Family

Everyone has different priorities in different stage in life, and that's totally understandable. For me, as simple as it might sound, we always have a choice in what we want to do. It's all about "allocating" the priorities. To answer your question, I choose to read updates from my investing community rather than general market news (for eg). It's about choosing which "makes more sense" to you. It's never easy, and sacrifices have to be made sometimes, but at the end of the day, we all made the best choice we see fit at any point in time :)

Hello, I hope you're doing well amidst these times both physically and mentally. I've just started reading 7 habits of highly effective people. One of the analogy they used is to imagine you're attending a funeral, only to realise its your very own. There are 3 speakers who will share about their experiences and how you've lived your life: 1. Your spouse/family member, 2. A close friend, 3. A work associate. Now think about what you want them to describe you; your character, contributions and achievements. Once you think about those 3 things mentioned, you can start to centre your life around those principles and build goals and dreams to reach them. With this extended circuit breaker, theres more time to think about long term goals and dreams apart from finances. All the best!

The 2 answers below mentioned very good points. However, it is important to understand your parents' POV that they are worried that you will spend your hard-earned money without concern. I believe you can talk to your parents about and convince them that you spend your money wisely. For e.g. You can chart your income and expenses month and justify your purchases. Have a good talk with your parents about this over dinner. Nothing cannot be discussed as a family.

Try contacting MOM?

No, you do not need to. Unless you used your own CPF to pay for the flat (which would require you to be a co-owner at least), there is no requirement to pay back the withdrawn amount into CPF after death.

My parents are not that young anymore and I do not want them to take or feel that they are at risk when it comes to investment. After much consideration, I decided not to convince them to invest their money, but rather, I will invest more of my money to support them somehow. I am their retirement plan.

Can try wood working if your dad is more of a hands on man like mine. For the mom, can go for selling home made goods usually food, crafts and so on. Not sure about actual jobs though.

How much data/text/calltime does your family members require? I believe that a sim-only plan is definitely worth the money if you're not someone who requires constant phone upgrades. That aside, there're many competitive plans out there. That aside, I would recommend you to take a look at the plans Giga, Gomo, TPG and Grid Mobile offers based solely on the price point of the $25 Starhub plans you've mentioned.

I think first and foremost, good to sit down and discuss it with this family member. Basically, it is to have a common understanding that this is your money that you're talking about, and the gravity of returning the sum. If he/she understands it, over time there may be lapses. So if you decide to lend money to the person, be prepared that you may not get back whatever is lent, should you decide to preserve this family relationship. However, if you feel this person's character is questionable (i.e. does not respect the relationship) but still want to ensure you get back your money after lending, I'd suggest to get free legal advice and maybe see if it's reasonable to draft a legal document to enforce repayments, as well as understand what will happen in terms of cost and proceedings, if this borrower doesn't repay. The person may think twice of borrowing from you, if he/she needs to sign a legal document, because the issue now has more weight to it and it is a legal one at that. If he/she decides to proceed, it will give you a piece of mind. https://www.lawsocprobono.org/pages/community-legal-clinic.aspx Do not let anyone treat you in a way you do not want to be treated, not even family.

Hi Shu ting, Based on my understanding, if your dad is 53 years old this year, he was offered a universal life policy. The policy is actually a legacy policy, where you and your family is guaranteed a payout of 500k on death, disability or terminal illness. Its hard to say whether its necessary, because I do not know the context of the conversation your dad and his friend had. If it is a matter that concerns you, do speak with your father to at least align his and your thoughts together first. There will be a point where your father's term policies will expire, and he will not have any form of coverage for himself. It would be good if you just took a step back, and spoke to your father before drawing any conclusion. I do hope i was able to answer you queries!