3 Stories; 3 Reflections

 

The other day we were talking about ikigai.

Found this video to be quite interesting to reflect on.

Why we do the things we do. 

What's it all for anyways?

I would like to draw your attention to the 2nd video - the little girl selling pineapple "ice-cream".

It seems from the comments in YouTube, most have missed the "essence" of what's it all about....

If you're an educator, of course you know. But its hard to execute in today's system. That's why the wise religious gurus only use this method for their more equal "inner chamber" students.

As for the rest of their anyone and everyone students, they do what you do today. Its just for KPIs only; since they don't really matter. 

For parents, it can be hard if you have not got to where you are today using the same method as in the 2nd video. 

So like the poverty trap, its back to doing the same thing over and over in the next generation but expecting a different result...

That's also a reason why I suspect so many in our community are either too eager to Indian Chief others what to do; or honestly believing others will help them reach their financial Nirvana without they themselves putting in any effort on their part!? 

And the most ironic of all, most have got it all backwards...

You create wealth through SELLING; not buying.

Duh!

 

  

GIC versus CPF

 

GIC Celebrates Its Achievements

5% above global inflation?

Fair enough.

I mean its not Temasek.

When you read through the chronological history of GIC, some of you may see what I see:

1)  Great Market Timing Or What?  

Why did Mr Goh Keng Swee bother setting up GIC in the first place? I mean "risk-free" US 10 year treasuries were yielding above 10% in the early 80s!? 

Try figuring out what better long-term returns meant?

When GIC was setup during May 1981, was it blind dumb luck or was it great marketing timing as US bonds were near the bottom of its bear cycle?

2)  Baxxs Bigger!

Early 2000s GIC became more confident and mancho! Less reliant on cash and bonds?

No worries mate! I got it!

Pivot to more public and private equity and real estate!!!

Give GIC a Tiger!

3)  Passive To Active

To some, this may come as a surprise!

2010s to 2020s....

Isn't this the time when passive investing was beating the majority (75%) of active funds handily?

And Warren Buffett won his bet?

Wait. What?

  

I'm having a chuckle right now! 

Feels good.

My poke is safe!

   

Property Versus Stocks (REITs)

 

You know the bullshit out there?

Its not a fair or balanced comparison when right out of the gate, you can't afford properties yet lah! Wink.

I mean anyone and everyone can afford $1,000 to buy a stock or REIT. 

Youth, remember your goal to earn and save $100K before 30? 

Well, that's just nice to pay for the 20% deposit for a $500K HDB 5 room flat. 

And... Poof! Just like that, its all gone in one concentrated position! 

So if you have anything less than $100K, you don't have write a cock and bull story why you are into stocks (REITs) over properties. 

We can all see what's going on....

Most of us prefer real people, real stories.

I would think there's a little more "credibility" listening to someone in their 40s, who have the actual capital to invest in a second rental/investment property, sharing their "crash got sound" experiences and learnings from having their fingers bloodied in both stock (REITs) and property investing. 

No?