[Post 314] Why Are Cars So Expensive in Singapore? | Street Interview

Summary

We hit the streets of Singapore to talk to locals about their car prices and to find out why Singapore is the most expensive country in the world to buy a car.

[Post 313] Why Even Rich People Will Receive CDC Vouchers in Singapore

Summary

Unlike the usual support scheme, the CDC Voucher Scheme is for all households, including the rich. So why did even your rich friends receive the CDC vouchers?

[Post 312] What stocks should I buy during a recession? | Money Talks podcast

Summary

With many signs pointing to a looming recession, is it time to add some resilience to your portfolio? Are there “recession-proof” stocks that are worth investing in? 

Alvin Chow, CEO and founder of Dr Wealth, charts a path through these uncertain times for host Andrea Heng on this episode of the Money Talks podcast.

[Post 311] Why buying a house in the US is so hard right now

Summary

Homeownership in the US is basically synonymous with the idea of the American Dream. Owning your own home, the story goes, confers both self-determination and security — instead of paying a landlord, you own a growing asset that will form the base of your wealth. Homeownership is ingrained in US society; the majority of American adults are homeowners.

But somewhere along the line, something changed. Homeownership has been way less accessible to millennials and gen Z than it was to their parents, in part because of dwindling housing supply. But even within that generational disparity, 2023 was a uniquely bad year to try to become a new homeowner. Watch the video above to see exactly how bad, and why.

[Post 310] I Live On $183K/Year & Own Four Rental Properties Worth $2.3 Million | Millennial Money

Summary

For his day job, Karun Vij earns $183,000 as a regional sales manager for an automation supplier. But before the age of 33, he has also amassed four properties, worth over $2.3 million. His ah-ha moment came about in college, when he realized the value of buying up student rentals -- and he doesn't plan to stop any time soon.

This is an installment of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 309] Why Used EV Prices Are Falling

Summary

Used EV prices are falling. Studies show that used EV prices fell somewhere around 30 percent in September and October 2023 from the same period in 2022. Used overall vehicle prices including ICE, hybrid and EVs declined by only around 5 percent. It bodes well for buyers, but some say it is yet another sign demand is faltering and that consumers may see EVs as a bad investment. Others say those fears are overblown. Interest rates are high and consumers are pulling back on spending. And despite price drops, EVs are still expensive.

[Post 308] How America Racked Up A $1 Trillion Credit Card Bill

Summary

Americans have accumulated a record-breaking $1 trillion in credit card debt.

This comes as the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes have caused average interest rates for credit cards to spike to more than 22%. Rates on retail credit cards are even higher, nearing 29% on average.

"Even if you're working and your wages are up, your rent costs more, your groceries cost more, your gas costs more, everything costs more," said Tedd Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.com. "So people don't feel like they're getting ahead."

Despite rising costs and higher borrowing rates, a record number of consumers shopped over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The National Retail Federation found that more than 200 million consumers hit the stores that weekend, a few more million than the 196.7 million shoppers who turned out in 2022.

However, big box retailers like Macy's and Nordstrom have issued warnings about a slowdown in repayments on their credit cards over the summer, highlighting a potential risk to retail revenue this holiday season. The resilience of the American consumer will continue to be tested by the still-rising costs of groceries, gas and housing. And, not to mention, the return of student debt payments.

Watch the video above to find out more about how Americans' credit card debt ballooned past the $1 trillion threshold, and whether U.S. consumers can keep spending enough to keep a looming recession at bay.

[Post 307] How To Earn More Interest On Your Savings | Money Mind | Savings

Summary

Low-risk ways to get more interest from your savings - but is there a catch?

[Post 306] Don Don Donki & Decathlon: What You Didn't Know About Megastores | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Summary

You may have shopped at Singapore's largest Japanese snacks store and the world's biggest sports retail chain. But beyond their maddeningly repetitive theme song and speedy online deliveries, what do you truly know about Don Don Donki and Decathlon? 

Discover which Don Don Donki offers the most affordable snacks and how to navigate the labyrinth of towering treats. Uncover the peculiar night occurrences at Decathlon, and equipment that can be set up in mere seconds. It's a journey into the hidden workings of megastores.

[Post 305] How Sports Megastore Decathlon Gets You To Spend More Than You Planned

Summary

Ever wonder why you always end up spending more time and money than you intended at Decathlon? 

From a strategic store layout to striking signs that encourage product testing, we uncover the tactics deployed at Singapore’s largest Decathlon store that encourage shoppers to buy more. 

