrible story when he almost bought it early this year:

Friend: “I saw this Ads on the papers early this year and wanted to go check out this safer investment.”

Me: “Really?  Why was it that I did not spotted it?” (Actually, I don’t even bother to because these deals are often not attractive to retail investors)

Friend: “Yeah, and guess what?  Luckily I didn’t plunge down 20k+!  Or I’ll $#%&  loose them all”.

Me: “What happened?  Was it some foresight you’ve gotten out from your research?” (I wondered…)

Friend: “When I reach the bank, a very nice banker came around me and gave me some sound advice…”

Banker: “You sure you want to buy this crap?  Let me show you something…” and he flipped down to over 100+ pages in the prospectus and pointed out a specific statement “Top 5 Reputable Banks… and 100+ B– rated financial banks in the list.   So if all these bad debt companies go belly up, 40% of you investment is guaranteed to disappear!”.

Friend: “Thanks man!” (You saved my a**!)

—

Imagine just how many security professionals saw that on the prospectus and I wonder even so, how many of those who read actually understand them, let alone giving sound recommendations to retired old man and ladies in their 60s.  Not even educated and financially trained professors are spared, or so that I’ve heard of one professor who got burnt in spite of his background in finance.

In my humble opinion, local professionals are not trained sufficiently in many areas, such as integrity, ethics and basic human morals.  Fresh and young graduates seeking to make a killing in financial industry should be carefully screened.  Bankers must do their due diligence and uphold their code of conduct, or prepare to be put behind bars.  As Warren Buffett ever mention before, unethical company management can easily rip of their shareholders in many creative ways, and this is what he called “Financial Crimes”.

If his standard were to be held strictly as of now, many financial professionals and even officials ought to be put behind bars by now.

—

23th October 2008

Today, the market forces tested the 1,800 technical support twice in the afternoon without breaking through.  I was quite excited again because this means either the market could go down further or rally a bit.  Either way, is this good news or bad news for value investors!  And Li Ka-Shing is throwing the towel in for a half-time.  Does that smell fishy?  I think so.

—

24th October 2008

The Asia market crash again!  Singapore STI slipped past 1,600 mark, breaking down all previous support life lines.  I will be planning to take a break soon. 

—

26th October 2008

Alright!  I’ll be taking a break off the markets and let my energy focused on some important projects I have been working on so far.  Coincidentally, I was lucky enough to pick up T.Harvey Eker’s book, “Secrets of The Millionaire Mind” from the local library!

I felt extremely lucky to read this book in the nick of time before I attend his 3 days Millionaire Mind Intensive Seminar at Singapore Expo this coming November!  In fact, as of today, I have completed more than 70% of the amazing content embedded within.

I had to kick myself for not discovering this book earlier, reading and applying the simple formulas that only rich people understand.  I highly encourage anyone who aspires to build massive network for themselves and their loved ones, to read this essential book and start taking massive actions to apply the principles.  I can’t say anything than a big Wow for Harvey Eker for sharing so many valuable gems with respect to wealth building.

—

27th October 2008

Something mysterious happened to me today that got me very confused spiritually, but feeling joyous about that I had been longing for a long time.

I can’t reveal the details yet because I’m not sure how things will turn out for me, so I’m really keeping my fingers crossed, observe and react accordingly.  I guess I got to face it sooner or later anyway… so I have to let things take its natural course… and more importantly, to learn to let go as and when necessity comes…

31st October 2008

Today, I’m packing to run away from Singapore for a short while…

No No… don’t get me wrong!

I’m not running away from law enforcers, authorities, or anything of that sort.

I’m actually gone off to take half-time from my weekend to get involve in some of the company’s Annual Team-Building activities.  Sounds physical and stressful?  I don’t know… I’ll get to find that out real soon!

Well, it’s actually a good thing for me now since I’ve been too distracted by the recent volatile markets that that I pray I can cool off a bit off my emotional feel over the small loss from a bad investment I made – a useful and important lesson that is inevitable to newbie value investors like me.  As a matter of fact, getting away from the noise is a good way to focus my energy elsewhere, to relax, unwind from work and have fun!

—

Meanwhile, I still have a bit to touch up on this post, especially on some photos that I intend to include along with this post.  I’ll get them sorted out and keep you posted in the next 2 days.

Until then, keep your comments rolling in!

Stay hungry, stay foolish, and live a life with passion!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

I have been finding the sagas extremely dramatic while struggling with my heavy work load, and keeping an eye on the markets and scooping up bargains!  I know you can call me mad, but the Chinese has a great saying – Great Opportunities Within Great Crisis.  I am merely pointing out the blind spots that you should be snapping on while everyone’s mind are preoccupied with all the bad news and hoohars – US Financial Crisis, Diary Crisis and the over-hyped Formula One racing.

For the purpose of this article, I shall not drill into the news, but rather take a step back and examine how one can take advantage of the madness of the human minds.  You can read all about the recent happenings on Google or Yahoo News.

For now, let’s take a step back and examine for potential opportunities…

The China Dairy industry Crisis:

Let’s recap a bit:

The Chinese authorities have analysed products from all players in the Chinese dairy industry following last week’s announcement that melamine was found in products from the Chinese dairy company, Sanlu.  One or more products from 22 companies – including Mengniu Dairy, Arla Foods’ partner in the joint venture company, Mengniu Arla – have tested positive for melamine, a chemical that can cause kidney stones.

This unfortunate incidence has indeed put off most if not all milk consumptions after the death of 4 young children and over 6,000 taking illness in China.

Indeed, unethical farmers have taken the bet to increase protein content with deadly consequences in exchange for substantial profits.  In fact, the Japanese have long detected such abnormalities in their diary imports about 8 months ago and they have since switch to alternatives like New Zealand and Australia.

Nobody wants to die after consuming diary products.  Coupled with a massive withdrawal of diary products from the shelves of your local supermarkets or hypermarkets as advised by AVA, this can send a Tsunami wave of panic into the market!

I recalled a recent conversation that my good friend:

Me: “What’s up?”

TW: “My mother was asking me if the ice-cream contains melamine.  She asked me to throw away all of them, which I did!”

Me: “You know what?  It’s such a waste!  If you will die after eating those ice-cream which you’ve been doing all these while, then you would have died long time ago!”

Huh???

What do I mean?

You see, we have been consuming diary products all the while!  How many folks around these days can really avoid milk and related products?  Unless you haven’t been consuming any stain of milk or diary product of the last 8 months, chances are you are pretty safe from the diary crisis.

If you consider the facts, we have all been already poisoned by melamine months ago.  That leaves me with no exception.  Perhaps, we’re pretty blessed, that you and I are still kicking alive now – that I’m writing this blog post and you’re reading it. 

In fact, I ignored the herd madness and consume more ice-cream at home, taking advantage of the low price at Shing Song and NTUC.

Am I mad?!

In fact no.  I am very rational and I am a value buyer.  I believe that many savvy housewives would have agree with me!  What I’m doing is merely to take advantage of market inefficiencies in pricing valuable products which I love.

You see, the AVA of Singapore would not be dumb enough to allow importers to flood the market with poisoned diary products.  Since fear increased substantially and demand was beaten down, it does not require one to be a PhD to understand that it’s time to scoop up ice-creams selling at great bargains!

If you aren’t scooping up ice-creams now, then I think you are really mad (unless you’re not an ice-cream lover of course!). 

—

The US Financial Melt-Down and Crisis:

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Did you queue up at AIA Tower last week to withdraw your insurance policies?

Did you scoop up AIG shares when it falls to $1.60 last week before the US Fed takes over 80% stake to the group?

If you’ve done any of the above, I would consider that madness too!

Imagine AIG going belly up… a lot of financial institutes and businesses will likely face liquidity problems.  All your insurance will become empty promises and a ton of work are required to clean up this mess.  And I haven’t even mention the record number of people worldwide who will join the unemployment gang.

Image via Wikipedia

It’s horrible as everyone worldwide witnessed the collapsed of Lehman Brothers.  A massive number of employees suddenly found themselves carrying boxes of personal belongings wondering on the streets of New York.  Here in Singapore, 170 Lehman employees stood fearfully outside their office at Suntec City.

Frankly speaking, my brother who is an AIA insurance and financial planner, suggested buying AIG shares when it was about 2 months back.  Just imagine if I have not done my studies on the management of AIG and bought it at $20 two months back!  As of today, AIG is trading at around $3.

Sadly speaking, my brother has been following the crowd maddness and bought more at around $2.

Image via Wikipedia

I wouldn’t touch this one for a long time.  The reason is very simple.  I don’t understand how the Group operates.  The business sector is currently outside my area of competency and hence I am taking a lot of risk if I invest.  I suspect that many people now may get killed or burnt speculating or going along with the crowd.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you must stay away from AIG.  AIG has been a great business until some mismanagement.  If you have been financially competent like Warren Buffett in figuring out or analyzing the after-effects of the new take over, then it’s probably less risky.

–

Investors Are Irrational:

Countless of researchers have uncovered that investors are in general not rational.  Bear markets are a test of skills for both traders and value investors.  Since majority of investors are really speculators, it is no wonder so many people loose money in the stock market!

