2022 Financial Recaps That Will Affect You In 2023

Financial recaps that will affect you in 2023

by with No Comment General EconomyMoney ManagementPersonal FinanceProperty InvestmentReflection

Give yourself a pat in the back as 2022 haven’t been an easy year for everybody. I know some who pass away because of COVID. I know some who are retrenched. I definitely know more than one person who had a mental breakdown. I would like to say that you have already done well. Your best will look different everyday.

Your Best Will Look Different Every Day
Your Best Will Look Different Every Day

While 2022 is ending, there are some financial news that are still impacting our lives. I will be updating the 4 most impactful financial recaps that happened in 2022 and will continue to impact us in 2023.

2022 Financial Recaps That Will Affect You In 2023
2022 Financial Recaps That Will Affect You In 2023

#1: Increase in CPF Top Up Tax Reliefs

In 3 Key Changes To CPF Policies From 2022 (if you haven’t read, this is my top article of 2022), I wrote about the change in rules for tax reliefs for Retirement Sum Top Ups (RSTU).

In a nutshell, the amount of tax reliefs structure have been streamlined to be up to $8,000 (instead of $7,000). and this cap will now be shared between Special Account (SA), Retirement Account (RA) and the MediSave Account (MA).

If you are planning to RSTU in 2023, the new limit will be $8,000.

#2: Interest Rates Increasing

I believe the era of low interest rates will be ending and we are moving to a more “reasonable” interest rate ranges. This increase in interest rates have sent some shockwaves to the property market. On the flipside, this means that the interest in your bank account will finally increase.

Frequent readers of my blog will know that I share about the power of the R.E.V. strategy to increase cashflow from your bank accounts. However, as the rules of the banks keep changing, I have refocus my attention on getting more consistent returns elsewhere.

I check if there are changes among the bank multiplier accounts and will only change if the changes are drastic. Best High Interest Saving Account Singapore 2022 will give you a glimpse of what’s available now. I’m willing to bet that there might have already been some new changes already.

In any case, keep things simple and consistent.

#3: Property Rules

Higher interest rates will affect the property market and the local government have already lay down new rules for this. 3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore.

Loans will have a higher stress test. This will mean that you will get a lower loan amount if you plan to buy a house. If you are purchasing HDB, the loan to value have dropped from 85% to 80%, this mean that you have to increase cash payment by 5%

The one that got the most concern is of the 15 months waiting period for switching from private to HDB. While this has spooked the market. I believe there will be an increase in smaller condo units as a result.

#4: We Are Still in a Bear Market

I will share some statistic to give equity investors a glimpse of hope.

The average length of a bear market for the S&P500 is 289 days. The market begin it’s slide on 3rd January 2022.  This will mean that the bear market will end (on average) on 19 October 2022.

While we have obviously passed that date, this mean that we may be due for a recovery soon. (Disclaimer: this isn’t financial advice and just statistics).

I have written a guide on Bear Market Survival Tips and The Pros And Cons Of Dollar Cost Averaging. This guide has been written as I receive many enquiry on what they should do during this bear market. Please take some time to read them.

 

Final Thoughts

The financial planning industry will evolve every year. While the rules of the game might change, it is vital to keep moving towards your end goal.

You are not alone in this. I suggest that you can consider to work with a trusted financial advisor that evolves with the economy. Otherwise, take time to read and understand the changes so that you can move towards your intended goal.

I wish you all the best. Take care!

Chengkok is a licensed Financial Services Consultant since 2012. He is an Investment and Critical Illness Specialist. Wealthdojo was created in 2019 to educate and debunk “free financial advice” that was given without context.  

Feel Free To Reach Out To Share Your Thoughts.

Contact: 94316449 (Whatsapp) chengkokoh@gmail.com (Email)
Telegram: Wealthdojo [Continuous Learning Channel]
Reviews: About Me

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author.

 

Save on Cable Bills by Streaming Your Favorite Channels

Save on Cable Bills by Streaming Your Favorite Channels Singapore

by with No Comment Money ManagementPersonal Finance

Are you burnt out or bored with Singtel or StarHub?

