The Singapore government is planning to reach out to 1,000 HDB rental-flat families to help them buy their own flats. The scheme aims to mitigate income inequality and uplift lower-income families because “home ownership is key to providing stability and progress for families in the long run”. A Home Ownership Support Team will be set up to provide stronger, personalised … [Read more...]
The SOS Guide to breaking the lottery curse
Last Friday, two lucky winners split the $13.6 million prize money from the Toto Hongbao draw. If you were one of them, what would you do with the $6.8 million windfall? For Singaporeans, we would probably pay off our loans first. Then go buy a nice house and a luxury car. Afterall, we are a car proud and property obsessed country. If we ask people joining the long … [Read more...]
Buying trophy properties in a country
Before Chinese New Year, hubby told me he had prepared new banknotes and red packets like what he did every year. I also passed him the red packets from my relationship manager. “We can’t use those. Mine are special ones. I have to schedule an appointment at their priority banking branch in Orchard to collect these. See, they are all printed with the name of their priority … [Read more...]
2019 Resolution: Practice financial discipline
Do you have a new year resolution for 2019? I think most people do. A common goal for many is to lose weight and stay fit. Today has an article on Ministry of Health's vision to help us "live long, live well and with peace of mind". To lower obesity or diabetes rates, our government will introduce sugar tax. It is fine. Fresh and healthy drinks don't need sugar to … [Read more...]
To compromise for what?
There are two questions I often get from my blog readers and workshop participants. “You said you only buy an investment property if the yield is 5 percent after expenses. I have gone for many flat viewings but can't find anything that fits that requirement. Most only offer 1 to 2 percent. Some are even negative. Do you think it is still realistic to look for 5 percent these … [Read more...]