My Life In Numbers

I’ve noticed a curious pattern of my life: years ending in 6, 7, and 8 have consistently brought me joy, growth, and unforgettable milestones. Call it coincidence, fate, or some cosmic rhythm, but these years have been my golden periods.

Meanwhile, years ending in 2, 3, and 4? They’ve been my toughest, testing my resilience. And those pivotal years ending in 5? They’ve always marked major turning points in my career and life. With 2025 already shaping up to be another transformative year, I’m filled with hope for what 2026-2028 might hold.

The Magic of 6, 7, 8

1996-1998: The Dawn of Connection
Back in the mid-90s, I stumbled into a  group of vibrant online friends who bonded over our obsessive love for boybands—yes, the heartthrob era of synchronized dance moves and dreamy lyrics. 

This unexpected connection flung open a door to a world of bold possibilities, inspiring me to break free from the cookie-cutter path my classmates followed (good grades, JC, steady job, marriage). 

It was during this electrifying time that I unearthed the sheer joy of traveling, venturing beyond Singapore’s shores to uncover exotic wonders. Those friendships weren’t just a passing fad—they sculpted my future, infusing me with a deep sense of belonging and purpose. 

Even now, decades later, we still swap tales of our highs and lows, a living testament to the unbreakable bonds forged in those formative, music-filled years.

2006-2008: Escaping the Grind
Fast forward to 2006-2008, and I was finally breaking free from a nightmare job at a small ad agency. For 2.5 years, I endured late nights, weekend work, bosses with abusive language, and paychecks that were never on time. It was soul-crushing. 

But then, in 2006, I landed my dream job at a media company—a role that felt like a reward for my perseverance. Those years were a breath of fresh air, filled with creative fulfillment and a newfound sense of stability. It was as if the universe said, “You’ve earned this.”

2016-2018: A Life in Bloom
The 2016-2018 period was nothing short of life-changing. I bought my first HDB flat—a huge milestone in Singapore’s fast-paced world. 

I was thriving in a job I loved, where my hard work was recognised and appreciated. And oh, the travels! I explored exotic destinations, from the wild savannahs of South Africa to the icy wonders of Iceland and the vast, mysterious landscapes of Siberia, each trip adding a vibrant hue to my life. 

These years felt like a celebration of everything I’d worked toward, a reminder that good things come in waves.

The Struggles of 2, 3, 4

2002-2004: A Dark Period
Not every cycle was rosy. The years 2002-2004 were brutal. Global events like 9/11 and SARS tanked the job market, leaving me, a fresh graduate, scrambling.

I took odd jobs to make ends meet, even borrowing money from a relative to fund further studies. My dad’s business was struggling, and I vividly remember the humiliation of asking a friend with a stable government job for help with daily expenses.

Desperation led me to that toxic ad agency job, but I held on, hoping for better days.

2012-2014: Heartbreak and Loss
The 2012-2014 stretch hit me hard. Losing two close family members in 2013 and 2014, back-to-back, was my first real encounter with grief.

It was sudden, raw, and overwhelming. I couldn’t deal with the politic and pettiness at work and ended up quitting without a backup plan. Those years taught me about resilience, but they also left scars that took time to heal.

2022-2024: Letting Go and Rising
More recently, 2022-2024 brought another challenge: uncoupling from a long-term relationship. It was a tough but necessary decision.

Dragging out a toxic relationship that drained both of us wasn’t an option. On hindsight, it was liberating. These years also marked significant steps toward financial freedom, with each choice bringing me closer to independence. The pain of letting go paved the way for growth and clarity.

The Turning Points of 5

2005: A Leap of Faith
Years ending in 5 have always been pivotal. In 2005, I made the bold decision to leave the toxic ad agency. That leap landed me my dream job in media, a turning point that set the stage for the golden years of 2006-2008.

It was also the year I met him, sparking a chapter that would shape my personal life. Was it coincidence or a subconscious push to change my path? I’ll never know, but it worked.

