I HIT FRS !!!!!

After months of planning, debating, and weighing my options, I finally took the plunge this morning, in the last week of May, to secure my retirement plan. I’ve been talking about reaching the Full Retirement Sum (FRS) for ages, and now it’s real—my account is set to start earning the max interest from June 1st! (For those curious about why the timing matters, check out this explanation for the details.)

This moment feels like a massive weight lifted off my shoulders. Hitting the FRS milestone ensure my retirement plan is now in place. I am ready now to explore higher-risk investments without the nagging worry of "what if?" It’s a game-changer, and I’m damn proud of myself for getting here!

Why This Matters?

FRS is the amount set by the government that ensures a baseline of financial security in retirement. By hitting this target, I’ve secured a (small) steady stream of income for my later years. I don’t need to top up to meet future FRS amounts each year as the SA account will grow with compounded interest at 4% and likely exceed the yearly FRS (3.5% annual increase).

Why I Decided To Just Top-up?

With no “safe” investment instruments offering 4% or higher interest rates in today’s market, I had to make some tough decisions. Should I throw in my spare cash? Should I wait for a better opportunity? The back-and-forth was exhausting, but I finally decided to act. I pooled my resources, made the necessary contributions, and hit the FRS target just in time for the June 1st interest cycle. It’s tempting to chase quick wins or hold out for “better” options, but sometimes the best move is to secure what’s certain. 

Next Financial Goal

With my HDB paid off and my FRS locked in, I’m excited to shift my focus to my next big financial goal: building a four-figure passive income stream. My aim is to create a reliable, hands-off income of at least $1,000 a month to further boost my financial freedom. I will explore options that align with my risk tolerance and long-term vision.

I’m taking a moment to pat myself on the back—twice! Paying off my HDB and hitting FRS are proof that consistent effort, careful planning, and a bit of courage pay off. I’m not just celebrating numbers; I’m celebrating the freedom, confidence, and possibilities that come with them. To anyone out there working toward their own financial goals: keep going. It’s worth it. And when you hit your milestones, don’t forget to celebrate—you’ve earned it!

Here’s to financial freedom, one step at a time. My next challenge is building that four-figure passive income. 

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Career Coaching - Session 2 & 3

In today’s career coaching session, we dove into two self-assessment tools: the RIASEC model and the Johari Window. These frameworks help me better understand my vocational personalities, strengths, and how I am perceived in professional settings.

Understanding the RIASEC Model

The RIASEC model, developed by psychologist John Holland, categorizes people into six personality types based on their interests and preferences in work-related activities. These types are:

• Realistic: Practical, hands-on individuals who enjoy working with tools, machines, or physical tasks. Think mechanics, engineers, or farmers.
• Investigative: Analytical, curious problem-solvers who thrive in research, science, or technical fields.
• Artistic: Creative, expressive individuals drawn to art, music, writing, or design.
• Social: People-oriented individuals who enjoy helping, teaching, or collaborating. Common roles include teachers, counselors, or healthcare professionals.
• Enterprising: Confident, persuasive leaders who excel in business, sales, or management.
• Conventional: Detail-oriented, organized individuals who prefer structured environments like accounting, administration, or data management.

Understanding the RIASEC profile helps clarify which work roles, tasks, and environments align with my natural inclinations. This self-awareness supposed to help in choosing a career path that feels fulfilling and plays to my strengths.

My RIASEC Results

My RIASEC assessment revealed that my top career interests are Conventional, Investigative, and Artistic. At first glance, this combination felt a bit contradictory.

Conventional: I scored high here, which suggests I thrive in structured, organized environments. I don’t enjoy data management or accounting (who does, really?), but I love having clear processes and systems in place, especially in my project management work. This makes sense—structure helps me clear my mind and priortise while managing complex tasks.

Investigative: This aligns perfectly with my current role that deal with R&D projects, where I collaborate with scientists and tackle complex problems. I’ve always been curious and enjoy diving into the “why” behind things, so this result feels spot-on.

Artistic: No surprise here! I’ve always been drawn to creative tasks, whether it’s designing presentations, brainstorming innovative solutions, or finding new ways to communicate ideas. This creative streak complements my investigative side, even if they seem like an odd pair.

