“We suffer not from the events in our lives, but from our judgement about them.”
~Epictetus
As I dealt with high levels of stress these past few weeks, I turned to Philosophy for guidance. A school of thought that transformed my mindset by 360 degrees is Stoicism. Stoicism highlights the division between what is happening to the world and how we emotionally respond to it. It is founded by Zeno, a wealthy merchant who had lost it all. In his despair, he turned to Philosophy for strength.
Stoicism helps us deal with our lives through virtues such as logic, temperance, justice, and courage. It encourages its followers to submit to the hardships or good fortune without complaints. Instead, you must understand the world and the people around you in a fair manner.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
Apply this influential way of thinking to your life by following these tips:
ABUNDANCE OVER SCARCITY
Whether you dwell on not having enough money to purchase a car or not having enough money to travel, many people associate money with scarcity. It is easier to complain about not having sufficient funds than engaging in random acts of generosity. You see, having a negative mindset about money can hinder the flow of abundance.
I am not saying that you should give out everything you own! There are other ways to extend your generosity. You can share your expertise or your time to someone in need.
RESPECT OVER CONTROL
Stoics hold a financial mindset that enables them to be respectful, but emotionally detached from money. This mindset allows them to make logical decisions in various area of life.
For them, there is no shame in leading a modest life. However, there is nothing noble about lacking money neither. They perceive money with a relative indifference whereby it has no effect on their self-worth or happiness.
RATIONAL MENTAL STATE OVER EXTERNAL THINGS
Stoicism wants us to realize that money can never solve all of our problems. It can only solve problems within the financial realm. How about the pursuit for happiness? External things such as money, fame, and success can never guarantee happiness.
There is nothing wrong with letting these external things be part of your comfortable life. However, the endless pursuit of these external things can only do damage than good. For stoics, happiness comes from having a rational mental state.
Interested in knowing more about the Philosophy of Stoicism? Watch the short video below.
Poor vision is a trait that has been passed from the one generation of our family to another. Thus, it comes as no surprise that my sister inherited the trait too. For her birthday, I decided to help her purchase a pair of spectacles. It is a practical and fashionable gift that she can use on a daily basis.
I purchased a new pair in less than ten minutes. I knew the frame that I wanted and came with a budget in mind. While, she took about two hours to select hers. She put a lot of thought in the selection process because she believes in finding the best pair possible. As a savvy consumer, she was on a hunt to find a pair that will last her for several years.
Her actions made me dwell upon the essential steps needed to acquire the “perfect pair”.
WHAT ARE YOUR REQUIREMENTS?
Eye-wear criterion vary from wearer to wearer. Similar to acquiring a new gadget, you must examine the requirements needed to be filled when choosing a pair of spectacles. Where will you use your prescription eye-wear predominantly? Are you going to use it for indoor or outdoor activities?
The more information the optometrist or store personnel is provided with, the easier the selection process will be. Let the professionals know which features will be most beneficial for you.
WHICH FRAME SUITS YOUR FACE?
Choose a frame that compliments your face shape. To identify your face shape, you look directly into a mirror and pull your hair back. The overall contours of your face is your face shape. People with an angular face should opt for round frames. While people with round faces shall opt for angular frames. How about the ones with heart-shaped faces? Well, they should opt for oval-shaped frames. Lastly, people with oval-shaped faces can choose any type of frame they want.
Image Credits: selectspecs.com
Nonetheless, it is best to take someone with you while you shop. Having a second opinion from a trusted companion can be really helpful.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS FOR LENSES?
Would you believe that there are more than two options for lenses? The market offers plastic lenses, multi-coated lenses, blue cut lenses, and so on. Choose the spectacle lenses that will best suit your lifestyle.
Plastic lenses are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. High-quality plastic lenses offer protection against scratches and pressure marks. Multi-coated lenses combine anti-reflection, scratch-resistant, UV-protected, and water repellent properties. Lastly, blue cut lenses are used to block the harmful blue light that smartphones, monitors, and laptops emit.
WHAT CAN YOUR INSURANCE COVER?
People who browse intently through the fine print are often rewarded. Unbeknownst to you, your health insurance or employee benefits may cover your eye care expenses. Increase your awareness meter by approaching your HR representative. Ask him or her about the insurance plans or healthcare procedures that the company honors.
Say that your company is covered with the AXA Smart Vision plan. This visionary plan includes comprehensive eye examination, discount on eye-wear, and up to S$300 allowance for frame or contact lens (T&Cs apply).
HOW CAN YOU GET A LONG-LASTING PAIR?
Why will you buy an expensive pair of spectacles when you can get several pairs delivered at your doorstep? This is the mindset of many Singaporeans who subscribe to cheap prescription eye-wear. You see, multiple cheap pairs do not necessarily equate to a single quality pair.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
Purchasing an expensive high-quality pair that will last you for several years is better than purchasing an inexpensive low-quality pair that will last you for several months. Consider your prescription eye-wear as a health investment.
