Man's guide to save $$$ in Singapore

Credit Crunch is here...Inflation is still going to stay...Housing is still going to be expensive in the long run despite the economic recession we are facing.
Doom and Gloom especially if u just started work and wanted to have some savings.

There are massive money management notes and blogs out there. Even those that ask u to grow your own vegetables. Quite Duh right for Urban Singaporeans like you and me. I will cut the crap and drive straight to the point. It ain't hard to save if you are willing to change your lifestyle.

Tip #1: Reduce "Dispensable expenses". It refers to those items we buy on impulse or think it is worthwhile to get but doesn't make a big difference in our life. E.g A Professional camera @ sale where u ain't really taking professional photos. I had a friend with a Professional camera @ 2K plus snipping shots of himself and friends photos only..how professional it is.

Tip #2: Do not own a car just for yourself. Funny statement...you buy car of course for ur convenient sake...duh... Wait a minute....Here i am saying about "Just". Having a family car instead of a personal one, with ur siblings or parents sharing the financial burdens of this expensive "wife" is definitely utilising it. If U want to show off to pretty hot dumb bimbos that u own a car, don't save money...Simply close this page....you won't be needing this page @ all.


***If u already decide not to own a family car, skip to Tip #3****
Tip #2A Following the above tip 2... I remember reading from somewhere....If u really want to own a family car. This is due to heavier cars achieve fewer miles to the gallon and are more expensive to run as a result. But filling too less will waste your efforts as u need to go for more petrol runs. Follow the recommended 1/2 to 3/4 range.

Tip #2B: Travel in off peak hours. The "stop, accelerate" cycle during peak is burning and wasting your fuel. Ouch! Even if you have finished your work in office, probably staying longer to relax surf net read news, read interesting articles, close ur eyes and rest in your armchair...is worth the time and effort plus saving your $ travelling in off peak.
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Tip# 3: Reduce your booze and partying activities. Booze and saving $$$ dun go well together....sad to say they are never good friends and never will be. Maybe a few cans of them in your fridge is still better than overpriced booze in clubs and pubs...Say goodbye to your flirtatious activities. Yea party lovers...exit here.

Tip #4: It is the best time to say Tip #4....Avoid having debts, reduce the number of credit cards to @ most 2. Y not one? One is the best to have. I currently have 2 one is a Citibank SMRT card and another is merely for some travel discounts credit card. Merely to say one is for daily expenses and another is for once in a while travel uses. Pay off your credit on time and never owe the bank money.

Tip #5: plan your purchase. E.g NTUC card owners, advice is to make your purchases during tuesday when you have additional discounts. Buy Wat u need now...and not wat u might need.

Tip #6: Have a separate account for your expenses, have a plan and monitor it. U can separate ur accounts into savings, expenses and investment. This help u to have a clear mental picture of how your expenses is going monthly. Wat plan? Practical example: besides 500 (posb required @ least 500 b4 deduction) , every month u transfer the amount u predict u going to spend in the coming month. This is to prevent you from overspending, but if u do , u will be able to keep track your transaction history of " Y ur expense account fall below 500 " thus forcing you to top up to 500 and feel the pain of overspending. It is some kind of psychological warfare against myself rather.

Tip #7: Reduce your fine dining...oh man u are a gourmet. There are plenty of cheap and good hawker foods out there... If u are a professional gourmet, u should not be here in the first place.
I remember a $20 bucks 2 scoop with lousy (in my own opinion) piece of waffle taste nothing above ordinary. It serves as a good lesson to me ever since.

WARNING...Next tip might be offending to some WAGs.

Tip #8: Do not over pamper your WAGS. Wives and Girlfriends (WAGS) are the most wonderful things given to men @ times (U can agree to disagree) that is when u make sure she loves you and not loving just your wallet. Over pampering in my own opinion is to take her FREQUENTLY to expensive dining and FREQUENTLY buying branded stuff for her. It's good and definitely healthy to make her feel special once in a while. But too much special stuff makes u eSPECIALLY poor....U are special now...haha.