Do you wish you had a broader variety of things to watch without paying for extraneous channels?

Are you frustrated with MediaCorp TV?

Do you miss the days of variety from satellite dish entertainment?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you will be well-rewarded for reading the rest of this article. Provided below is a guide to getting digital entertainment for discerning Singaporeans who want to cut the cable (Read More: Purge Your Money Burdens) but still access media on their own schedule and at more negotiable prices.

Save on Cable Bills by Streaming Your Favorite Channels
Save on Cable Bills by Streaming Your Favorite Channels

Determine the Right Video Streaming Service and Plan

Because there are many streaming services out there, you need to understand what each platform offers. While it is best to do your own research, we can assist by providing an overview of the major providers, their pricing and even highlighting which ones have free trials.

Netflix

While the platform that allowed streaming to rise to its current prominence has recently taken several hits, Netflix is still a solid streaming service for original programming. It also features a decent catalog of television and films that is constantly being subjected to updates.

Pricing Structure: Netflix offers three subscription tiers.

  • Basic (S$12.98/month) – This option has a single-screen limit and only offers standard-definition content. Downloads are limited to one device.
  • Standard (S$17.48/month) – This option has a two-screen limit and offers Full HD content. Downloads are limited to two devices.
  • Premium (S$21.98/month) – This option has a four-screen limit and adds Ultra HD to content options. Downloads are limited to four devices.

Free trial – 30 days

Disney+

If you love anything Disney-related or its many subsidiary properties, then this is the streaming service for you.

Pricing Structure: Disney+ subscriptions come in a few plans.

  • Monthly – S$11.98/month
  • Yearly – S$119.98 upfront
  • StarHub Bundles – StarHub features several bundles that include Disney+.

Free trial – Not available

Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video (check review) is full of original series and films, as well as a respectable library of third-party content.

Pricing Structure: Anyone interested in a Prime Video subscription can pay S$2.99 a month. It includes access to Amazon Prime.

Free trial – 30 days

Apple TV+

If you are a fan of all things Apple or curious about shows like “Ted Lasso”, you might consider giving this platform a shot.

Pricing Structure: S$6.98/month.

Free trials – 7 days

HBO GO

HBO GO is an exhaustive compilation of Hollywood films, blockbusters and original series from the various brands of HBO and Cinemax.

Pricing Structure: Anyone interested in an HBO GO subscription without using another service provider can pay either S$13.98/month or S$29.98/three months.

Hayu

Over 200 reality programs are available the same day that Americans see them.

Pricing Structure: S$4.99/month.

Free trial – 7 days

iQiyi

If you love your pan-Asian media, this streaming service is for you. They even offer several original programs.

Pricing Structure: Anyone interested in subscribing to iQiyi has two options:

  • Standard – S$8.98/month with a two-screen limit.
  • Premium – S$12.98/month with a four-screen limit.

Viu

Nicknamed ‘Korean Netflix’, this streaming platform is a reliable spot for binge-worthy Korean dramas.

Pricing Structure: Anyone interested in subscribing to Viu has three options with special pricing available for student subscribers:

  • Basic – This is the ad-supported free tier but comes with only limited access to standard definition programming. Users can access content 72 hours after it becomes available to Premium users and may download one show at a time.
  • Premium – Users have unlimited, ad-free access to Viu’s catalog and are free to download as often as they wish. New shows become available 8 hours after the telecast. While this tier is available for S$7.98/month, that cost is reduced for lengthier subscriptions: 90 days, 180 days or a full year (S$7.58/month, S$7.19/month and S$6.39/month, respectively).
  • Premium (Student) – Students who present a school ID can receive a discounted subscription to Viu Premium that only costs S$3.98 per month.

Free trial – 7 days.

