I have Achieved Lean FIRE!!

Hey Financial Freedom Fighters,

For years, many of us have been on a singular quest: reaching that magical financial independence number. We meticulously track expenses, optimize investments, and dream of the day we can finally walk away from the traditional 9-to-5, trading deadlines for daydreams.

And I'm thrilled to tell you, I've hit a significant milestone on that very path. I've achieved Lean FIRE!

For those unfamiliar, Lean FIRE means building up enough invested capital or passive income to cover your essential living expenses, allowing you to be financially independent years, if not decades, before traditional retirement age. The traditional narrative usually ends here: "I've reached my number, now I can quit and live a life of endless leisure."

But here is the twist, and the true inspiration I want to share with you today: I'm not quitting. In fact, I'm actively looking for my next professional challenge, and I'm perfectly happy to take a pay cut to get it. This might sound counter-intuitive, but my journey has revealed a profound truth: financial independence isn't ultimately about stopping work. It's about choosing work.

The Real "Financial Independent Retirement Early" Is About Choice, Not Ceasing

Having achieved Lean FIRE, my relationship with "work" transforms entirely. It's no longer a means to an end, but a choice, a vehicle for continued growth, contribution, and personal fulfillment.

With the financial pressure removed, my motivation for work shifts dramatically. I'm no longer chasing a salary to survive, but rather seeking:

 * Meaning and Purpose: To contribute to a cause I believe in, solve interesting problems, or make a tangible impact.

 * Intellectual Stimulation: To keep my mind active, learn new skills, and engage with complex challenges.

 * Social Connection: To be part of a team, collaborate, and build professional relationships.

 * Personal Growth: To develop new competencies, explore different industries, or even pivot careers without financial risk.

 * Contribution Beyond Myself: To share my expertise, mentor others, or build something new.

This is the ultimate luxury of choice: you can now be truly selective about what work you do, where you do it, and how it fits into your desired lifestyle.

Embracing the Pay Cut: A Strategic Advantage for a Richer Life

My willingness to accept a pay cut is a powerful strategic move, signaling a shift in priorities that can open doors to deeply fulfilling roles:

 * Reduced Pressure, Increased Enjoyment: Lower salaries often correlate with lower stress, more flexible environments, and a healthier work-life balance. You're not beholden to the grind; you're simply engaged.

 * Focus on Fit Over Fortune: I can prioritize company culture, team dynamics, the nature of the work, and the impact I can make, rather than solely the compensation package. This allows me to find a role that truly aligns with my values.

 * Skill Development & Exploration: This newfound freedom allows me to take on roles where I might be learning something entirely new, even if it's entry-level, without the financial burden. It's an opportunity to pivot into a passion industry or a role I simply find fascinating.

 * The "Enough" Mindset: This reinforces my Lean FIRE philosophy – I already have enough to cover my essentials. Any income from this new work isn't for survival, but for "rich living" on my terms, whether that's funding travel, hobbies, or simply providing an even larger financial buffer.

 * A Unique Value Proposition: Employers looking for dedicated, less financially driven employees who genuinely care about the work itself may find you a highly attractive candidate. You're motivated by purpose, not just the paycheck.

Navigating the Job Search with a Lean FIRE Lens

Your job search, once you've achieved financial independence, will be fundamentally different from any you've undertaken before. Here's how to approach it:

 * Define Your Non-Financial Criteria First: Before looking at salaries, list what your ideal work life looks like now:

   * Hours/Flexibility: Part-time, flexible, remote, project-based?

   * Industry/Impact: What problems do you want to solve? What values do you want to align with?

   * Culture: What kind of team and environment thrives?

   * Type of Work: Creative, analytical, hands-on, leadership, teaching?

   * Commute/Location: How does it fit into your desired daily routine?

 * Leverage Your Experience Differently: Your past career has built valuable skills. How can these be applied in new, less demanding, or more fulfilling ways? Think about transferable skills rather than just direct role matches.