[Post 304] Is A Recession Coming In 2024? | Money Mind | Finance

Summary

Should you be bracing for an impending slowdown in 2024?

[Post 303] How WeWork Went From $47B Startup to Bankrupt Penny Stock | WSJ What Went Wrong

Summary

WeWork, once a-venture-capital darling, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Co-founded in 2010 by Adam Neumann, the filing marks a reversal for the company that specialized in leasing shared workspaces and was once valued at $47 billion. 

WSJ breaks down how the desk-rental company went from one of the world’s most valuable startups to a bankrupt penny stock.

[Post 302] Travel Insurance: How To Save Money And What You Need To Know | Money Mind | Travel

Summary

Should you always buy travel insurance?

[Post 301] Am I Too Old To Start Investing? How To Catch Up | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

You're never too old to invest. If you are young, you have time on your side. But if you think you have missed the boat, there are still ways for you to start to catch up.

[Post 300] Investing In Singapore Bank Stocks: Is Now The Time? | Money Mind | Stocks

Summary

Is it a good time to invest in Singapore bank stocks?

[Post 299] Why Is My Economic Rice So Expensive? How Can I Save Money? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

With over 30 dishes to choose from, economic rice stalls are known for their variety of choice, convenience and economical price point. But of late, diners are complaining about the exorbitant prices of their cai fan or mixed rice dishes. Since January till mid October this year, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has received 11 economic rice-related complaints, on the lack of price transparency. 

[Post 298] Tips To Build A "Cockroach Portfolio" To Weather Different Economic Cycles | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

How do you create a portfolio that is built for survival, just like a cockroach?

[Post 297] Falling Ringgit: How Are Malaysians Managing Their Money? | Money Mind | Malaysia

Summary

The Malaysian ringgit has fallen to its lowest level since the Asian financial crisis. How do you manage your finances, when the value of the currency keeps going down?

[Post 296] Are Singapore REITs Still A Good Investment? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

Prices of Singapore real estate investment trusts or REITs have been dropping all year. So are they still a good investment – and how do you spot a bargain?

[Post 295] Meet China’s ‘Full Time Children’: Why Unemployed Youths Are Working For Their Parents

Summary

Amid China’s record youth unemployment levels, some young people are moving back home to work as paid ‘full-time children’. As their parents’ live-in personal assistants, they do simple chores and spend time with them in exchange for free rent or even a salary. Some document their daily routine as part of a viral online trend on Chinese social media. 

But, not every family is fully onboard with this alternative ‘career’ decision. Some ‘full-time children’ report tensions at home and anxieties about their formal jobless status.

[Post 294] What Pakistan’s Debt Dilemma Reveals About Looming Global Default Crisis | Debt Bomb | Full Episode

Summary

According to the IMF, debt is at the highest level in decades. With high interest rates and a global economic slowdown, 60 percent of low-income countries are either already in debt distress or at high risk of debt distress. Pakistan is one country that has gone to the IMF recently for a bailout package. How is the country’s debt burden impacting its people? How is the debt problem further exacerbated by climate change? And what is the role of China’s Belt and Road initiative in Pakistan’s debt situation? 

Pakistan is just one of 70 about countries struggling with a debt burden. With debt repayment expected to go up in 2024, will we see a global financial contagion and a deluge of defaults?

[Post 293] How To Reduce Your Income Tax Bill In Singapore | Money Mind | Tax

Summary

Tips on how to pay less tax in Singapore. 

[Post 292] Very Few Malaysians Can Afford To Retire. What Went Wrong? | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

Between 2020 and 2022, around USD$33 billion was withdrawn from Malaysia’s pension fund, the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, about half of EPF contributors under the age of 55 have less than MYR10,000 in their accounts. And according to EPF officials, only 4 per cent of Malaysians can afford to retire. 

As soaring inflation and the weak ringgit drive up cost of living, the opposition has piled pressure on the government to allow for another round of EPF withdrawals. But Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has resisted further drawdowns. Can Malaysians afford to retire? What plans does the government have to replenish the pension fund? Is Malaysia facing a retirement timebomb?

[Post 291] High costs of living in Seoul make Koreans grind themselves down to the soul | Undercover Korea

Summary

Over 20% of Korea's population is located in Seoul. Many people are coming to Seoul for the Seoul Dream, like the American Dream in 1960's. But the costs of living are so high to settle in Seoul.

