Crash is King

After reading W.E.B's op-ed, I have some thoughts to share. Cash is really not king presently. Look at the returns of the following possible places to park your money:All returns are quoted in per annum time basis1. Cash - savings accounts - 0.1% to 0.25% (DBS)2. Cash - fixed D - 0.1% to 0.7%3. Money market fund - 1-2%4. SGD treasury bonds - 15 yr bonds - 3%5. Stocks dividend - roughly 5% (don't kill me over this figure pls, I know there are higher...

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The greenback effect by Warren E. Buffett

August 19, 2009 Op-Ed Contributor The Greenback Effect By WARREN E. BUFFETT Omaha IN nature, every action has consequences, a phenomenon called the butterfly effect. These consequences, moreover, are not necessarily proportional. For example, doubling the carbon dioxide we belch into the atmosphere may far more than double the subsequent problems for society. Realizing this, the world properly worries about greenhouse emissions. The butterfly effect reaches into the financial world as well. Here, the United States is spewing a potentially damaging...

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Savings in life policy

I was looking at Tan Kin Lian's blog. He was lamenting on the poor returns of life policy (meaning whole life insurance). He mentioned that it will breakeven after 15 yrs and the returns are somewhat in the range of 3% to maybe 4%. I've some thoughts about it and I would stress that this post is not to criticize him, but rather to voice out my opinions on the same matter. I totally agree with Mr.Tan that whole life returns is not fantastic. Buying a whole life insurance is certainly not the best way to maximise your returns. But I think those...

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Driving test

Arggh, the blogger posting site is acting weird again, so it's just plain text from now on...again!I passed my driving test last Friday, on 7/8/9 (nice numbers eh?). It was my second time taking the test and for those who had done it before, I'm sure you'll agree that driving test makes one a nervous wreck. I felt more relieved that happy after I'm over and done with it because I've promised my gf that I would pass once she passed. She passed...so the promise had to be fulfilled. How much did I spend for that piece of elusive paper?2.2k!! A total...

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Wake me up when september ends

For those who is hoping to jump into the market, perhaps you can take a look at history. I posted this article on the seasonal effect of STI since 1985.Based on historical data, average monthly returns for STI is pretty bad. But hey, the market is like a 1000 ml glass with 500 ml of water. It's half filled or half empty. It means either that you should start looking to re-balance your positions or you can start looking at some bargains for the things...

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