 * Network with Purpose: Connect with people in industries or roles that genuinely interest you. When networking, you can communicate your desire for meaningful engagement, work-life balance, and contribution, rather than leading with salary expectations.

 * Consider "Alternative" Roles: Specifically target part-time roles, explore consulting or freelancing for project-based work, look into the non-profit sector for mission-driven roles, or consider teaching/tutoring to share your expertise.

 * Communicate Your Priorities (Judiciously): You don't necessarily need to lead with "I'm Lean FIRE," but during interviews, you can effectively communicate your interest in work-life balance, a collaborative culture, opportunities for learning, and a desire to contribute meaningfully.

Beyond the Job Search: Integrating Your New Life

Securing the right role is just one part of the equation. As you step into this new chapter:

 * Continuous Optimization: Even with new income, continue to apply your Lean FIRE principles to your spending and time management. This financial cushion allows you to make more choices.

 * Flexibility is Key: The beauty of your position is the freedom to pivot again. If a job isn't serving your new priorities after a while, you have the financial freedom to seek another opportunity.

 * Balance & Integration: Ensure this new work chapter truly integrates with your non-work life. Does it allow time for your hobbies, relationships, and well-being?

What Does True Freedom Look Like For YOU?

So, my dear readers, as you navigate your own financial journeys, I urge you to ask yourselves:

 * What does your "enough" look like? Can you achieve a baseline of financial security sooner than you think, simply by optimizing your spending and investing consistently?

 * What kind of work would you do if money wasn't the primary driver? What problems would you solve? What passions would you pursue?

 * How would you spend your time if you had ultimate control over it?

Financial independence isn't just a number; it's a doorway to a life lived on your own terms. It's about empowering yourself to make choices that align with your deepest values and aspirations. It's about discovering that the true wealth isn't just in your balance sheet, but in the boundless possibilities of your chosen life.

Keep saving, keep investing, and most importantly, keep dreaming big about the life you truly want to build. The power to design it is more within reach than you might imagine.

With love & peace,

Qiongster

Portfolio Update June 2025

On the last day of June 2025, here is my portfolio update.

My SGX Income Portfolio value increases to $404k from $392k due to the recovery of S-REITs as there is more certainty that interest rates will be cut 2 times by year end. Immense fears from global trade war and potential recession have subsided fueling the US and SG stock markets to hit new highs.

My US Growth Portfolio rises to US$16.3k from US$13.2k due to rebound of NVIDIA and GOOGL share prices as one of my NVDA cash secured put option has expired worthless.

My SRS Ultra Long-Term Portfolio value inches up to $214k from $212k.

Portfolio Actions

Nil

Portfolio Dividends

1. Received $492 of dividends from SSB on 2 Jun.

2. Received $390 of dividends from MPACT on 6 Jun.

3. Received $134 of dividends from Netlink Trust on 11 Jun.

4. Received $427.73 of dividends from Mapletree Log Trust on 13 Jun.

5. Received $705.60 of dividends from Mapletree Ind Trust on 13 Jun.

6. Received $900.00 of dividends from Frasers L&C Trust on 18 Jun.

7. Received $885.50 of dividends from Aims Apac Reit on 25 Jun.

8. Received $647.90 of dividends from Ascendas Reit on 30 Jun.

SGX Income Portfolio

Portfolio Value = $404k

US Growth Portfolio

Moomoo

Tiger Broker

Syfe Trade

Portfolio Value = US$16.3k

SRS Ultra Long-Term Portfolio

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It's crucial to conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Thanks for reading.