[Post 290] How To Steal And Lose More Than $3 Billion In Bitcoin | CNBC Documentary

Summary

Twenty two year-old hacker Jimmy Zhong said he never meant to become a criminal billionaire. But that’s what happened in 2012 after he found a way to steal bitcoin from the Silk Road – a dark web exchange then known for some of the most unsavory trade on the internet – drugs, guns and porn. Over the next decade, the coins Zhong stole rocketed in value, ultimately reaching an eye-watering $3.36 billion.

Photos show Zhong on yachts, in front of airplanes, and at big time football games over the decade he confounded law enforcement officers trying to solve the theft. He even bought a weekend lake house to use as a party pad, and decorated it with a giant Trump flag and a stripper pole. But then, Zhong made a phone call that ruined his life.

In this documentary, CNBC’s Eamon Javers speaks exclusively with the IRS-CI, the agency that investigated this billion dollar crime as well as the people who knew Zhong during the decade he evaded law enforcement. Javers’ reporting also uncovers a long, digital trail that leads back to the earliest days of bitcoin and reveals a dark truth about the world of hackers and coders responsible for the creation of bitcoin.

[Post 289] Can Investing In Dividends Pay For Your Retirement? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

Can you live off dividends in retirement? We look at the pros and cons. 

[Post 288] How To Use A CDP Account To Kickstart Your Investment Journey | Money Mind | Investing

Summary

Young investors looking to kick off their investment journey have many options to choose from on the Singapore stock market. So what do they need to start buying stocks and other securities? And why is having an account with the Central Depository a good starting point?

[Post 287] Who Are The People Behind Malware Scams? - Part 2/2 | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

After investigating how malware scams affect victims, host Steven Chia heads to Vietnam to find out who is behind these scams and how easy it is to create malware. He meets a notorious ex-hacker who digs further into an app embedded with malware that was making its rounds in Singapore. He also finds out how sophisticated scams are going to get, and what we can do to protect ourselves. 

[Post 286] How Do Scammers Take Over Your Phone And Steal Your Money? - Part 1/2 | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

Ever scroll through your social media and come across an advertisement for food or cleaning service? But an innocent ad could turn insidious when the seller asks you to download an app to place an order or booking. Since the start of this year, some 750 people have lost a combined total of over S$10 million to malware app scams. In this episode, host Steven Chia investigates how these scams work and attempts to bait a scammer himself.

[Post 285] Volatile US Bond Yields And Stocks: Cause For Worry Or A Good Opportunity? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

How to look for opportunities amid the volatility in US treasuries.

[Post 284] No More Revenge Spending: How China's Gen Z Is Changing How They Shop | Money Mind | China Economy

Summary

2023 was meant to herald the return of the Chinese big spender. But the revenge spending hasn’t exactly panned out as expected. Instead, new consumption patterns are emerging in China’s post-COVID era. 

[Post 283] The Collapse Of FTX: Insiders Tell All | CNBC Documentary

Summary

Former billionaire, Sam Bankman-Fried, saw a meteoric rise as crypto's golden boy and an even more spectacular fall from grace as his $32 billion cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, collapsed in a matter of days. FTX customers and investors around the world watched in shock as a single tweet ignited a series of events that ended with the former crypto titan facing a dozen federal charges and waiting for trial behind bars. FTX customers, investors and employees were devastated to learn that $8.9 billion dollars in customer’s funds went missing from the exchange.

In this documentary, CNBC’s Kate Rooney speaks to the people most impacted by the fall of Bankman-Fried’s crypto empire. The in-depth documentary includes a candid interview with former President of FTX US who reveals what it was like to work directly for Bankman-Fried and what red flags concerned him most about the company.  FTX investor, Anthony Scaramucci, tells all about his front-row seat to the collapse and what it was like to visit SBF while his empire was crumbling around him.

Rooney’s reporting also uncovers first-hand accounts from FTX customers who share the impact of their catastrophic losses, and pull no punches when discussing what lured them into SBF’s house of cards. And far beyond SBF’s rise and fall, the documentary explores the battle that lies ahead over the missing billions, and whether customers will ever get any of their money back

[Post 282] How China Is Buying Malaysia's Largest Companies

Summary

Did you know that China is making big moves in Malaysia, buying up companies and investing in their future together?

[Post 281] “Lazy” millennials demanding work-life balance | 60 Minutes Australia

Summary

Anyone aged from their mid-20s to early-40s is considered a millennial. While the group is now the largest generation in Australia, it’s also the most heavily criticised. The flak comes mainly from older generations who are quick to complain that millennials are lazy and entitled, especially in the workplace.