First and foremost, we must define what traditional investing is. Traditional asset allocation optimizes the structure of a portfolio based on a generalized approach. Although it typically suits the needs of the institutional investors, it is not necessarily adapted to suit the needs of a private investor. A private investor, such as yourself, tends to create different portfolios corresponding to different needs.
On the other hand, goal-based investing is a relatively new approach in investing where the end justifies the means. Investing is directed to attain specific financial goals throughout an investor’s life.
“Goal-based investing involves a wealth manager or investment firm’s clients measuring their progress towards the specific life goals, such as saving for children’s education or building a retirement nest-egg, rather than focusing on generating the highest possible portfolio return or beating the market.” – Investopedia
Simply put, it re-frames success based on an investor’s needs and goals. Say that an investor’s primary goals are to save for the golden years and to save for the educational fund of his grandchildren. Goal-based investment plan would be more conservative for the former and more aggressive for the latter. As you can see, this approach will help you to withstand most market conditions and volatility.
Apply goal-based investing to your wealth management by following these steps:
Image Credits: pixabay.com
STEP 1: DETERMINE YOUR GOALS
Before anything else, you must identify your financial goals depending on your current life stage. Let us dive into some practical examples. As a young working adult, you may be eyeing on the latest gadgets (e.g., smart glasses, laptops, or smartphones). As a devoted parent, you may be considering the different educational options for your child. As a Singaporean reaching 62, you may be thinking about building your retirement fund. Having multiple goals in mind throughout the course of your life is perfectly fine!
STEP 2: ESTABLISH A TIMELINE
As you list down all your financial goals at the moment, you must keep prioritization in mind. Prioritize your goals by examining which ones you need and which ones you want to have. Afterwards, you must create a timeline for your final set of financial goals.
Do you aim to travel next month? Or, do you need to purchase a flat in the next 10 years? Measure the amount of time needed to realistically reach your short-term and long-term goals.
STEP 3: KNOW WHERE YOU START
How can you plan ahead, if you do not know where to start? Pinning your starting point is important in helping you achieve your financial goals. Administer a simple financial assessment by asking yourself a few questions. Firstly, how much money have you saved up? Secondly, do you have an emergency fund? Lastly, how much are your net worth and cash flow?
STEP 4: CREATE AN INVESTMENT PLAN
You are done with determining your final set of goals, setting a realistic timeline, and drafting your starting point. What is next for you? Well, you must put all of the above information together to create an Investment Plan. Create this by looking at four factors namely: risk profile, investment options, target amount, and asset allocation.
STEP 5: EXECUTE THE INVESTMENT PLAN
Investing for your financial goals does not stop with opening a savings account. You do not need to accumulate a massive amount of money to start investing neither. Instead, you must invest in a consistently as early as possible. As you invest religiously throughout your life, you need to review whether there are on the right path. Are you doing these things to achieve your financial goals? If so, continue on.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
Goal-based investing is a relatively new approach in investing where the end justifies the means. It may seem like an obvious or an oversimplified concept, but it represents a departure from the typical risk-tolerance framework. Will this investment strategy work well with your wealth management practices?
Singtel Dash is now accepted in Thailand, Singaporeans’ favourite holiday destination!
Thanks to VIA, the new cross-border payment alliance, you can continue to make easy cashless payment in Thailand with your mobile phone!
Forget queuing at money changers or fumbling with multiple currencies. Just tap or scan with your phone while you eat and shop away! Enjoy the convenience of paying in Singapore dollars at highly competitive exchange rates, and view both Thai Baht and Singapore dollars just before you make payment — no fear of additional fees or charges!
Simply Simply look out for the VIA logo at thousands of participating retail and F&B stores in popular shopping destinations like JJ Mall, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Central World and more. Visit https://www.viaconnects.com for more details.
Download and sign up for a free Singtel Dash account via the App Store or Google Play Store now!
Available for a limited period only, check out these exciting deals when you pay by Dash!
10% Cashback1 for all your spends in Thailand (promotion ends 31 December 2018).
ReadyRoam 1GB 30 days Thailand at only $5 (U.P. $12)2 for Singtel postpaid mobile users (promotion ends 31 October 2018. SMS ‘1’ to 727840 for instant activation).
63% OFF3 Etiqa Travel Insurance for Thailand (promotion ends 31 December 2018. Enter promo code DASH2THAI upon checkout).
8% OFF4 on IUIGA’s travel & outdoor items (promotion ends 30 November 2018. Enter promo code DASH8 upon checkout).
1Promotion is valid till 31 December 2018. 10% Cashback is capped at $5 per customer. Full payment must be made with Dash QR Code payment through VIA or Dash Visa Virtual Account through Visa payWave. Terms and conditions apply. 2Promotion is valid till 31 October 2018. The 30-day plan is valid upon activation and non-refundable once commenced. Auto renewal will apply upon exceeding the 1GB quota within the 30-day validity period (per local time). Terms and conditions apply. 3Promotion is valid till 31 December 2018. Promo code must be entered at point of purchase on Etiqa’s website. Promo code DASH2THAI is only applicable for travel insurance for Thailand. Full payment must be made with Dash Visa Virtual Account. Terms and conditions apply. 4Promotion is valid till 30 November 2018. No minimum spend required. Promo codes are applicable for all products under Travel & Outdoor except luggage. Full payment must be made with Dash Visa Virtual Account. Terms and conditions apply.