With love and peace, 

Qiongster

Passive Income in 2Q 2025 Surpassed Expectations

 

In 2Q 2025, I receive dividends as follows:

$303.00 SSB (1 Apr)

$147.50 SSB (1 Apr)

$600.60 DBS (16 Apr)

$300.00 DBS (16 Apr) SRS

$613.00 SSB (2 May)

$2,850 OCBC (9 May) SRS

$920.00 UOB (13 May)

$250.00 UOB (13 May)

$212.50 Comfortdelgro (14 May) SRS

$150.00 Wilmar (15 May) SRS

$750.75 DBS (27 May)

$184.10 Astrea 7 A-1 PE Bond (27 May)

$600.00 DBS (27 May) SRS

$42.00 OUE (29 May)

$726.48 Frasers Centrepoint Trust (30 May)

$78.15 Suntec Reit (30 May)

$492.00 SSB (2 Jun)

$390.00 MPACT (6 Jun)

$134.00 Netlink Trust (11 Jun)

$427.73 Mapletree Log Trust (13 Jun)

$705.60 Mapletree Ind Trust (13 Jun)

$900.00 Frasers L&C Trust (18 Jun)

$885.50 Aims Apac Reit (25 Jun)

$647.90 Ascendas Reit (30 Jun)

My passive income in Q2 2025 is $13,310.81, a 30% YoY increase from Q2 2024's $10,209.59.

Together with the $6,873.03 passive income in Q1, my passive income in the first half of 2025 is

$20,183.84

At $3,363/month on average, I am contented to have achieved lean FIRE as my passive income is able to cover my basic monthly expenditure. 

I look forward to collecting more dividends in the rest of the year, while remaining on the sideline for great investment opportunities to acquire more income producing assets and businesses.

My ultimate financial freedom goal by 2030 is to own an investment portfolio valued at S$1m yielding at least $60k of passive income annually. I believe I am more than halfway there if my passive income is projected to surpass $30k for 2025.

I shall continue to embrace the mindset of minimalism, escape from consumerism, live frugally, save up, invest in any bear or bull market conditions, slowly and steadily build up my investments. Ignore the fears, noises, distractions. Remain focused and stay on track in the journey towards achieving ultimate freedom of time, financial and mobility.

Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It's crucial to conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

With love & peace,

Qiongster

Net Worth Update June 2025 SGD1.88m!

In June 2025, my net worth rises to S$1.88 million record high mainly due to the recovery of stock markets.

Net Worth Breakdown:

Safe Heavens (62%)

CPF (35.6%): CPF is the bulk of my net worth and forms the foundation of my retirement savings. It is a low hanging fruit tree that we should not ignore.

Cash and war chest (17.1%): Liquid reserves strategically stashed in fixed deposits and Fullerton cash funds earning around 2.0% p.a. provide me with a peace of mind and security for unexpected expenses or investment opportunities.

Bonds (9.5%): A balanced portfolio of low-risk Singapore Savings Bonds and Astrea Bond ensures stability and provides steady source of passive income.

Retirement Savings (16%)

SRS (11.3%): This tax-deferred savings account provides a supplementary source of retirement savings and its value has recently surpassed $200k despite a cumulative contribution of less than $150k in past 8 years. I have completed the $15.3k contribution to maximise the annual individual limit for this year. My SRS funds are invested in $30k of SSB and 6 local stocks - Comfortdelgro, DBS, OCBC, Keppel DC Reit, Keppel Reit and Wilmar. Recently, I have stashed away all the idle SRS funds into Fullerton SGD Money Market Funds to yield 2.5% p.a. instead of meagre 0.05%.

Insurance (4.6%): A Prudential whole life insurance plan and other savings plans will provide me with 6-digit lump sum payout after my retirement while offering continual protection for peace of mind. I have also upgraded my MediShield life to integrated shield plan for private hospital coverage.

Equities (22%)

Stocks and Reits (21.8%): A real estate-focused portfolio of stocks and Reits provides long-term dividend income and stability. This financial asset class is riskier, more volatile and sensitive to interest rates but offers me the opportunity to indirectly own diversified portfolios of industrial, retail and commercial properties locally, and around the world for consistent passive income.

