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This week, QDTE paid me dividends of SGD23.81. This means for the past seven weeks, QDTE has paid me an average weekly d...
23/11/2024

This week, QDTE paid me dividends of SGD23.81. This means for the past seven weeks, QDTE has paid me an average weekly dividend of SGD23.81. Just as important, the NAV of the share has increased from USD41.79 to USD42.55.

For those following this page, I am a firm believer that successful retirement living requires us to have a steady income stream. Dividend-paying ETFs is one income source I am exploring and I am sharing my experience with QDTE for you to make your own decision.


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WARNING: QDTE is a high-risk high-return investment play. If you decide to invest in QDTE, you need to mitigate your risk. Invest no more than 10% of your retirement nest egg. Less if you are already retired and do not have a source of income.

DISCLAIMER. I am not a financial adviser. I am a blogger sharing my personal experiences in the hopes that we can learn from each other. Therefore, none of this information constitutes an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any currency, product, or financial instrument. Nor does it suggest making any investment or participating in any specific trading strategy.

Health insurance is a must as we age, so don't stinge on this.
22/11/2024

Health insurance is a must as we age, so don't stinge on this.

20/11/2024

Why playing it safe with your investments is bad for your future

When it comes to investing, many are naturally inclined to stick with the “safest” options. After all, investing your hard-earned money is no joke, and the fear of loss can easily override the hope of gain. However, as with many aspects of life, playing it safe often prevents real success. And this is particularly true when it comes to building wealth through investing.

Let’s break it down using a common investment scenario — buying shares in the stock market.

Playing it Safe = False Sense of Security
Imagine you decide to invest only in the safest, most conservative stocks. These investments are low-risk and provide stable returns. In theory, this sounds like a smart strategy. However, when you account for inflation, you begin to see the hidden danger in this approach.

For example, if inflation is running at an average of 3% per year, and your “safe” investments are only yielding 2%, you’re actually losing purchasing power over time. In a world where medical expenses, housing costs, and everyday living expenses are steadily rising, simply preserving your capital isn’t enough. Safety means loss where your wealth isn’t growing fast enough to keep up with inflation, let alone provide for your future goals, like a comfortable retirement or financial independence.

The Power of Calculated Risk: A Path to Growth
This is where calculated risk comes in. Let’s consider a strategy where you allocate 10% of your capital to higher-risk, higher-reward investments. This could be shares in smaller, growth-oriented companies, innovative tech firms, or even high-yield dividend stocks.

While the potential for loss is high, the possibility of outsized returns exists as well. With proper research and risk management, this portion of your portfolio could significantly outperform traditional, safer investments. In fact, many successful investors have built their wealth not by avoiding risk, but by embracing it in a thoughtful, calculated way.

Let’s consider a simplified example. Imagine you invest $10,000. If you put all of it into low-risk investments with an annual return of 2%, you would have roughly $12,189 after 10 years. Now, if you invest 90% in safe options and allocate 10% into higher-risk investments that yield an average annual return of 12%, your total would grow to around $13,468 after 10 years. The difference may not seem huge at first glance, but compounded over several decades, the gap between “safe” and “strategic” investment strategies can be enormous.

The Case for Balance
It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Diversification and risk management are still key. But by allocating a portion of your portfolio to higher-risk, higher-reward opportunities, you are positioning yourself to capture growth that you simply can’t get from playing it safe. Taking calculated risk allows you to stay ahead of inflation.

Instead of protecting yourself from short-term volatility at all costs, you’re embracing the possibility of long-term growth. This is the mindset shift that separates successful investors from those who merely tread water financially.

Success Requires Risk
Success in investing — and life — rarely comes from taking the safest path. When you play it too safe, you limit your potential. But when you step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks, you create opportunities for growth. The key is to find balance: protect the bulk of your wealth but be brave enough to invest a small portion in areas that can yield high returns.

“Playing it safe may keep you afloat, but taking measured risks is what will propel you forward.’

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DISCLAIMER. I am not a financial adviser. I am a blogger sharing my personal experiences in the hopes that we can learn from each other. Therefore, none of this information constitutes an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any currency, product, or financial instrument. Nor does it suggest making any investment or participating in any specific trading strategy.

October's payment for my articles on Medium. It is not as good as September's, but it is still money in my pocket for do...
17/11/2024

October's payment for my articles on Medium. It is not as good as September's, but it is still money in my pocket for doing what I enjoy - sharing my thoughts on successful retirement living.

A man on a business trip ....[Disclaimer: This video is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real people, places or e...
17/11/2024

A man on a business trip ....

[Disclaimer: This video is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real people, places or events is purely coincidental. Viewer discretion and a sense of humor is advised.]

Here's some good news for retirees
15/11/2024

Here's some good news for retirees

Money LockThe press recently reported that a woman who lost $33,000 in a malware scam managed to protect the rest of her...
14/11/2024

Money Lock

The press recently reported that a woman who lost $33,000 in a malware scam managed to protect the rest of her savings thanks to a "money lock" feature. This highlights the importance of being proactive in safeguarding our money.

Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and all it takes is for us to be careless once. But with the right tools and practices, you can mitigate these risks.

Here's how to protect your money ....

1. Use Money Lock Features. Banks in Singapore offer “money lock” services that allow you to lock your account temporarily. This limits unauthorized transactions, providing an extra layer of protection in case your account is compromised. Set it up through your bank's mobile app or web platform. It's an easy, effective way to control when money leaves your account.

2. Be Cautious with Links. Scams often start with phishing links sent via SMS or email. Always verify the sender's authenticity. If in doubt, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files. Scammers mimic trusted institutions like banks or delivery services, but hovering over a link or checking the domain can reveal a scam attempt.

3. Use Strong Authentication. Ensure you enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your banking apps and other financial services. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password, requiring another form of verification—like a code sent to your phone or email.

4. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts. Frequent checking of your transaction history ensures any unusual activity is caught early. Set up alerts for transactions above a certain threshold to stay informed in real-time.

5. Keep Your Devices Secure. Install reliable antivirus software on your phone and computer. Malware can infect your device without you realizing it, allowing scammers to access sensitive information. Keep all software and apps updated to protect against known vulnerabilities.

6. Educate Yourself and Family. Cybersecurity literacy is your best defense. Scammers target individuals who may not be aware of the latest fraud tactics. By staying informed and sharing knowledge with friends and family, you contribute to a safer community.

Protect your hard-earned money by staying vigilant and leveraging the tools available. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, but with a mix of technology, common sense, and education, you can outsmart them. Staying secure starts with simple habits that can safeguard your future.

The market has jumped!As a dividend investor, while share price is important, increases are not necessarily good news as...
09/11/2024

The market has jumped!

As a dividend investor, while share price is important, increases are not necessarily good news as it increases the cost of acquisition. This has been a good week for shares and I hope the market stays positive. This week, QDTE put SGD24.55 into my pocket.


-------
WARNING: QDTE is a high-risk high-return investment play. If you decide to invest in QDTE, you need to mitigate your risk. Invest no more than 10% of your retirement nest egg. Less if you are already retired and do not have a source of income.

DISCLAIMER. I am not a financial adviser. I am a blogger sharing my personal experiences in the hopes that we can learn from each other. Therefore, none of this information constitutes an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any currency, product, or financial instrument. Nor does it suggest making any investment or participating in any specific trading strategy.

08/11/2024

Compound Interest - the 8th wonder of the world.

04/11/2024

Retirement Income Streams

Besides your health, living a successful retirement requires income and purpose. Being an avid writer, I combine both by writing on Medium.

As you can see, my income from Medium is not a lot. But it does complement my dividend income and pays for at least a meal. More importantly, it allows me to express myself.

I am back! 😀As I have been on vacation for the past two weeks, I did not journal my QDTE weekly dividend payouts. Summar...
03/11/2024

I am back! 😀

As I have been on vacation for the past two weeks, I did not journal my QDTE weekly dividend payouts. Summarised below is what QDTE put into my pocket (after US taxes):

25 Oct: SGD14.07
1 Nov: SGD12.65
[Cumulatively, for Oct 2024, I pocketed SGD55.77 in dividends.]

If you have been following this page, you will know that this series of posts is my journal on dividend-paying ETFs as a source of retirement income. While the experiment has been positive so far, I will need more data points and will make a call at the end of Dec 2024.

As for now, since starting in mid-Sep 2024, I have pocketed a total of SGD79.89, while the NAV of QDTE has remained relatively stable despite the recent market sell-off (the NAV is down USD10).



-------
WARNING: QDTE is a high-risk high-return investment play. If you decide to invest in QDTE, you need to mitigate your risk. Invest no more than 10% of your retirement nest egg. Less if you are already retired and do not have a source of income.

DISCLAIMER. I am not a financial adviser. I am a blogger sharing my personal experiences in the hopes that we can learn from each other. Therefore, none of this information constitutes an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any currency, product, or financial instrument. Nor does it suggest making any investment or participating in any specific trading strategy.

Four Early Signs of Dementia to Watch Out ForAccording to research, 1 in 10 of our seniors suffer from dementia. Early d...
03/11/2024

Four Early Signs of Dementia to Watch Out For

According to research, 1 in 10 of our seniors suffer from dementia. Early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment.

While memory loss is a well-known symptom, there are other subtle signs that may indicate the onset of dementia.

1. Visual Spatial Problems

Difficulty with spatial awareness and visual processing can be an early indicator of dementia. This may manifest as:

- Struggling to judge distances or navigate familiar places
- Difficulty with puzzles or games that require spatial reasoning
- Trouble understanding written instructions or following recipes

2. Mood Changes

Subtle shifts in mood and behavior can be an early warning sign:

- Becoming easily agitated, anxious, or depressed
- Showing rapid mood swings or irrational behavior
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities

3. Language Difficulties

Communication changes can be a red flag:

- Struggling to find the right words or following conversations
- Repeating themselves or asking the same questions
- Difficulty understanding written or spoken language

4. Memory Loss

While memory loss is a well-known symptom, it's essential to recognize the differences between normal aging and dementia-related memory loss:

- Forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments
- Difficulty recalling familiar words, names, or faces
- Struggling to learn new information or skills

What to Do

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Early diagnosis allows for:

- Timely intervention and treatment
- Better management of symptoms
- Improved quality of life

Remember, these signs don't necessarily mean someone has dementia. Other conditions, such as depression or vitamin deficiencies, can cause similar symptoms.