Most of them probably couldn’t care less, but as Tom Steinfort reports, many of the millennials’ bosses are not sure how to handle their increasing demands for greater flexibility so they can have the freedom to enjoy acting their age.

[Post 280] Fractional Property Investment: You Can Now Buy A Part Of A Property. But Should You? | Money Mind

Summary

Fractional investing is a new way to get a share in luxury property, without needing millions in the bank. How does it work – and is there a downside?  

[Post 279] Living From Paycheque To Paycheque Every Month: Meet The Moonlight Clan | Money Mind | Adulting

Summary

Meet the Moonlight Clan – Gen Zs in the Chinese-speaking world, who spend everything that they earn every month. Can they break this cycle – and do they want to? 

[Post 278] Where You Should Stash Your Cash In Case Of A Financial Emergency | Money Mind | Personal Finance

Summary

Life is full of surprises. And when the unexpected happens, you can cope better with an emergency fund. Money Mind finds out how to grow your fund and keep the money accessible. 

[Post 277] Why The U.S. Won’t Pay Down Its Debt

Summary

The U.S. national debt is nearly $33 trillion as of early September 2023. Every year since 2001, the U.S. government has spent more money than it takes in, which means it has to borrow money to make up for the difference. The national debt is frequently discussed as a danger to future generations, but some economists say there’s no reason to get the national debt down to zero. One reason for that is without the debt, there would be no federal government securities, such as Treasury bonds, which provide investors a safe place to park their money while accruing interest. Most economist warn, however, that there’s a balancing act when it comes to the national debt. Watch the video above to learn more about why the U.S. can’t get a handle on the national debt and whether it even has to.

[Post 276] Where Should You Invest Your Money During A Downturn? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

What can investors do to recession-proof their portfolio? 

[Post 275] I Became Dad's Caregiver At 29: My Top Tips On Dealing With Dementia

Summary

At 29, Daniel Lim became his family’s sole breadwinner when his dad, Peter, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease while his mum was receiving treatment for breast cancer. Back in 2009, caregiving resources were scarce, and Daniel had to deal with financial woes, loneliness and caregiver’s burnout.

14 years on, Daniel has created a support system that taps on his neighbours, friends and even the neighbourhood barber to help with caregiving responsibilities. He also co-founded Enable Asia, a support group for fellow caregivers.

In this video, Daniel shares the lessons he learnt in 15 years of caregiving and tips on how to make it work. 

[Post 274] 29 years old and already $200,000 in debt... Either get rich or have no future | Undercover Korea

Summary

A lot of Korean 20-somethings are already heavily in debt in their 20s and 30s. They can't buy a house on their income anyway, so they're trying to hit the jackpot in stocks. They don't even realize they're addicted.

[Post 273] How Americans Are Struggling With Car Loans

Summary

More than 100 million Americans have an auto loan and auto loan debt in the U.S. is at a record high of $1.56 trillion. Between the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, alleged predatory lending practices, inflation, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, getting an auto loan is getting increasingly difficult and costly. CNBC spoke with Chase Auto and Toyota Financial Services to learn what's happening in the auto loan industry and what consumers can do to make sure they're protected.

[Post 272] How America Plans To Get Teens Back To Work

Summary

Small businesses across America — stores, restaurants, seasonal businesses such as ice cream shops — are still having trouble filling low-level positions, the kinds of jobs that would typically be filled by teen workers.

The labor force participation rate for workers ages 16 to 24 has plummeted over the past 20 years. The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 caused another big drop in youth workers. There's been a slight uptick in teens returning to work since then, but youth employment rates have yet to rebound from historically low levels.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the labor force participation rate among 16- to 24-year-olds has fallen from 65.8% in 2000 to 55.6% in 2022. To boost youth employment, lawmakers in at least 10 states have pushed bills to loosen child labor laws and protections to increase youth labor participation.

[Post 271] Where Thousands Of Tech Workers Went After Mass Layoffs

Summary 

Tech companies shed more than 386,000 jobs last year and in the first half of this year. And that number is climbing. But while layoffs have taxed workers, a booming artificial intelligence market is giving the industry a renewed sense of optimism. Generative AI startup deals announced or finalized In the first quarter of this year totaled more than $12 billion compared to about $4.5 billion invested in the space last year, according to PitchBook. Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft have also made significant AI investments. So how have layoffs impacted tech workers and what will the AI boom mean for their future? Watch the video to learn more.