The Pursuit of FIRE

Our net worth is a financial health check to assess our net assets minus liabilities. The focus on building passive income streams and growing overall net worth is not solely about retiring early. It is about creating options in life to possibly regain time, location and financial freedom.  It is about creating the opportunity to pursue passions, work less, focus on living life on this earth, and navigate life's uncertainties without financial stress.  This journey is about building a foundation of security that empowers us with choices in life.

I hope to achieve my next milestone of SGD 1.9m soon in the coming months and $36k annual passive income by end of this year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It's crucial to conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Thanks for reading.

With love and peace, 

Qiongster

CPF: the Low-Hanging Fruit Tree You Can't Afford to Ignore

Singaporeans, let’s get unequivocally clear about something fundamentally important to our financial well-being: the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Forget the fleeting allure of speculative ventures, the dazzling promise of overnight riches, or the complex world of high-stakes investments. We’re going to talk about something far more grounded, dependable, and often shockingly underestimated: our CPF. While it might sometimes feel like a bureaucratic deduction from your hard-earned salary, a deeper, more informed perspective reveals CPF to be one of the most prolific and accessible "low-hanging fruit trees" in our entire financial ecosystem. It’s a powerful, multi-faceted wealth accumulation tool that, tragically, many of us aren’t fully understanding, let alone leveraging. In an increasingly volatile global economy, ignoring CPF's immense potential isn't just a missed opportunity; it's a significant financial oversight that could impact your quality of life in retirement.

Beyond the Deduction: Unpacking CPF as a Wealth-Building Ecosystem

The common perception of CPF as merely a mandatory savings account, or even worse, a forced contribution with limited access, is a disservice to its true design and potential. CPF is far more sophisticated than a simple bank account; it's a meticulously crafted financial ecosystem designed to address three core pillars of Singaporean life: retirement adequacy, affordable housing, and essential healthcare. The "low-hanging fruit" analogy isn't just a catchy phrase; it perfectly encapsulates how the growth within CPF is largely passive, inherently secure, and requires remarkably little active intervention from you to flourish.

Let's dissect the fundamental components that make CPF such a robust and prolific fruit tree.

The Indispensable Power of Compounding: Your Automatic Growth Engine

At the very core of CPF's potency lies the relentless, exponential force of compound interest. Consider the guaranteed interest rates: your Ordinary Account (OA) yields a minimum of 2.5% per annum, while your Special Account (SA) and MediSave Account (MA) command a significantly more attractive guaranteed minimum of 4.04% per annum (these rates are reviewed quarterly, but the minimums are enshrined). Your Retirement Account (RA), once established, also guarantees at least 4.04% per annum.

Pause and reflect on these figures. In an era where conventional bank savings accounts offer rates barely keeping pace with inflation (or often falling behind), and fixed deposits hover around 3% for limited terms, CPF provides consistently superior, guaranteed returns. Unlike the capricious stock markets that demand vigilance and stomach-churning volatility, CPF's growth is largely set-and-forget. This isn't merely about earning interest on your initial contributions; it's about earning interest on your accumulated interest, year after year, decade after decade. This continuous, compounding effect transforms seemingly modest monthly contributions into astonishingly substantial sums over the long term. It’s akin to planting a sapling that matures into a mighty fruit tree, bearing more and more fruit each season without you needing to manually pollinate or endlessly prune.

Unparalleled Risk-Free Returns: The Sweetest, Most Reliable Fruit

Perhaps the most compelling argument for CPF's status as a low-hanging fruit tree is its near-absolute risk-free nature. In stark contrast to virtually every other investment avenue – be it equities, bonds, real estate, or even gold – your CPF balances are explicitly and unconditionally guaranteed by the Singapore government. This sovereign guarantee is an invaluable layer of security, particularly for individuals who are inherently risk-averse, approaching retirement, or simply seeking a bedrock of stability in their financial portfolio.