Buy a Video Streaming Device

Once you know which streaming services you like, your next step is acquiring a device to stream those services. In the simplest of terms, this is like a set-top box that connects directly to a TV and allows you to watch your favorite films and shows through that TV; think of it as a replacement for a cable box. While there are dozens of brands on the market, the major names include Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and Roku.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a better idea of your options, you now know which services can best suit your tastes in media. You will need a streaming device to enjoy them on a screen bigger than your phone, tablet or monitor (Read More: How To Save On Big Ticket Purchases). You can safely cut that cord and still find plenty of entertainment to consume with friends and family.

(Read more: The Ultimate 4 Quadrants Shopping Guide Especially If You Are 28 and Older)

Chengkok is a licensed Financial Services Consultant since 2012. He is an Investment and Critical Illness Specialist. Wealthdojo was created in 2019 to educate and debunk “free financial advice” that was given without context.  

Feel Free To Reach Out To Share Your Thoughts.

Contact: 94316449 (Whatsapp) chengkokoh@gmail.com (Email)
Telegram: Wealthdojo [Continuous Learning Channel]
Reviews: About Me

3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore

3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore

by with One Comment Money ManagementProperty Investment

Singapore is not new to property cooling measures. Do you know that the first property cooling measure was done in September 2009? I believe this was conveniently done after the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2008 to protect the property market in Singapore.

While I believe that cooling measures are introduce to allow Singapore’s property market to achieve slow consistent growth, there will definitely be effects on homeowners, buyers and the renters crowd. I want to share 3 main implications of the new cooling measures done on 30 September 2022.

3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore
3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore

Higher Interest Rate To Calculate Loans

For property loans granted by private financial institutions, MAS will raise by 0.5%-point the medium-term interest rate floor used to compute the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) and Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR).

For residential property purchase loans and mortgage equity withdrawal loans, they will using the  4% per annum (p.a.) floor (up from 3.5% p.a.).

3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore Maximum Loan Amount
3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore Maximum Loan Amount

Putting this into numbers, the maximum loan that banks will be able to provide will reduce by the following amount. Personally, I think there will be no major impact from this as the quantum for the properties are in the millions. This will affect buyers who will not be able to stretch (even more) when it comes to bidding for the property.

If asked if the interest rate floor will increase again, I personally don’t think so and likely to hover around the current rates. The MAS-MND-HDB have commented that “They (interest rates) are expected to rise further in 2023 along with US interest rates, before settling at a higher level compared to the lows during the period 2013 to 2021.”

Loan-To-Value from 85% to 80%

This is applicable for HDB housing loans only (Private LTV limit remains at 75%). This means the HDB buyers will have to increase cash downpayment by an extra 5%.

I believe this is aimed at HDB that are bigger in nature namely 5RM, Jumbo, Executive Apartments etc. In particular, this aims to reduce the raise of the million dollar HDB (231 Million Dollar HDB from Jan to Aug 2022). I believe the government intends for HDB to remain affordable and want to reduce the use of HDB to do speculation.

3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore LTV Effects
3 Effects of Property Cooling Measure Singapore LTV Effects

Personally, I think there may not be major impacts even for the higher quantum levels. You will also be glad to know that first timers or the lower income group will not be affected much by this because of the housing grants (up to $80,000) available for them.

15 Months Wait Out Period For Switching From Private to HDB

This is perhaps the most talked about measure as it will affect people is planning to sell their private property into a resale HDB. Currently, people who have private properties have to sell it within six months of the HDB flat purchase.

Now, there is a wait-out period of 15 months after the disposal of their private properties before they are eligible to buy a non-subsidised resale flat. This means that it will not be easy to move towards HDB. You will be glad to know that this is a temporary measure.

You will also be glad to know that this will not affect those age 55 and above who is choosing to downgrade at that time**.

I believe there will be 4 main effects of this.

#1: There will be an increase in demand for smaller condo units. If people who do not want to wait for 15 months, they may consider to downsize to the smaller condo units. I believe transactions (perhaps price) for 2BR to increase in the months ahead.

#2: There will be an increase in demand for 4BR HDB resale units. For people age 55 and above, the 15 months wait out period will not apply to them** if they shift to a 4BR HDB or smaller.

#3: In general, lower transaction as the buying pool has shrunk. I believe that over the next quarters, the overall transaction might be lower as HDB upgraders will think twice. This reduces the effective buying pool.