[Post 270] How The Rich Use Debt To Make Billions - Best Tips and Tricks

Summary

Everyone seems to hate debt, yet, the richest people in the world all LOVE debt. Why? Because debt is a beautiful thing that anyone can use to their advantage.

Not too long ago, a very wealthy man wanted a new yacht. Not just any yacht- the world’s largest super sailing yacht, which features three decks, a swimming pool, a helicopter landing pad, and a kinetic-propulsion system. The massive vessel known as Y721 was built in a Dutch shipyard near Rotterdam and made headlines when it was revealed that he was considering dismantling a historic bridge to get the yacht to sea. 

The plan was ultimately scrapped after public outcry, and Y721 was quietly towed to a different shipyard for its finishing touches. 

But that’s not really the strangest thing about JB’s newest toy.Jeff Bezos,the founder of Amazon is an insanely wealthy man who could easily hand over the $500 million in cash to pay for his megayacht. But instead, he took out a loan to finance the build. Why would someone worth nearly 150 billion dollars take on debt?! I mean, someone call Dave Ramsey! 

The first way you can leverage debt to create wealth is by tapping into your home’s equity.

If you bought your house years ago, and have been making your full mortgage payments regularly, chances are you’ve built a substantial amount of equity in your home. Maybe it’s almost fully paid off. And this is a HUGE opportunity to grow your wealth.

You can use your home to build another income stream. Your primary home continues to appreciate in value, and so does your second property. 

Another way to use debt as leverage with the equity you have in your home is to obtain a home equity loan. A home equity loan comes as a lump sum of cash. It’s an option if you need the money for a one-time expense, like a down payment on a second property or a major renovation. These loans usually offer fixed rates, so you know precisely what your monthly payments will be when you take one out.

One thing rich people LOVE to do with debt is to use it to build an entirely new stream of income or expand on existing streams of income. You can use this same technique with your own business. This is how people end up owning multiple franchise locations, expanding their business product line, and doing a massive increase in hiring across their businesses.

But perhaps the most well-known and highly divisive way the rich leverage debt is by using it to avoid paying taxes. Jeff Bezos didn’t pay income tax from 2016 to 2018. And Warren Buffet paid only $23.7 million in taxes between 2014 and 2018, despite his wealth increasing by $24.3 BILLION during that time. 

First, when it comes to non-salary-related income, only profit is taxed. That means that while you can report a very high revenue at the end of the year, you can also offset the amount of taxes that you owe by reporting a very high total amount of expenses. Let’s take the example of Jeff Bezos, who, in 2007, paid zero dollars in federal income tax, according to ProPublica’s investigation. That year, Amazon’s stock nearly doubled. And Bezos reported $46 million in income, mostly from interest and outside investments. That entire amount was off-set by various expenses.

Using debt to grow even richer is just one of the things that the rich do to grow their wealth. But don’t do something ONLY because you see rich people doing it, because sometimes, rich people can give HORRIBLE advice. Check out my video about why you shouldn’t take financial advice from the ultra wealthy, I’m sure you’ll love it.

[Post 269] Being scammed led two Hwa Chong boys to set up sneaker marketplace now valued at US$80m | LWS

Summary

Richard Xia co-founded sneaker and streetwear e-marketplace Novelship because sourcing limited-edition apparel online left him susceptible to scammers. So far, it has raised US$23 million in funding, and rapper Snoop Dogg recently became a partner.

[Post 268] China’s Unemployed Youth: Why There Aren't Jobs For New Graduates | Money Mind | Full Episode

Summary

One in five young people in China’s cities is unemployed – and the situation is expected to get worse before it gets better. Why can’t China find enough jobs for its youth? If the city is lacking job opportunities, could the countryside offer greener pastures? Plus, meet China’s “full-time children” – young people finding job options closer to home.

[Post 267] Most Singaporeans feel they need at least S$500,000 to feel financially free: Survey

Summary

How much must we have saved before we can say we are financially free? A new survey by financial company Singlife puts the figure at around half a million Singapore dollars. This means putting aside S$1,700  a month over 27 years. But is that doable for most people in Singapore? CNA asks Chief Customer Officer at Singlife, Guillermo Arbeiza.

[Post 266] The End Of Free Money At The Federal Reserve

Summary

The U.S. is entering a new economic era. It began with an interest rate tightening cycle coming out of the Federal Reserve, with decisions that have reshaped personal finance in America. Some savings accounts can now return meaningful interest for the first time in years. It has also led to a Wall Street reshuffling, and a wave of corporate bankruptcies as some bad bets turn sour. With these free money years coming to a close, we examine how the Fed's decision-making has affected the economy.