Being connected while you travel is an essential nowadays. How else do we search for directions to that hyped café, museum, or that amazing rooftop view? Although there are many alternatives for data coverage in the market, it is also important to select the most cost effective option, and therefore, we recommend ChangiWiFi for your travels, a Wi-Fi router service which covers more than 70 well-travelled countries, with packages for multiple countries as well.
ChangiWiFi’s service started back in 2015 with intentions to offer affordable data roaming services to its customers. Here are 6 reasons to select ChangiWiFi amongst your choice for data roaming.
1) Convenience
Booking a ChangiWiFi router is simple, head over to ChangiWiFi’s official website and place a reservation, choose your point of collection at one of the Changi Recommends counters across all 4 terminals in Changi Airport and submit your booking! Collection points are located at the Public Area of each terminal and can be collected right before your departure. Being able to collect it right before your trip is a bonus, as it does not require you to stay at home twice — to receive and to return your routers as required by other Wi-Fi rental companies. This takes away the trouble of time wasting if the delivery personnel happens to be late and you have other important things to attend to. Upon return, you can drop off your router at any one of the Changi Recommends booth too.
As service booths are open 24 hours every day, you can simply pick up or return your routers at the airport before your check-in, or after your arrival in Singapore.
2) No Bill Shock
If you are someone who opts for your data roaming plan while you travel, you may have experienced extra data costs which were excessive from overusing your data, or accidentally forgetting to terminate your roaming plan. However, choosing to use a Wi-Fi router may just take away these problems. Furthermore, Wi-Fi routers do not have a limit to how much data you can use, and if your problem is retaining your mobile number for important calls and texts, a Wi-Fi router allows you to do that too!
Here is a comparison between ChangiWiFi’s router and other Telco’s roaming plans.
3) Value For Money For Group And Business Travellers
One of the many benefits of a Wi-Fi router is being able to share data connection on more than 1 device. As seen in the above table, ChangiWiFi’s router can be connected to up to 5 devices. This means cheaper connection if you are travelling in a group, as you can split the cost of the rental fees with up to 5 travel buddies!
If you are a business traveller who owns many phones and needs to connect them to the internet for communication, or your laptop, having a Wi-Fi router may be an option for those who always search for internet connections. Besides, not all hotels offers great Wi-Fi access right? It is definitely time and money saving if you think of the bother.
4) May Be Cheaper Than SIM Cards
Yes, you read right. If you compare SIM card charges for certain countries to ChangiWiFi’s router rental fee, you might just end up paying lesser. Here is a comparison of buying a SIM card for a one week trip to Japan, or renting them from ChangiWiFi (with promo code benefits).
Most SIM cards for Japan is only available for purchase for 8 or more days of travel, that means paying a hefty price for a SIM card for those who are travelling to Japan for a shorter period of time.
Above is the cost of renting a Wi-Fi router from ChangiWiFi! As you can see, you are actually paying lesser for your one week trip, and for those who are travelling for 8 days even, it is still cheaper than a SIM card! What’s more, you can share the price of the router rental with your peers who are going with you on the trip. That’s a score if you ask me!
5) Ensure Smooth Internet Access While You Travel
ChangiWiFi offers 24 hours customer service and technical support for their Wi-Fi rentals. If you have any trouble overseas with your router, you can just email or WhatsApp them for assistance. This means that you can contact them during the weekends or public holidays as compared to other router rental services!
6) No Fair Usage Policy For Countries Like Australia, Japan, South Korea, And Taiwan
Although fair usage policy varies from country to country, there are some countries who do not enforce this rule like the above. However, some Wi-Fi router rental companies offers rentals for Wi-Fi devices for parts of the world instead of single country usage, and this limits the 4G/3G coverage of the device per day to 500MB before becoming extremely slow. Therefore, if you happen to rent those for a one city visit, it may not be feasible for group vacations or a heavy data user. ChangiWiFi though, offers Wi-Fi rentals for each country you visit, and for that, you would get unlimited data for the above countries!
ChangiWiFi Rental Rates And Promotions
ChangiWiFi rental rates are highly affordable for everyone. Prices starts from $5 a day depending on country and Changi Recommends tries to constantly add on more cities for everyone’s convenience. For those travelling to China, do not worry about VPN access as ChangiWiFi has got them covered for you too! Oh yes, did I mention you do not have to pay for your rented router till your return? You would only need to deposit $1 on your departure and pay upon your return.
Also, they are running a promotion currently which offers 2 days free ChangiWiFi rental for your trip! This promo code runs till January 2019, for travels up till February 2019.
To book a ChangiWiFi Router, visit ChangiWiFi’s official website. Do take note that walk-in rentals are available, however, subjected to availability of routers.