The most surprising result was my Skills Confidence in Artistic, Conventional, and Enterprising areas. I expected Artistic and Conventional, but Enterprising threw me off. Enterprising types are confident, persuasive, and leadership-oriented—qualities I don’t immediately associate with myself. I’ve never seen myself as a natural salesperson or someone who thrives on persuading others. However, reflecting on my project management role, I can see how I’ve had to rally teams, pitch ideas, and take charge of initiatives. Maybe there’s an enterprising spark in me after all?

What About My Work Values?

The RIASEC assessment also highlighted my core work values: Lifestyle, Co-Workers, and Independence. 

Lifestyle: This value indicates that I prioritise a career that supports my desired way of living. For me, this means having flexibility to balance work with personal interests, such as time for creative hobbies or family. A job that demands constant overtime or rigid hours might not suit me, even if it aligns with my skills.

Co-Workers: I value positive, collaborative relationships in the workplace. Working with supportive, like-minded colleagues who share ideas and foster a sense of community is important to me. This explains why I enjoy my current role, where I collaborate closely with scientists and other team members.

Independence: This value reflects my preference for autonomy in my work. I thrive when I have the freedom to make decisions, set my own pace, and approach tasks in my own way. While I enjoy collaboration, I also need space to think creatively and work independently.

Together, these values suggest I’m looking for a career that offers flexibility, strong team dynamics, and room to take ownership of my work. 

The Johari Window: A Complementary Perspective
While RIASEC focuses on vocational interests and values, the Johari Window is a tool for understanding how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. It’s a grid divided into four quadrants:

• Open Area: Traits and behaviors known to both you and others (e.g., your punctuality or creativity).
• Blind Area: Things others see in you that you’re unaware of (e.g., maybe you’re more persuasive than you think!).
• Hidden Area: Aspects you know about yourself but keep private (e.g., personal goals or insecurities).
• Unknown Area: Traits or potential neither you nor others are aware of yet.

In our coaching session, we used the Johari Window to explore how my self-perception aligns with feedback from colleagues. The Open Area was straightforward—colleagues and I agree on traits like my organizational skills and creativity, which align with my RIASEC results. However, the other quadrants revealed some surprises:

• Blind Area: Colleagues consistently mentioned that I can do sales and BD work, which caught me off guard. I don’t enjoy sales at all, and I don’t think I’m good at it! This feedback likely ties to my Enterprising RIASEC score, but it’s something I’m still grappling with. It’s possible they see my ability to pitch ideas or rally a team as persuasive, but I’m not ready to embrace a sales role anytime soon.
• Hidden Area: One thing I keep private is how stressed I get when presenting to large groups of strangers. Everyone thinks I’m confident but inside, I’m battling with thoughts like "Do I sound like an idiot to them?" "Am I confusing them even more?". Sharing this with my coach was a step toward addressing it—maybe I can work on strategies to feel more at ease.
• Unknown Area: This quadrant is trickier because, by definition, it’s about traits or potential no one knows about yet. I’m still unsure how to uncover this area—how do you discover something unknown to both you and others? My coach suggested that new experiences, like taking on unfamiliar roles or seeking mentorship, might reveal hidden strengths. For now, this quadrant feels like a mystery I’m curious to explore.

My coach has also advised me to do some volunteering work once I start studying full-time, since I thrive on community to stay energized. Long-term isolation at home isn’t great for my growth, and engaging with others through volunteering could keep me connected and inspired.

This concludes this week’s session. We’ll continue exploring in the next two sessions on June 7!

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Navigating Frustration at 2 AM

 

It’s 2 AM, and I’m sitting here, exhausted, having just wrapped up another grueling overtime night. I’m five weeks away from leaving this job—I’ve already resigned, ready to move on to new horizons—but tonight, I’m drowning in frustration. There’s this one client who’s been a thorn in my side, making every task feel like a battle. They’re the kind who don’t appreciate the effort you put in, who flip-flop on decisions every few hours, and who treat you like a vendor rather than a partner. They’re paralyzed by fear, demanding overpreparation and perfection while offering zero respect or support. Tonight, as I rushed through last-minute changes, I felt my blood boil. It’s not just annoying—it’s soul-crushing. But as I sit here, venting into the void, I’m trying to find some light in this mess. Here’s my attempt to make sense of it all, and maybe, just maybe, find a silver lining.

First off, let me paint the picture. This client is the type who sends vague, panicky emails at all hours, expecting miracles. Every request feels like a moving target—one minute they want X, the next it’s Y, and by the time you’ve scrambled to deliver, they’re back to X again. It’s like they’re allergic to clarity. And the worst part? They don’t see you as a person with expertise or value—just a cog in their machine. I’ve spent hours overpreparing and rushing to meet impossible deadlines, all while feeling like I’m shouting into a void. No downtime, no appreciation, just more demands. It’s no wonder I’m counting down the days until I’m free from this job.