I came across an article by local Business Times financial journalist, Tay Hooi Ling of Singapore Press Holdings.  She mentioned about a remarkable behavior in finance from Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky.  Kahneman and Tversky found that people are much more distressed by prospective lossers than they are happy by equivalent gains.  They also found that faced with sure gain, most investors are risk-averse, but faced with sure loss, investors become risk-takers.

She went on to quote an example:

Given a choice:
(A) A sure gain of $240 or
(B) A 25% chance of gaining $1,000,

most people would opt for (A).

However, given a choice of:
(C) Sure loss of $750 and
(D) an 80% chance of $1,000 loss,

most people would go for a gamble and opt for (D).

In reality, people are reluctant to cut loss in the face of falling knifes.  Humans have the tendency of avoiding realized losses to avoid the pain and regret of having made a bad investment decision.  This is one big obstacles that I fear that I too, am vulnerable because I took the answers (A) and (C) in the test.  In reality, I could have taken (A) and (D).

Does that rings a bell?

This coming week will be the final week for the Citibank Stock Challenge and I guess this is a perfect chance for me to give option (B) a go, betting on the fact that the US $700b bailout bill will be passed and the stock market madness will push stock prices up by a bit.

Of course, I do not suggest that you plunge down your real money!  I’m stating the fact that since the Citibank Stock Challenge is betting virtual money for real money, there is no harm to give it a show hand! 

—

Finally, will the US Government bailout works?

I don’t know and I suggest that you do not speculate too.

The market is really chaotic right now and there is now way to know how many shocks will come after Washington Mutual last Friday.  One thing I’m quite sure is, as long as naked short selling is not lifted off the markets, hedge funds and many small banks will be wiped out, thereafter causing many small businesses to go belly up.

As for me, I believe in sticking on to value investing and having a longer time horizon for the market to realize and correct from all these madness.  For now, I am well positioned to sniping and scooping up outstanding businesses that have taken a substantial beatings from the market madness.

Since I can’t time the market anyway, I will be really mad if I don’t take advantage of the situations right now. 

Stay hungry, stay foolish, and live a life with passion!

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• China milk scandal WHO makes accusations as poisoning spreads
• Milk Off Menu At Starbucks In China
• SEC halts short-selling of financial stocks
• McCain would fire SEC chairman
• Berkshire Unit in Deal for Troubled Power Supplier
• Buffett buys $5-billion chunk of Goldman Sachs
• Wall Street, R.I.P.: The End of an Era, Even at Goldman
• Ailing AIG puts City Airport stake on runway
• Behind Insurer’s Crisis, a Blind Eye to a Web of Risk
• Financial crisis Hedge funds face record redemptions

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Without revealing too much, I can say that I’ve learn one of the most important secrets to building massive wealth over a long period of time… and it is very possible for just about any average person on the street, with IQ no more than 125.

If you have been following my articles recently, then you may have understood some very important principles that I’ve already covered.  Perhaps, the most important of them all is buying anything in your life based on value.

It’s a very simple concept, but most people just simply ignore it, or pretend that it does not exist.

If you’re in a hurry to make plenty of bucks, then this article may protect your future wealth, or yourself from getting yourself burned in the next ponzi scheme or scam.  If you’re not in a hurry to make plenty of bucks, then this article is useful as you may begin building your wealth – the slow way!

—

It’s All About Value, then Price

When was the last time you evaluate the value that you are going to get out from that purchase?

Chances are that you won’t.

Most of your so call necessity is essentially emotionally driven.  How many things do you really need everyday in your life without getting yourself killed or deprived?

Before you purchase anything, do you ever consider alternatives of the same product, or the various choices you have on your plate?  Chances are you will, but what about its value?

Now, don’t confused value over the price you pay.

Value is what you get out of the perpetual (and useful) lifetime of a product.  Price is what you pay or perceived as, and that is what you are enticed to pay.

Price of a product or service, is ideally determined by free market.  In the real world, value can be easily distorted and presented as, or perceived as high value, depending largely on the skill of the marketers behind a sales campaign.  For example, a low value product can be packaged or repackaged, promoted or even lure you with endless freebies.

Many times, the price of a product or service has already been offset.  Think hard again on anything that you are buying infrequently.  Chances are that you can find cheaper, or equivalent alternatives, or if you insist on the original brand, then pick them up only on a fire sales or auctions.

With the powers of general search engine and specialize search engine, it is relatively easy for you to achieve substantial savings on your next big ticket purchase!

Let me use a real life example as an illustration.

Everyone should know what an iPhone 3G is by now.  If you haven’t, then you must have living under the rock for the past 2 months.  The question is, does the iPhone 3G really worth as much as it is priced in the open market, or even that from your favorite retailer?

The average full retail price of its 16GB version is currently priced at about S$1,600 (Singapore dollars).

If you check out what the iPhone 3G really offers, it’s an advanced smart phone that you can touch and interact with.  It has built in WiFi and fast 3G data connectivity.  Fast data connectivity… it’s something most of us shun isn’t it for the price one pays for 3G connectivity?  WiFi is mostly free here in Singapore, unless Wireless@SG is terminated abruptly by Singtel and its partners.

What about GPS and maps?  Do you often need to navigate around in remote locations or some weird retreats in rocky mountains or desert?  If not, then chances that Google Maps and a good WiFi connection on a cheap smart phone is sufficient.

Do you want the iPhone because it can play full length movies and MP3s on the move?  Honestly, most standard 2.5G phone can play music decently.  Otherwise, you can get yourself a real cheap iPod Nano or 2nd hand PSP.  Surely it is not worth $1,000++ for this pocket sized convenience?

Believe me – most of what you think you want is a natural fuel that feeds your unlimited desires.  Unlimited desires can cost you a bomb if you don’t work out your maths to justify that luxury which can often be substituted for cheaper equivalents.

Think about that for a moment!

If you still cannot figure the maths, let me shed you some light.  If you put aside that same $1,600 in a low load value index fund that returns 15% pa compounded for just 10 years, that same iPhone 3G alone would have cost you $6,472!

Mind you, that is not very smart doodad isn’t it?!

Even if you’re convinced on its value and you absolutely must own one, then I recommend that you pick one up on auction sites like eBay.  A good working 8GB model is selling at about SGD$400.  Not bad for a little time taken to do some investigation, provided that you don’t mind having less memory in it!  Still, it should function as well as since it’s original.

Still not convinced about my philosophy of value?

That’s OK with me… you can go ahead and pay full retail price.  it’s YOUR money anyway. 

—

The Principle of Delayed Gratifications

This is perhaps the hardest to understand and even harder to apply in real life.  If you can master this art, you would have done very well financially in life 20-30 years down the road; while you sit around idly watching all your peers who have not yet figure it out, and still having stuck in a low paid job in their late 50s or early 60s.

If you think of paying that extra airline fuel charges of $400 (conservatively) for that annual holiday trip you plan each year (assuming flat rate $400 for the next 10 years), you are actually paying $15,480 on a 15%pa compounded rate!

To add to the cost, you may be spending on average $3,000 on each trip (air ticket + accomodation + shopping spree).  That works out to be $116,106 at 15% pa compounded!  If you redo the maths for $5,000 as a couple (both of you share the room, but not the flight seating isn’t it?), that comes to around $193,510!

Wow!  I cannot imagine anyone not knowing that they are spending nearly $200k on holidays over 10 years!  If you would have delayed that urge or excuse to release stress overseas (if it ever does!), you would have enjoyed a king and queen holiday treatment for the rest of your life as your money compounds.

Will you be getting more value out from a short term craving/get away, or will you hold off your urge to only enjoy greater and finer things in life 10 years later?

—

Perhaps, the real killer for most Singaporeans are their car liabilities.

I can’t imagine paying a brand new Toyota car for $45,000 and its value dropping to less than 60% value the moment you drive off from your car dealer.  Again, if you use the simple maths again at 15% pa compounded returns, that same $45,000 would have been worth $182k!

And that does not include paying for maintenance, insurance, road taxes, parking, ERPs and of course the all indespensible petrol cost.

I don’t know about you… I love taking Taxi (Cabs) and MRT, less the inconveniences. 

—

Value Investing and the 8th Wonder of the World

As I’ve already shown you through many examples, not knowing your maths and spending habits is your single and most powerful financial enemy.  It is also an enemy to your way of living.

I’m not suggesting in any way that you should sacrifice your lifestyle for a better time many years down the road.  What I’m trying to point out is that there are many substitutes in life that you can use to carry out your normal activities and still enjoy life as your wealth grows.

As you’ve already realize by now, I have not mention much about wealth growing techniques.

Indeed, not know where your money leaks off and proceed on to learn the techniques of investment is a pretty dangerous attempt.  I am constantly perplexed by seminars conducted here locally that does not even talk much about the topic of value living, as much as I’ve covered here so far.

Once you’ve fixed that expense problem, you will need to find yourself an adviser on how you can maximize your money on protection.  I can’t possibly cover that here because that is not my main intention here.  But you get the point – it’s as important as managing your expenses!

Ok, the last component in get rich slow formula is compounding.

In fact, Albert Einstein once said that compounding is the 8th wonder of the world!

It’s the single factor that makes your bank account looks nice or not.