#4: In general, rental rates will increase.

Final Thoughts

I believe that the government is planning for a sustainable and gradual growth of property prices. The emergence of million dollar HDB, the increase in property prices and the increase in interest rate calls for prudence for financial planning.

The effectiveness of the cooling measure will be tested as Copen Grand (7 Oct) and Tenent (Mid Nov) hits the market soon.

Property play a big role in our financial planning. It will be prudent to understand your own financial situation before making a decision into the market. It is also important to remember that other asset class (eg: insurance, estate planning, equity investment) should be taken into consideration when planning for your financial future.

I wish you all the best. Take care!

Chengkok is a licensed Financial Services Consultant since 2012. He is an Investment and Critical Illness Specialist. Wealthdojo was created in 2019 to educate and debunk “free financial advice” that was given without context.  

Feel Free To Reach Out To Share Your Thoughts.

Contact: 94316449 (Whatsapp) chengkokoh@gmail.com (Email)
Telegram: Wealthdojo [Continuous Learning Channel]
Reviews: About Me

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author.

Best High Interest Saving Account Singapore 2022

Best High Interest Saving Account Singapore 2022

by with 2 Comments General EconomyMoney ManagementMoney Mindset

I never thought there will be a day the banks will adjust their interest rates upwards again(DBS, UOB, OCBC). In 2018 period, the local banks came out with a great marketing program to give higher interest. It was heavily discussed. However, it was short lived as the banks slowly reduced the amount of interest.

Learning from the past lessons, I view that this interest increase as temporary in nature and you shouldn’t base your long term planning (insurance or investment) to increase your interest in your bank account.

In this article, I will take on several assumptions to decide which bank account is the best for you in 2022.

Best High Interest Saving Account Singapore 2022
Best High Interest Saving Account Singapore 2022

Assumptions Taken

Marketing Message From The Banks

This is the current marketing message from the banks.

Based on the marketing message, OCBC sounds the best. It is also good to know that OCBC changed their program 1 month after DBS and UOB have made changes.

First Elimination

With our assumptions, we feel that DBS multiplier is the worst out of the 3.

DBS Multiplier Account Working
DBS Multiplier Account Working
DBS Multiplier Account Interest Tiers
DBS Multiplier Account Interest Tiers

Based on our assumptions, we will only hit 1 category in DBS multiplier. I feel that we shouldn’t increase our transaction categories just for the sake of the higher interest.

Effectively, there will be a higher interest on the first $25,000. Your interest of 1% will give you $250 annually.

Best Fuss Free Bank Account: OCBC 360 Account

OCBC is rank the best fuss free bank account in my opinion as they follow a very simple interest tier model.

OCBC 360 Account Interest Tiers
OCBC 360 Account Interest Tiers

Following our assumptions for using only salary crediting and spending on credit card, the effective interest rates (EIR) 1.5% resulting in an annual interest of $1500.

However, I like this more as this is fuss free. If you don’t want to hit the credit card spending of $500 monthly, the salary option will have an EIR of 1.1% resulting in an annual interest of $1100. This is great for people who do not want to keep track of their spending for the sake of the extra interset

Best Higher Interest Bank Account: UOB One

UOB and OCBC comes up very close but UOB wins because of the ease of understanding of their UOB one card.

UOB One Account Interest Tiers
UOB One Account Interest Tiers

The emphasis of UOB is the credit card spend. If you do not hit the minimum of $500/month, then the interest be affected. Hence, this will only work if you are certain to be able to hit the monthly eligible credit card spend of $500.

The total annual interest (inclusive of cash rebates) from UOB One account and UOB One Card is $1,700 making this the best higher interest bank account for now.

 

Final Thoughts

There you have it. Personally, I’m went with the OCB 360 account because of the ease of use.

I believe that choosing your bank account is one of the first steps to plan for your finances. At the same time, I will avoid buying products just to get that extra bit of interest as the interest might change in future again.