It’s a reminder that I deserve better—a project where my efforts are valued, where I’m not treated like a punching bag for someone else’s indecision. But as I sit here, still fuming, I’m trying to take a step back. Is there anything positive I can salvage from this? Can this exhausting, infuriating experience teach me something?

Here’s what I’ve come up with, in the hopes of turning this 2 AM rant into something less soul-destroying:

1. I’m Building Resilience 
   
   Dealing with this client is like running an emotional marathon. Every late-night email, every last-minute change, is a test of patience and endurance. But here I am, still standing, still getting the work done. This experience is sharpening my ability to stay calm under pressure, to adapt on the fly, and to keep going even when I’m running on fumes. That’s a skill I’ll carry with me, no matter where I go next.
   
   
2. I’m Clarifying What I Want
   
   If this client is the epitome of what I don’t want in my work life, they’re also helping me define what I do want. Respect, collaboration, trust—these are non-negotiables for my next chapter. This frustration is like a compass, pointing me toward a future where I seek out clients and colleagues who value my work and treat me like a partner, not a servant.
   
   
3. I’m Proving My Work Ethic
   Even in the face of this chaos, I’m showing up. I’m putting in the hours, delivering quality work, and meeting deadlines despite the odds. That’s something to be proud of. It’s a testament to my professionalism and dedication, and it’s a reminder that I have the grit to handle tough situations. Future employers or clients will benefit from that strength.
   
   
4. I’m Growing in Self-Awareness
   This experience is teaching me to recognize my triggers—disrespect, lack of support, chaotic communication—and how they affect me. By understanding what sets me off, I can better manage my reactions in the future. Maybe I’ll even develop strategies to defuse these situations before they spiral into 2 AM frustration sessions.
   
   

As I write this, I’m still annoyed. The exhaustion hasn’t faded, and the thought of dealing with this client again tomorrow makes my stomach churn. But reflecting on these positives helps me feel a little less “shitty,” as I put it earlier. This project, this client, this moment—they’re all temporary. In five weeks, I’ll be free, carrying these hard-earned lessons into a new chapter. For now, I’ll take a deep breath, maybe make a cup of tea, and remind myself that I’m tougher than this frustration. I’ve got this.

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My Night at Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Tour

Yesterday, May 19, 2025, I joined thousands of Little Monsters at the Singapore National Stadium for Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Tour, her first Singapore show in 13 years. The buzz was electric, the energy was wild, and the concert was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece. But as much as I was swept away by Gaga’s performance and the vibrant fan culture—especially the fabulous drag queens from the Philippines and Thailand—the venue left a lot to be desired. 

Before the concert even started, the atmosphere outside the National Stadium was a spectacle in itself. Fans showed up in full Gaga regalia—think lace, leather, and sky-high platform boots. The real stars of the pre-show, though, were the drag queens from the Philippines and Thailand, who turned the concourse into a runway.  It was like a mini Met Gala, with fans screaming and snapping photos as these queens strutted their stuff. The inclusivity and creativity were pure Gaga spirit—everyone was there to celebrate individuality, and it set the perfect tone for the night.

A Theatrical Masterpiece in Five Acts

Once Gaga hit the stage at 8:30 PM, 30 minutes after the scheduled start, the concert unfolded like a dramatic five-part opera, chock-full of 22 old and new hits. Directed by Gaga and choreographer Parris Goebel, the show was a journey through themes of duality and inner chaos, with each act delivering a distinct narrative and aesthetic. It wasn’t just a concert—it felt like a Broadway production with pop anthems. The setlist blended new tracks from Mayhem (like “Disease”, "Garden of Eden", “Abracadabra”, "Killah" - my favourite!) with classics like “Poker Face,” “Bad Romance,” and “Born This Way.” Each act had stunning visuals—pulsating strobe lights, giant Greek-style columns to a sand pit and a skull-covered piano. The interludes, with magnetic dancers performing tight choreography, kept the energy high while Gaga changed costumes.