Of coz please do not use Tip #8 and says "GURU CornLord teaches me how to save money. Therefore let's go dutch." Please show that u are a gentleman. Life is about balance...It's not all about saving $$$ but how to save $$$ gracefully. Misers...pls dun quote my #Tip 8

Tip #8A: It's an additional thought rather when i typing tip #8. But u may say: "how to save $$ gracefully if u got a girlfriend who always unhappy when u "dun buy this, dun buy that" for her.
or those type which always blackmail u saying "If u are not buying such stuff for me, You dun love me" Some girls are expert of blackmailing (i seen guys too ...another story a disgrace to guys) . Then u might need to think if the relationship is healthy in the first place....Relationship not only about..."You love me, I love you, Love here love there Love urself". True love is about considering for the other half...My advice is having a spendthrift wife will never make u rich. u get my hint. :)

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A Tribute to my fiancee, a wonderful wise lady, whom always considers my financial situation and being supportive to me in whatever i am embarking on.. She unwittingly taught me some money sense too. Hail to this rare wise lady!
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Serves you right if you are lamenting on Lehman Brothers' Minibonds

The Financial Tsunami crashes down devouring Lehman Brothers,. Many citizens of the world who bought mini bonds from Lehman Brothers got their hands burnt.

In their frustration, they play the blame game on banks and sales people who "con" them into buying mini bonds. I am kind of sick of hearing these blaming. Y am i not sympathetic? Yes, I am not at all. To understand why, please continue reading.

(Reading my blog when u cannot take constructive advice might cause you disturbance...exit now if u need to)

Golden rule of mine in Investment : "Without due diligence, Everything else is a Gamble."

First of all, how many of those investors understand how mini-bonds work? Many grieving uncles and aunties around the world are lamenting "They only tell me it's safe and u get good returns, Who knows banks will cheat us?"

If you ask them: "What are mini bonds? How do mini bonds works? Why are banks and investment entities selling mini bonds? What role does mini bonds play in the financial market?"

Do you THINK they can give you a good answer? Absolutely NO!
If you have bought the mini-bonds, are you able to answer them? If your answer is "YES", you know the risk and reason why you are losing money. You know there is no one to blame but yourself.
If your answer is "NO", U are worse than gambling. Gamblers knows their odds and know the possibility of worst outcome even though they might be sore losers. You do not even know your odds of worst possible outcome to accept it.

Stop putting the tag "Investor" on your GAMBLER" tag, claiming you are a investor. You are NOT!.

Many people also like to play "ride on success" with friends who are investors. What do i mean? E.g Friend A tells Friend B: "I have some cash and B ...U are good in investment. Can I put some $$$ with you to help me earn $$ following watever stocks u buy?"
No due diligence is done here, you do not know the risk of investments or even what is the investments your friend is going to do. Money is a touchy issue, and in investments we bound to have fair share of losses and wins...only money management helps to make ur wins profitable over your losses.

Whoever reading this remember my golden rule and you will never again be a self denial Gambler. Ask the "Why, What, How, Why", Read news do research and know your risks and worst possible outcome, be willing to accept your losses. Be Diligent, Be an Investor not act like one.

Crisis brings opportunitities: Learning to catch fishes in troubled waters

The financial tsunami reaching into Asian market and it may be bad news for most. Singapore is officially declared in recession.

Many of the stocks reminds me of the overpriced sw*s*n ice cream i had in Orchard road. Suddenly sold like ice cream being paddled by the uncles on ice cream motorbikes selling @ $1 per scoop per cone. (sidetrack)

Think this way. ..if you are home maker, or someone looking forward to long term investment. My foresight is property market in SG. SG is diff from U".S simply because we lack of land and govt have plans to further increase the poplualtion. Pro-family policies including baby bonuses not long ago remember?

Through previous down periods of Singapore banks, we see mergers (DBS-POSB, (keppel bank)). This is not likely to happen as the last merger have consolidated the strs of the major banks now. If the tsunami threatens to destroy MAJOR SG banks like DBS, UOB etc, do you think our govt will sit there and watch the show. Knowing the mentality of our government is another important point. "What goes up will come down" A rubber ball that thrown into the air will come down to the ground and then bounce... (U get the hint?)

This is only a handful of opportunities i see..there are specific ones...but i will not reveal too much for it is better to put things into action than to say a million "do wat"s.

My 2 cents about the financial turbulance.
Last advise : "The hastier u are eager to make quick bucks, the quicker u are likely to lose"

Molested by China Chick

One of the usual guys' past time is to look at eye candies. This is particularly true in the case of my old NS friend who invites me to Geylang for food as well a walk down the alleys to catch some eye candies.

As it has been years since i last seen him and I do not mind seeing some eye candies. (I am honest here :) ) as long as he do not go for some "Extra curricular exercise" and make me wait for him at some coffee shop.

After a sumptuous meal at Geylang, we walked down to the lorongs (alleys), chit chatting and start viewing "arts". I need to admit, temptation is real but a mixture of fear of STD, beliefs and commitment to my fiancee helps suppress it. (Best way to resist is to avoid yourself in those places rather). Temptation however seems to catch my friend when we saw a certain chio PRC lady with her friends nearby. He start to approach *chio PRC babe and asking for cost of services. (you know what).