[Post 265] Stuck With Low Pay, How Taiwan’s Young Graduates Cope With High Costs | Asia’s Stuck Generation

Summary

Millennials in Taiwan are facing a new reality — high cost of living, stagnating wages and tougher competition for well-paying jobs. Despite getting university degrees, many are not better off financially than their parents’ generation. Some are just surviving, with no savings at the end of each month.

Unlike their parents, who entered the workforce in the 1980s during the golden era of wage growth in post-war Taiwan, youths today face single-digit economic growth and slow wage increases, amid overall inflation and the rising cost of housing.

CNA Insider follows the lives of a few ‘trapped’ youths to see what they’re doing to cope - including working up to 4 jobs, or going overseas to work in F&B jobs.

[Post 264] Prices In China Are Falling: This Is Why You Should Be Worried | Money Mind | Economy

Summary

We’ve all felt the pinch of inflation over the past months. But there’s a new worry in the world’s second biggest economy. And it’s got to do with prices falling, rather than going up.

[Post 263] How This Singaporean Moved To Thailand To Be A Mushroom Farmer | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Summary

Singaporean William Leong, a former insurance manager, was inspired to become a farmer after visiting a mushroom fruiting chamber in 2017. Today, his mushroom farm in Thailand produces more than 40 tons of oyster mushrooms per year, for local consumption. How did he learn to grow mushrooms? What does it take to become a successful farmer there? William shares his secret with Host Ming Tan.

[Post 262] Can You Upskill Your Way To A Bigger Paycheque? | Money Mind | Jobs

Summary

How upskilling gives you an edge in the job market.

[Post 261] How We Live Without Money In Singapore: We Are Freegans | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Summary

They do not shop, they do not buy, they have no use for money. But their pantries are full and they want for nothing. In fact, they sometimes have so much, they have to give things away. This is the life of a freegan and there is a community of them living right here in Singapore. 

Rozz is inducted into the community and learns how to live for free for a week. First is a dumpster diving session in which she discovers, to her surprise, that no dumpsters (or diving) is actually involved. Then Rozz gets invited to a series of members-only food rescues and learns that ugly does not mean inedible. They even teach her how to cook creatively with rescued food and feast for free. The week culminates in Giving Day, a one-stop bazaar where people take what they want, no money needed.

[Post 260] Buying A Used Car In Singapore: What Should You Look Out For? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

The value of Singapore’s booming used car industry is scheduled to grow over 20% by 2027. And with the amount of used cars sold almost tripling that of new cars registered in 2022, it’s not hard to see why.

But with recent news reports putting the used car industry in a bad light - Many are more suspicious about buying second-hand amidst the increasing number of complaints about the industry. Is it really as bad as it’s made out to be? Is a used car worth the trouble? 

[Post 259] Singapore firms turn trash into profit in India's waste management sector

Summary

Singapore firms are looking to harvest growing opportunities in India's waste management sector, especially as the Asian country puts in motion efforts to go greener. This includes turning trash, like disposed electronic goods, into precious resources. 

[Post 258] Living On $43K A Year As A Professional Clown | Millennial Money

Summary

David Torres-Fuentes, 23, lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Jacquelyn, and they earn around $43,000 a year. David and Jacquelyn book parties as professional clowns through their new business, Abrakadabra Events. They also each work day jobs to help fund their life and business.

This is a Gen Z episode of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 257] How to earn $80,000, $90,000 and $100,000 in interest alone every year for retirement

Summary

An "interest-only" retirement plan can fund your retirement without draining your savings, but you will need to save a lot of money to make it possible. CNBC crunched the numbers, and we can tell you how much you need to save every month, broken down by age, to get $80,000, $90,000 and $100,000 every year in an interest-only retirement. Check out this video to learn how much you will need to turn that dream into a reality.

[Post 256] Book Summary 5: DIE WITH ZERO By BILL PERKINS

Summary

The money you leave behind doesn’t really say a whole lot about the life you've led. So how can you spend your money to live a truly blessed life?

[Post 255] What Are The Safest Ways To Stash Your Cash? | Money Mind | Savings

Summary

Tips on the safest ways to stash your cash.

