What do the new HDB classifications mean for Singapore’s property market?
The old system of mature and non-mature HDB towns is gone, replaced by a new classification: from now on, HDB flats are classed as Prime, Plus, and Standard. This has significant implications for Singapore’s property market, as well as those who consider their HDB flat as a key asset. While this method of classification is […]
How does the ABSD for property affect your portfolio?
The Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) for Singapore real estate has only intensified over the years; and was further increased in April 2023. But the impact of ABSD is not uniform – some property owners or buyers are impacted more (or less) than others. To investors interested in real estate, here’s how the stamp duties […]
Common regrets of single-digit millionaires in Singapore
There are always things we could have done better – but by looking at commonly shared regrets, we may pick up a lesson or two. This week, we spoke to a range of single-digit millionaires (mostly with a net worth of $2 million to $3 million), on what they could have done differently. Here are […]
Why your investing habits need to change with age
As we grow older, our needs as well as aspirations change. It’s nice that every now and then, you find a 50-year-old who still aims to own the country’s biggest skate park, or a 20-year-old who’s already picking out a part of Italy to retire in; but those are rarities, and everything from shifting income […]
5 subtle but potentially damaging diversification mistakes
In an investment portfolio, obvious lack of diversification is easy to identify: along with mismatched risk profiles and underperforming assets, these issues stick out and can be quickly corrected. But the devil is in the details; and it’s these seemingly small but important factors that undermine your portfolio diversification. Here are some of the commonly […]
What are inverse ETFs?
You’ve heard it before: an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) is a way to “buy the market,” and to passively grab returns without chasing Alpha. It’s an investment that’s supposed to be boring and good (or perhaps good because it’s boring, as is commonly said of investments). But ETFs are a lot more diverse than you […]
Rich, self-employed people may be financial dumpster fires. Here’s why.
In most single digit millionaire articles, I talk to other people about their experiences with wealth; and how it’s gained or lost. This week, I’m taking a break from my regular habit of bothering other people with questions (partly because they’ve now started to ignore me). Instead, I’m going to share why self-employed people who […]
How do US rate hikes affect your finances in Singapore?
As I write this, we’ve had a temporary reprieve from US rate hikes, with the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) keeping rates at 5to 5.25%. This will bring some relief to those of you still paying mortgages, or other personal loans. But this also brings questions as to why, and how exactly, US interest rates […]