Speaking of costumes, Gaga’s wardrobe was a spectacle of its own. She kicked off the show in an exaggerated towering red Tudor gown, launching into an orchestral rendition of her 2011 hit “Bloody Mary” that set a dramatic tone. After each interval, she reappeared in a new look—armoured bodysuits that screamed futuristic warrior, feathered wings that gave an angelic yet edgy vibe, and flowing trains that billowed across the stage. Every outfit was a bold statement, amplifying the show’s operatic grandeur and leaving me in awe of her creative vision.

Vocals That Stole the Show
Let’s talk about Gaga’s voice—because wow, this woman can sing live. Her vocal power was undeniable, especially during slower moments like “Shallow” from A Star Is Born and “Die With a Smile,” her Grammy-winning duet with Bruno Mars. These ballads showcased her raw, gutsy delivery, cutting through the stadium with emotional intensity. Her voice didn’t falter once, even with the high-energy dance numbers like “Alejandro” and “Applause.”

Venue Nightmares: Hot, Loud, and Trapped
Now, the not-so-great part: the Singapore National Stadium was a letdown. I paid S$238 for a seat in block 405, which was described as “exposed to weather elements.” Exposed is an understatement—it was stiflingly hot, despite the stadium’s touted innovative under the seat air-cooling system. The retractable roof didn’t seem to help, and I was sweating buckets all night. Worse, the sound system was a mess. The music was so loud that it drowned out Gaga’s vocals at times, making it hard to fully appreciate her performance. From block 405, the stage felt miles away, and the audio issues made it even less immersive.

To top it off, our section had only one way in and out, with a barricade on the other side. Getting a drink or stepping out for some air was a logistical nightmare, especially with the crowd. I felt trapped, and it definitely dampened the experience. For S$238, I expected better—standard tickets ranged from S$148 to S$368, and my seat was nowhere near worth the price. Next time, I’m avoiding the 400 and 600 blocks entirely. My next concert I will aim for lower-tier seats closer to the stage for better sound and comfort.

Was It Worth It?
Despite the venue woes, Gaga’s performance was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The five-act opera, breathtaking costumes, and powerhouse vocals made it unforgettable. Critics have called it “a theatrical experience that transcends the traditional concert format,” and I agree—it was like watching art come to life.

But at S$238 for a subpar seat, I can’t say it was entirely worth the price. Compared to other concerts, like Bruno Mars (S$108–S$488) or Taylor Swift (S$88–S$1,228), Gaga’s tickets were mid-range, but the venue issues in block 405 made it feel overpriced. If I could do it again, I’d splurge on a closer seat or wait for resale deals, as some tickets dropped to S$280 from S$328 closer to the date.

Paws up, Little Monsters—let’s keep the magic alive!

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How the USD Rate Impacts US Bond Yields

 What Are US Bond Yields and the CSOP USD Money Market Fund?

A bond is like a loan you give to the US government or a company. In return, they pay you interest, called the bond yield. The CSOP USD Money Market Fund is an investment that puts your money into short-term, low-risk US bonds or similar assets. It gives you a small but steady return, often in US dollars.

The USD rate is how much the US dollar is worth compared to other currencies, like the Singapore dollar (SGD). If 1 USD = 1.35 SGD, the USD is strong. If 1 USD = 1.20 SGD, it’s weaker. This rate affects bond yields and your investments.

How Does the USD Rate Affect Bond Yields?

When the USD Is Strong
A strong USD means it’s worth more compared to SGD or other currencies. People from all over the world want to buy US bonds because the US is seen as a safe place to park money. When lots of people want bonds, the US doesn’t need to offer high interest to attract buyers, so bond yields go down.

Example: Strong USD (1 USD = 1.40 SGD)

In 2023, the USD was strong due to high US interest rates and global demand for safe assets. Let’s say if we invest SGD 10,000 in the CSOP USD Money Market Fund. At 1 USD = 1.40 SGD, our SGD 10,000 becomes USD 7,143.

If US bond yields are low (say, 2% because the USD is strong), our USD 7,143 might earn USD 143 in interest per year.

When convert that interest back to SGD (USD 143 × 1.40), we get SGD 200.20. But if yields are low, our returns feel smaller in SGD.

When the USD Is Weak (Current Situation)
A weak USD means it’s worth less compared to SGD. Fewer people might want US bonds because their money doesn’t stretch as far. To attract buyers, the US offers higher bond yields, so you earn more interest.

Example: Weak USD (1 USD = 1.20 SGD)

Imagine in 2021, the USD weakened due to global economic recovery. We invest SGD 10,000 in the CSOP USD Money Market Fund. At 1 USD = 1.20 SGD, your SGD 10,000 becomes USD 8,333.