[Post 254] Why Citibank Branches Are Closing Around The World

Summary

After the company’s collapse during the 2008 recession, Citi’s stock has continuously struggled. Shares of the company saw more than a 30% drop over the last 5 years. In 2021, CEO Jane Fraser announced a bold shift in the company strategy, exiting 14 consumer markets outside of the U.S. and instead doubling down on wealth management. It’s a tactical move that several other major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo have adopted in recent years. So will Citi’s bet pay off and can the company return to its former glory?

[Post 253] Document 72 Hours - The Convenience Store in a Midwinter Hokkaido Village Eng Sub

Summary

The Hokkaido village of Shosanbetsu is home to about 1,000 people and a single convenience store. Residents rely on this store as a source of fresh food and basic necessities, especially in midwinter. Among the customers were a woman who uses a sled to carry her shopping home; an octopus fisherman who shops there three times a day; and a hair stylist who knows everybody in Shosanbetsu. For three days as a blizzard buffeted the area, we spoke to the store's customers to get a glimpse at life in this village.

[Post 252] Heatwaves, water shortage, storms - why extreme weather is becoming more frequent | DW News

Summary

According to the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction, the average global temperature on Monday hit the highest level ever recorded, 17 degrees Celsius, 62 degrees Fahrenheit. As if that weren't enough, on Tuesday that record was shattered again.  

These are not records anyone covets.  Scientists say they’re part of the climate change equation.  A warming planet plus more extreme and unusual weather. 

In the Netherlands people are cleaning up and assessing the damage.  On Wednesday the strongest summer storm ever recording slammed into the country.   And that is where our first report takes us..

[Post 251] Follow Their Investment Journey Through Market Ups And Downs | Money Mind | Investment Strategies

Summary

Join three investors on their journey through market ups and downs. 

[Post 249] Book Summary 3: The Psychology Of Money By Morgan Housel

Summary

Have you heard the story about Ronald Read, the janitor that had 8 million dollars in savings when he died in 2014? Yes, you heard that right. Janitor. $8 millions. And he didn´t win the lottery or inherit the money either. He just saved consistently throughout his life, while letting the wonders of compounding do its thing. The morale is that your behaviour with money is oftentimes more important than how intelligent you are. 

Even if you don´t have a diploma from Harvard, or work on Wall Street, you can become rich by just behaving in a sound way. As Morgan Housel puts it: “financial success is not a hard science. It’s a soft skill, where how you behave is more important than what you know.” Spend your next ten or fifteen minutes on this video, and you might excel on the soft skill of investing! This is a top 5 takeaways summary of The Psychology of Money, by Morgan Housel.

[Post 248] The Massive Size Of Singapore's Largest Banks

Summary

Singapore is famous for one thing; its banking sector. But in all honesty, just how big is it really?

[Post 247] How A 95-Year-Old Lighthouse Keeper Lives A Long & Happy Life

Summary

Buddy Grover, 95, has been a volunteer at the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, NJ for the past 13 years. He lives on a $35,000-a-year pension from multiple jobs

[Post 246] How "Dad Shoes" Turned New Balance Into A $5 Billion Brand

Summary

What was once a favorite of dads across America is suddenly a fashion-forward brand in its own right. New Balance now has faster-growing sales than larger rivals Nike and Adidas, and fans range from Hailey Bieber to Kawhi Leonard. Here's how New Balance became a must-have for sneakerheads and dads alike.

[Post 245] Who Actually Pays For Credit Card Rewards?

Summary

About 90% of all credit card spending is on rewards cards like Delta SkyMiles, Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum. And these cards are hugely popular for a reason: you can earn cash back, upgrades on flights and many other perks. In 2019, about $35 billion in rewards was handed out to customers around the country. But how are banks paying for it all? A majority comes from interest earned from low-income consumers who revolve balances on a monthly basis. The rest is from merchant fees and things like annual, over-the-limit or foreign transaction fees. Some economists claim there's an annual redistribution of more than $15 billion from less to more educated, poorer to richer and high to low minority areas - widening existing disparities.

[Post 244] Chinese snap up homes in post-Covid Thailand

Summary

Many Chinese, eager to offset risks after the pandemic, are snapping up second homes overseas and Thailand, with its good international schools and quality medical facilities, is proving an attractive investment. READ MORE: https://str.sg/ioR8

[Post 243] Living On $230K A Year Selling Ice Cream With My Mom | Millennial Money

Summary

Annie Park, 32, makes $230,000 running Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream, an ice cream shop franchise, with her mom in the Washington, D.C. area. The ice cream business brought in $1.86 million in revenue in 2022.

This is an episode of CNBC Make It's Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.