Attempting to replicate these guaranteed, consistently high returns in the open market would be an arduous, if not impossible, task without introducing significant risk. The SA and MA rates, in particular, stand out, offering returns that comfortably outperform most low-risk fixed-income alternatives available to the retail investor. This "sweetest fruit" of guaranteed, robust returns, backed by the full faith and credit of the nation, is a cornerstone of why CPF should occupy a central position in every Singaporean’s financial blueprint. It’s peace of mind wrapped in attractive returns.

Tax-Exempt Growth: Maximizing Every Piece of Fruit

An often-underappreciated yet highly significant advantage of CPF is that all interest earned on your balances is entirely tax-exempt. In many other investment vehicles, capital gains, interest income, or dividends are subject to income tax, which can erode a substantial portion of your returns. With CPF, every single cent of interest earned remains within your accounts, continually compounding and accelerating your wealth accumulation. This tax efficiency is a powerful accelerator, adding more fruit to your basket without any additional effort or tax burden on your part. It’s like having a special variety of fruit tree that grows larger, juicier fruit because it’s immune to common pests (taxes).

Cultivating Your CPF Fruit Tree: Advanced Strategies for a Bountiful Harvest

Now that we understand the foundational benefits, let’s move beyond passive acceptance and delve into actionable strategies to actively cultivate your CPF fruit tree, ensuring the most abundant harvest possible.

1. Strategic Top-Ups to Your Special Account (SA) – The Golden, Accelerated Harvest

If you possess excess liquidity, performing cash top-ups to your Special Account (SA) should be at the top of your CPF optimization list. The rationale is simple yet profound: the SA consistently earns the higher guaranteed interest rate of 4.04% p.a. (and potentially more when prevailing rates are higher than the 4% floor). This move is incredibly potent because the funds transferred to the SA are irreversible, effectively locking them in for retirement. This forced discipline is a significant advantage for many who struggle with consistent voluntary savings.

Beyond the superior interest rate, cash top-ups to your SA (and subsequently your Retirement Account, RA, once it’s formed) are eligible for dollar-for-dollar tax relief, up to the prevailing Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) and Full Retirement Sum (FRS) limits. This creates a compelling double benefit: you’re not only securing a higher guaranteed return on your capital but also simultaneously reducing your current year’s income tax liability. It’s akin to injecting a potent, growth-accelerating fertilizer into your fruit tree, yielding a bigger and faster return on your investment. Remember to check the contribution caps, as tax relief is generally granted for top-ups up to the current FRS.

2. Mastering the "Interest on First $60,000" – The Bonus Fruit Multiplier

CPF’s tiered interest structure offers an additional 1% interest on the first $60,000 of your combined CPF balances, with a maximum of $20,000 from the Ordinary Account (OA). This translates into an effective 3.5% p.a. on your OA funds up to $20,000, and a truly impressive 5.04% p.a. on your SA, MA, and RA funds up to $40,000. This bonus interest is a significant perk that disproportionately amplifies returns, especially for younger individuals or those building up their balances.

To fully capitalize on this bonus, consider strategically transferring funds from your OA to your SA. While such a transfer is irreversible and reduces the funds available in your OA for housing or education, the superior interest rate earned in your SA generally makes it a highly advantageous move over the long term. This strategy is particularly powerful if you've already accumulated sufficient OA funds for your current or anticipated housing needs, or if you’ve fully paid off your home loan. It’s like surgically pruning your tree to direct all its energy and nutrients to the branches that yield the most valuable fruit.

3. Optimising Your Ordinary Account (OA) – Preventing Fruit Rot

While the OA's 2.5% interest rate might seem less glamorous than the SA's, it’s still a respectable, absolutely risk-free return that comfortably outperforms most standard bank savings accounts. The critical mistake many Singaporeans make is allowing significant sums of cash to sit idle in low-interest bank accounts when they could be earning a guaranteed 2.5% in their OA. If you have excess liquidity that isn't immediately required for short-term expenses or active investments, ensure it's either in your OA or, even better, transferred to your SA.