I went and tapped his shoulder signalling that i am leaving soon. But the friend of the *Chio PRC babe (not too bad looking but i will not call her *chio). I was looking at my friend feelingannoyed when i feel a hand stroking my thigh then to my butt and a voice from the lady saying "Shuai Ge...lai ma...wo hui ran ni hen shu fu de~" (translated: Handsome, come on, I will make u feel very comfortable~).

Feeling disgusted rather than "high", OMG "I am being molested. I signaled to my friend i am leaving that place. and quickly moved off. Going after me and grinning at the same time, he exclaimed "Too bad I am not handsome enough." I felt like punching his face.

From this incident, I learnt few valuable lesson:
1. Never stop walking if you are there for viewing only.
2. If your friend has intention of engaging the services, move off and drop him a call or sms.
3. Stay at least 2 arm lengths from the girls so that you have time to react.
4. Best option is never go with a horny friend.

I still can't help to feel disgusted.

Response to "So are you their Mr Right?" NewPaper

Have u read the New Paper article on "So are you their Mr Right?" Click on the link to find out.

Generally, I do not like the way New paper Puts it...

"Singaporean men are a turn-off because..."

The featured ladies may be the handful unfortunate ladies to meet up some of the worst Sg guys. When I am studying overseas, Singapore guys are hot properties by Japanese, China, HK and other girls. In fact, we are viewed as more gentlemanly. Y are we so detestable in eyes of sg girls? The overseas girls btw are all uni grads and not some uneducated village girls who are submissive.

In response to Miss Candy Soh, we are all being gossipy each day. Look @ the availability of news in the net. Bloggers are gossipy also. Its not just guys, girls or Singapore guys, in fact everyone in the world are getting gossipier each day. But being a paparazzi type i do agree its too much...but again...i know some guys and girls who are in that category not restricted to guys. U are plain unlucky. I got this girl who she is not my gf ask just too much of me. In the end, i had to give one word answer to show i am not exactly pleased without hurting her feelings. BTW, by accepting to be interviewed by a gossipy new paper make u less gossipy than others huh?

In response to Miss Celia Lim, try to look out for intelligent male bloggers like me or Relax. We do research on topics, written essays on social topics and like to involve in intelligent conversation. You have met the wrong type of guys in Sg, but it doesn't means all sg guys looking for fun and intimacy. Guys in nature regardless like to look at beautiful things..i do not deny i like to look @ beautiful ladies. But when comes to treating our female friends, my circle of guys and me treat them with respect and confortable no matter how sexy they dress. We do not see it as a sexual invitation though it provides eye candy.

In Response to Miss Jenifer Yeo, btw "Go Dutch" as the phrase suggest comes from Dutch themselves. "English guys are misers" a general comment from an irish lady friend of my sister. In fact most if not all my guys friends and I offer to pay for first date. But frequently to some posh resturants which will chalked a huge expenses, we need to take care of our financials right ? Especially most of us ain't rich. If you are talking about rich singapore guys who can afford u ur luxury, i will have no problem with that.
Come on...In all courtship, both parties (not just guys) always tried to show their best behaviours. But over the time, it's the character that counts in relationship. It applies for girls as well.

My views: There are "MR Wrongs" as well as "Miss Wrongs" around everywhere in the world. Just taking views of 3 successful single young ladies' views to generalize SG guys is just so narrow. I speak for all the Victimized SG guys. I do agree there are black sheep around. Maybe the guys on the other side of the fence look more gentlemanly and hunkier. LOL. My 2 cents.

SG won silver medal but lost the gold hearts of many.

We finally clinched an Olympic Silver... But any intellectuals will tell u, This will not encourage local sports development ... The caption in many local and foreigners' heart is "invest in young overseas talents".

Familiar with English Premier League (soccer/football)? They are facing the same problem in developing local soccer talents. The difference is they are clubs only looking forward to bring glory and $$$ in. Ours is a Country, we need to do more than that, we need to make our people feel the sense of belonging.

The sense of belonging was almost gone from my heart the day, the revered Singapore Flag was drag on the ground. The little bit left was almost consumed with the important NDP Rally postponed for a possible Gold medal. Where is the emphasis in the country? Country affairs or merely recreational sports. Even though poorer response might be expected, but that will at least earn respect and hearts of true Singaporeans.

We do not mind foreign talents come to Sg to work, nor do we mind them take up citizenship and hold our flag. Your forgotten sons and daughters only wish their hard earned money into better use, more respect for our revered flag and symbol ( do not tell me u guys never advise her of the importance of the flag in such a big event) finally show u place more importance in your own rally.