2015: Rebuilding After Loss
In 2015, after the devastating losses of 2013 and 2014, I left my job, unsure of what was next. A few months later, I landed a role I never expected to love for a decade. It was a career-defining moment, proof that even after darkness, new doors open. That year was about rebuilding and finding purpose again.

2025: A New Chapter
This year, 2025, feels like another turning point. I’ve a laser focus on achieving financial freedom. It’s a bold move, but it aligns with my pattern of 5s being years of transformation. I’m betting on myself, and it feels right.

A Pattern or Just Life?
Is it coincidence, or do I subconsciously steer my life toward these cycles? The years ending in 5 seem to be when I make bold, instinctive decisions—leaving jobs, starting new chapters, or chasing dreams.

Maybe it’s less about fate and more about my readiness to seize opportunities after tough times. Either way, the rhythm of my life gives me hope. The challenges of 2, 3, 4 build my strength, the turning points of 5 set the stage, and the magic of 6, 7, 8 lets me soar.

If my life’s pattern holds, 2026-2028 should be another golden period. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, but I believe the universe has a way of balancing things out.

The struggles of 2022-2024, like uncoupling and rebuilding, have set me up for growth. My decision to study in 2025, inspired by my pursuit of financial independence, feels like the perfect foundation for what’s to come.

I imagine 2026-2028 bringing new opportunities—perhaps a career leap, deeper financial stability, or even unexpected adventures.

Maybe I’ll reconnect with those old friends from 1996-1998 over new shared dreams, or travel to more exotic places like I did in 2016-2018.

Whatever happens, no regrets.

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Overconsumption in Hobbies

Living in a city-state like Singapore, where space is tight and outdoor recreational options are often constrained, collecting becomes a popular way to fill the void.

The lack of sprawling national parks or easily accessible nature spots pushes many toward indoor hobbies. For some, it’s sneakers or vinyl records; for others, it’s limited-edition figurines or branded merchandise.

For me, collecting wasn’t just a pastime — it was an obsession. As a kidult, I found joy in hunting down rare items, each purchase fueling a sense of accomplishment.

But over time, those purchases added up, and the financial toll became impossible to ignore.

Playmobil and Popmart Figurines
As a kidult, I dove headfirst into collecting Playmobil and Popmart figurines. These intricately designed, nostalgic toys spoke to my inner child. Each new set or blind box promised a dopamine hit — the excitement of getting a rare figure was addictive.

I’d spend hours scouring online marketplaces or visiting specialty stores, often dropping hundreds of dollars on a single haul. My shelves filled up, but so did my credit card bills.

Starbucks Christmas Mugs
Then came my Starbucks Christmas mug phase. Every holiday season, I’d eagerly await the latest limited-edition designs. These weren’t just mugs; they were collectible treasures, each one a badge of my dedication.

Some years, I’d spend upwards of SGD 200 on mugs alone, rationalizing it as a festive tradition. In reality, most sat unused in cabinets, gathering dust while my savings dwindled.

Cute Teapots
My obsession with cute teapots was another chapter. From whimsical pastel pots to elegant ceramic designs, I couldn’t resist their charm.

Each purchase felt like adding a piece of art to my home. But at SGD 30–80 each, the costs added up quickly, especially when I rarely used them for actual tea. They became decor, not utility, and a symbol of my unchecked spending.

Dog Toys and Accessories

When I got dogs, my collecting shifted to them. I went all out on toys, accessories, and even custom outfits. From plush squeaky toys to designer collars, I wanted my furry friends to have the best. 

But "the best" often meant spending SGD 30–50 on items they’d destroy in days or ignore entirely. My love for my dogs was real, but my spending was reckless.

The Wake-Up Call: Facing Financial Reality
By 2022, Moving to a new place that year forced me to confront the reality of my collections — they were taking over space and my finances, but they weren’t bringing the joy they once did.

The turning point came when I calculated how much I’d spent on these hobbies over the years. Thousands of dollars, gone on items that were now clutter or forgotten.