However, prudence is key. Before initiating any irreversible OA to SA transfers, meticulously assess your immediate and future housing needs. Do you anticipate purchasing a property soon? Do you have an existing home loan being serviced by your OA? Always maintain a healthy buffer in your OA for these essential purposes. The goal is optimization, not depletion. It’s about ensuring every piece of fruit on your tree, even the less "exotic" ones, is nurtured to its fullest potential and not allowed to "rot" in a low-yield environment.

4. Maximizing Your MediSave (MA) – The Essential Health Fruit

Your MediSave Account (MA) is dedicated to funding your healthcare needs and also earns the same attractive 4.04% p.a. (currently) as your SA. Ensuring your MA is adequately funded up to the prevailing Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is paramount for long-term health security. While you cannot generally perform voluntary cash top-ups to your MA beyond the BHS (unless you have not hit the BHS and are self-employed or have insufficient contributions), it's crucial to be aware of its growth and to strategically leverage it for approved medical expenses, insurance premiums (like MediShield Life and private integrated shield plans), and even approved eldercare needs. This ensures that a critical portion of your "fruit harvest" is ring-fenced for your health, offering invaluable peace of mind against unexpected medical costs. It’s the protective "skin" on your fruit, ensuring it’s healthy and resilient for the long haul.

5. Consider the Retirement Account (RA) – The Ultimate Harvest

Once you turn 55, your Ordinary and Special Accounts merge to form your Retirement Account (RA), which continues to earn the attractive 4.04% p.a. interest. This is the ultimate harvest from your CPF fruit tree, designed to provide you with a lifelong income stream via CPF LIFE. Understanding the different Retirement Sums (Basic, Full, and Enhanced) and aiming to meet at least the Full Retirement Sum (FRS) is crucial. By maximizing your CPF growth throughout your working life, you set yourself up for higher CPF LIFE payouts, ensuring a more comfortable and secure retirement. This is the mature, fully laden fruit tree providing a steady, reliable yield for the rest of your life.

The CPF Difference: Beyond "Just Another Savings Account"

The disciplined, enforced long-term approach inherent in the CPF system is its greatest, often unsung, strength. For countless Singaporeans, the mandatory nature of CPF contributions instills a consistent savings habit that might otherwise prove difficult to maintain in the face of immediate gratification and consumerist pressures. It acts as a powerful barrier against impulsive spending, channeling a steady stream of funds into a high-yielding, supremely secure environment.

In a global financial landscape teeming with complex investment products, speculative bubbles, and bewildering market volatility, CPF stands as a beacon of stable, predictable, and remarkably effective wealth growth. It is a profound testament to the quiet, consistent power of compounding, discipline, and government backing over extended periods. While it may lack the glitz and glamour of a hot new IPO or the thrill of a cryptocurrency surge, its fundamental impact on your long-term financial security is undeniably more substantial and reliable.

Don't Let Your Low-Hanging Fruit Go Unpicked

In conclusion, your CPF is not just a statutory obligation; it is a truly extraordinary financial asset. It is a prolific, low-hanging fruit tree that consistently bears fruit – valuable, risk-free, tax-exempt fruit – year after year, with minimal active management required on your part. By moving beyond a passive understanding and actively engaging with its mechanics, by strategically optimizing your account balances, and by making informed decisions about top-ups and transfers, you possess the power to significantly enhance your financial security, fortify your retirement nest egg, and build an unshakeable foundation for a more comfortable future.

It's time to shed the perception of CPF as merely a deduction from your paycheck. It’s time to embrace it for what it truly is: a powerful, government-backed wealth-building machine that, with a little strategic foresight and consistent attention, can provide an unbelievably bountiful harvest for your retirement and beyond. The fruit is ripe, delicious, and within easy reach. Don't let this invaluable resource go unpicked. Start cultivating your CPF tree today, and watch your financial future flourish.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It's crucial to conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

With Love & Peace,

Qiongster

Why Less is More? Empty is the new Full

In a world that constantly pushes us to acquire more, to fill every conceivable void with possessions, experiences, and commitments, there's a quiet revolution brewing. It’s a paradigm shift that challenges the very foundation of consumerism, whispering a radical truth: “Less is More.” And perhaps even more profoundly, “Empty is the New Full.”

