Blog

Retirement in Singapore isn’t something that’s on the minds of most people in their 20s, but it’s actually something that you need to start paying attention to — now.

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Contributed by Sani Hamid, Wealth Management Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at sanihamid@fa.sg) This article is a concise version of a report released Feb 7

At the start of the year, there was growing evidence that 2020 could start off on a positive note economically relative to the experience of 2019. Signs were emerging of what seemed to be better times ahead as some global macroeconomic data were actually showing signs of stabilization after months of deterioration. For example, in late 2019 and early 2020, we were seeing headlines such as “Singapore manufacturing back in expansion mode after 7-month slump”¹ and “Signs of a global recovery in manufacturing are starting to show”².  Even the IMF’s January 9, 2020 World Economic Outlook publication was titled “Tentative Stabilization, Sluggish Recovery?”.³

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Contributed by Sani Hamid,Wealth Management Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at sanihamid@fa.sg)

In recent months, talk of a recession has been gradually increasing on the back of deteriorating global macroeconomic data. While many countries have not officially entered a recession (which is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative quarter-on-quarter growth), the signs are ominous that it would – sooner rather than later. Given this, what should investors do and how should they position their portfolios? Below, we outline 5 things an investor should take note of as we potentially head into a recession.

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Contributed by Tan Siak Lim, Financial Advisory Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at siaklim@fapl.sg)

All along, there have been 2 camps of financial consultants arguing for their opposing cases.

The larger group of traditional insurance agents usually argue that whole life insurance is superior, whereas a smaller “new age” kind of consultants would argue that term insurance is the best solution for ALL situations.

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Contributed by Grace Ang,  Financial Advisory Manager, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at graceang@fapl.sg)

The research report on “What older people need in Singapore: A household budgets study” was released in May 2019. It has derived a budget of $1,379 per month for a single elderly to meet the basic standard of living. This generated much interest and discussions, especially on whether $1,379 per month is sufficient for one to live on during retirement.

I would like to share some of my thoughts.

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Contributed by Kenny Loh, Senior Consultant & REITs Specialist, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at kennyloh@fapl.sg)

A real estate investment trust (“REIT”) is a popular asset class among income seeking investors due to its regular dividend payouts. However, there are pains unknown to most investors that are seldom shared by speakers in public seminars.

The following 4 pains are the common issues constantly faced by REITs investors throughout their whole REIT investing journey.

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Contributed by MK Chan,  Corporate Development Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at mkchan@fa.sg)

Do you want your financial consultant to listen to you and understand your goals and situation?

Do you want to have your problems solved by solutions that are relevant and reassuring to you?

If you said, “Yes”, you are in good company. Generally, as clients, individuals and businesses would answer the same way. So would we at Financial Alliance.

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Contributed by Michelle Ee,  Wealth Management Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at michelleee@fa.sg)

If you are over age 40 and own a few life insurance policies, I am sure at least one of them is a whole life plan. Will you buy more whole life plans?

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by MK Chan,Corporate Development Director, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at mkchan@fa.sg)

Financial Alliance and our financial consultants emerged winners at the FPAS Financial Planner Awards 2019, picking up 7 trophies at the gala dinner on 5 April 2019.

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Contributed by Poh Liang Siah,Financial Advisory Manager, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at liangsiah@fapl.sg)
Author’s Disclaimer: My comments are based on my recent personal experience of being an executor for a deceased family member and solely represent my own views.

Unbeknown to me, I was named an executor in a will of my family member. When the testator passed on, I was kicked into action. Here are some three things I learnt from my experience which may help you to decide if you should take up the role should anyone ask of you.

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Investment Advisory: Conquering Investors’ Fear

Contributed by Sani Hamid,  Director, Wealth Management (Economy & Market Strategy),  Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at sanihamid@fa.sg)

In this issue, I want to highlight how investment advisory plays a crucial role in helping investors conquer a major scourge when it comes to investing: fear. This can relate to either the feeling of over-pessimism or over-optimism among investors.

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Suffered an Investment Loss? What do you do?

Contributed by Sani Hamid,  Director, Wealth Management (Economy & Market Strategy),  Financial Alliance Pte Ltd
(The contributor can be contacted at sanihamid@fa.sg)

When the markets fell sharply in the last quarter of 2018, some investors may have suffered losses. If you are one of them, what do you do?

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