All that I’ve shown you are just simple compounding figures at 15% pa.  But if you invest in your own financial education, your long term returns can easily exceed 20% pa.  In fact, the average man and womam like you and I who can understand and apply the art of value living and investing, can do so much more better than many of our higher IQ peers.  Wealth building is not about IQ.  Rather, it is one’s EQ that matters.

In ending, I’d like to quote Warren Buffett, one of the world’s greatest genius in value investing:

Success in investing doesn’t correlate with IQ once you’re above the level of 125. Once you have ordinary intelligence, what you need is the temperament to control the urges that get other people into trouble in investing.
- Warren Edward Buffett, American investor & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway

I’m already sold on to the sound principles of value.

What about you?

Thanks for reading!  If there’s anything I can contribute or have not make my point clear, do feel free to drop me a comment.

Stay hungry, stay foolish, and live a life with passion!

—

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Two weeks ago, I had a really rewarding weekend (16-17th August 2008) by merely attending the InvestFair 2008 at Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Center (Level 4, Exhibition Hall 402-403).

If you’re not familiar with investing in general, then this article may not be for you.  If you’re a short-term trader, this article may not be for you too.  I’m talking about long term value investment ideas and opportunities that some people may be shunning or fearful about especially with the recession in US that has already created a rippling economy impact here in Singapore.

The seminar, like some others that I’ve attended recently, showcased a broad range of vendors trying to sell you their products, services and education packages.

Instead of boring you to death with their sales pitch, I am going to do a small review on some of my own learning from some outstanding speakers.  I shall also include a mini review on a particularly battered beaten sector in Singapore.

Finally, I have a very small writeup on a currently hot foreign investment opportunity in Canada for Singapore and regional development banking investors.

The Landscape of CapitaLand REITs (Day 1):
CapitaCommercial Trust (CCT):
CapitaMall Trust (CMT):
CapitaRetail China Trust (CRCT):

Personally, I’m not familiar with Singapore REITs.  Even then, I had to struggle to get up on a fine Saturday morning and made it in time for the first seminar of the day.  It turned out that CapitaLand had sponsored the first session for the 3 speakers so there might be a tendency for them to sell themselves to retail investors.

Therefore, it will be wise to take their presentations with a pinch of salt while mostly relying on one’s ability to do independant thinking and valuation.

As most REITs market watchers already know, there has been a recent panic selling due to uncertainties in the Singapore property markets.  According to a representative from CapitaLand Trust, there are currently no major fundamental problem ahead on the horizon.  Savy investors may be likely to take this opportunity to load up.

Each presentor subsequently took turns to present their business outlook, current updates on financial performances on 2Q and projections in the years ahead.

This trust focuses on quality income producing commercial properties like Bugis Village, Raffles City Building, HSBC Building, Robinson Point, Market Street Car Park and many more.  Earnings are derived from rental, asset enhancement upgrading and asset acqusitions/development in Singapore based and overseas projects.  A near projection of renewed tenents and reveals a substaintial increase in rental income.

Since distribution is 100% tax free and payout is 100% of distribution income, it is likely to attract long term investors who enjoy REITs stable income and capital appreciation.

Similar sentimental were made on CapitaMall and CapitaRetail China Trust, both sister entities that focus on retail properties in Singapore and within large population catchment in many provinces of China.

In summary, the group’s performance may suffer a temporary loss in earnings due to expansions, acqusitions and asset enhancements.  It was projected to change once earnings return when projects are completed and demand in retail and commercial recovers as and when value will be realized on the market.

—

Lessons From Warren Buffett Expert: Value Investing (Day 1):

I simply loved this track.  It was delivered by Robert P. Miles, a world reowned author and follower of the world’s greatest investor (and wealthest man currently standing on earth) – Warren Buffett.

Robert Miles currently the author of the following books:

• “101 Reasons to own the world’s greatest investment”
• “Secrets from the Berkshire Hathaway Managers”
• “Warren Buffett Wealth – Principles and Practical Methods Used By the World’s Greatest Investor”

To be honest, I have already been studying a few arenas of the financial markets for over a year now and I have to agree that the concept of value investment by Warren Buffett and his teacher, Benjamin Graham, is by far, is the most practical and rational people I’ve ever come across in the world of wealth creation.  The good news is, those same principles are applicable even here in Singapore!

I haven’t got a chance to read Robert’s books so far, but judging from the crowd, I suspect it is a phenomenal publication, a must-read book already on my list of to-dos.  Another thing I’ve noted too, is a hungry crowd of Singaporeans who surprised me by filling the seminar room even to the floor!

I suspect a few reasons may explain this phenomenal…

• People want to learn what Warren did to stand as the world’s richest man in the world right now.
• Battered speculators who lost money in the market, wanting to know what else they don’t know.
• Heard about Robert or read his books and wants to meet him personally.
• Join the crowd
• Want to know what value investing is all about…
• etc

As most audience may realize then, it was probably the best wealth lessons ever delivered in InvestFair 2008…

Robert is a humorous and humble speaker.  Unlike most speakers whom I have encountered (and most of them are traders by the way), he sound genuine.

According to Robert, most folks have totally confuse the concepts of value investment and trading.  By trading, the focus is on price.  On the contrary, value investing focus on evaluating the value of what you’re getting out from the useful and remaining life of a business.

Here’s the essence of Warren Buffett’s teaching:
Price is what you pay
Value is what you get

Instead of focusing on price, investors are significantly better off in the long run by focusing on the value; it’s about the value a stake holder gets from a well managed, long term, sustainable and profitable businesses.

Robert emphasized that Warren Buffett’s geniuses is best summarized in Albert Einstein’s famous equation E = m*c*c.

E can be best referred as Earnings, M referring to management, and C the character of the CEO.

Noticed the emphasis on management and character?  Warren Buffett does not do businesses with people that has the slightest problem with integrity.  By merely reading an annual report of a company, he can almost immediately if he will investigate further about the company, or take a pass on it.  As a business owner himself, he stresses the importance of being honest and that all shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway are long term partners, as would anyone expect in a marriage.  Therefore, he is entirely accountable to them, even to the extend of admiting his mistakes – while he joked about them, he made his promise never to repeat them again.

Practical and useful even here in Singapore?  You bet!

In closing his presentation, Robert left us all a humorous but profound joke, “The Genius and The Moron”.

The genius and the moron comes into an agreement to bet such that the moron will have to pay $5 for any questions that the genius ask that he cannot answer.  On the other hand, the genius will have to pay $50 for any questions that the moron ask that he cannot answer.

Genius (Full of confidence), asked a very complicated problem related to space navigation.  Obviously, the moron did not know the answer.  He reached into his pockets and handed over a $5 note.  Then the moron asked, “What goes up the hill on four legs and come down on three?”.

The genius scratched his head and think really hard.  After half an hour, he gave up and handed over a $50 bill and asked, “I don’t know.  So what’s the answer?”.  The moron handed him a $5 note and replied, “I don’t know either.”

Lessons From Warren Buffett Expert: Value Investing (Day 2):

Day 2 was just as phenomenal!

I got there an hour early just to have a good seating in room 3.

As you probably may know if you were in that room an hour before Robert showed up, it was a presentation by Ron Ianieri from Options University.  Surprisingly, there were so much fewer audiences who are interested in options trading than value investing.

As I took some useful points off the presentation, I noticed that the room was beginning to fill up… and I suspect it was not because of the Options speaker, but for the fans of Robert who came slightly earlier to grab a good seat.

And when the presentation was finally over, the room was already jam packed with people!  They have come for Robert!  You will be simply impressed by the mere crowd even sitting on the floor right under the incoming speaker’s feet!

—

According to Robert’s analysis, Warren Buffett generated some of his best record returns in the past bear markets and most likely to continue doing so.  Warren Buffett has what we call core competencies that he has been ranked as genius (top 1% of 1% of 1%) in 4 areas of intelligences (out of a total of 8!).  Read that again:  the are 8 forms of intelligence, and Buffett’s genius-level mastery is 4 out of 8 of them!  I trust I will not offend Robert by merely quoting this from his site:

Genius of any kind is a gift bestowed on a rare few; individuals endowed with multiple areas of genius are even rarer. Throughout history, both scientists and artists have advanced human achievement; but there are few, if any, advancements made by someone who was both a scientific and an artistic genius. Warren Buffett is one of the few exceptions. Gifted with a phenomenal memory, astonishing mathematical abilities, and highly developed interpersonal skills, he has accomplished what few others have done.

Robert P. Miles
The Genius of Warren Buffett

Image by TEDizen via Flickr

We were shown pictures of Warren Buffett’s little house showing the car that he drives and Berkshire Hathaway’s HQ.  Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures, but we’re lucky enough to find creative common licensed photo of Buffett’s house and linked them in here.

Buffett attributed most of what he accomplished so far to his university teacher, Benjamin Graham.  In fact, when people ask if he will write the best value investing book in history, Buffett dismiss them by stating that the best book in stock investment has already been written: “The Intelligence Investor” by Benjamin Graham.

In case you’re wondering if Buffett will ever write a book, the first of his writing will be coming up soon, and it’s entitled “The Snowball” to be published by John Wiley & Sons.

