In January 2026, my net worth propels to a record high of SGD 2.13m.
This is fueled by collection of salary, bonuses, CPF contributions, stable performances from core investment holdings in S-REITs and local banks, the successful capture of US option premiums and the growing US tech portfolio.
My net worth breakdown is as follows:
Safe Heavens (59%)
CPF (33%): bulk and foundation of my retirement savings. On 1 Jan 2026, I collected $22k of CPF interests. I have made $1k cash top-up to my Medisave account after the uplift of Basic Healthcare Sum to $79k in 2026 and $5k to my mum's CPF retirement account, to enjoy tax reliefs.
Cash and war chest (17%): 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, local stocks such as Comfortdelgro, DBS, OCBC, Keppel DC Reit, Keppel Reit and Wilmar, and idle funds deployed in money market funds.
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 (25%)
Stocks and Reits (25%): 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 building up the US growth stock portfolio to include the likes of tech compounders such as AMZN, MSFT and NVDA while also actively selling cash-secured put options to collect premiums, a strategy aimed at either generating income or acquiring desired assets at a discount.
The Attainment of FIRE
While net worth remains the critical compass of Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) reflecting the assets required to sustainably fund living expenses, the philosophy itself transcends mere accumulation. Having already exceeded SGD 2 million in assets and generated over $40,000 in annual passive income in 2025, I am pleased to achieve FIRE before age 40.
FIRE is, fundamentally, about reclaiming control: control over our time, our choices, and the design of our lives. It creates the ultimate flexibility and power to choose to work if we want to, to pursue passions full-time.
FIRE grants us the ultimate leverage moving forward: the freedom to adopt a truly carefree—and where necessary, 'f* you'—attitude in the workplace. This journey is a deliberate investment in security and a growing buffer against life's unpredictability.
My financial targets for 2026 focus on tangible cash flow, long-term growth and are as follows:
Passive Income: Adjusting the goal to $48,000 in annual passive income.
Growth Portfolio: Establishing a US growth portfolio valued above USD150,000 as part of my total SGD1 million investment portfolio.
Net Worth: Aiming for a net worth of SGD 2.25 million by the end of Dec 2026.
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. If a nobody like me can do it, so can all of you.
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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