The SG Hustle

No matter your occupation, a salary will never make you truly financially free . Your financial security stops the day you stop working. That’s why relying solely on your paycheck is risky, and why investing is non-negotiable. 1️⃣ You Must Invest, Regardless of Asset Class Earning is only the first step. To grow wealth and achieve financial independence, your money needs to work for you . This means putting it into assets that generate returns over time. 2️⃣ But Don’t Just Invest Randomly Investing blindly is almost as risky as not investing at all. Take time to understand what you’re putting your money into , assess the risks, and have a plan. 3️⃣ ETFs Are a Good Start If you really don’t know where to start, consider ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) . They’re simple, diversified, and allow you to DCA (Dollar-Cost Average) over time. Even a small, consistent allocation grows significantly in the long run. 4️⃣ Consider a Low-Risk Saving Plan If equities or ETFs feel too risky, you can...

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in crypto. In the past, I sold my holdings out of greed , chasing quick gains, only to regret it later. When the crash hit in October 2025, I managed to scoop some back at lower prices . This time, I’m taking a long-term approach: instead of leaving my crypto on centralized exchanges, I bought a cold wallet to store it safely. My plan? Simple. Hold it. Eventually, pass it down to my two sons. If the value drops to zero, so be it, it’s a small portion of my portfolio, and I’m prepared for the risk. For anyone just starting, you don’t need to buy a whole BTC . Even 0.01 BTC,  less than  $1,500 SGD today, is enough to get started. Buy it, hold it, and watch how even a tiny stake can grow over time. As for me, I’m holding more than 0.1 BTC but less than 1 BTC for now. The goal isn’t a quick win, it’s a small, patient investment that could become a lasting legacy .

Based on online data, males in my age group should be earning about $6,049 per month , including employer CPF. In my trade, real estate services, the median is around $4,908 per month . To be transparent, I’m currently earning $8,760 per month , including employer CPF. On paper, it looks great, above average both in general and within my industry. And yet, why do I often feel like there’s never enough money? The reason is simple: I’m actively putting my money to work , building a future where I don’t have to rely solely on a paycheck. How I Balance Life and Financial Discipline 1️⃣ I don’t compromise my lifestyle. I still enjoy good lunches, dinners, and occasional treats. Life is to be lived, not just saved. 2️⃣ I set aside at least 25% of my monthly income for my warchest. This acts as my buffer, my optionality fund, and the foundation of my long-term financial plan. 3️⃣ I have a clear goal: I aim to stop working full-time for someone else by the age of 40, that’s in 2041 . E...

Talking about how much raising children costs is always a sensitive topic. Some people might argue that certain expenses are optional or even indulgent, and that’s fair. Every family has different priorities, lifestyles, and financial means. I’m sharing our numbers not to show off, but to give a real-world view of what it takes to raise two kids in Singapore today. 1️⃣ Pregnancy & Birth Costs (Per Child) Even before your baby arrives, costs start piling up: Tonic, bird’s nest, cordyceps, and supplements: ≈ $3,000 Medical check-ups & delivery: ≈ $12,000 Exercise (Pilates for my wife during pregnancy): ≈ $2,000 Confinement nanny: ≈ $4,000 Pregnancy isn’t cheap, but for us, these were investments in health, comfort, and peace of mind. Total per child: ≈ $21,000 2️⃣ Monthly Costs: Elder Child Now that our older child is out of infancy, the recurring costs are: Childcare fees: $350 per month Food: Since our child eats what we eat, portions are smaller. A...

I’m still very much on my journey toward F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early),  though my recent posts about property might make it seem like I’ve already “made it.” The truth is, I’m still walking the same road as many others: learning, experimenting, and adapting as life and markets change. Why Property Keeps Catching My Attention Because of the nature of my work, I interact regularly with property managers, agents, facilities managers, developers, and contractors. Over time, those conversations have opened my eyes to how real wealth is often built, quietly, through property ownership and management . That exposure planted a seed in me: Maybe property investment isn’t just for the ultra-rich. Maybe it’s another path, or even a complementary one, toward financial independence. My Current Foundation: Equities Right now, the backbone of my financial plan is still in equities across the Singapore and U.S. markets. Through a mix of dividend-paying stocks and covered ca...

The dream of F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has inspired countless Singaporeans. But in today’s market, the traditional routes, saving aggressively and investing in equities, are becoming harder to execute. That got me thinking: could property investment be a realistic alternative to F.I.R.E? 1️⃣ Residential Property: A Game for the Wealthy Let’s be honest, residential property investment in Singapore has become a playground for the wealthy. With ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) now at punishing levels for second properties, most middle-income families are priced out of the game. Even if you could afford a second property, the math doesn’t make sense. After ABSD, loan restrictions, and rising interest rates, the yield barely covers the holding cost. For most people, it’s just not practical anymore. 2️⃣ So How Do You Invest in Property Then? That’s where commercial property comes in. No ABSD. Lower barriers. And plenty of opportunities if you know what to look fo...

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 ...

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...