There were a few gems about value investing that can be applied to everyone’s life.  For instance, Robert did a calculation on whether college education was a smart investment for his daughter.

An average American pays $30,000 per year in a good 4-year college education.  If you work out the maths, that will be $120,000 in total.  You’ll probably want to know what value the education has by figuring when a college graduate breaks even in an average job.  According to payscale.com, an average college graduate is paid $50,000 pa.   Assuming one saves 20% of all that money, it will take at least 12 years to pay off just the principles, excluding interest!

Of course, we are assuming no salary review which is not realistic.  Factoring an annual upward salary adjustments of 10% and an average 3% inflation (ie. 7% growth), it will still take at least 12 years to pay up all college debts and bank interests.  Beyond breakeven and assuming another 30 years of useful working lifespan, you can work out your maths to figure out if the college education is worth it.

On the other hand, if you skip college education and save on $120,000, would it be worth it?  Bear in mind that college education will rise to match inflation to no less than $300,000 in the next 10 years.

Assuming you invest the same $120,000 in a low cost index fund and allow it compound at 15%pa (let say we have dividend reinvested) for 15 years, you will have $642,0000 from that investment!  Not bad for doing nothing and it definitely beats a college education!  Let’s assuming that the same $120k compounds realistically at 10%pa over 40 years (a graduate’s useful working lifespan), it turns out that the same investment will yield $5,431,110!  Not bad for doing nothing and allow you to retire at 60 years old!

No wonder Einstein said that compunding is the 8th wonder of the world!  And that according to Warren Buffett is the single key reason why he love stocks.  No other investments he know of can allow him to build wealth better than investing in the stock markets over long term.

—

In closing his presentation, Robert had the permission of the time keeper to leave us all, yet another humorous, but profound joke:

Once, there was this very successful investor who toured the country and giving speeches and was highly regarded as an intellectually and inspirational man.  He had a driver who drove him around as he traveled.  Over the years, the driver became so familiar with his speeches that he had them memorized inside out and he could even deliver them all by himself.

One day, the investor wanted to take a break and got his driver to swap their roles.  The driver took on his position on the stage and went on to deliver the most spectacular speech ever.  No one suspected anything until a smart audience on the floor asked fire a really technical question.  There was complete silence in the hall as everyone awaits the reply anxiously.  The driver was obviously stunned and sweat started to trickled down his brow.  At that critical moment, he replied “That was the most stupid question I’ve ever heard.  I’ll let my driver answer that one”.

—

Development Banking with Edgeworth Properties

Recently, Alberta Calgary land has been booming because of the fast pace in tourism expansions, oil sands and natural gas mining opportunities.

If you’ve been living under the rocks, it’s hard not to miss Edgeworth Properties on your investment radar dish.

A lot of people have recently ask if this investment is sound.

Frankly speaking, I have no idea.

As I’ve recently turned myself to looking things at value, I have to pump a lot of healthy skepticism into investments like development and land banking.  As I’ve been briefed, development banking is quite different from land banking.  As for the details, I’ll leave it to the experts. 

What I do know is Edgeworth Properties is just slightly 3 years old and need cash to expand rapidly.  It was during the InvestFair seminars that I got to personally met the founder of this organization.  Since they are extremely young (a company in the Canadian property industry is considered young even having a solid track record of 20 years).  They are now aggressively marketing a plot of development land what they call it
Jasper Ridge in an area just outskirt of a very popular tourist attraction around  the rocky mountains of Alberta.  This project had been selling like hot cakes and it’s likely to be sold out by now, if not by next month.

Fundamentally, Alberta is a great place to invest at this point of time.  Alberta has the richest natural resources in Canada.  Furthermore, its tourism industry is booming and immigrants from both within and outside the country is increasing to support the oil and gas industry there.

Even Warren Buffett and Bill Gates were caught just last week around the state – or so I’ve read, and they were probably checking out some potential energy trusts.

As for Edgeworth Properties, I had some reservations.  There are a few potential reasons which I
believe I should avoid this investment, but please do not let that become your basic investment decision.  Always exercise your own independent judgements.  I am merely sharing my own personal opinions; and by the way, opinions are the cheapest things on planet earth. 

1. Jasper Ridge is a development land and has not officially declared as a zoned land from the Canandian government.  The worse thing that can happen is that you’re stuck with a title deed proving you as a proud owner of a fraction of an acre of a plot of land.
2. I don’t like their marketing.  They are now on many ordinary investor’s radar and that to me is a red flag.  Furthermore, I had collected no less than 10 namecards on which they call themselves as “consultants”.  When I start drilling one representative for more information into the company, he couldn’t answer some of them on the spot.  They appear more like salesmen rather than consultants, whom you entrust your money to; in other words, they may or may not be in a best position for your interests.
3. There is a hidden sales charge of about 15% on the valuation of the land if you decide to liquidate and sell it back to Edgeworth.  That to me is a big discount (Remember Buffett’s rule #1?  Never loose money).  Alternatively, you can always sell your stake to another person yourself and save yourself from the commissions.  This means you either have to pay for all the charges of the transfer of the title, or you can convince your buyer to pay them.
4. Remember the saying “Cash Is King?”  I prefer to keep more cash on hand right now as I’m about to identify some businesses that may be selling at a big discount – soon!

Of course, I may be wrong, but that’s alright… I’m much more comfortable now that I’ve sold myself to the sound principles of value investing.

—

In Summary:

Financial seminars like InvestFair 2008 are quickly flooding Singapore as financially smart citizens now come to realize the importance of education and savy actions.  Personally, I prefer investments that are stress free, that allow me to sleep well at night, and most importantly, earn reasonably returns over the long term.

Do yourself a favor by attending some of these exhibitions or seminars and learn as much as you can.  Only then can you discover what you may be have completely missed out from your formal education like I experienced (what your school does not teach you about money).

If all else here does not seem to make sense to you, just simply consider the following profound yet enlightening statement from a famous financial crusader:

“If you think education is expensive, you should try ignorance”
- Robert T. Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Cashflow Quadrant”

Good Investing!
Stay hungry, stay foolish, and live a life with passion!

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

—

I’ve been working real hard overtime for the past week and boy, am I relieve to take a break last night home for dinner!  Within hours, I was knocked out and i had to miss the 11pm replay of the Olympics grand opening ceremony on Channel U.  Fortunately, I had a small glimpse of Bejing Olympics opening ceremony this afternoon and I must say it’s a big “WOW“!

Can you imagine Li Ning as the final torch-bearer to run hanging in the air to light the great torch of the grand olympics?  The speed of the lighting was simply, simply magnificent!

As I’m writing this post, the sky is getting darker and it looks like a rain is arriving soon!

Strange as it might seem, it hash only rained once on NDP in the history of Singapore’s past 42 National Day.  Will this year be an exception or will the nation be as lucky again?

My bet that it will be clear sky by 6pm (as I’m writing this at 3.00pm), but from the looks of the sky now (5.30pm), it is getting worse…  Well, we shall see later!

Well for now, let me attempt to uncover some of the best Chinese NDP videos ever developed here in Singapore!

—

1. Singapore National Day NDP 2008 Theme Song -
晴空万里 MV By Local Singer Joi Chua 蔡淳佳

Without a doubt, this year’s National Day theme song is none other than Joi Chua’s “晴空万里“.  The English version has been covered in my previous article so today’s focus is all Chinese based.

Searching for a decent copy of the “晴空万里” has not been an easy task.  As I mentioned in my previous artice, a lot of videos has been duplicated without taking any serious work to improve the audio quality.  Fortunately, the following ones ranks well above all others with Joi’s vocal heard loud and clear.

Music lovers will love my compilation in this edition because I’ve found the high quality version of this song on IMEEM, a social music networking site.  With a little effort, I have gotten this song on my mobile phone now.

Lyrics: “晴空万里”
什么是默契
我们同时仰望夜空的时序
同时被一颗星指引
无论哪里　它陪着我　第一时间回到熟悉

什么是勇气
手握着手笔形成世界新领域
就凭一颗心可以打造奇迹
再高的天也触手可及

*晴空晴万里 满载真心
就算有风雨 我们的力量像恒星

齐心合力 微弱的光芒也能燎亮天际
#晴空行万里 让梦探寻
明天的歌曲 来自每个人的声音
坚定不移 只要紧靠一起

什么是四季
常年彩虹　画出彩色的回忆
在这赤道旁的岛屿　小小面积
没有什么比家更美丽

用我们的勇气　照耀着天际
拥抱晴空万里

—

If you’re interested in getting a copy of this song, I can show you (in a future article) the techniques how you too can create a copy for yourself using simple to understand methods that I’ve uncovered.

—

2. Singapore National Day NDP 2007 Theme Song

None.

Somehow Singapore missed the creation of a Chinese Theme Song (or have I missed out somewhere?) for NDP 2007.  I was pretty curious why no one ever object to this, especially when the Chinese lanaguage was gaining momentum here but the general English speaking folks still do not get it somehow.

Not sure what I’m talking about?  Check out my eariler post for the sake of yourself and you next generation.

—

3. Singapore National Day NDP 2006 Theme Song – “幸福的图形”
English Title: “My Island Home”
By Kaira Gong (龚诗嘉)

I really love this tune.  It’s a lot soothing compared to its English counterpart.  What about yours?  Do we happen to share the same sentimental towards this song?

