Practical Guide to Ang Bao or Red Packets

Ang bao, also known as red envelopes, is a traditional practice that is commonly observed during Chinese New Year and other special occasions in many cultures. The practice involves giving a red envelope that contains money as a symbol of good luck and fortune for the upcoming year. The money inside the red envelope is believed to bring blessings and prosperity for the recipient.

During Chinese New Year, it is a common practice for adults to give red envelopes to children, or for older people to give red envelopes to younger people. The practice is also observed during weddings, where guests are expected to give red envelopes as a form of gift for the newlyweds. This tradition is still widely practiced in Singapore and other parts of Asia today.

The practice of giving red envelopes is rooted in Chinese culture and tradition. The color red is considered auspicious and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The money inside the red envelope is also believed to bring blessings and prosperity for the recipient. This is why it is common for red envelopes to be given during special occasions such as Chinese New Year and weddings.

The amount of money to be given in an ang bao can vary depending on personal preference and the relationship with the recipient. It is generally believed that the money inside the red envelope should be in denominations of an even number, as odd numbers are associated with funerals. Some people may choose to give amounts such as $8, $88, or $888, as the number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture because it sounds similar to the word for "prosper" or "wealth." The amount can range from a small token of $2-$5 to larger sums such as $50-$100.

In Singapore, it is common for the ang bao rate to be $50 - $100 for weddings. However, it can range from $20 - $500 or more. Some people may choose to give an amount based on multiples of $18, $28, $38 or $88, as these numbers are considered auspicious in Chinese culture. The ang bao rate is not set in stone, and the most important thing is to give what you can afford.

It is important to note that the practice of giving ang bao is not limited to Chinese culture. Many other cultures also have their own versions of red envelopes and gift-giving traditions. For example, in Vietnam, it is common to give red envelopes filled with money during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. In Korea, it is common to give cash in a white envelope during weddings or other special occasions.

In conclusion, the practice of giving ang bao is a tradition that has been passed down through generations in many cultures. It is a symbol of good luck and fortune, and is a way to pass on blessings and prosperity to the recipient. It is a practice that is still widely observed today, and is a way to continue to keep the tradition alive. While the amount given in an ang bao may vary depending on personal preference, the most important thing is the thought and sentiment behind it.

Luxury - Gulfstream V

The Gulfstream V is more than just a jet, it's a symbol of success and luxury. This long-range, large-cabin, ultra-long-range business jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace is the ride of choice for the who's who of the business world. From tech moguls to media tycoons, the Gulfstream V is the ultimate status symbol for the elite.

The spacious cabin of the Gulfstream V can comfortably accommodate up to 19 passengers, and it's equipped with all the bells and whistles one could want. From comfortable seating, a full galley, and a private lavatory to advanced technology such as high-speed internet, satellite communications, and an entertainment system, the Gulfstream V leaves no stone unturned in providing the ultimate flying experience.

Powering this beauty are two Rolls-Royce BR700-710A2-20 engines, ensuring exceptional performance and reliability. The aircraft also boasts advanced navigation and avionics systems, including a full-color weather radar, a traffic collision avoidance system, and a head-up display.

But what truly sets the Gulfstream V apart is its incredible range capabilities. With a range of up to 6,500 nautical miles, it can fly nonstop from New York to Tokyo or London to Sydney, making it a favorite among the jet-setting business elite. It's no surprise that the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey are among the proud owners of this coveted jet.

Safety is also a top priority for the Gulfstream V, equipped with features such as an emergency descent system, a ground proximity warning system, and a traffic collision avoidance system.

The Gulfstream V is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a statement of success and luxury. From the boardroom to the runway, the Gulfstream V is the ultimate symbol of success for the elite.

Lessons from Atomic Habits

"Atomic Habits" is a well-written and well-researched book that provides practical and actionable advice for building and maintaining good habits. The author, James Clear, presents the concepts in an easy-to-understand and relatable way. The book is filled with real-life examples and case studies that illustrate the principles outlined in the book.

One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on the power of small, incremental changes in achieving big results. Clear argues that small, atomic habits are more manageable and less daunting than big, sweeping changes. By focusing on small habits, readers can gradually improve their lives without feeling overwhelmed.

The book also provides a comprehensive system for building and maintaining good habits. Clear lays out a four-step process for creating new habits and breaking old ones: cue, craving, response, and reward. This system is easy to understand and provides a clear roadmap for readers to follow.

Clear also offers practical tips and strategies for making habits more attractive, such as using rewards and making habits easy to start. This is a key point, as it's easier to stick to habits when they are enjoyable or rewarding, and that makes the book more actionable

One of the book's limitations is that it doesn't delve deeply into the psychological and neuroscience behind habits. While the book provides a lot of practical advice, it doesn't delve into the underlying science of why habits form and how they can be changed.

In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to build and maintain good habits. The book is well-written, easy to understand, and provides a comprehensive system for creating and breaking habits. While it doesn't delve deeply into the science behind habits, it offers a lot of practical advice and strategies for making changes in your life.