In Singapore, where the cost of living is already sky-high, this was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore.

I sold many of my collectibles on platforms like Carousell. While I didn’t recoup all my losses, it helped recover some funds and cleared physical and mental space.

I still allocate a small, fixed budget for hobbies, ensuring I could still enjoy them without going overboard.

If you’re a Singaporean collector teetering on the edge of overconsumption, I get it. The thrill of the chase is real, and the urban lifestyle makes collecting feel like a natural outlet.

But take it from someone who’s been there: those purchases can quietly erode your financial stability. You don’t have to give up your hobbies, but setting boundaries can make all the difference.

Next time you’re tempted to add to your collection, pause. Ask yourself if it’s worth the cost — not just in dollars, but in the time and freedom it takes from your future.

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How Our Friends Impact Our Success

Do Your Friends Shape Your Success and Wealth?

I’ve been thinking a lot about whether the people I hang out with influence my success and ability to build wealth.

Friends shape your mindset, habits, and even your financial decisions in ways you might not notice at first. When you’re around people who share your values—like ambition, optimism, or a healthy approach to money—it’s easier to stay focused on your goals. 

They inspire you, keep you accountable, and push you to think bigger. On the other hand, friends who are negative or stuck in limiting patterns can hold you back, making it harder to pursue your dreams or make smart financial choices.

I’ve also heard this advice: don’t take guidance from people who haven’t achieved what you’re aiming for. For example, if I want to start a business, I shouldn’t listen to someone who’s never tried entrepreneurship telling me it’s too tough or that I’ll never make money. 

Or if I’m considering stock investments, I shouldn’t let someone who’s never invested discourage me with warnings about risks while pushing safe options like fixed deposits. 

Success often comes from learning from those who’ve walked the path you’re on, not from naysayers who haven’t tried. 

Surrounding yourself with people who align with your goals—and have the experience to back it up—can make a huge difference in building wealth and achieving success.

My Current Situation

I’m struggling with a couple of friends whose negativity is really getting to me. One friend is obsessed with costs and prices, turning every conversation into a budget breakdown. 

Whether we’re planning a fun outing or I’m sharing an idea, they focus on how much it’ll cost or if it’s “worth it.” It’s exhausting, and it’s making me second-guess my spending, even when it aligns with my goals. 

I feel like I’m constantly defending my choices, and it’s messing with my confidence around money.

Then there’s another friend who can’t handle good news. Every time I share something exciting—like a work win or a new plan—they point out what could go wrong. 

“That’s great, but don’t get too excited; it might fall apart,” they’ll say. Their pessimism is like a dark cloud that dims everything. After hanging out with them, I feel drained, like my energy and motivation have been sucked away. 

It’s not just emotional—it’s affecting how I approach my goals, making me hesitate to take risks or celebrate my progress.

What I’m Going to Do About It

I’m ready to be more intentional about who I spend time with to protect my energy and focus on my goals. Here’s my plan:

1. Limit Time with Negative Friends: I’m cutting back on time with these friends, especially when I need a positive boost. I’ll keep things friendly but prioritise my well-being.

2. Seek Out Like-Minded People: I want to connect with people who share my values—optimism, ambition, and a balanced approach to money. 

3. Focus on My Goals: I’m recommitting to my financial and personal goals, like saving for the future and exploring new opportunities. Surrounding myself with supportive people will help me stay on track.

4. Be Honest When Needed: If the negativity or unsolicited advice continues, I might have a gentle talk with these friends about how their behavior affects me. They may not realize their impact.

5. Join Positive Communities: I’m exploring groups—online or in person—where people share my interests and aspirations, like financial freedom or personal growth. Being around those who lift me up feels like a game-changer.
   

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Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

This book isn’t your typical financial advice manual that preaches saving every penny for a rainy day or retirement. 

Instead, it’s a bold call to action to spend your money intentionally, live richly in the moment, and—yep, as the title suggests—aim to die with zero in the bank. 

