November 2025 marks a significant milestone on the journey to Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), with my net worth soaring to a record high of SGD 2.03 million.
The surge in net worth has been primarily turbo-charged by strong performances in my key investment holdings, notably S-Reits and DBS, supplemented by consistent contributions to my CPF, successful capture of US option premiums, and persistent salary savings.
Net Worth Allocation: A foundation of security for growth
My current financial structure reflects a balanced strategy, prioritizing security while maintaining a strong commitment to growth.
Safe Heavens (61%)
CPF (34%): CPF constitutes the bulk of my wealth and foundation of my retirement savings. I intend to make cash top-ups to my Medisave account to enjoy tax reliefs after Medishield Life premiums are deducted in Dec 25.
Cash and war chest (18%): Liquid reserves strategically stashed in fixed deposits and Fullerton cash funds earning around 1% p.a. provide peace of mind and security for unexpected expenses or investment opportunities.
Bonds (9%): A balanced portfolio of low-risk Singapore Savings Bonds and Astrea PE Bonds ensures stability and provides steady source of passive income.
Retirement Savings and Protection (16%)
SRS (12%): A tax-deferred engine for supplementary retirement savings, diversified across $30k of SSB and local stocks such as Comfortdelgro, DBS, OCBC, Keppel DC Reit, Keppel Reit and Wilmar.
Insurance (4%): 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.
Equities (23%)
Stocks and Reits (24%): 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. To enhance returns, I am actively selling cash-secured put options on high-growth US tech companies like AMZN and NVDA to collect premiums, a strategy aimed at either generating income or acquiring desired assets at a discount.
The Pursuit of FIRE
While net worth is the critical compass in the pursuit of FIRE—reflecting how close one is to the point where assets can sustainably fund all living expenses—the philosophy itself transcends mere accumulation.
The pursuit of FIRE is, fundamentally, about reclaiming control: control over our time, our choices, and the design of our lives. It creates the ultimate flexibility—the power to choose to work if we want to, to pursue passions full-time, or to take breaks without financial strain. This journey is a deliberate investment in security and a growing buffer against life's unpredictability.
Having successfully achieved the psychological milestone of SGD 2 million ahead of schedule, the focus now shifts decisively to tangible cash flow and long-term targets. I am secretly looking forward to achieving at least $36,000 in annual passive income by the end of this year, another $30,000 in "free" interests from CPF on 1 Jan 2026 and setting a more ambitious net worth goal of SGD 3 million by year 2028.
Financial independence is not an end; it is the power to design a life we do not need a vacation from, with the space to breathe, to live, and to thrive.
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.
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