Cory Diary : Update on Trades 2018-0908

Singapore Saving Bond

Plan to apply for another switch in Singapore Saving Bond ( SSB ). Can't help it as is more than 20% up from a year ago. As last time, I expect the switch to be quite straight forward. Recall the bond I want this month and applied for the coming one same time. Unless we see significant jump in interests from SSB, this should be the last batch near term.


OCC 5.1% NCPS

Yes, it has been recalled. Vested in this for 7 years of varying amount. Total return is about 15k.
It will take some time for the capital to be returned to my account. Decided to replace some of the "Dividend Gap" with Ascendas Reit giving about 6% due to recent placement news. I thought is a good opportunity.
Price may go lower but I don't think it will affects much long term since it is a stable large reit.


JD.com

My foray into US market is not smooth sailing this week. CEO was arrested on rape allegations. He was allowed to leave without bail. So I will hold on to it for now.


That's all I can quickly remember !


Cory
2018-0908

Cory Diary : Investment in Personal Time

One of my team member's father passed away yesterday in his office. We were in shock as his father is only 53. The primary cause speculated was Work Related Stress. While we strives for higher income or financial independence, first rule of investment probably should be to make sure we can take care of our family and ourselves well. And this kind of capped our limit on how much we can push our goals. However we must never lose sight of healthy lifestyle. Investment in our own personal time is equally important.

Just recently my team scored above 90% in Company survey in overall key score on employee feedback on favorable responses. This is 6% above from last year and about 20% ahead in company average. I am pleased because we are in Best-in-Class Category. There are many questions asked in the survey but not all is used to compute the key measurement score. That's do not mean those questions asked that do not have the weight-age in it is not important but more due to relevancy. One of such question asked is Work Life Balance. We hit 96% Positive and remaining 4% above average on this one.

Some people maybe skeptical on such survey but based on my experience this gives management a good indication on where the company and teams are heading. And what we should focus on in the future to direct it. Happy Employees Happy Profits. Over the years my management style has changed on reflection of such surveys as well. This is my 15th I think. Every-time I look at newly promoted manager, deep in my heart i know it will take him a decade probably to catch up without mentor / guidance in people management because I saw it all.


Cheers

Cory
20180905

Cory Diary : A Chat with my Wife on financial planning

I have some chats with my wife on family financial planning. Here's how it goes.

Innocence Cory :
In 2 years time I would have (updated for privacy) passive income. That should be enough to cover our annual expenses without touching my principal. That's exclude yours as well (Hinting : I could quit anytime ... )

Stressed Wife :
Where got enough. How about your housing loan ? Baby how ? Parent allowance leh ?
I want to go Europe. I think our home is too small. My parents also need to be cared. (Hinting : what ?! )

Innocence Cory :
This amount is already above Median Income leh. As long we do not overspend that should be ok. You need to stop throwing away fruits that is not in perfect condition, finish up all the foods and less choosy in the place we can eat. The apartment is small but still bearable... (Hinting: Is you )

Stressed Wife :
Those sorted fruits i thrown out has cut or damaged.  Those restaurants known for roaches and hygiene problem. The apartment is too small for kid to grow. Get it ? But we can do away with the Aquariums. (Hinting: Here's your pain )

Innocence Cory : ... , ... ( Sweating )


Cory
20180902