Lyrics “幸福的图形”:

绿色岛屿
洋溢家的气息
温心也炫丽
独有的风景

美丽岛屿
有爱也有回忆
不管我身在哪里
都忘不了这里

绿色岛屿
洋溢家的气息
温心也炫丽
独有的风景

美丽岛屿
有爱也有回忆
不管我身在哪里
都忘不了这里

(Chorus 副歌：)
我们用爱
跨越风雨
打造奇迹
梦想在这里成形
未来
更值得去憧憬
我相信
幸福是这岛屿的图形

美丽岛屿
充满爱和鼓励
未来的双翼
带梦想飞行

(Repeat Chorus x2 重复副歌 x2)

未来
更值得去憧憬
我相信
幸福是这岛屿的图形
我们用爱
跨越风雨
打造奇迹
梦想在这里成形
未来
更值得去憧憬
我相信
幸福是这岛屿的图形

美丽岛屿
充满爱和鼓励
未来的双翼
带梦想飞行

(Repeat Chorus x2 重复副歌 x2)
未来
更值得去憧憬
我相信
幸福是这岛屿的图形

—

4. Singapore National Day NDP 2005 Theme Song – “勇敢向前飞”
By Rui En (芮恩)

Lyrics: 勇敢向前飛 (Reach Out For The Skies)
芮恩〈新加坡歌手〉

面對失落和徬徨 下一站會怎樣
未知的角落 我們勇敢探索

擁有堅定的信念 追尋驕傲的成果
所有夢和希望 是最大的收穫

要勇敢向前飛 團結就是把握
心連心不錯過 天空依然遼闊

要勇敢向前飛 同心就能突破
心連心不錯過 明天的夢 會閃爍

~
多少美好的生活 要試著去掌握
未來並不遙遠 别讓年少虛過

多少希望與線索 有目標不退縮
朋友和家園 是幸福的承諾

要勇敢向前飛 團結就是把握心
連心不錯過 天空依然遼闊
要勇敢向前飛 同心就能突破
心連心不錯過 明天的夢 會閃爍
~Ha.. Yeah…

心連心不錯過
明天的夢
會閃爍
~
勇敢向前飛!

—

—

5. Singapore National Day NDP 2004 Theme Song – “家” (HOME)
By Kit Chan (陈洁仪)

歌手：陈洁仪
曲名：家

每一次我感到徬徨
不自禁就会回头望
我知道心中有个地方
一定会有一盏灯

照亮每一颗黑暗的心房
指引未来方向
沿着生命河流向前航
就能登陆理想

(Chorus)
我的家收藏
我的欢喜悲伤
只要点燃希望
梦就会自由飞翔
我的家给我
一双坚定翅膀
我的梦不论在何方
一生的爱唯有家

再也不会感到徬徨
不会再失意回头望
我要用心中一点烛光
燃放千万户辉煌

要让繁华的城市更灿烂
世界和平共享
全凭生命河流来导航
一起登陆理想

(Chorus – repeat 2X)
我的家收藏
我的欢喜悲伤
只要点燃希望
梦就会自由飞翔
我的家给我
一双坚定翅膀
我的梦不论在何方
一生的爱唯有家

世世代代温暖的家

—

6. Singapore National Day NDP 2003 Theme Song – “全心全意”
By Stephenie Sun Yan Zi (孙燕姿)

Lyrics: 全心全意
By: 孙燕姿
作曲：万恩泉
作词：吴庆康

全心全意怎样都在一起
不同的声音唱同样的歌曲
一度以为梦想远离终於又跨了过去
谁都不准放弃把心留在这里

我的家这岛屿有梦想有回忆
不论什麼风雨一起走过去
肩并肩臂靠臂一定要更努力
让我们全心全意向著明天 奔去

全心全意不管有多艰钜
用一把声音哼同样的旋律
只要我们全心全意什麼〖跨得过去
只要永远相信就有爱在这里

我的家这岛屿有梦想有回忆
不论什麼风雨一起走过去
肩并肩臂靠臂一定要更努力
让我们全心全意向著明天 奔去

我的家这岛屿有梦想有回忆
不论什麼风雨一起走过去
肩并肩臂靠臂一定要更努力

让我们全心全意 (我们全心全意)
全心全意向前 ~ 奔去

—

7. Singapore National Day NDP 2002 Theme Song – “一起走到”
By Stephenie Sun Yan Zi (孙燕姿)

Lyrics: 一起走到
By: 孙燕姿
曲:李迪文
詞:梁文福

是否還記得 從前美麗的天色
那時天很藍 我們的未來都在
不遠地方晴朗著

一切都變了 生命不只是快樂
濃濃黑霧 籠罩我們 暴風雨
就要來了

但誰說不能 肩併著肩 站穩
我們用心和用愛 創造 讓新
的世界誕生

在我心中我知道 這是永恆的長跑
好不容易 來到這裡
明天還要追更多榮耀
把自己角色扮演好 全力以赴每一秒
和我的家人和我的朋友
向著目標 手牽手 一起走到

這又是起點 我們有一樣心願
當我們團結 狂風巨浪也不能
阻擋我們走向前

誰害怕改變 只要緊握著信念
心中有夢 沒有遙遠 跨出去
就在瞬間
但誰說不能 肩併著肩 站穩
我們用心和用愛 創造 讓新
的世界誕生

在我心中我知道 這是永恆的長跑
好不容易 來到這裡
明天還要追更多榮耀
把自己角色扮演好 全力以赴每一秒
和我的家人和我的朋友
向著目標 手牽手 一起走到

~

在我心中我知道 這是永恆的長跑
在我心 我知道 好不容易 來到這裡
明天還要追更多榮耀
把自己角色扮演好 全力以赴每一秒
和我的家人和我的朋友
向著目標 手牽手 一起走到~
—

8. Singapore National Day NDP 2001 Theme Song – “属于”
English Title: “Where I Belong”
Music & Lyrics: Tanya Chua (蔡健雅)

Tanya Chua (蔡健雅)
曲名：属于
词：吴庆康
曲：蔡健雅

每当我觉得孤寂  庆幸还有个城市属于
属于自己的天地  不论雨或晴一定在这里
把我心事全部收齐  等着我不定归期
熟悉的热天气和热情都是暖意

每当梦想不够近  庆幸还有朋友在一起
创造未来的绮丽  不论悲或喜全都没关系
把我情绪全部抚平  看着我重现笑语
青草地当作衣穿成我心情  全都属于

Chorus:
属于自己  属于我们的天地  有爱有梦有情
还有成长岁月的点滴  交织成温馨一季
属于自己  属于你我的天地  有爱有梦有亲情
我要让全世界知
我的骄傲依旧是这个属于我的繁华都市

—

9. Singapore National Day NDP 2000 Theme Song – “星月”
By Mavis Hee (許美靜)
English Title: “Shine On Me”

曲名：星月
By: 許美靜
词：陈佳明
曲：林毅心

在你怀中一起成长  我的世界  我的梦想
每次向天空仰望  星光闪耀月儿弯
牵引无穷尽的幻想  在我心中迎风昂然飘扬
我的梦让我勇敢  是你给我力量

Chorus:
星月照亮我前方  一路上永远有希望
像明灯一盏  越暗越是明亮 （灿烂）
星月照亮我前方  于是我拥有信心和温暖
愿一切与你分享  星月常伴

在你光辉中我成长  我的朋友  我的家园
飞得多远心中依然  星光闪耀月儿弯
童年无穷尽的理想  在我天空迎风昂然飘扬
每个梦让我勇敢  是你给我力量

( Repeat Chorus )

我的梦  星月常伴
—

10. Singapore National Day NDP 1999 Theme Song – “心连心”
By Evelyn Tan and Dreamz FM (陈毓云 & 梦飞船)

Lyrics: 心连心
Music & Lyrics: Ken Lim
By: 陈毓云
词：陈佳明
曲：林智强

让我们心连心  凝聚在一起
每份情谊  每个梦境  有我也有你
偶尔天昏路漫长  总会有曙光
别彷徨别放弃  明天更美丽

Chorus:
心连心去追求梦想  一份热一份光芒
指引前进的方向  是心中的希望
心连心去追求梦想  没什么过于艰难
点亮奇迹的力量  是万丈热情
是万人一颗心

也曾风  也曾雨  也曾路过崎岖
也总是雨过天晴  挺胸再继续
即使前方波涛汹涌  也别心灰意冷
信心让你我坚强  未来更灿烂

—

11. Singapore National Day NDP 2004 Theme Song – “家” (HOME)
By Kit Chan (陈洁仪)
Music & Lyrics: Dick Lee

(See Singapore NDP 2004 Theme Song – Yes, it’s the same, this is Not a mistake!)

—

That’s it!  This is by far one of my most complete, full 10 years Mandarin edition of all NDP Theme Song compilation ever made!  Happy Singapore National Day and keep your comments rolling in!

Stay hungry, stay foolish and live a life with passion!