This isn't just a minimalist aesthetic; it’s a powerful financial philosophy, a beacon guiding us towards true wealth and sustainable well-being. For too long, we've equated "more" with "better." More income, more investments, more luxury items, more activities. We’ve chased the elusive "full" as if it were a finish line, only to find ourselves exhausted, overwhelmed, and ironically, often feeling emptier than ever.

Consider your financial life. How many subscriptions do you have that you barely use? How many impulse purchases clutter your home, gathering dust and depreciating in value? How many times have you stretched your budget to acquire something “essential,” only to realize its true cost wasn't just the price tag, but the accompanying stress and the opportunity cost of what you could have done with that money?

The "less is more" approach in finance is about intentionality. It's about consciously choosing what truly adds value to your life and shedding the rest. It's about decluttering your financial landscape, not just your physical space. This means:

Fewer Debts, More Freedom

The weight of consumer debt, car loans, or even excessive mortgage payments can be suffocating. The constant worry about making payments, the gnawing feeling of being tethered to a lender – it's a heavy burden. By prioritizing debt reduction, you aren't just paying down numbers on a statement; you're actively liberating your future self. Imagine the mental space that opens up when you no longer have that credit card bill looming or that car payment draining a significant chunk of your paycheck. You free up cash flow, reduce crippling interest payments, and gain immense financial agility. An empty debt column is a full bank account of opportunities, ready to be deployed towards investments, experiences, or simply enjoying the present moment without financial anxiety. This freedom allows you to make choices based on your desires, not on your obligations.

Fewer Unnecessary Expenses, More Savings

We often underestimate the cumulative power of small, habitual drains on our finances. That daily coffee, the forgotten gym membership, the myriad streaming services you rarely watch – individually, they seem insignificant. Collectively, they can amount to a substantial sum. This is where the "less is more" philosophy truly shines. It's about developing a keen awareness of where your money is actually going. Scrutinize your recurring expenses. Do you truly need that premium streaming service when you only watch one show? Are you maximizing your grocery budget by meal planning and avoiding impulse buys? Cutting out these seemingly small, habitual drains can lead to surprisingly substantial savings over time. These savings aren't just numbers in a bank account; they represent a "full" emergency fund, a robust investment portfolio, or the down payment on a dream home. Every dollar saved from an unnecessary expense is a dollar invested in your future.

Fewer Possessions, More Experiences

In our consumer-driven society, there’s an incessant pressure to accumulate. We’re told that happiness lies in the latest gadget, the trendiest fashion, or the biggest house. However, countless studies and anecdotal evidence point to a different truth: experiences, not possessions, are the true drivers of lasting happiness and fulfillment. Instead of accumulating things that require maintenance, insurance, and often lead to buyer's remorse, shift your focus to experiences. Travel, learning new skills, pursuing hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones – these create indelible memories and enrich your life in ways no material object ever could. Think about it: that expensive gadget will eventually become obsolete, but the memory of hiking through a national park or learning to play an instrument will stay with you forever. Your passport can be fuller than your shopping cart, filled with stamps from adventures rather than receipts from fleeting purchases. This shift isn't about deprivation; it's about prioritizing joy and personal growth over material acquisition.

Fewer Complexities, More Clarity

Our financial lives can become unnecessarily complicated. A sprawling investment portfolio with too many diverse holdings, a multitude of bank accounts, or complex tax strategies can be overwhelming and difficult to manage effectively. The more moving parts, the more potential for confusion, errors, and missed opportunities. Simplify. Focus on a few core, low-cost investments that align with your long-term goals. Automate your savings and investments. Consolidate accounts where it makes sense. An "empty" inbox of complex financial statements means a fuller understanding of your wealth. By reducing complexity, you gain clarity. You can more easily track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions without feeling bogged down by unnecessary details. This streamlined approach frees up your mental energy, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture of your financial journey.