Lessons from Richest Man in Babylon

"The Richest Man in Babylon" is a collection of short stories written by George S. Clason. The stories are set in ancient Babylon and are told in a parable-like format. They are designed to teach readers about the principles of personal finance and wealth-building. The titular character, Arkad, is considered to be the richest man in Babylon and is held up as a model of financial success.

One of the key messages in "The Richest Man in Babylon" is the importance of saving and investing. Arkad learned early in his life that "a part of all he earned was his to keep." He saved one-tenth of his earnings and invested it wisely, allowing his wealth to grow over time. This message is still relevant today, as many people struggle with saving and investing for the future. By setting aside a portion of their income and investing it wisely, people can build wealth over time and achieve financial freedom.

Another important principle in "The Richest Man in Babylon" is the importance of living below one's means. Arkad was able to accumulate wealth because he lived a simple and frugal lifestyle. He avoided unnecessary expenses and focused on building his wealth, rather than spending it on frivolous things. This is an important lesson for people today, as the culture of consumerism often leads to people spending beyond their means and getting into debt. By living below one's means, people can save more money and invest it for the future.

The book also emphasizes the importance of education when it comes to money and finance. Arkad was not born into wealth, but he was able to acquire it through hard work and learning about money and investing. He sought out the advice of wise men who had already achieved financial success and applied their wisdom to his own life. This is a valuable message for readers, as many people are not taught about personal finance in school. By seeking out knowledge and taking the time to learn about money and investing, people can empower themselves to achieve financial success.

Finally, the book encourages readers to take action towards achieving their financial goals. Arkad did not just sit around and wish for wealth, he took action and worked hard to achieve it. The book encourages readers to set financial goals and take the necessary steps to reach them. This includes creating a budget, saving and investing money, and seeking out education and advice from those who have already achieved financial success.

In conclusion, "The Richest Man in Babylon" is a timeless classic that teaches valuable lessons about personal finance and wealth-building. The book's messages of saving, investing, living below one's means, and education are just as relevant today as they were when the book was first written. By following the principles outlined in the book, readers can empower themselves to achieve financial success and build the life they desire.

Singapore Savings Bond - November 2022

Applied for another 10k of Singapore Savings Bond.  The 3.47% yield was just too tempting to ignore.  What other instrument can give this yield over 10 years?  

Most other products like fixed deposit probably cannot compare with the yield and liquidity of the SSB.

Assuming one has 200k in SSB, you can expect around 6-7k in interest income every year based on a yield of 3-3.5%.

That is a reasonable sum for passive income paid out twice yearly.  And it is CAPITAL GUARANTEED. 

Twitter Begins Laying Off Employees

After Elon Musk completed his purchase of Twitter for US$44 billion,  a round of layoffs have begun.

This was after most of the C-suite executives have been let go in earlier weeks. 

A New Delhi-based Twitter employee has said her entire team has been fired. 

Multiple sources have indicated that 180 of its 230 odd employees have been terminated.  The few remaining survivors worked mainly on government engagement and critical maintenance operations. 

Employees who were let go found that their access to work emails had been revoked.  Most employees were expecting some notice period even though they were aware of rumours in the past few weeks. 

In Singapore, Twitter employees have also been let go though it is not known how many employees were laid off. 

A search on LinkedIn shows that Twiiter is still hiring though

It was reported that Elon Musk had earlier indicated that he intends to cut 3,700 jobs (half of Twitter's global workforce) in a bid to drive down costs. 

In the US, a class- action lawsuit has been filed by workers in San Francisco's federal Court who said they were not given enough notice. 

Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter is not without controversy. After he took over the company,  the CEO, finance chief and senior legal executives were all let go.

Musk has taken on the role of interim CEO and has also brought in Tesla employees to help run the company. 

As Twitter has been taken private,  its stock has already stopped trading on New York Stock Exchange on Friday. Shareholders will be paid US$54.20 for their shares. Existing shareholders will not need to do anything as their brokers will handle all the necessary. 

Twitter has been listed since 2013. 

The Wire-Meta Fiasco

What is truth?

Tough to answer that. Where does journalistic creativity end and falsehoods begin?

India was shook when an online news portal reported that Amit Malviya (BJP IT cell head) was granted amazing powers by Meta to take down any social media post without any questions asked. 

"The company has given Malviya two levels of privileges – he can post as he likes, without the rules governing the platform applying to him, and he can impose his will as he pleases to have posts critical of the BJP, the Union government, or right-wing Hindu politics, deleted.”, The Wire’s story had alleged.

Meta executives called out the bluff in response. 

After questions were raised followed by public outcry,  the online leftist news portal purportedly even produced inside letters proving or alluding that there was some truth in their earlier reports.  

Of course, all this was proven false and the news articles were taken down. 

It was reported that: "In its apology on October 27, the Wire acknowledged that the “internal editorial processes which preceded publication of these stories did not meet the standards that the Wire sets for itself and its readers expect from it.” However, it did not issue an apology to Malviya or Meta. Two days later, Malviya filed a case against the Wire for cheating, forgery, criminal defamation and criminal conspiracy. "

And then,  there were news that police has raided the offices of Wire.

Bad day for journalism in India.

 “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”