—

Resources:

1. The Official Singapore NDP Website
2. Singapore NDP Songs on Geo Mashup
3. List of Singaporean Patriotic Songs
4. National Day Parade
5. Sing Singapore

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Just more than 1 year ago, I took on the daunting task to seek out some really great videos fellow Singaporeans have produced.  As a result, I wrote a 10-part series in commemorating the independence of the Republic of Singapore.

I didn’t win any prize though.  And that wasn’t my real intention – really!  What I did was to put together some of what I thought patriotic Singaporeans will share, live and breathe.

This year, I didn’t know what to write about.  I was stuck at home ready for NS mobilization – anytime.  This year has been rather quite and I was quite tuned off to all the celebrations going on around me.  Perhaps, it was the amount of dire financial news that have clouded my mind now.

I thought seriously for a while before penning this article.  Will the headlines be “What Will You Be Doing on 8th August?“.  If you’re Chinese or familiar with the Chinese custom, it’s hard not to realize that 080808 is a really great day to get married.  Furthermore, it coincides with the grand opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics 2008.

For me, it’s pretty hard to write anything about marriage or the Olympics with some solid information on hand.  Sure, it’ll be amazing for Singapore to Win a Gold medal this time at Beijing.  Surely Li Jia Wei will do well by evading the top players from China this time?

After much thinking, I’ve decided to concentrate my theme on Singapore NDP instead.  As always, I’m determined to research well and put up only the best compilations.  You see, most home-made videos found on YouTube (more than 90% of them) are either copycats of others, or are just plain lousy video or sound quality.  There are so few great content out there that I think I deserve the right to put together some of these great videos in memory of their creators.  If there’s any Singapore NDP YouTubers Award, then it should listed here! 

—

#1. Singapore National Day NDP 2008 Theme Song – Shine for Singapore

The NDP 2008 theme song is “Shine for Singapore”.  The English version was sung by Asia First Idol, Hady Mirza.  My first impression of it was a big no-no.  Not only are 99% of videos out there poor in audio and video quality, they failed badly in their impact to bring out the best of the Singapore National Day spirit!

As I dig deeper, I managed to uncover something decent for you.  This video combines the best of NDP 2008 (The Black Knights) and the beautiful voice of the theme song (by Hady).

Great video and performance!  Special thanks to siva5488 who made and contributed this excellent video on YouTube!

#2. Singapore National Day NDP 2008 Theme Song -
晴空万里 MV By Local Singer Joi Chua 蔡淳佳

No article will be complete without mentioning the other version of the theme song – “晴空万里” by Joi Chua.  Joi has always been one of my favorite local singers.  Stephenie Sun is another which I adore very much.  Both in my opinion fare a lot better when it comes to clean and green. 

Anyway, searching for a decent copy of the “晴空万里” has not been an easy task either.  A lot of them has been duplicated without taking any serious work to improve the audio quality.  Fortunately, I’ve found to my surprise a reasonable one that ranks above all others.  Joi’s voice was loud and clear although there isn’t any much innovation in the video part.  Here it is…

Lyrics: “晴空万里”
什么是默契
我们同时仰望夜空的时序
同时被一颗星指引
无论哪里　它陪着我　第一时间回到熟悉

什么是勇气
手握着手笔形成世界新领域
就凭一颗心可以打造奇迹
再高的天也触手可及

*晴空晴万里 满载真心
就算有风雨 我们的力量像恒星

齐心合力 微弱的光芒也能燎亮天际
#晴空行万里 让梦探寻
明天的歌曲 来自每个人的声音
坚定不移 只要紧靠一起

什么是四季
常年彩虹　画出彩色的回忆
在这赤道旁的岛屿　小小面积
没有什么比家更美丽

用我们的勇气　照耀着天际
拥抱晴空万里
—

Singapore NDP (English) Videos (2007-1998):

Most of these videos have been carefully selected based on my own judgments.  If they look bad, do let me know and kindly suggest replacements whenever possible!  Thank you all and enjoy a most memorable 43rd Singapore National Day!

—

Singapore NDP 2007 Theme Song -
“There’s No Place I’d Rather Be” By Kit Chan
Composed by singer-composer: Jimmy Ye

Lyrics: “There’s No Place I’d Rather Be”

I’ve walked the streets of Cairo and Bombay
I’ve seen the neon signs on old Broadway
I’ve climbed the Eiffel Tower
The Great Wall in one hour
Experienced sweet and sour but that’s okay

Seen Hollywood, the sunsets in LA
The London Bridge, Big Ben, The Thames, UK
I’ve crossed the River Kwai
Yet still I don’t know why
I think of you each night and every day

Chorus 1:
There’s no place I’d rather be
You’ll always be a part of me
And even though I’ve roamed the world
It’s still my home I long to see

Chorus 2:
This is where my family
And my friends grew up with me
So I’ll cross the skies and sail the seas
To be where I wanna be

Repeat Chorus 1 & 2

‘Cos there’s no place I’d rather be
—

Singapore NDP 2007 Theme Song – “Will You”

Performance by 8 local singers of different music genres:
Janani Sridhar, Asha Edmund, Emma Yong, Lily Anna Rahmat,
Jai Wahab, Shabir Mohammaed, Sebastian Tan and Gani Karim.
Composed by singer-composer: Jimmy Ye

Will you make this island Amazing in all ways?
Surprises every corner, Delightful nights and days.
Will you take this country
And turn it from a place To a home that greets you With smiles on every face?
Will you come on this brave journey?
Will you help to make it real?
Will you write us grand new stories, Songs that everyone will feel?
So… Will you swim the current?
Will you scale new heights?
Will you make it happen, Will you let your dreams take flight?
And… Will you make the difference?

Will you seize the day?
Will you live each moment, Will you dare to find new ways?
Will you take this city And turn it into a place To a home that greets you With smiles on every face?
Will you come on this brave journey?
Will you help to make it real?
Will you write us grand new stories, Songs that everyone will feel?
So… Will you swim the current?
Will you scale new heights?
Will you make it happen, Will you let your dreams take flight?
And… Will you make the difference?
Will you seize the day?
Will you live each moment, Will you dare to find new ways?
Dare to find, dare to find, dare to find new ways!

—

Singapore NDP 2006 Theme Song - “My Island Home”
By Kaira Gong

Lyrics: “My Island Home”

Verse 1
This is my home, she’s everything to me,
Grace and beauty, in all that you see.
My island home, wherever I may be,
I never will forget her, nor will she forget me,
And I will

Chorus
Sing, a song of home,
A land of peace, where dreams are born everyday,
My home, wherever I may be,
I believe, you will always be a part of me.

Verse 2
My island home, home of my family,
This is my future, where I want to be.
(This is my future, this is my home)
And I will

(Repeat Chorus twice)

My home, wherever I may be,
I believe, you will always be a part of me.

—

Singapore NDP 2005 Theme Song - “Reach Out For The Skies”
By: Muhammad Taufik Bin Batisah and Rui En (芮恩)
Theme Song Also Known In Chinese as “勇敢向前飞”

Muhammad Taufik Bin Batisah, (born December 10, 1981) is the winner of the first season of Singapore Idol.

—

Singapore NDP 2004 Theme Song -”Home”
Version 1:

“Home”
Music & Lyrics: Dick Lee

Whenever I am feeling low
I look around me and I know
There’s a place that will stay within me
Wherever I may choose to go
I will always recall the city
Know every street and shore
Sail down the river which brings us life
Winding through my Singapore

Chorus:
This is home truly, where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me, where that river always flows
This is home surely, as my senses tell me
This is where I won’t be alone, for this is where I know it’s home

When there are troubles to go through
We’ll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home’s about its people too
So we’ll build our dreams together
Just like we’ve done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There’ll always be Singapore

( Repeat Chorus )

For this is where I know it’s home
For this is where I know I’m home
—

Singapore NDP 2004 Theme Song - “Home”
Version 2 By Kit Chan 陈洁仪

—

Singapore NDP 2003 Theme Song – “One United People”
By Stephenie Sun Yan Zi (孫燕姿)

“One United People”
Verse 1
One Singapore, one people strong and free.
One heart, one voice, we’ll make our history.
We are a rainbow of a thousand colours, lighting up the sky,
We share the Singapore heartbeat,
Together you and I,

Chorus 1
We are one Singapore,
One nation strong and free.
A thousand different voices, sing in harmony.
We will stand together,
Together hand in hand,
As one united people,
For Singapore,

My homeland

Verse 2
My Singapore, our island in the sun,
This is our homeland, it is where my strength is from.
A rainbow of a thousand colours, lighting up the sky,
We’ll build a brighter future,
together you and I,

(repeat Chorus 1)

Chorus 2
One Singapore, one nation strong and free,
A thousand different voices, sing in harmony.
We will stand, together, together hand in hand,
As one united people,
One united people, for Singapore
My homeland.

—

Singapore NDP 2003 LIVE From National Stadium Channel 5 -
“One United People”
By Stephenie Sun Yan Zi (孫燕姿)

—

Sing Singapore 2003 Festival - “A Place in My Heart”
By Kevin Quah and Sean Wang

—

Singapore NDP 2002 Theme Song – “We Will Get There”
By Stephenie Sun Yan Zi (孫燕姿)

We Will Get There
Music & Lyrics: Dick Lee
Produced By: Li Si Song

Remember the days, we set out together with faith?
Remember the times, so fine, when we thought that
Nothing could stand in our way?

