Saturday, August 31, 2024

PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate


A few weeks ago, I embarked on an unexpected but rewarding adventure: earning my PRINCE2 Foundation certificate. As someone who hadn’t studied formally since 2010, the thought of diving back into a structured learning environment was daunting, to say the least. 

I attended a 3-day intensive course with Bridging Minds for the PRINCE2 Foundation certification. Let me tell you, “intensive” is an understatement! The full-time course packed a ton of information into those three days. We covered theories, principles, and processes that form the backbone of PRINCE2 project management methodology. There was so much to memorize, and the concepts, while logical, were dense and interconnected.

Luckily it was company-sponsored, and because of my age, the course was surprisingly affordable at just S$577 (including the exam itself). The final test was a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), but it was tricky! The answer options were so similar that I second-guessed myself constantly. I went into the exam on August 24th feeling far from confident, my heart pounding with the fear that I might not pass.


But guess what? I did it! When I found out I passed, a wave of relief and pride washed over me. Receiving my certificate was a moment of pure joy—a tangible reminder of what I’d accomplished. It’s hard to describe how rewarding it felt to overcome my doubts and prove to myself that I could still tackle something this challenging.

For now, I’m content with my Foundation certificate. I’ve decided not to pursue the PRINCE2 Practitioner certification—it feels like the Foundation level is enough for where I’m at in my career, and I’m happy with that choice. This journey wasn’t just about earning a certificate; it taught me something deeper. It reminded me that if I put my mind to it, I can work hard and achieve things I didn’t think were possible, even after years away from studying.

This experience has reignited a spark in me. It’s shown me that with determination and effort, I can take on new challenges and come out stronger. Here’s to celebrating small victories and the power of perseverance!

Friday, August 2, 2024

Paying Off My HDB Loan: A Journey to Financial Freedom


November 2023 marked a monumental moment in my life—one I’ll never forget. After years of discipline, planning, and perseverance, I finally paid off my HDB loan! 

It’s hard to put into words the sense of relief and pride that comes with being mortgage-free, but I’m going to try. This milestone isn’t just about closing a chapter; it’s about opening the door to new possibilities, like retirement and true financial freedom.

To make this moment happen, I used a combination of ~S$20,000 from my CPF Ordinary Account and ~S$35,000 in cash. Watching that final payment clear and seeing the balance hit zero felt surreal. 

It was the culmination of years of budgeting, sacrificing small luxuries, and staying focused on the bigger picture. Every dollar saved, every extra payment made—it all added up to this.

Being free of a mortgage is more than just a financial win; it’s a mental and emotional weight lifted. No longer having that monthly HDB loan payment hanging over my head gives me a sense of control over my finances that I’ve never felt before. 

It’s liberating to know that my home is fully mine, and I can now redirect my resources toward the next big milestone: retirement.

Paying off the HDB loan has given me a clear runway to focus on building my retirement nest egg. Without the burden of a mortgage, I can channel more funds into investments, savings, or even exploring new passions that I’ve put on hold. 

It’s a step closer to financial freedom—a goal that once felt distant but now seems within reach. I’m excited to plan this next phase, whether it’s boosting my CPF savings, exploring investment opportunities, or simply enjoying a bit more peace of mind.

This journey has taught me that financial freedom isn’t just about having money—it’s about having choices. Paying off my HDB loan has given me the freedom to make decisions without the constant pressure of a mortgage. 

It’s a reminder that small, consistent steps can lead to massive milestones. For anyone out there still working toward paying off their loan, keep going—it’s worth it.

Here’s to celebrating this victory and looking forward to the next one. Financial freedom, I’m coming for you!