If bond yields are higher (say, 4% because the USD is weak), our USD 8,333 earns USD 333.33 in interest per year.

Converting back to SGD (USD 333.33 × 1.20), we get SGD 400. That’s more than the SGD 200.20 from the strong USD example!


As of today, the USD is relatively weak, with an exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.2994 SGD. Here’s what’s happening:

US Bond Yields: The 10-year US Treasury yield is around 4.48%, high due to US government borrowing and inflation concerns (e.g., potential tariffs raising prices).

CSOP USD Money Market Fund: The fund likely earns 3–4% annually on its safe, short-term investments. With a weaker USD, our SGD buys more USD, and high yields boost your returns.

Federal Reserve: Interest rates are at 4.25%–4.50%, with possible cuts later in 2025. If rates drop, bond yields might dip slightly, affecting the fund’s returns.

The USD rate and US bond yields work like a seesaw—when the USD weakens, yields often rise, and our SGD buys more USD. Right now, with 1 USD = 1.2994 SGD and high yields (4+%), I am putting my funds to CSOP USD Money Market Fund.


Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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A Hard Day to Announce Farewell

Today was a difficult one. I finally shared the news with my team: I’ve resigned, and my last day will be the end of June. As the words left my mouth, I felt a weight lift, but it was quickly replaced by a heavier one—sadness and worries for the people I’m leaving behind.

We’re a small, tight-knit team, sometimes feel more like a family than just colleagues. Over the years, we’ve disagreements with each other, celebrated wins, navigated challenges, and built something truly special together. So, when I saw their sadness and shock, it hit me hard.

One team member was particularly upset. The rest of the team, while supportive, seemed deflated, and I could sense a creeping demoralization settling in. I’m worried that my departure might spark a chain reaction, with others questioning their own place here. That thought gnaws at me.

The day dragged on, heavy with emotion. There were long conversations about what’s next—for me, for them, for us. I tried to reassure them, to remind them of their strength and the incredible work they’ll continue to do. But words feel hollow when you’re the one walking away.😞

I know I need to do this. This move is about growth, about chasing a path that’s right for me. But that doesn’t make it easier. Today, I’m carrying both the relief of being honest and the ache of letting go.

As I head into these final weeks, I’m determined to leave on a high note. I want to support my team, lift their spirits, and ensure they feel ready to carry on without me. They’re resilient, and I believe in them, even if they are doubting if they can continue to deliver the projects.

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Career Coaching - Session 1

Today I attended my first career coaching session ("Career Health Check and Planning Programme") offered by Ingeus and funded by SkillsFuture. As someone who’s been feeling a bit lost about my career path, this session felt like a much-needed starting point to gain clarity and direction.

At this stage in my life, I’ve realised I’m not entirely sure what I want to do professionally. I have interests, skills, and experiences, but piecing them together into a coherent career plan feels impossible. I needed someone to guide me through the process—someone who could ask the right questions, challenge my assumptions, and help me uncover what truly matters to me. That’s where a career coach comes in. Unlike trying to figure it out alone or relying on well-meaning advice from friends, a career coach offers structured, professional guidance tailored to my current stage of life.

My first session was pleasant. It lasted a full hour—longer than the usual 45 minutes—because I had so much to share and so many questions to ask. The extra time flew by as we dove into my thoughts, aspirations, and uncertainties. The session felt like a safe space to open up, and I left feeling energized and hopeful.

My coach is an experienced professional who immediately put me at ease with her warm and approachable demeanor. She took the time to explain the distinctions between a career coach, a life coach, and a counsellor, which was incredibly helpful. For those curious:

• A career coach focuses on professional goals, helping you navigate job searches, career transitions, or skill development.
• A life coach takes a broader approach, addressing personal growth, life balance, and overall well-being - usually people in senior management or leadership role. That is why it is extremely expensive.
• A counsellor typically works on emotional or psychological challenges, often diving deeper into mental health.

This clarity helped me understand that career coaching was exactly what I needed to tackle my professional uncertainties.

My coach outlined what we’ll cover over the next seven sessions, and I’m already excited about the journey ahead. The program is designed to be a comprehensive “career health check,” which includes assessing my strengths, identifying jobs that are currently in demand (new word I learned today: "Human Machine Interface") , exploring potential career paths and creating a concrete action plan. We’ll dive into topics like identifying my values, refining my resume, and even ways to connect and network. The structured approach feels reassuring, like a roadmap to guide me through the fog.

