What Are Your Stock Picks for 2010?

Everybody who invests in the stock market definitely has their favorite stocks for the year.

Reading the Sunday Times today, I read on how the various investors and managers were giving their stock picks for 2010.

I realised that I have not picked out my top stocks that I would like to acquire for the year 2010. In fact, if there are any, it will most probably be the same stocks that I acquired during 2009.

What are you top stock picks for the year 2010?

To start the ball rolling, mine would include these stocks
1. First REIT
2. Ascott REIT
3. Suntec REIT

Currency Crisis for 2010?

As we begin the new year, we need to look back at where we have left off in 2009 so as to make wise investment decisions for 2010.

For me, I am almost certain that a currency crisis of the US dollar is way overdue. Well..you do not have to take my word for it but at least you can trust investor Jim Rogers and websites like the Motley Fool.


The financial crisis which was caused by too much debt is being solved by increasing debt(ironic isn't it??). That is perhaps the most tell-tale sign that the Federal Reserve is way over enthusiastic about actively stirring the country away from depression. The amount they are spending is way over board and it seems that they are keen on totally destroying the US dollar.

Gold and Silver are hitting new highs because the US dollar is being devalued.


In fact, the BRIC countries are proposing that trade move away from the US dollar and be based on a basket of currencies instead.

Two quick questions to all people out there.

1. How can one really PROFIT if the US dollar is to become devalued in the future?

2. Which is the safest currency to place your money in should a US dollar currency crisis take place?

A day at East Coast Park

I went to East Coast Park today to do some cycling and walking.

I must say that I am quite amazed at the recent developments and how the beach seems to have alot more sand than before.

There are a lot more eateries and there was also the newly opened skateboard park near the Jetty.

The crowd that was at East Coast Park was also amazing. Lots of people running, cycling, blading or just walking their dogs. Many people were also playing beach games at the beach.

I am pretty sure that they imported sand from somewhere and threw it all around East Coast as it looks a lot like Sentosa already.

Anyway, the wife and I rented a bike each at a total cost of $13 for 2 hours. We cycled to the nearby food centre and ate some delicious chicken wings which cost $3.60 and had some drinks which cost $3.50. After cycling for a little while more, we got tired and decided to return the bikes.

It is amazing but we paid $13 for the bike rental and I do think that the bikes can be used again and again for almost eternity (okay, maybe for 5 years). It seems that the bike rental stores there are really having a good business (not to mention location).

It is empty during the weekdays but during the weekends, the number of bikes that they rent out can easily hit a hundred every hour. Simply amazing!

Read Recent Articles:
1. Review of Best Posts for 2009

Review of Best Posts for 2009

While we usher in the new year, I would like to look back at 2009 and pick out what I feel were my best posts for the year at SgFinancialFreedom.

Here are the top 3 postings in this blog which I personally liked.

1. Unit Trust Fund Screener I felt that there was a need to share on this wonderful fund screener with people who read this blog. I am afraid that this posting might have slipped the eyes of some so I am highlighting it here once again. Next time, before you invest in any unit trust (even those unit trusts which you buy from the insurance companies, be sure to check it out first using Lipper)

2. $50 to Give Away. The Winner of this contest was Musicwhiz who is also a prominent blogger in the Singapore blogosphere. It was the first time that I had given something away on this blog and I was just encouraged by the amount of participation.

3. 10 Steps to Financial Freedom. This was the first 10 part mini-series that I started and I felt that it was a good try out for me. It really took a lot of discipline to write about a certain topic continuously for days. This was espeically so when I had to write after work and my mind could not think clearly. Nevertheless, the response that I got was pretty good.

So there you have it, the top 3 postings for 2009. I do hope to bring more original and interesting content for the year 2010 even as I continue my journey towards financial freedom.

If you have any suggestions on how I could improve my blog (or any criticisms), please feel free to leave a comment!

New Year Towards Financial Freedom

A new year ahead towards financial freedom as I continue my journey.

This year, I hope to make up for lost ground and increase my passive income to $600 per month. I failed in my attempt last year but it does not matter. A new year, a new beginning.

I still have not sat down to write out my resolutions for this year but I hope to do it pretty soon!

Just to share how I spent my new year... I basically spent it at home watching TV.

I also managed to finish a book that I started reading less than 3 days ago. So in 1 Jan 2010, the first book that I completed reading was: To Kill A Mocking Bird.

My wife kept saying that it was a good book to read but I have put it off until now. I am glad that I managed to finished it around 2.00am on the first day of the new year.

Right now, I am sitting here sipping my white wine with the History Channel currently showing a biography of Dr Mahatir.

The new year has come once again and I can only be amazed at how fast time has passed.

I sincerely wish all a Happy New Year! May all your dreams come true in this new year. May we continue to share our journey and both the ups and downs.

Debts and Loans for 2009

With the year 2009 coming to an end, I have already done a brief review of my stock portfolio and insurance portfolio. You can view them by clicking here and here.

As I enter into the year 2010, my debts/loans are only from my house and my car.

My outstanding mortgage loan (@2.6% interest rate) currently stands at $246,478.64

Car loan should be around $25000

What are your outstanding loans as you enter into the year 2010?
Do you plan to decrease it or are you okay with such debts?

Insurance Portfolio for 2009

After reviewing my stock portfolio for 2009, it is only right that I also review my current insurance portfolio and the changes that I have made for me and my family.


Currently there are 3 members in my family. We are covered under the following insurance plans:

Myself
1. Aviva MyShield Plan 1 (Covers hospitalisation)
2. SAF Group Term Insurance ($100K)
3, AXA Future Protector ($200K)
4. AIA Achiever ($100K)
5. Manulink Flexi ($200K)
6. TM Asia Whole Life ($160K)
7. Dependent Protection Scheme ($46K)

My Wife
1. Aviva MyShield Plan 1
1. SAF Group Term ($100K)
2. AXA Future Protector ($200K)

My Kid
1. Aviva MyShield Plan 2
2. Manulink Flexi ($100K)

I figured that this is the best that I can afford for insurance for 2009. I have covered myself for close to $800k while my wife is covered for $300K). My son is covered by a hospitalisation plan as well as an ILP which serves for both protection and as a savings for his education.

If possible, I would like to increase my wife's coverage as well as my son's coverage. But all these will have to wait till I get a higher pay =)

How much are you insured for?