Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Monthly Net-Worth Update — Jul 2023

Photo by micheile dot com on Unsplash

Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here! 


Here comes the snapshot of our Total Net-Worth for Jul 2023.


Net-Worth increase from last month: 17K SGD, +0.09KG Gold

The increase was from improvement in stock market and our salaries. 

Lost a bit due to forex — SGD is strong!

Gold increase negligible.

Photo by 金 运 on Unsplash

Investment: -7.97% annualized return, incl. dividend

Still in deep RED.

The drop in returns, from -6.82% last month, was largely due to reduction in investment amount — sales of airline stocks + expiry of Tbills. 


Till next time!

Sunday, July 2, 2023

My Market Transactions — Wk26 2023 - Yes got!

 

Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash

 

Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here!


Below are the transactions for last week.


Capital injection: ~14KSGD


1. IWDA - ~14KSGD

I wanted to stay with DCA. But due to a misjudgment on my fund balance, this injection was smaller than usual. 


Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Capital outflow: 48K SGD


1. China Southern Airlines - ~48KSGD

I emptied my holdings. I bought it because my wife asked me to and I have been waiting for her to tell me what to do with it. Only recently, I realized that she had forgotten about it. So I took matters to my own hand (also partly due to my misjudgment on fund balance).

Looking at the history, this counter gave me very good returns in multiple occasions over the past two years. I was not able to capture any of it. This week, I dumped it with basically no profit.

This is what happens when people do not understand their holdings enough to know when to add positions and when to sell. The chance of getting returns is close to 0.

A painful lesson to be remembered. 


Till next time!

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Monthly Net-Worth Update — Jun 2023

Photo by micheile dot com on Unsplash

Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here!


Time flies! We are half-way through 2023.


Here is the snapshot of our Total Net-Worth for Jun 2023.


Net-Worth increase from last month: 15K SGD, +0.72KG Gold

Kept losing money in stock market — start losing patience with my shitty portfolio.

Gold increase enlarged by price drop.

Photo by 金 运 on Unsplash

Investment: -6.82% annualized return, incl. dividend

Still in deep RED.

Slight improvement from last month mainly due to capital injection.


Till next time!

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

On leave — See you in July!

 

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Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here!


I will be taking leave from work and visiting families in June. We are really excited because we have not been back for 8 years, partially due to Covid.

I wont be posting during this time. I want to go completely free without any commitment and hopefully get the long-due reset.

I wish all of you a great and fruitful June. I look forward to connecting with you in July.

Thank you!


Till next time!

Photo by Yatima Kanghae on Unsplash


Sunday, June 4, 2023

My Market Transactions — Wk22 2023 - Yes got!

 

Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash

 

Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here!


Below are the transactions for last week.


Capital injection: ~24KSGD


1. IWDA - ~24KSGD

I used up the cash balance in my brokerage account.

No hurry actually - I think the Bull is still a while away. Short term, it might fall further. 

Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Capital outflow: 0



Till next time!

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Financial Empowerment for Women: Closing the Gender Wealth Gap

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Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here! 


For centuries, women have faced disparities when it comes to financial empowerment and wealth accumulation. From earning less than their male counterparts to navigating career interruptions, the gender wealth gap has persisted. 

However, times are changing, and women are taking charge of their financial futures. 

Let’s explore the importance of financial empowerment for women and discuss strategies to close the gender wealth gap.

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The gender wealth gap refers to the disparity in financial resources and assets between men and women. It encompasses factors such as income, savings, investments, retirement funds, and overall net worth. 

The gender wealth gap is influenced by a range of factors, including wage inequality, career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities, and societal expectations.

To bridge the gap, it is important to provide Financial Empowerment:

  1. Economic Security: Financial empowerment provides women with a sense of economic security and independence. It allows them to meet their needs, support their families, and weather unexpected financial challenges.
  2. Equal Opportunities: Closing the gender wealth gap promotes equal opportunities for women in various aspects of life, including education, career advancement, and entrepreneurship. Financial empowerment enables women to pursue their goals and aspirations without financial constraints.
  3. Retirement Preparedness: Women often face unique challenges in retirement planning, such as longer life expectancy and lower retirement savings. Financial empowerment equips women with the knowledge and resources to effectively plan for their future and ensure a comfortable retirement.
  4. Breaking Stereotypes: By empowering women financially, we challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Financial independence fosters a sense of confidence, autonomy, and self-reliance, allowing women to overcome societal barriers and achieve their full potential.
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash

And here are the strategies for Closing the Gender Wealth Gap:

  1. Financial Education: Encouraging financial literacy and education is crucial for closing the gender wealth gap. Women should be equipped with knowledge on budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. Access to resources, workshops, and mentorship programs can help women develop strong financial skills.
  2. Salary Negotiation: Encouraging women to negotiate their salaries and benefits is vital. Building negotiation skills and advocating for fair compensation can bridge the wage gap and increase long-term earning potential.
  3. Entrepreneurship: Supporting and promoting female entrepreneurship can play a significant role in closing the gender wealth gap. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, access to capital, and networking opportunities can empower women to start and grow their own businesses.
  4. Retirement Planning: Women should prioritize retirement planning to ensure long-term financial security. Contributing to retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, and seeking advice from financial advisors can help women navigate the unique challenges they may face in retirement.
  5. Wealth Accumulation: Investing in income-generating assets, such as stocks, real estate, and businesses, can accelerate wealth accumulation. Encouraging women to invest early, diversify their portfolios, and seek professional advice can help close the gender wealth gap.
  6. Supportive Workplace Policies: Promoting family-friendly workplace policies, such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and affordable childcare, can enable women to balance their career aspirations with caregiving responsibilities. This helps minimize career interruptions and fosters economic stability.
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Closing the gender wealth gap is crucial for achieving gender equality and empowering women to reach their full potential. 

By promoting financial education, advocating for equal pay, supporting entrepreneurship, prioritizing retirement planning, encouraging wealth accumulation, and implementing supportive workplace policies, we can create a more equitable financial landscape for women. 

Through collective efforts, we can empower women to break free from financial limitations, thrive in their careers, and create a brighter future for generations to come.


Till next time!

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Financial Resilience: How to Weather Economic Uncertainty and Thrive

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Dear Readers,

Thank you for coming here! 


In today’s ever-changing economic landscape, uncertainty has become a constant companion. From global market fluctuations to unforeseen events, financial stability can be challenged at any time. 

However, by cultivating financial resilience, individuals can not only weather economic uncertainty but also thrive amidst challenging times. 

Let’s explore the concept of financial resilience and provide practical strategies to help you strengthen your financial foundation.

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Financial resilience is the ability to adapt, withstand, and recover from financial setbacks or unexpected events. It involves developing a proactive and sustainable approach to managing your finances, allowing you to maintain stability and make progress towards your financial goals, even in times of economic uncertainty.

To achieve that:

  1. Build an Emergency Fund: An emergency fund acts as a safety net during unexpected financial crises. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate, easily accessible account. Start small and consistently contribute to your emergency fund until you reach your desired goal.
  2. Diversify Your Income: Relying solely on one source of income can be risky. Explore opportunities to diversify your income streams, such as starting a side business, freelancing, or investing in income-generating assets. Diversification can help mitigate the impact of income loss during economic downturns.
  3. Create a Realistic Budget: Developing and adhering to a budget is crucial for financial resilience. Assess your income and expenses, prioritize essential expenses, and allocate funds towards savings and debt repayment. Regularly review and adjust your budget to align with your financial goals and current circumstances.
  4. Minimize and Manage Debt: High levels of debt can hinder financial resilience. Prioritize paying off high-interest debts and consider debt consolidation strategies to lower interest rates. Strive to live within your means and avoid accumulating unnecessary debt.
  5. Invest for the Long Term: Investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth and increasing financial resilience. Develop a diversified investment strategy aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Stay informed about market trends and adopt a long-term perspective to navigate short-term volatility.
  6. Practice Risk Management: Protecting yourself and your assets is vital for financial resilience. Review your insurance coverage, including health, property, and life insurance. Consider an emergency fund for unexpected expenses not covered by insurance. Regularly assess and update your coverage as needed.
  7. Continual Learning and Skill Development: Invest in your personal and professional growth to enhance your earning potential and adaptability. Acquire new skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and be open to exploring new opportunities. A growth mindset and a willingness to learn can contribute significantly to financial resilience.
Photo by Jakub Kriz on Unsplash

Financial resilience empowers individuals to navigate economic uncertainty, adapt to changing circumstances, and thrive in the face of challenges. 

By building an emergency fund, diversifying income, creating a realistic budget, managing debt, investing wisely, practicing risk management, and investing in personal growth, you can fortify your financial foundation and cultivate resilience. 

Remember, building financial resilience is a journey that requires consistent effort and adaptability. Start taking steps today to enhance your financial well-being and position yourself.


Till next time!