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How I’m Turning Retrenchment Fear Into Financial Freedom

The fear of retrenchment is no longer a distant thought, it’s a reality that’s sweeping across industries worldwide. Every other week, another big name announces layoffs. When global giants start trimming headcount, it’s only a matter of time before the ripple hits Singapore too. No matter how “safe” your role seems today, it’s hard not to wonder: what if my turn comes next? The Harsh Truth About Our Mid-30s to Early 40s I’ve entered that stage of life, mid-30s heading into my 40s, where job transitions aren’t as simple as they used to be. Companies prefer younger hires with lower pay expectations and fewer family commitments. Even with strong experience, the hiring process drags, and competition is intense. The reality? Getting another job after retrenchment at this age can easily take months, if not longer. Why Gig Work Isn’t a Guaranteed Backup Some people say, “Never mind, can always do Grab, food delivery or freelancing.” But let’s be honest, when the economy slows and people ...
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When Everyone’s Greedy, I’m Bored, and That’s Okay!

It’s been a while since my last update, October 2025 was one of those months where life and work got busy, so I decided to step back a little from posting. Sometimes, the best move in investing (and in life) is to pause and observe quietly. Since then, the markets have been on a tear. Stocks have rallied hard, crypto seems to be back in fashion, and even physical gold is seeing strong demand. The sentiment on the ground feels euphoric, everyone’s chasing something, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) is real again. Meanwhile, I’m… just sitting here, a little bored, and completely fine with it. I haven’t been adding new positions lately. Instead, I’ve been slowly building my cash reserves. It’s not because I’m bearish or trying to time the market, I’m simply comfortable where I am. My portfolio is well-positioned, and I believe in the businesses I already own. There’s no need to trim either. In fact, I see my investing approach like managing two pieces of fishing equipment: 🎣 The F...
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Q3 2025 Portfolio Update: Progress, Adjustments, and Reflections

Previously, I shared monthly portfolio updates to track my passive income journey. Since transitioning to quarterly updates in Q2, I’ve focused on longer-term progress and strategic adjustments. This approach suits my current investment style, which emphasizes steady income and measured growth. In this Q3 2025 update, I will cover: Year-to-date passive income performance Portfolio changes made during the quarter Market observations and strategy refinements Challenges and lessons learned Next steps and goals for Q4 2025 Year-to-Date Passive Income Breakdown Passive income continues to be my primary focus, with steady contributions from key sources: SG Dividends: SGD 5,110 YTD My dividend stocks remain a reliable foundation of passive income.  Covered Call Premiums: USD 3,618 YTD Covered call premiums from my options positions have provided consistent additional income. I remain selective in this strategy, focusing on quality holdings where I can generate extra...
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Burnt Out and Trapped in a Job I Hate !!! What Now?

Feeling burnt out and stuck in a job you hate is more common than you think. Especially in Singapore’s corporate scene, where the pressure to perform and keep moving up is intense. You show up every day, but inside, you feel drained. The work no longer excites you, and the routine feels suffocating. But quitting outright feels impossible. What do you do next? First, acknowledge how you feel. Burnout is real and valid. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure. It happens when the demands of your job overwhelm your ability to cope. Long hours, tight deadlines, endless meetings, office politics, all chip away at your energy and enthusiasm. Over time, the passion that once drove you can fade into exhaustion and frustration. If you are trapped in this cycle, the first step is to pause and take stock. What exactly is making you unhappy? Is it the company culture, the nature of the work, your manager, or something else? Pinpointing the root cause helps you decide your next move. Once you know...
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What If I Die Tomorrow? My Family’s Entire Financial Plan, Step by Step

This is the question I ask myself more often than I care to admit. Not because I am morbid. Not because I am fearful. But because I am a father, and I know that life does not give warnings. If I die tomorrow, what happens to my family? Can they keep the house? Can my kids still go to school? Would my spouse know where everything is? In Singapore, where life is expensive and responsibilities run deep, death is not just emotional. It is logistical. That is why I built a financial plan designed to function without me. Here it is, step by step. Step 1: Life Insurance That Covers What Matters I carry term life insurance worth one million dollar . No complex products. Just pure coverage. The goal is simple. If I die, my wife receives a lump sum that replaces my income for at least twenty years. This ensures that the mortgage is cleared, the children’s education is fully covered, and daily life can continue without panic. I chose term insurance over whole life because I want maximum cov...
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I Love My Kids. But I Regret Becoming a Father. Here's Why.

This is not easy to admit. Not at a coffee shop with friends. Not at family gatherings. And definitely not on social media, where fatherhood is usually wrapped in feel-good quotes and pictures of smiling kids. But I’ll say it here, because I know I’m not alone. I love my kids. Truly, deeply, and without question. But I also regret becoming a father. Not because of them. But because of what I lost and what I became. Before kids, I had freedom. I had time. I had energy. I had identity. I could sleep. I could plan. I could chase dreams without guilt. I could go for supper without checking my phone every five minutes. I could just... breathe. Since becoming a father, every part of life feels heavy. And I don’t just mean the physical exhaustion. I mean the mental weight of being responsible for someone else's everything; safety, education, emotional well-being, future. It’s relentless. And sometimes, it’s thankless. Fatherhood in Singapore comes with invisible pressure. You pro...
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If I Lose My Job Today, This Is Exactly How I’d Survive the Next 6 Months in Singapore

Losing a job is no longer unthinkable. In today’s economy, it is a very real possibility. Retrenchments, restructuring, and AI disruption are already hitting close to home. For many Singaporean families, the fear is not abstract. It’s personal. It’s survival. I’ve asked myself this question many times: What would I do if I lost my job today? Not in theory. Not someday. Today. Here’s the exact plan I’ve built to protect my family and myself for six months without income. Step 1: Lock Down the Essentials The first thing I did was calculate our family’s minimum survival budget. No lifestyle upgrades, no extras. Just the non-negotiables. Our family needs S$5,500 a month to cover: Utilities and internet Groceries Insurance premiums Transportation School-related expenses Parents’ allowance That means six months = S$33,000. Once I had that number, I made it my mission to ensure we had enough in emergency savings. Today, I keep S$50,000 in liquid cash, easily accessible t...
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