Retirement Guru

14/01/2025

Worth the calories!

12/01/2025

Invest a little, retire big!

Did you know that with just $1,000 to start and $200 monthly, you can build a portfolio worth $16,000+ in 5 years? And that’s with an 8% annual return using dividend paying ETFs. Even better, by then, your portfolio will generate approximately $103 a month in dividends - passive income for life!

The key? Start early, stay consistent, and let compounding do the heavy lifting. ETFs are a simple, low-cost way to grow your retirement nest egg while diversifying your investments.

Your future self will thank you for taking that first step today.

07/01/2025

Did you know you can get 48 days of holiday in 2025 by using only 15 days of annual leave?

If you are still working, with strategic planning, you can use your leave days to link up holidays and weekends. Done right, 15 days of annual leave will give you 48 days of holiday in 2025.

[Credit: AsiaOne]

06/01/2025

Lessons from the Blue Zones: Start Your Day Like a Centenarian

Breakfast has long been hailed as the most important meal of the day. But what if your first meal could not only fuel your morning but also help you live a longer, healthier life? The diets of people in Blue Zones - regions identified by researcher Dan Buettner where people live exceptionally long, healthy lives - offer valuable lessons on how to craft a breakfast that promotes longevity and vitality.

Blue Zone Breakfast

- Plant-Based. Blue Zone breakfasts often emphasize whole, plant-based foods. Staples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. These ingredients are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Prioritize Whole Grains. Whole grains are a cornerstone of Blue Zone diets. They provide sustained energy and are rich in nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins.
- Include Healthy Fats. Healthy fats, particularly from nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are common in Blue Zone breakfasts. These fats support brain health and keep you feeling full longer.
- Stay Minimal on Sugar. People in Blue Zones consume natural sugars from fruits and honey rather than processed sugars. Keeping sugar intake low helps maintain stable energy levels and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
- Hydrate Wisely. Blue Zone residents often begin their day with water, herbal teas, or coffee. Hydration is crucial for digestion, energy, and overall well-being.

Try It!

Adopting a Blue Zone-inspired breakfast doesn't mean overhauling your diet overnight. Start with small changes. Over time, these small habits can lead to significant health benefits.

1. Start your day with oatmeal topped with fresh berries, a handful of walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.
2. Swap processed cereals for whole-grain options like quinoa porridge or sprouted bread with avocado.
3. Add a spoonful of nut butter to your smoothie or sprinkle chia seeds on your yogurt.
4. Replace sugary pastries with naturally sweet fruits like bananas or dates.
5. Start your morning with a glass of warm water with lemon or a cup of green tea.

A Blue Zone breakfast is more than just food - it's a way to set the tone for a mindful, health-conscious day. By prioritizing whole, plant-based ingredients and embracing simplicity, you can enjoy a meal that fuels your body, nurtures your mind, and brings you closer to a lifestyle of longevity.

03/01/2025

$300 CDC Vouchers in Jan 2025: More Support for Your Everyday Needs

🍴$150 at participating hawkers & heartland merchants
🛒 $150 at participating supermarkets

Digitally claiming your CDC Vouchers is easy:
✅️ Claim for your household at go.gov.sg/cdcv
✅️ You will receive an SMS with a personalised voucher link from gov.sg Sender ID
✅️ Check where to spend at go.gov.sg/cdcvouchers

Beware of scams! Do not trust or click on unofficial links. gov.sg will never send SMSes asking for your personal information or banking details to claim the vouchers.

If you do not have a smartphone or Singpass, or need assistance, visit your nearest Community Centre/Club (CC).

Claim and spend your vouchers by 31 Dec 2025.

For more information, visit vouchers.cdc.gov.sg

Discover where to spend your CDC vouchers by searching for the nearest participating supermarkets, hawkers and heartland merchants.

03/01/2025

5 Simple Habits to Add Years to Your Life

In a world obsessed with longevity, centenarians offer us a treasure trove of insights into how. While no single habit can guarantee a century-long life, researchers have identified consistent key practices among those who reach this milestone.

1. Diet and Nutrition. Centenarians often follow diets rich in whole, plant-based foods. Think fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts — all staples of longevity hotspots like the Mediterranean and Okinawan diets. Many also practice moderate calorie intake, avoiding overeating and embracing the concept of “hara hachi bu,” a Japanese saying that advises eating until you are 80% full.

2. Physical Activity. Regular movement is another hallmark of centenarian lifestyles. This doesn’t necessarily mean intense workouts but rather consistent, low-impact activities like walking, gardening, or yoga. These forms of exercise help maintain physical function and mobility well into old age.