I will document my thoughts and review the next few sessions. 

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Chocolate Finance Update

 

🍫 As anticipated, CF is now cutting interest rates. I am using their USD account but after the Trump Tariff War announcement, the USD weakened daily.

I'm currently at a S$500 loss due to exchange rates. Despite CF's 4.6% daily interest, it'll take six months to break even now with the new rate. With rates expected to drop further, I've decided to cut my losses and convert back to SGD.

Tip: Do this on a weekday (before Friday 1pm) to avoid the 0.50% weekend fee, compared to the usual 0.25%.

I didn't plan to use this money soon, hoping to wait for better rates.

However, unsure of how long that’ll take and my goal this year is to hit the FRS, I’m considering depositing into my SA by month-end.

CPF interest is based on the lowest monthly balance so there is no point to update now.

To be continued...

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Why Pet Rides Are So Ex?

🚕 TADA and Grab have been promoting their new pet ride services. As a frequent user of both platforms, I find their pricing for pet rides ridiculous, especially for pets in carriers. My small dog travels in a fully enclosed bag that doesn’t touch the car seat, so what “cleaning fees” justify these charges?

Here’s a price comparison for a ride from One Holland Village to East Coast Park at the same time:

Usually I just go with good old Comfort Rides which doesn’t distinguish between pet and regular rides (please, Comfort, keep it this way!). The drivers are friendly and don’t mind if you have a dog, cat, or even a lion in their car, as long as your pet isn’t drooling or shedding fur everywhere. Speaking from over a decade of experience as a dog owner, I can attest to their welcoming attitude.

As pet owners, we also have a responsibility to respect drivers’ livelihoods. Using an enclosed carrier ensures our pets don’t inconvenience drivers or damage their vehicles. I strongly encourage fellow pet owners to adopt this practice for hassle-free rides.

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Smart & Beautiful - Done for Life?

🌹Mr Loo said it, not me! 😂 Was watching his 1M65 livestream yesterday, and he claimed being smart and beautiful guarantees lifelong success or security. Says it’s super rare to have both.

But I’m wondering if that’s too simple. Sure, brains and looks give you a leg up—better first impressions, social clout, maybe even career perks (like how studies say attractive folks earn a bit more). But they don’t just lock in success forever. Hard work, grit, people skills, and personal values matter way more.

Take the recent Singapore election. One WP candidate was hyped as the “most beautiful” for this election. Got tons of attention, sure, but she’s new to politics, and WP still didn’t win the GRC. Looks and smarts only go so far lah.

Even if you’re smart and gorgeous, a recession can still hit hard. Economic downturns don’t care about your IQ or charm—jobs get scarce, industries tank, and even the most talented can struggle to find work.

For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, plenty of brilliant, good-looking professionals in finance or tech got laid off.

Beauty might help with networking, but if companies aren’t hiring, it’s a tough sell. Smarts can help you pivot, but without resilience and adaptability, you’re just as vulnerable as anyone else in a rough economy.

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UOB One Account

⚡️ Ouch! The news about UOB One Savings Account slashing its max interest rate to 3.3% p.a. from 1 May 2025 hit me like a lightning bolt! ⚡️ I knew a rate cut was coming, but so soon? My go-to high-yield savings account (HYSA) just lost its shine. 😕

I’m now thinking of topping up my CPF Special Account (SA) to hit the Full Retirement Sum (FRS) for that steady 4% p.a. risk-free return. With no other low-risk options hitting at least 4% interest, what else can we do? 🤔

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A New Journey

🎯 Paulo Coelho wrote, “When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it.”

This has been my anchor these past few months. Since January 2025, a restless desire to reshape my life has grown louder.

I gave myself until April, when my bonus arrived, to decide what’s next. I researched, spoke to professionals, and wrestled with uncertainty—still, no clear path emerged. Then, like a quiet gift, clarity began to unfold.

First, I realised I want a career I’m passionate about, but I lack the skills to switch industries. So, I’m committing to upskilling, exploring courses to broaden my horizons and build new connections.

The SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, launched in April, feels like a sign—offering training with an allowance to support this leap.

Financially, I’ve crunched the numbers; my savings can sustain me for a few years, even if I take a lower-paying job by 2026. For now, part-time work could bridge the gap.

Most importantly, I’m learning to trust this journey, to act quickly and stop wasting time in a high-stress job that adds no value to my growth.

I’m very excited for my new journey!

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