Congrats, We won the silver Medal and lost the "Gold" heart of ourselves. so did we win or did we lose?
"Winning is not everything, but Losing urself is everything lost."

Disgrace and Disrespect to Our Singapore Flag in Beijing Olympics

Li Jia wei Dragging the Singapore Flag on the ground.







Second Pic (left) showed her with grumpy look with no pride @ all





YouTube Video Showing her dragging the flag across the ground:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1GNxnF1rB0




Armenia Flag bearer looking proud and happy even though they are a small country.







Flag bearer from Barbados proud to represent country in Beijing Olympics.





Proud Pettie Japanese Sportwoman holding Japan Flag with pride and smiles.

Comments: Li Jiawei is of a larger built than this pettie japanese sportswoman and see how upright she holds the flag. No excuse, if you should be ashamed of yourself, Li Jia wei.

If Flag touches the ground in national service, we would have burnt many weekends doing guard duties. Yea, favour the talented and not the patroitic? Is the government trying to bring this msg to us? Let's ponder.

I couldn't say I am a patriotic Singaporean. In fact, I never was. But when I saw how my country flag is treated, I am disgusted. It swept on the ground of the "bird nest" Stadium in Beijing in front of Billions watching in the world.

If Li Jiawei (Singapore Flag bearer) the ground occasionally by accident, it can be forgiven. But our flag was dragged across the whole track to the holding area. By the way, Li Jiawei is a "Made in China" foreign talent in Singapore. However, please show some respect to our nation as 9th August is our national day. "AND U Dragged our Flag on the ground a day before our national DAY??!!!"

The most guilty party of all in this incident is the Singapore Sports Association (Council) or whoever you are. In the first place, why can't you choose a born in Singapore and bred in Singapore Athlete to hold the flag? I bet they will at least show pride and respect to the flag. Look @ Li Jiawei, she looked grumpy at times holding our Flag. Compare the pictures above.

Oversea Documentry - SG Vietnamese Bride Agencies

Hi all,

Another video regarding Singapore guys with overseas brides (buying brides....LoL)



Enjoy!.

Nice Guys must go China..Coz China girls loves U.

Below is an interesting clip about an American suffering agony of dating in America coz "He is a nice guy" and finally found love in China.

Listen to it...



LOL... I am a nice SG guy and my fiancee is from China coincidentally...

Our Proud, Materialistic Generation-Part 2

From my personal experience, most of the kids i encountered, when asked about places they would like to visit. They will say Japan, Korea, Western European countries such as Italy, Spain, England etc.

I would usually pop up the question "y not countries like China, Vietnam, or Eastern european countries? ". "EEEeeee dirty toilets and backward countries" followed by some disgust. It hits me hard , "Kids locally are developing sense of Superiority just like in the old days of Colonialism where the whites regarded themselves far more superior than other races".

Who taught our kids those old colonialism "white" superiority ideas? we all know the ans. It's us. Yes, us. We grumbled at the slightest dissatisfaction of any services or environment without being sensitive to other people's feelings. Kids picked the sense of superiority from us. Pride is slowly engulfing our next generation thanks to us, proud adults. Is there any classes on Humility in SG? Do inform me, next time when i have children, i will enrolled them in one.

Our Proud, Materialistic Generation-Part 1

Singapore, the seemingly Utopia of the world, the small red dot sheltered from natural disasters enjoyed political stability. Yet we faced a different enemy no less destructive and yet more subtle. The enemy has many names such as " Arrogance, Identity Crisis (I do not see myself as Singaporean forever), Materialistic.

All comments are a generalized description of kids from middle to high income.
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For Illustration
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70s-80s: kids wear panda and swan brands
80s-90s: wear a mixtures like swan brand, some sports brand like Adidas
90s-now: branded goods
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I am no caveman or some old guy who frown upon "dun waste money buy branded goods la" that type.

What i am illustrating is that because of the improving financial power of the kids/youths, they are not to be blamed to be materialistic. They are merely products of our education system and society.

"With greater power comes greater responsibility". Any of the parents have took great pains to to teach financial management, showing them how to use their money responsibly. Mine did, but i guess not many nowadays do. Many just showered them with $$$ in compensation of lack of family time and love.

Latest handphones, newest branded handbags, shoes, clothes watches gadgets etc soon became the identity of the youths who want to be seen as hip. Without a handphone in school for a secondary school kid will make him feel out of place. We are setting mindset of our generations into striving for good life described in material form chasing the pleasure of the world.

When financial storms come, the hollow pockets of the generation will be rocked and crumbled. Their identity no longer formed by the good social values of the society but rather represented by the material wealth they owned which can be eaten by dust and moths.