Stay informed, and prioritize brain health through:

- Regular check-ups
- Healthy lifestyle choices (exercise, socialization, cognitive stimulation)
- Support for mental health

Woohoo! If you are an NSman .... I appreciate being appreciated.
01/11/2024

Woohoo! If you are an NSman .... I appreciate being appreciated.

01/11/2024

Day 9: Our final day in Fukuoka. Tried Motsunabe - what Fukuoka is famous for.

31/10/2024

Don't panic!

The market is tanking and, for dividend investors, this can be unsettling. But remember, market pullbacks are also opportunities to strengthen our dividend income portfolio.

By staying true to our strategy of dollar-cost averaging (DCA), we're putting volatility to work for us. Each time we invest when prices are low, we’re able to buy more shares than when the market is at its peak. Over time, this strategy reduces our average cost per share, setting us up for stronger long-term returns when prices recover. In addition, lower prices mean higher yields on the stocks we buy now, effectively boosting our future income.

Instead of seeing this as a time to pause investing, think of it as a chance to build a portfolio that will pay dividends for years to come.

So stay focused on the big picture. Keep investing steadily, and let these market dips work in our favor. The strategy of DCA, especially in times like these, reinforces our long-term goals.

P.S. Including dividends earned (and reinvested), my portfolio is currently +7%.



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Disclaimer: I am not a financial consultant. I am just a blogger sharing my personal experiences. Please seek professional advice.

Day 7: Tourist for the day. Visiting the Dazaifu Tenmengu Shrine.
30/10/2024

Day 7: Tourist for the day. Visiting the Dazaifu Tenmengu Shrine.

Day 6: Discovered another hidden gem. Where locals dine.
29/10/2024

Day 6: Discovered another hidden gem. Where locals dine.

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Compound Interest - the 8th wonder of the world. #RetirementIncome

Retirement Income Streams Besides your health, living a successful retirement requires income and purpose. Being an avid writer, I combine both by writing on Medium. As you can see, my income from Medium is not a lot. But it does complement my dividend income and pays for at least a meal. More importantly, it allows me to express myself. #RetirementIncome #RetirementPurpose

Day 9: Our final day in Fukuoka. Tried Motsunabe - what Fukuoka is famous for. #RetirementExperiences #Japan

Don't panic! The market is tanking and, for dividend investors, this can be unsettling. But remember, market pullbacks are also opportunities to strengthen our dividend income portfolio. By staying true to our strategy of dollar-cost averaging (DCA), we're putting volatility to work for us. Each time we invest when prices are low, we’re able to buy more shares than when the market is at its peak. Over time, this strategy reduces our average cost per share, setting us up for stronger long-term returns when prices recover. In addition, lower prices mean higher yields on the stocks we buy now, effectively boosting our future income. Instead of seeing this as a time to pause investing, think of it as a chance to build a portfolio that will pay dividends for years to come. So stay focused on the big picture. Keep investing steadily, and let these market dips work in our favor. The strategy of DCA, especially in times like these, reinforces our long-term goals. P.S. Including dividends earned (and reinvested), my portfolio is currently +7%. #RetirementIncome ---- Disclaimer: I am not a financial consultant. I am just a blogger sharing my personal experiences. Please seek professional advice.

Day 5: Final meal at Insa-dong before jetting off to Japan. A hidden gem. Where locals dine. #RetirementExperiences #Travel #Seoul #Food

Day 4: Slowing down Enjoying a bubble bath. Something I don't get to do at home. #RetirementHealth #RetirementExperiences #Seoul #Travel

Day 3: Namdaemun If you want Hoddeok, you can beat the queue .... #RetirementExperiences #Travel #Seoul #Food

If you are craving for good samgyeopsal in Seoul .... #RetitrementExperiences #Travel #Seoul #Food

Day 2: Shopping for clothes at GotoMall A hidden gem, where locals shop. Once operated as the Gangnam Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Mall in 2011, the GotoMall is an underground shopping mall located in the Seocho-gu District. It spans an amazing length of 880m and has an overall area of around 31,566 ㎡. #RetirementExperiences #Seoul #Shopping #Travel

Day 2: Keeping healthy .... starting the day right. When it comes to our health, there are no rest days. #RetirementHealth #Travel #Exercise #Seoul

Day 1: Seoul Our focus .... Ganjang-gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) #RetirementExperiences #Seoul #Food #Travel

Low-cost Business Class from Singapore to Seoul .... #RetirementExperiences #Seoul #Travel

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