That being said, you should always have a long term perspective when it comes to planning. I will recommend you to use the retirement calculator to have an idea how much you need for retirement.

I wish you all the best! Take care.

 

Chengkok is a licensed Financial Services Consultant since 2012. He is an Investment and Critical Illness Specialist. Wealthdojo was created in 2019 to educate and debunk “free financial advice” that was given without context.  

Feel Free To Reach Out To Share Your Thoughts.

Contact: 94316449 (Whatsapp) chengkokoh@gmail.com (Email)
Telegram: Wealthdojo [Continuous Learning Channel]
Reviews: About Me

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author.

Retirement Calculator Singapore

Retirement Calculator Singapore: How Much You Need To Plan For

by with One Comment Investment AccumulationMoney ManagementPersonal FinanceRetirement

In 2022, I having more conversations with my clients whether they should increase their retirement sums due to inflation. I begin to realize that it is not easy for them to project their future needs when they don’t know the perimeters needed.

Hence, I have build up a quick calculator for them to calculate in less than 1 minute how much they need and how much they have to invest NOW to achieve their retirement goals.

Retirement Calculator Singapore
Retirement Calculator Singapore

The Assumptions

Behind every model requires a few assumption. I will go through the ones that require more thought process.

  • Replacement Ratio

This is the percentage of income to maintain lifestyle. Most studies suggest aiming for a target of between 70 and 85 percent of pre-retirement income. Typically, most of us spends a certain portion of our income to maintain our lifestyle. Some of us will spend more, some of us will spend less. To most of us, our spending habits will stay with us for a long period of time.

For Example: Peter earns $6K monthly and spends $4K every month on household needs etc. This means his replacement ratio is roughly 67%.

  • Inflation Rate

Though this is well defined, it is not easy to determine a meaningful figure especially when inflation has been going up in the last few months. From the graph below, you can see that we have spikes in inflation previously. However, it has been maintained at a certain level for prolong periods of time.

While, MAS does not have an explicit inflation target. The MAS has concluded that, on average, a core inflation rate of just under 2%, which is close to its historical mean.

I would think to err on the side of planning, we can use a inflation rate of 3%.


source: tradingeconomics.com

  • Expected Investment Rate

This is the rate that you want your investment to grow yearly to reach your goals. For this to be effective, it would be easier to attribute it to your risk profile which will then lead you to the appropriate investment instrument you will find suitable.

If you are someone who is risk adverse, you might consider fixed deposits which typically gives around 1% per annum. For Singapore bonds investment, the yield typically is around 2% to 3% depending on the tenure of the bond.

For those that are more adventurous, the SPDR Gold Trust (SGX: O87) annualized 10 Years Performance is 1.29%. Straits Times Index (SGX: ES3) annualized 10 Years Performance is 4.4%. SPDR S&P 500 (SGX: S27) annualized 10 Years Performance is 12.96%. Average yields are a reference point and can be used as a pinch of salt.

Taking a pause here, all forms of investments carry risks, including the risk of losing all of the invested amount. Such activities may not be suitable for everyone. With an additional disclaimer, the above doesn’t represent a buy/sell/hold recommendation.

The Retirement Calculator

 

Final Thoughts

I think planning beyond 2022 will be an interesting discussion as we are in midst of existing developments (Russian-Ukraine, China-Taiwan, Monkeypox, COVID19). However, we should let it stop us to plan consistently for the future.

If realised you have a retirement shortfall, congratulations! It is time to do something about it. There are various instruments available and I will be glad to have an open conversation with you on how to do that with you.

If you feel like something needs to be done, the next place you need to go to is here (to read more) or simply contact me using the information below.

I wish you all the best! Take care.

 

Chengkok is a licensed Financial Services Consultant since 2012. He is an Investment and Critical Illness Specialist. Wealthdojo was created in 2019 to educate and debunk “free financial advice” that was given without context.  

Feel Free To Reach Out To Share Your Thoughts.

Contact: 94316449 (Whatsapp) chengkokoh@gmail.com (Email)
Telegram: Wealthdojo [Continuous Learning Channel]
Reviews: About Me

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author.