On The Money: FI Inspirations For A Richer Life

Financial Independence is about making your money work for you so that you can spend less time working for it if you choose to.

Getting and staying on a path to FI can be challenging, given how we’re often taught to value consumerism, which in turn is fueled by a lifetime of working and living to spend everything we earn. 

If you’re determined to buck this ‘norm’ like I am, you’ll need a lots of helpful advice and a constant dose of inspiration to keep going even when the going gets tough, which is why I scour the internet in search of the most helpful blog posts, videos, podcasts and everything else in-between that’ll keep you reaching for that FI finish line.

Here are my favourites for this week. Go get yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy! ☕

Syfe Portfolios: Which Would I Pick to Invest In | Suyin Ong. Robo-advisors are rapidly gaining popularity among Asian investors thanks to their low fees and almost non-existent barriers to entry. Here, personal finance YouTuber Suyin Ong gives us an in-depth introduction to Singapore-based Syfe, which stands out from the crowd with its REIT-specific portfolio and for Malaysians, the option to diversity into assets across the border.

Cheap Insurance in Malaysia: What, Where and How to Get Them | Ringgit Oh Ringgit. Living on a tight budget and looking for medical insurance that won’t burn a hole in your pockets? Suraya Zainudin does an amazing job of breaking down your lower-cost options that most Malaysians don’t know about (but should).

How Much Does It Cost To Own And Keep A Cat In Singapore | Dollars And Sense. Not specifically FI-related and written for Singaporeans, but if you own a cat (or several), this one’s an eye-opener regardless of where you live. Having been a cat owner myself for over 30 years, I can attest that being responsible for one requires a significant financial commitment that will last well over a decade. If you’re thinking of adding a feline companion to your family, read this first.

2021: How Investors Reacted To COVID-19 | StashAway. When it comes to money, mindset is just as important as strategy, which is why I found this report on investor behavior throughout 2020 so eye-opening. Did people invest more or less during the pandemic? What did most of them do with their money as COVID-19 wreaked havoc on a global scale? How did their money habits change over the last 12 months? It’s all here for you to steal potentially life-changing lessons from.

Best Premier/Priority Banking In Malaysia | Dividend Magic. Ever wondered what the words ‘premier’ and ‘priority’ mean in the world of banking? How do you qualify for it? Does it really make a difference in your overall banking experience? Leigh’s done a deep dive into the topic and spells out the benefits you can expect from some of our biggest banks once you get on the red banking carpet.

I am Malek Ali and This is How I Invest | fi.life. “I’ve learnt that although we can hope for the best, we need to plan for the worst”. Being a regular BFM listener and a follower of Malek’s work, I had to read this and am glad that I did. He’s generous with his nuggets of wisdom gleaned from decades of investing and entrepreneurship failures and successes, making it mandatory reading for anyone on the path to FI.

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