Then things weren’t the same, the life that we knew had to change
We’ve struggled through, the darkest storms
We thought we couldn’t tame

Together we’ve tried, as we stood side by side
I knew we’d build a new world
A world of hope for ever after

Chorus:
Deep in my heart I just know
Right from the start, we will grow
Look where we are, we’ve come so far
And there’s still a long, long way to go

With all of my heart, I will care
I’ll play my part, I will share
With family and friends, together we’ll stand
And in the end, hand in hand
We will get there

So now we begin, working together to win
Believing in trust, it must
Be possible to overcome anything

There’s so much to do, there’s so much we can contribute
By sharing just a little love
We will start again anew

So why don’t we try? If we stand side by side
I know we’ll build a new world
A world of hope for ever after

( Repeat Chorus )

—

Singapore NDP 2001 Theme Song – “Where I Belong”
Music & Lyrics: Tanya Chua (蔡健雅)

“Where I Belong”
Music & Lyrics: Tanya Chua (蔡健雅)

Morning comes around and I
Can’t wait to see my sunny island
In its glorious greenery, whether rain or shine, it’s still beautiful
Bright lights shine on the streets at night
Guiding me closer to home
To a place where I’ll be safe and warm, where I belong

Friends and families by my side
Seeing me through as I grow and learn
Everyday’s experience, bitter sweet or sour
They’re still wonderful
As they become precious memories
They’ll be kept close to my heart
And no matter where I am I will always know, where I belong

Chorus:
Where I belong, where I keep my heart and soul
Where dreams come true for us
Where we walk together hand in hand towards a future so bright
Where I belong, where I keep my heart and soul
Where we’re one big family
I want the whole world to know, I want to shout it out loud
That this is where I know I belong

—

Singapore NDP 2000 Theme Song – “Shine On Me”

The moment when I was born
Into this world, into my home
I recall when I was young
Stars and Crescent shine on me

In my heart lies my homeland
I share this joy with my families and friends
Let our strength build on and on
Reaching out to the world

Chorus:
Stars and crescent shine on me
Make us more than what we can be
All our dreams come true
As we all grow stronger

Stars and Crescent shine on me
Turning our hopes, into reality
For we will always be
Shining as one

Let our hopes lead us afar
Into the world, to be the best
There’s so much to reach out for
Stars and Crescent shining on

In my heart lies my homeland
I share this joy with my families and friends
Stepping out into a New World
As we make our choices

—

Singapore NDP 1999 Theme Song – “Together” (“心连心”)
By Evelyn Tan and Dreamz FM (陈毓云 & 梦飞船)

“Together”
Music & Lyrics: Ken Lim

Let us be together aspire to achieve
No matter what, no matter when, working hand in hand
Let us go the distance, reach for goals that shine
Creating our future, with everyone in mind

Chorus:
Together we make a difference, one voice, one destiny
We remain undivided, our hearts in harmony
Together we make a difference, our friends, our families
We will share a special dream, together we feel the Singapore heartbeat

Let us find in our strides, new strength to go on by
Nothing is ever easy, we have to hold on and strive
Let us never be afraid, if we have to change our ways
Through the years, we’ll always stay, one in every way

( Repeat Chorus )

We will share a special dream
Together we feel the Singapore heartbeat
Singapore heartbeat

—

The Official Singapore NDP 1999 Theme Song – “Together”:

—

Singapore NDP 1998 Theme Song – “Home”
By Kit Chan 陈洁仪
Music & Lyrics: Dick Lee

(See Singapore NDP 2004 Theme Song – Yes, it’s the same, this is Not a mistake!)

—

That’s it!  This is one of my most complete, full 10 years NDP Theme Song compilation (English Edition) ever made!  Do keep an eye on this blog for the full Mandarin edition, to be release later this week (or latest by 9th August 2008).

Stay hungry, stay foolish and live a life with passion!

—

Resources:

1. The Official Singapore NDP Website
2. Singapore NDP Songs on Geo Mashup
3. List of Singaporean Patriotic Songs
4. National Day Parade
5. Sing Singapore

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Pardon my crude language… indeed, this was a heated discussion on radio quite recently.  According to an expert in socialogy, there are primary several reasons why married couples delayed their big plans…

Reasons why women defer giving birth:

1. Immediate opportunities to advance their career.
There are countless cases where women who found themselves pragnent, only to discover a once-in-a-life opportunity in their job to go for advanced training and thereafter greater advances in their career.

2. Mentality of abundant birth opportunities in the future.
Did you know that most women here in Singapore do not feel in a hurry to bear their first children?  This surprised me initially, but all is now clear.  For women in the age group 22-30, they want to have fun, travel all over the world and do not like to get tied down with screaming at their kids.  For many women between age 31 to 35, they are too deep in crafting their careers.  The truth is, many women in this age group are making more money than their husbands.  Some men are particularly concerned about this.  This may cause some men to feel inferior and financially incapable.

Reasons why men defer having their first child:

1. Actually there is only one primary reason.
And that is money.
Men are more rational creatures.  They look at what they have, and what they have not, and make straight and simple major decisions in their lives.  Some men are more easy going and decisions are usually determined by the wife.  Does this sound familiar if you’re one of them?

The problem don’t just end where the above problems are overcome.  The next phase, perhaps the longest time frame of a couple’s 20 years journey, is the mental stress of society’s pressure.

Fact: Making babies is easy.  Sustaining one or more child, and maintaining a reasonable comfortable lifestyle however, is challenging.

How many couples can afford a full time career as homemakers?  With the raising pace of urban life, it’s challenging enough to keep one’s job.  As I’ve learned many years ago, no school ever teaches us how to manage our finances and craft our dream careers.  Along the way, men and women have lost their dreams.  It’s now about survival rather than a fulfilled destiny.  Arghh… you get the point!

Back to the topic of babies: A quick survey shows that milk powder and diapers are the top expense of today’s parents.  Just look at the content of these powder… DHA/EPA.  No wonder little children these days are so smart!  Imagine if these so called “essential” food are sponsored?

I’m sure you can still remember your childhood.  I didn’t have these luxury stuffs back then.  Neither have my parents heard of DHA.  Both my brother and I were indeed stupid child.  Sure, I wasn’t topping the classes, but I didn’t do too badly though, counting from the bottom.

Fast forward 20 years…

Singapore children are learning almost every conceivable stuffs on the planet – even before attending primary one.  So if your child is not feeding on DHA/EPA enhanced food, you’d better watch out!  Your neighbor’s children will surely humiliate yours (intangibly).   Oh, and did I mention you should too?  It’s good for both your brain and heart.

If you haven’t, don’t get too depressed though…  I haven’t found a reason yet to get started myself.  Stupid child!  Did I ever tell you that Albert Einstein is my idol?  Not being disrespectful, I felt that he could have missed out on these essential food too.

Education in Singapore is getting so competitive that parents must plan strategically.  Not only do you as parents have to buy a home near a neighborhood school and hence qualified for a chance in the long queue of many other parents, you have to clock significant community work as extra qualifications.

Even legendary investor, Jim Roger, who is looking for a decent school for his daughter (Hilton Augusta Parker Rogers, born May 30 2003), is not spared from school’s community work.  Well… maybe he might be discounted and do less.  It buffers me how Singapore’s education system have changed so drastically.

The single most important piece of advice for you: Teach them Chinese. My baby girl is perfectly fluent in Chinese. I got a nany who only speaks Chinese to her. People think she is native, until they see her.
- Billionaire Investor, Jim Roger

Reflecting on Jim’s words, children these days speak far worse English and Chinese than my time.  We cannot ignore the powers of social pressure.  If you’re teaching your child, do you speak proper English or Chinese, or mixed languages (aka Singlish = broken English+Chinese+Malay+Chinese Dialects combo).

If you’re with your colleagues or business associates, do you speak perfect English or Chinese?  Not only will you find it awkward to speak fluently without breaking into Singlish again, peer pressure will force most of us to look completely like an idiot, if you ever attempt!

If you’ve understood what I mean, it’s best sumarrized by the principle of the pelicans.  It takes tremendrous effort to go against the norm.  It’s something not many people have understood well, let alone to act against the norm.

Inflation For All

A general survey shows an increasing pressure for grown up children to battle with the cost of inflation.  In the cooperate world, what do companies do when the economy turns down and reduced earnings?  The first thing companies do is to axe their staffs.  As a parent, you can’t axe your child.  Neither can you cut your child’s living allowances.

Now, before this becomes a heated debate, let me put things in some important perspectives.  If you’re currently a student, do consider how hard your parents are breaking even at work and at home.  Few parents come to the conclusion to become full time homemakers to keep you in check (which you may disagree).  No parents would like to shortchange their children in their education.  However, every expenses you incur must be well considered.

For parents out there, do consider a reasonable budget for both your child’s expenses and education plan without risking out on your own retirement.  Cut down drastically on all your unnecessary expenses.

For exampe, begin a savings plan for your child and encourage them to learn the importance of savings.  This way, your child can learn the virtue of frugality and help cushion your financial load.  Children brought up this way will be more responsible adults and take better care of their own finances.  Surely you don’t want your children to dip into your retirement savings because of your unintentional foresight to miss out teaching them about their relationships with money; something that is still missing out in today’s education system?

