Be your own advisor

Sunshine empire Singapore operation is suspended pending CAD investigation. It’s been months since the CAD probing began and to date there is no insight as to what the future of SE Singapore might be. People who have placed their money into SE are advised to wait for further updates by the CAD. Just prior to the saga leading to the CAD probe, I was asked or rather advised to invest more money into SE Singapore.

I am thankful that I did not heed Mr ‘X’ advice as if I had done so, my money would’ve stuck down there. I feel bad for a friend of mine whom I introduced to part his money with SE Singapore. Just two or three months into it, he is having trouble to get his money back due to the CAD probe. I am also thankful I did not put money into another investment scheme, ‘OilPod’. Mr ‘X’ tried to sell me the OilPod portfolio, I did not sign up as I do not have cash at hand. I recalled the last time I attended a seminar by ‘OilPod’, a number of investors are very upset with delay of their dividends payout.

Next, I was advised to withdraw my AXA fund after less than a year into it. 5% service fee might not look at like a huge sum to many but I find it kind of ridiculous to be lead around the nose to listen to advice to withdraw my AXA fund and to put my money into another fund management company with no guarantee of any returns. Bottom line? Do your homework and be your own best advisor. Don’t take others advice blindly. What other better way to do than reading. Do yourself a favor. Go to the public library, pick up books on financial investments and read it.

Weakest link.

The Chinese empire under the ‘Qin’ dynasty represents one of the world’s most powerful nations in the world during its time. At times I wonder if the Roman Empire, at the hike of its glorious achievement could ever hold up to the Chinese golden age. The Great Wall of China remains one of the human greatest achievements, spanning over 6 thousand kilometers and remains the only man made structure visible from space. The Great Wall was built for one sole purpose, to prevent the northern tribes, better known to by the Chinese Hans as barbarians of north from attacking and invading the Chinese land. For hundreds of years, the Great Wall has proven to be an impenetrable fortress, shielding its Chinese Han population from the foreign invaders. For those who are into Chinese history, the Manchurian force, subsequently better known as the ‘Qing’ dynasty in time to come finally succeeded in defeating and conquering the mainland thus putting an end to the Ming dynasty. One particular event seals the fate of the Ming Empire. All it took was one man, a Ming General to order the opening of the gates at Shanghai Pass to let the Manchu army enter. The history of the final moments leading to the downfall of the Ming Empire reminds me of an old Chinese saying:

‘Never be afraid of a thousand events, always be alert though and watchful of one particular event.’

The Manchu army probably had mounted several if not more attacks and failed in their advances due to the Great Wall. The Chinese, with regards to the Ming army defenders thought that the Great Wall is all that is needed and all it takes to prevent the Manchu from succeeding in their quest to enter mainland. Little did the ignorant Chinese Han realize that the Great Wall is only as secure and strong at its weakest link, the gates of the Great Wall it seems. If only if the Ming emperor and its government realize the importance of the gates at Shanghai Pass and send more troops to protect the gates from being opened, it would’ve probably taken the Manchu army many more months or perhaps even years to conquer the land.

We should always be cautious and be watchful of events, in particular events that may affect and impact our daily life. We need not be undue worry or afraid though.

Many a times, we cannot predict or control events as many situations are beyond our control. We can however take steps to reduce unnecessary impact to our daily life due to events by making appropriate plans and acting on it as events takes place.
We don’t need to resign our life to fate. We are the masters of our own destiny, by that I mean taking hold and control of our life, be responsible for our own actions and knowing that what we do today determine tomorrow outcome.

On a footnote, I have been rather busy lately. Apart from having to worry about software deliverable timeline, I have to work as mediator to resolve squabbles within my team. I believed I did a great job in diffusing the situation though. I am almost done with reading the book Rule#1, authored by Phil Town. It is one of the best books I’ve read to date. This is a must read book for individual investors, in particular for newbie like me.

Hello 2008

Time sure pass quickly. This is my 1st blog for year 2008. It’s been a hectic and busy days for me the past few days working late throughout the nights, stuck in the company to resolve software bugs. It feels sucks to work throughout the night as most of the staffs left office after lunch to celebrate the incoming New Year.

Most of us hope 2008 to be a better year compare to year 2007, some Chinese believe 2008 will be a good year, well at least for those born in the year of the dragon. Why is that so? Well, at least according to those into believing 2008 horoscope and fate predictions. I don’t believe in horoscopes and any of those related superstitious craps, but I must admit it feels good though to know that good things were predicted for dragon children. Firstly it was mentioned that I don’t have to work hard to achieve wealth and success this year. It’s the exact opposite though it seems coz in reality; I felt myself having to work harder since the beginning of this year. I guess it must be foolhardy of us to believe that success in life depends on fate.

I once come across an article written by a wise chap who says that the outcome in our life depend not on fate rather on one simple equation that is ‘events + action = outcome’.
Since most of the time events occur due to many circumstances that are beyond our control, how we respond or react to events and situation happening in our life determine our future, be it good or bad. Thus we should not blame others for our failures. Instead we should reinforce our positive thoughts, take the necessary actions given the circumstances or events to achieve the results and outcome that we want. Events without the appropriate actions will not generate outcomes that we desire.

What are my wishes and plans for year 2008? Firstly I wish good health and protection and well being for all my loved ones and friends, secondly, I wish my investment portfolios in AIA, AXA and Prudential will continue to grow healthily despite the uncertainties surrounding the world economies with inflation predicted to hit the world largest economic power namely United States; which would in turn indirectly impact the economies of rest of the world.

Back at home front Singapore, the recent hike in GST, electricity bills, taxi fare and many other basic necessities and with annual forecasted salary increment that could hardly compensate inflation certainly paints a gloomy picture and spells for belt tightening and caution in expenditures.