3. Social Connections. Longevity isn’t just about what you do. It’s also about who you do it with. Centenarians often have strong social networks of family and friends. These connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being.

4. Stress Management. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on health, but centenarians tend to have effective coping mechanisms. Whether it’s meditation, prayer, or hobbies like knitting or painting, finding ways to unwind and stay mentally balanced is crucial.

5. Sleep and Relaxation. Adequate rest is a cornerstone of longevity. Centenarians prioritize sleep and relaxation, ensuring their bodies and minds have time to recover and rejuvenate. This also includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding overstimulation before bedtime.

While genetics and environment are largely beyond our control, the habits of centenarians remind us that we have agency over much of our health. Embracing a balanced diet, regular physical activity, meaningful relationships, stress management, and sufficient sleep can improve not just the quantity but the quality of our years.

Adopting these habits doesn’t just add years to your life, it adds life to your years. So, start small. Take a walk after dinner, share a meal with loved ones, or dedicate 10 minutes a day to mindfulness. Each positive step brings you closer to a life well-lived — whether it spans a century or not.

31/12/2024

Happy New Year 2025!

Wishing all my family and friends good health, great wealth, and abundant happiness in the year ahead.

Health: Because without it, life becomes an uphill battle.

Wealth: Not just for financial security, but to provide freedom, options, and the ability to support those we care about.

Happiness: Because joy is what makes the journey worthwhile. May your days be filled with laughter and purpose.

Here’s to making 2025 a year to remember! Let’s set meaningful goals, embrace challenges, and celebrate every win, big or small.

31/12/2024

Lessons from 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself engaged in my annual ritual of reflecting on the year that has passed as a way of distilling the lessons of the year into guiding principles for the one ahead. For me, 2024 has been a watershed year. A period of profound realizations. Turning 55 has ushered me into the pre-retirement phase of my life and with it has come a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Health: The Wealth We Overlook
In our youth, health often feels like an infinite resource. We assume our bodies will always bounce back, no matter how we treat them. Yet, as the years advance, the cumulative impact of neglect becomes unmistakable, manifesting in ways that money alone cannot fix. This year, I’ve come to see health as more precious than gold. A treasure that requires daily care and intention. The lesson is clear: health is not a passive state but an active pursuit, one that determines the quality of every other aspect of life.

Income: Planning for the Long Horizon
With the official retirement age now within “sight”, I have had to confront an undeniable truth — I cannot work forever. The thought of a lifespan extending well beyond 90 years underscores the need for a self-sustaining retirement nest egg. Comfort in retirement isn’t a matter of chance; it’s the result of disciplined planning and investing. This year has reinforced my resolve to create a financial foundation of passive income that will support a retirement lifestyle of independence and dignity.

Purpose: Beyond the Workday
Nearing my career ceiling has brought another clarity. Work, while fulfilling, can no longer be my sole purpose. As I remain dedicated to giving my best to my employer, my aspirations have expanded. I’ve discovered the joy of pursuing a larger mission, one that transcends the boundaries of my profession. Through my platform, Retirement Guru, I have found a calling in helping fellow Singaporeans prepare for the challenges and opportunities of retirement. This sense of purpose has added a new layer of meaning to my life, aligning my efforts with a broader, enduring impact.

Experiences: Living Fully, Starting Now
“At life’s end, it is the experiences, not the possessions, that matter most.” This year, this oft-repeated wisdom has resonated with me more deeply than ever. I’ve realized the importance of beginning my “retirement living” now, at 55, while my energy and income are still abundant. Whether it’s crossing off items from my bucket list or stepping outside my comfort zone to embrace new adventures, I’ve come to appreciate that meaningful experiences demand both intention and effort. They are, after all, the moments that will linger long after the trivial details of daily life have faded.

Looking Ahead
The lessons of 2024 will set the stage for a transformative 2025. This coming year, my focus will shift toward living fully, intentionally, and mindfully. With health as a priority, income as a foundation, purpose as a guide, and experiences as the goal, I am excited about 2025 year. As I close this chapter and look forward to the next, I am reminded of the profound privilege of time, and my responsibility to use it wisely.

30/12/2024

As promised, here is my take on investing in TSLY for its monthly dividends as a source of retirement income.

Given the positive outlook for Tesla based on the agenda of the Trump Presidency, I dollar cost averaged my stake in TSLY by purchasing another 100 shares. This brought my total TSLY holdings to 200 shares at the average acquisition price of $16.82.

TSLY finished off December and 2024 strong with a good payout of USD1.286 per share. My 200 shares earned me an income of USD180.04 or SGD244.04.

