Saturday, August 03, 2013

Interview with Journalist Chris Hedges

I have watched all 7 segments of the interview. I recommend that you watch them. The issues discussed in "Reality Assets Itself" contain a brilliant analysis of the current issues faced in the world, and to many of the problems faced even in Singapore. 

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=731

Friday, August 02, 2013

Investing for retirement

There is some debate in the Straits Times on how to achieve a good return over the long term.

Leaving the money in the special account in CPF to earn 4% per annum, with no risk, is an acceptable way.

It is equally acceptable to invest in an index fund of blue chip shares. The investment risk is reduced considerably by diversification, investing for the long term, and dollar cost averaging, i.e. investing and withdrawing in small amounts.

For consumers who understand the concept, investing in an index fund is better and can achieve a return that is better than 4% in the special account.

The CPF special account is allowed to be invested in the index fund (or the STI exchange traded fund).

There is no need to invest in a "life cycle" fund, where the proportion of shares is reduced nearer retirement. The consumer can keep invested in shares after retirement and take out each month what is needed for living expenses.

This concept is explained in the book, "Financial Planning for Young People", www.tklcould.com/pdfbook/33

Thursday, August 01, 2013

Will MAS do the same?

Someone sent this news to me and asked, "Will MAS do the same?"

China moves to eliminate financial scam advertisements
AFP | Thu, Aug 01, 2013
BEIJING - China kicked off a nationwide campaign on Thursday to do away with advertisements for financial scams promising big returns at no risk, highlighting concern over the potential for trouble as financial know-how lags behind rising personal wealth.

The China Banking Regulatory Commission said the three-month "clean-up campaign" would take aim at the huge number of advertisements in China for wealth management products, no-interest loans, real estate and many other "no-risk, high-return" schemes from planting forests to breeding animals.

A commission statement said the campaign would "protect the legitimate interests of the masses" and "clean up the market environment".

Such advertisements, it said, would be eliminated, advertisers identified and their actions used to educate the people. Preventive policies would be put in place and offenders investigated.

Financial scams have multiplied in China as individual wealth grows, but a lack of financial knowledge and education means many people do not know how to protect their money.

People convicted of big frauds in high-profile cases have been sentenced to death as authorities remain wary of the potential for social unrest.

Last month, police had to intervene after about 1,000 people overran a branch of China's central bank in a southern town as a rumour spread that it was handing out zero-interest loans.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Job vacancies

Try out these fictitious advertisements to get a feel of your suitability for these positions, and win a prize.

Marketing Executive
http://tklcloud.com/opal/recruit/2

Customer Service Representative
http://tklcloud.com/opal/recruit/4

Administrative Asst
http://tklcloud.com/opal/recruit/5

Sunday, July 28, 2013

FISCA Talk - Consumer Guide to Insurance, 3 August 2013

Are you buying the right life insurance policy? Are you getting good value for your premiums? Find out in this talk

Consumer Guide to Insurance, Saturday 3 August 2013.

More details of this talk can be found here:
http://www.easyapps.sg/assn/Org/File.aspx?ID=267&Frame=1

Register for this talk at 
http://easyapps.sg/assn/Org/EventRegForPublic.aspx?EvID=718&id=5

Act now. The right decision can mean more than $100,000 in additional payout to you at maturity. 

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