And honestly, it’s made me feel so much better about all those years I splurged on luxury travel and unforgettable experiences. 😆 

Key Points:

Maximize Life Enjoyment: Money should be used to create memorable experiences and achieve personal goals, as experiences provide more lasting value than material possessions.

Time Your Spending: Spend strategically at the right times in life when you can derive the most value (e.g., travel when you're physically able, or invest in family experiences when your parents are still around).

Avoid Over-Saving: Saving too much for retirement can lead to missed opportunities in your younger years and a surplus of unspent money at death.

Give While You Live: Share wealth with loved ones or causes when it can make the most impact, rather than leaving it as an inheritance.

Health and Wealth Alignment: Consider your physical and mental capacity to enjoy money at different ages, prioritizing spending when you're healthy and active.

Plan for Declining Returns: Recognize that the value of experiences diminishes with age due to health or energy limitations, so front-load meaningful spending.

The concept of a timeline bucket is an extension of the "bucket list" idea, but with a focus on timing. Instead of a generic list of things to do "someday," timeline buckets involve categorizing your life goals and desired experiences into specific time periods based on when they’ll provide the most value. 

Perkins emphasizes that certain experiences are best enjoyed at particular life stages due to health, energy, or circumstances.

By assigning experiences to specific "buckets" tied to age or life stage, you prioritise spending money and time on activities when they’ll have the greatest impact, ensuring you don’t defer dreams too long or miss out due to declining health or opportunity.

This approach helps you allocate resources intentionally to maximize fulfillment across your lifespan. Here's a list of items on which I spent a significant amount of money to gain these experiences:

Young Adult (20s-30s)

• Peak physical energy for demanding adventures.
• Fewer responsibilities (e.g., pre-family or early career).
• Travel builds lifelong memories and broadens perspectives.

My Experiences

• Learned photography
• Earned an advanced diploma using my own money
• Obtained a degree using my own money
• Purchased my first luxury bag
• Started traveling in Asia
• Became a pet owner
• Fly overseas for concerts

Early MidLife (30s-40s)

• Financial stability supports bigger investments like travel or property.
• Still young enough for active, romantic, or adventurous trips.

My Experiences

• Enjoyed frequent travels to experience new adventures in exotic places (e.g. Russia, Iceland, Africa, Greece)
• Experienced Paragliding
• Saved $100,000
• Bought an HDB flat
• Owned multiple dogs
• Hired a personal trainer
• Dined at fancy restaurants
• Enjoyed luxury experiences with my dogs (e.g. hotel stays, cruise dining)

Early MidLife (40s-50s)

• Career stability allows meaningful spending on family or personal goals.
• Health still supports active adventures.

My Goal/Experiences

• Went skydiving
• Cleared off my mortage
• Started investing in equities
• Picked up bouldering and wall climbing (again)
• Reached FRS in my SA account
• Explore ways to generate passive income
• Leave the corporate world and pursue freelance/part-time work that is more fulfilling and align with my passions

In my 20s and 30s, my spending was driven by instant gratification and lifestyle. I poured money into luxury items.

Travel was a priority, with frequent trips to exotic destinations, often prioritising experiences over budget. Dining out was another indulgence; I often spent a lot with friends at trendy cafes/restaurants, savoring gourmet meals.

Back then, my financial goals were vague, often centered on earning enough to sustain this lifestyle without much thought for the future (since there was no such content on Youtube too).

Now in my 40s, my mindset has shifted dramatically as I focus on a journey toward financial freedom. The fleeting thrill of luxury experiences has given way to the lasting security of investments.

I’m now channeling funds into retirement accounts and other investments. Travel is still part of my life, but I reduce to 1-2 trips per year. Dining out at fancy places has taken a backseat to budget meals, with occasional splurges reserved for special moments rather than weekly habits.

The transition wasn’t easy. It required unlearning habits, resisting societal pressure to “keep up,” and educating myself on investing.

But the clarity of purpose in my 40s—prioritising wealth-building over short-term indulgence—has made every dollar feel more purposeful. I’m investing to live.

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