Fewer Distractions, More Focus

We live in an age of constant noise. The relentless bombardment of advertisements, social media showcasing curated "perfect" lives, and the pressure to keep up with the latest trends are major distractions from your personal financial goals. This constant external pressure can lead to impulse purchases, lifestyle inflation, and a perpetual feeling of inadequacy. By tuning out the noise, you can focus on what truly matters: building a secure financial future, enjoying your present, and living according to your deepest values. This might mean unfollowing certain accounts on social media, unsubscribing from marketing emails, or consciously limiting your exposure to consumerist messaging. When you reduce these external distractions, your internal financial compass becomes much clearer. An empty mind from consumerist desires is a full mind for purposeful living, allowing you to allocate your energy and resources to what genuinely contributes to your well-being.

"Empty is the new full" extends beyond mere budgeting and conscious spending. It speaks to the mental and emotional space created when we release the burden of excess. When our financial lives are less complicated, less encumbered by debt and unnecessary spending, we gain clarity, peace of mind, and the bandwidth to pursue what truly brings us joy and purpose. It’s about recognizing that true abundance isn't measured by the quantity of our possessions, but by the quality of our lives. It's about finding contentment in what we have, rather than constantly striving for what we don't.

So, take a deep breath. Look around you, and within your financial habits. What can you release? What can you simplify? What "empty" space can you create that will ultimately lead to a richer, more meaningful "fullness" in your life? The journey to financial freedom often begins not with acquiring more, but with the courage to embrace less. What are you willing to let go of to gain true financial abundance?

With Love & Peace,

Qiongster

Portfolio Update May 2025

Welcome to my latest portfolio update as May 2025 has wrapped up!

My SGX Income Portfolio value increases to $392k from $382k mainly due to capital injection into Mapletree Industrial Trust. S-Reits have remained sluggish despite more positive market sentiments that believe interest rates may be cut at least 2 times in 2025. Immense fears from global trade war and potential recession have subsided but future uncertainties are still causing the US and Asian stock markets to remain volatile.

My US Growth Portfolio recovers to US$13.2k from US$8.7k due to rebound of NVIDIA and GOOGL share prices. I am unwavered in their long term growth potential and plan to keep rolling over the cash secured put options to delay the expiry date or take assignment of the NVIDIA and GOOGL shares.

My SRS Ultra Long-Term Portfolio value rises to $212k from $206k mainly due to recovery of OCBC share price.

Portfolio Actions

1. Bought 5,275 shares of Mapletree Industrial Trust at $2.02.

Portfolio Dividends

1. Received $613 of dividends from SSB on 2 May.

2. Received $2,850 of dividends from OCBC in SRS on 9 May.

3. Received $1,170 of dividends from UOB on 13 May.

4. Received $212.50 of dividends from ComfortDelgro in SRS on 14 May.

5. Received $150.00 of dividends from Wilmar in SRS on 15 May.

6. Received $750.75 of dividends from DBS on 27 May.

7. Received $184.10 of dividends from Astrea 7 A-1 PE Bond on 27 May.

8. Received $600.00 of dividends from DBS in SRS on 27 May.

9. Received $42 of dividends from OUE on 29 May.

10. Received $738 of dividends from Frasers Centrepoint Trust on 30 May.

11. Received $78.15 of dividends from Suntec Reit on 30 May.

SGX Income Portfolio

Portfolio Value = $392k

US Growth Portfolio

Moomoo

Tiger Broker

Syfe Trade

Portfolio Value = US$13.2k

SRS Ultra Long-Term Portfolio

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It's crucial to conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Thanks for reading.

With love and peace, 

Qiongster