If you look at the attached pic, while I am still under water on my capital invested, factoring in the dividends received, I am up USD294.48. This works out to 8.7% on my capital invested since Aug 2024. I consider this pretty good as I have out performed the CPF SA rate of 4.14%.

Based on my six months investing in TSLY, it is my conclusion that it is possible to leverage TSLY as a complementary source of retirement income. This is because considering dividends alone, I have pocketed SGD598.55 (after taxes) since August and my investment has grown (after factoring dividendsreceived). The SGD598.55 will help pay bills and even for a luxurious weekend getaway to Malaysia if that is start you desire.

Do note that I believe there are no ETFs that are "buy and hold forever". I therefore monitor the larger trend and watch the NAV, and I am prepared to cut loss if my trigger price is reached. To me, TSLY is high risk high return play and I am only investing with money I can afford to lose.

This concludes my series of 6 posts on TSLY .... I hope sharing my experience with this ETF is helpful to you.

[Important Note: I am not a financial consultant. I am just a blogger sharing my experience with TSLY.]

29/12/2024

Putting my Credits to good use .... learning how to make a better cup of coffee while acquiring skills that I can pivot into a retirement gig.

26/12/2024

Let’s face it, we can’t expect to work forever.

As much as we would like to believe we will stay healthy and productive indefinitely, life has a way of reminding us otherwise. That’s why developing alternative sources of income is not just a good idea. It is essential.

Passive income is the key to ensuring financial stability when we can no longer rely on a paycheck. Inflation, rising medical costs, and the unpredictable nature of the market mean that relying solely on savings isn’t enough. Savings deplete while passive income replenishes.

Here’s where passive income can come from:

- Dividends from stocks, ETFs, or REITs
- Rental income from property investments
- Royalties from creative works or intellectual property
- Side businesses that don’t require your full attention

So start now! Building sustainable passive income streams takes time. The earlier you begin, the stronger those income flows will be when you need them most.

Retirement should be a time of freedom and fulfillment, not financial stress. Passive income provides a safety net, allowing you to live life on your terms, even when work is no longer an option.

25/12/2024

If you are tired of your usual running route, check out this segment of the Geylang Park Connector. Stay active, stay healthy.

25/12/2024

I just redeemed $10 worth of shopping vouchers from Samsung Wallet. Did you know that each time you pay using Samsung Wallet, you get 30 points? 3,000 points will get you a $5 voucher. This round, I claimed one from Giant and one from Paris Baguette.

24/12/2024

Christmas is a time for hope and renewal, a chance to cherish what truly matters. May this season inspire you to dream big, love deeply, and live fully. Wishing you a magical and meaningful Christmas!

23/12/2024

Don't forget to see the dentist!

Our teeth don’t get the attention they deserve even though we rely on them every day – to enjoy a good meal, to speak clearly, and to share a warm, confident smile with those we love.

While regular dental check-ups might feel like a chore, they are essential for keeping our teeth (and gums) healthy. A small investment of time and discipline today can save you from pain, discomfort, and costly procedures down the road.

Remember, dental health is not just about looks. It impacts your overall health and quality of life. So book that appointment, brush and floss diligently, and give your teeth the care they deserve to serve you better and longer.

21/12/2024

The S&P tanked this week, but QDTE paid a surprisingly high weekly dividend of SGD82.69. While QDTE's NAV has fallen below my purchase price, overall my investment is still in the green because of the dividends received.

As a dividend investor, I am not worried as I believe that the market is overreacting to the Fed's recent announcement. I will however keep a close eye on the NAV with my trigger price to cut loss set at USD34.55 - derived using a 30% drop of the TTM from my purchase price.

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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.

18/12/2024

Staying hydrated ....

I recently got a thermos bottle for Christmas. It may seem like a small thing, but for me, it’s an investment in my health.

We all know that hydration keeps us energized, improves focus, reduces headaches, and helps our bodies function better. Yet, in the busyness of our lives, we forget to drink enough water.

This thermos is my way of setting myself up for success. It keeps my water cold, sits by my side all day, and serves as a visual reminder to drink regularly.

Sometimes, making a habit stick is as simple as making it easy. For me, having cold water within reach makes all the difference.

PS. This thermos also helps me stretch my retirement dollar. I no longer need to spend $2 to $3 per meal for a drink, which can add up to $150 or more per month.

16/12/2024

Nice! An article I published on Medium about the best age to retire has been read by over 2.3k people. Based on the comments and 'claps' received, the article resonates with many.

If you have not read the article, here's the Friend's Link to avoid Medium's paywall - https://medium.com//retirement-guru-the-best-time-to-retire-384bd4195906?sk=c413354ca63f9992c7e565b0f50f443f