The SG Hustle

January 2025 was a relatively quiet month, marked by the post-holiday lull and growing anticipation for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Work was uneventful, and the month passed by without much activity. Similarly, my portfolio saw minimal adjustments, with the exception of some trading activity involving $trump , which I eventually offloaded in batches. Portfolio Overview (cut off 30th January) As of January 2025, my total portfolio (excluding war chest and endowment) stands at SGD $131,971 . While progress has been steady, I still have a long way to go before achieving my financial targets. Holding Position % in Porfolio OCBC 2000 25.81% Capitaland Invest 10052 18.66% Aims Apac Reit 12500 12.03% Hafary 30000 7.05% Genting Sing 11500 6.40% NVDA 185 23.66% BTC 0.050697 5.45% CRO 7000 0.94% Singapore Holdings: Holding Steady My positions in Singapore-listed stocks remain unchanged this month. However, watching Capitaland Investment’s daily decline has been disheartening. Despite t...

With the recent boom in artificial intelligence (AI), nearly everyone—from primary school kids to working adults—has jumped on the AI bandwagon. AI is no longer confined to researchers and tech developers; it has become a tool for the masses. The most accessible example is AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, which are now used in various aspects of our daily lives. As a student pursuing higher education, I’ve been exploring the impact of AI on work and, by extension, our financial lives. This exploration has led me to uncover not just the benefits but also the potential dangers of relying heavily on AI, especially on our wallets. What is AI? Many people mistakenly equate AI with automation, but AI goes far beyond traditional automation. While automation involves using programmed logic to perform tasks, AI is designed to mimic human intelligence, enabling it to learn, reason, and make decisions independently. For example, automation relies on rigid "if-then" pathways, but true...

A Quiet Saturday It was a typical Saturday at home with not much planned, as my helper was handling all the house chores. I dropped my son off at his maternal grandmother's house, giving myself a rare opportunity for some much-needed "me time." While scrolling through Twitter mindlessly, I stumbled upon a topic that piqued my curiosity: a meme coin called $TRUMP. At that point, the coin was already trading at $13 USD per unit. However, it hadn't yet been listed on any centralized exchanges. Initial Doubts: Is It Just Another Random Coin? At first, I thought it was just another meme coin created by some random person in the crypto space. However, as I dug deeper, I was surprised to discover that the coin had actually been launched by none other than President Trump. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further, but the information available was scant. A Gamble or Opportunity? I asked myself, What if this coin becomes the next Bitcoin? Honestly, I was skeptical, but the...

Early Career Journey My career path was unconventional. I only began full-time work in June 2017, at the age of 27, after completing polytechnic, National Service, and a four-year university degree. Hence, my asset accumulation only started in June 2017. Starting Out in the Public Sector I was fortunate to graduate with first-class honors from NTU and secure a public sector role. My starting salary was relatively high compared to my peers in the private sector of the same academic background. My degree is one of the worst paying one in the market. Hence, going into a role that only require any degree was a great advantage to me. Between 2018 and 2021, my annual gross income ranged from approximately $85K to $95K. With minimal expenses and a focus on saving, I managed to put aside a significant portion of my income. However, I missed out on the opportunity to invest during the stock market boom, as I was blinded by the ability to spend back then. The Impact of COVID-19 The COVID-19 pand...

With rising prices on everything from groceries to gadgets, stretching your dollars when shopping has become more important than ever. Fortunately, there are smart strategies you can use to get more for your money without compromising on what you need or want. Here are three practical ways to maximize your spending power when buying things. 1. Shop Smart with Sales and Discounts One of the easiest ways to stretch your dollars is by taking advantage of sales, discounts, and promotions. Most stores run regular sales events, such as Black Friday, end-of-season clearances, or holiday promotions. Planning your purchases around these sales can help you get items at a significantly lower price. Additionally, consider signing up for store newsletters or loyalty programs to receive exclusive discounts or early access to sales. Many retailers offer “members-only” discounts or reward points for future purchases, which can further maximize your savings. Online shopping platforms also often have di...

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has gained significant attention in recent years, as more investors and companies have prioritized sustainability and ethical practices. However, as market conditions evolve, particularly with rising costs and economic uncertainty, some investors are beginning to question whether ESG should remain a central part of their portfolios. One of the primary reasons people might give up on ESG investing is the increasing cost of adopting sustainable practices. ESG-focused companies often face higher operating costs due to their commitment to environmental protection, ethical labor practices, and corporate transparency. For example, adopting green technologies or ensuring that supply chains are free from child labor or poor working conditions can be expensive. These costs are often passed on to consumers, which can make ESG products or services less attractive, particularly during times of financial strain. Additionally, many companies that...

As we dive into 2025, it’s clear that the investment landscape is already presenting its challenges. The recent market downturn has been a stark reminder of the volatility that comes with investing. Despite the turbulence, I’m sticking to my long-term strategy and focusing on growth. Here’s a breakdown of my investment goals for this year and the steps I’m taking to achieve them. Staying the Course: No Panic Selling The recent dip in the markets has certainly tested my resolve. However, I’m committed to not offloading my portfolio in response to short-term fluctuations. I firmly believe in the importance of a long-term investment approach. Selling during a downturn often locks in losses and can disrupt the compounding effect that drives long-term wealth growth. My Strategy: I’m holding onto my investments, confident that the markets will eventually recover. Historical trends show that staying invested during downturns often leads to better returns over time. My focus is on maintaining...

As we kick off 2025, many are setting ambitious financial goals. However, knowing what to avoid is just as crucial as knowing what to do. These are the five common money mistakes that I personally feel we should steer clear in order to stay on track toward financial success. 1. Neglecting an Emergency Fund: Your First Line of Defense   An emergency fund is the bedrock of your asset. Many individuals underestimate its importance, leaving themselves vulnerable to unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job losses. Without an emergency fund, you could be forced to rely on high-interest credit cards or loans, which can quickly become debt-free. We should aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. Start small if you need to – automatic transfers to a separate savings account can help you create this fund gradually. 2. Ignoring Global Economic Risks and Job Security In our interconnected world, global events—whether economic downturns...

  Nearly a year ago, my wife, son, and I moved out of our parents’ home to start a new chapter in our cozy little nest. Over the past year, our days have followed a structured but exhausting routine: waking up, preparing breakfast, dropping our son off at infant care, going to the gym, heading to the office, returning home to cook dinner, and splitting housework in the evening. After putting our son to bed, I was often too drained to do anything else. Weekends weren’t much better—mostly spent tackling chores like cleaning windows and managing weekly household tasks. Everything changed when we learned we were expecting our second child. This prompted us to consider hiring a helper—a prospect we had previously avoided due to concerns about the costs involved. The Costs of Hiring a Helper After researching online and consulting friends, we discovered that onboarding a helper involved significant upfront and ongoing expenses. In addition to her basic living necessities, there w...