If you’re an adult, it’s about time to get started to relinquish your relationship with money.  Learn as much as possible about your own finances.  Brush up your financial quotion (FQ) if you haven’t by now.  The best sources are found in books written between the first world war and until 1990s.  Find a trusted mentor, whenever possible.  Have your long term plans crafted out carefully and center them around the support of your wife/husband and children.

Stay hungry, stay foolish, and live a life with passion!

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©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

Do you watch Channel U dramas?

Lately, Channel U is show casing a mini “breakthrough” in its drama series, “Perfect Cut 一切完美”.

I know, it’s PG rated, meaning if you’re under certain age group, you can’t watch this drama without your parents around.

Hack, as if kids these days have to wait at least 18 years old to watch such film on their own.  Give me a break… kids are so smart these days that they CAN watch anything they want on this thing call the Wild-Wild-Web.

Sorry, if this looks insulting, I didn’t mean to.

Actually, I’m just trying to pen down some interesting points for discussion, after having watched a few episodes of this new drama series.

1. Soothing and Nice Trailing Tune:

This drama entails a really nice tune entitled “你没想像中爱我” sung by local singer, Chew Sin Huey (石欣卉).  I didn’t what song it was until I used my super Googling and music ripping skills to instantly zeroed in on this nice little tune.  Here it is on YouTube that you can enjoy:

The lyrics too, was meaningfully crafted:

你没想像中爱我 – 《一切完美》片尾曲
词：石欣卉
曲：So Million
制作：曾偉祺
演唱：石欣卉

你小心翼翼 牵我手
其实是担忧 藏不住我
自尊也投降 活在她之下
我 好傻

你字字句句说 你不爱她
那又是什么 让你害怕
我疑惑但是原谅 因为你留下
我 好傻

不是我不说就不在意空等候
原来 你没想像中那么爱我
我不懂该拿什么安慰我的难受
你的存在 让我更寂寞

你寸步不离 像天使的她
挥霍我的爱 从不放心上
我有一丝无奈 也有一些明白
该 放开

不是我不说就不在意空等候
原来 你没想像中那么爱我
我不能再从你的怀抱感觉到什么
不爱我别再说 假装爱那是撒盐在伤口

啊~~ 谁说我不在意空等候
原来 你从来都没深刻爱我
我才懂不是我不心痛
其实是心没了感受

呜~~~

你没想像中爱我

—

Was that tune pleasant?

I thought so!  It is soothing and I like the rhythm a lot.

In case you’re not Chinese speaking, I’m really sorry about that.  So far, I haven’t found an English translation yet.  Perhaps you can find a friend to translate a bit?  The song title means something like: “You Didn’t Love Me As Much As I Thought You Would Be”.

“As Much As I Thought You Would Be…”

That’s usually an incorrect assumption that follows a hefty price we mortals pay.  And somewhat as I;ve observed, is something close to what all of us are addicted to.

2. Beauty Lies In The Eye of The Beholder

Life is really interesting.

Most of us are very worried about how the external world think/look upon us.

We become very concern on our we look, how we behave in front of others.

Rarely do we listen or pay great attention to our hearts, and follow our passions.

So where is this beauty that every sage is talking about?  Can more money fix that?

Let’s examine further. In the drama, this Chinese phrase keep repeating:

世界上“没有丑人，只有穷人”
“In This World, There Are No Ugly Man/Woman, Only Poor Ones”

How does that statement relates to you?

If you’re still growing up, your outlook may be the single most important part of your life.

Otherwise if you’ve pass that stage, you would still be spending a ton of time trying to look great… who wouldn’t?

Looking great and feeling great is closely related to one’s mental well-being.  Not only will you feel confident in everything you do, your spirit can be well uplifted and allowing you to focus on the big goals of your life (if you have any).

If you are convinced on the Law of Attraction, you may agree that looking great is one of those key factor that can pull in what you visualize.  That attraction is akin to what a magnet does to a piece of iron bar.

Unfortunately, most of us are not born physically perfect.

As we grow older, each of us are tainted deeper and deeper without us realizing.  It can get worse off…

Outside the drama, it’s not too hard to realize the psychological and financial impacts of looking and feeling good.  As such, beauty, health care, hair etc… related industries are rock solid businesses, perhaps even recession proof.  You see, no one really wants to look worse off in even in years of economic crisis.

Looking for perfection quickly becomes a matter of necessity, rather than an option.

Even then, not everyone can agree on the same level as to what beautiful is defined as.  Your concept of perfect beauty may be 180 degrees off from what I really think beauty should be!

To me, beauty is entirely relative, non-obsessive and entirely personal.

Unless you aspire a become real super star or high some profile public figure, you may want to reconsider giving up most of your obsessions of perfect cuts.

Instead, focus your heart and apply your efforts responsibly.  You are unique, special and beautify by yourself through your own efforts.

That intangible beauty of yours can emerge quietly in a different form (though not physical) as you go about deep in your habitual actions… And as your body is intensely consumed by your passions, that true beauty of yours should blossom without you even realizing it!

Ahh… it’s that intangible beauty – what no money can buy.

Stay hungry, stay foolish and live a life with passion!

Resources:

1. The Original Perfect Cut Blog

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.

You and I probably don’t enjoy falling off trees.  But the title probably did caught your attention, no?

Anyway, I thought this might be a little fun to put together and you might enjoy…

You see, some of my friends and colleagues have been recently circulating some very interesting mails that I thought it’s best shared with my readers over time.

One of the best ones I enjoyed is “Which Tree Did You Fall From?“.

Yes, it’s about trees… and the descriptions are somewhat strikingly accurate on some traits that you and I possesses.  While I haven’t figured out the rather accurate relationship between human traits and trees, I’m pretty sure you’ll love it soon after looking them up!

Okay, okay, I must admit that this isn’t new.

You see, a quick Googling have me revealed a ton of similar writings all over the Internet many years ago. Since this information isn’t copyrighted and it’s rather insightful, I might as well put it up here.

Anyway, it takes me quite a while to assemble this information from various sources, and I trust that you’ll find this refreshing, interesting, and maybe perhaps, see another side of you that you have not discovered yet!

Stay hungry, stay foolish and live a life with passion!

—

STEP #1: Look up YOUR TREE under YOUR Birthday…

STEP #2: Decipher YOURSELF/YOUR TREE (in alphabetical order)

Apple Tree (Love) — quiet and shy at times, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant attitude, flirtatious smile, adventurous, sensitive, loyal in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, many talents, loves children, needs affectionate partner.

Ash Tree (Ambition) — extremely attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be very egotistic, reliable, restless lover, sometimes money rules over the heart, demands attention, needs love and much emotional support.

Beech Tree (Creative) — has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.).

Birch Tree (Inspiration) — vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence) — of rare strength, knows how to adapt, likes unexpected presents, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, a great speaker, determined, often impatient, likes to impress others, has many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waits for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) — of unusual stature, impressive, well-developed sense of justice, fun to be around, a planner, born diplomat, can be irritated easily, sensitive of others feelings, hard worker, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood at times, fiercely family oriented, very loyal in love, physically fit.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) — strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give but doesn’t necessarily like it, strives to be content, optimistic, wants to be financially independent, wants love and affection, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered at times, can be unruly and careless, loves to gain knowledge, needs to be needed.

Elm Tree (Noble-mindedness) — pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility) — very strong minded, a bit self-willed, honest, loyal, independent, hates contradiction or arguments, hard worker when wants to be, loves life and friends, enjoys children and animals, few sexual relationships, great sense of humor, has artistic talent and great intelligence.

Fir Tree (Mysterious) — extraordinary taste, handles stress well, loves anything beautiful, stubborn, tends to care for those close to them, hard to trust others, yet a social butterfly, likes idleness and laziness after long demanding hours at work, rather modest, talented, unselfish, many friends, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) — charming, sense of humor, very demanding but can also be very understanding, knows how to make a lasting impression, active fighter for social causes and politics, popular, quite moody, sexually oriented, honest, a perfectionist, has a precise sense of judgment and expects complete fairness.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) — of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) – intelligent, hard working, accepts what life dishes out, but not before trying to change bad circumstances into good ones, hates fighting and stress, enjoys getaway vacations, may appear tough, but is actually soft and relenting, always willing to make sacrifices for family and friends, has many talents but not always enough time to use them, can become a complainer, great leadership qualities, is jealous at times but extremely loyal.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) — no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) — robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) — loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Peacemaker) — loves agreeable company, craves peace and harmony, loves to help others, active imagination, likes to write poetry, not fashion conscious, great compassion, friendly to all, falls strongly in love but will leave if betrayed or lied to, emotionally soft, low self esteem, needs affection and reassurance.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) — looks very decorative, talented, not very self-confident, extremely courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, great artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) — full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) — unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) – likes to be stress free, loves family life, full of hopes and dreams, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful, musically inclined, loves to travel to exotic places, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with when pressured, sometimes demanding, good intuition, suffers in love until they find that one loyal, steadfast partner; loves to make others laugh.

©2010 Insights, Inspirations, Tranquility, Peace and Harmony. All Rights Reserved.