[Post 242] Should Food Delivery Riders Just Get A ‘Real Job’? We React To Viewers’ Comments

Summary

Do delivery riders have it rough trying to earn enough? The two-part #TalkingPoint special on food delivery riders got tonnes of buzz. In this video, host Steven Chia and producer Sara Grosse respond to comments on social media.

[Post 241] Why Inflation Is So Sticky

Summary 

Everything is more expensive. Overall consumer prices are about 13% higher than they were in April 2021 and Americans are feeling the pain. Inflation, or the rate prices are increasing in the general economy, has been a persistent problem the past two years. The Federal Reserve had hoped inflation would normalize as the pandemic’s volatility subsided, but prices have stubbornly stayed well above its 2% goal. Watch the video above to learn why inflation sticks around and what we can do about it. 

[Post 240] What Makes Used Rolex Watches Worth More Than New Ones? | The Economics Of | WSJ

Summary

Rolex is the world’s most popular luxury watch brand, yet it’s not involved in many of its own watch sales. Surprisingly, some used Rolex models cost more than the new ones.

WSJ’s fashion columnist Jacob Gallagher explains how factors like long waitlists and supply chain issues have caused the used watch market to explode in recent years, and how Rolex is trying to get in on the action with its own certified pre-owned watch program.

Is the clock ticking on the used watch market’s popularity?

[Post 239] Living & Dying Alone: The Rise Of Single-Person Households Is Changing Societies | CNA Correspondent

Summary

In Japan, the average household had four members in the 1980s. As of 2020, 38% are single-member households. But the pace of households shrinking to just one person is rising fast. It’s likely to exceed 40% of all households very soon. Michiyo Ishida checks out a new solo dining trend amid the shifting social structure.

In South Korea, the rise of single-person households is also bringing sweeping changes to many sectors, including the funeral industry. Lim Yun Suk finds out why more young Koreans are choosing to stay single, with some even wanting to plan ahead for their funerals.

 

In the United States, Sally Patterson examines the price that solo living carries. Research shows singles in the nation fork out thousands of extra dollars on rent in what’s being called a ‘single’s tax’, as more Americans are unpartnered - meaning neither married nor living with a partner - than ever before.

[Post 238] Where Did Americans’ Savings Go?

Summary

The trillions in excess personal savings built up in the pandemic are beginning to vanish amid high inflation, according to Federal Reserve economists. The monthly saving rate fell to a 15-year low in 2022. It started a recovery in 2023, but remains well below long-term trends. Despite this slowdown in saving, consumer spending has remained robust, keeping the U.S. from recession. 

“Something like $2 [trillion] to $2.5 trillion above what we would have otherwise expected were saved by American households,” said Curt Long, chief economist at the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions.

Collectively, Americans have trillions in excess savings compared with expectations leading up to the pandemic, according to Federal Reserve economists.

[Post 237] Singapore a magnet for China billionaires | THE BIG STORY

Summary

With a boom in the world of wealth management over the past decade, the data appears to show Singapore as an attractive destination for family offices to manage the wealth of the super-rich, especially for those in China. 

We speak with Dr Yu Hong, senior research fellow at the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, on this issue and discuss its potential impact on Singapore.

[Post 236] Is it worth having kids?

Summary

Fertility rates are falling across the rich world, as more and more people are weighing up whether to have children. Raising them can be stressful and cost a fortune, but they might bring you a lot of joy. So all things considered, on International Women's Day, is it worth having kids?

[Post 235] Money matters: How to grow your CPF savings

Summary

Meet Stan. Stan’s worried about inflation remaining stubbornly high and eating into his retirement savings. One way for Stan to stay ahead of soaring prices is to grow his CPF savings through a range of investments. Let’s find out how...

[Post 234] Millennials & Gen Z: Young And In Debt. Why? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

With higher life expectancies, rising costs of living, and greater market volatility, the stakes are higher when it comes to the types of financial decisions young working adults have to make in Singapore today. In an Institute of Policy Studies and Talking Point survey, we polled young Singaporeans aged 21 to 29, to find out how they’re grappling with the rising costs of living. Are young adults getting more creative with how they spend their money? What matters to them? And might they be setting themselves up for more debt, compared to previous generations, in the years to come?

[Post 233] Why Tipping Is So Out Of Control In The U.S.

Summary

Tipping in the United States is on the rise and experts are calling it tipflation. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the number of tips provided at full-service restaurants grew by 17% from the fourth quarter of 2021. Meanwhile the tip frequency at quick-service restaurants rose 16% during the same time period. 

Experts say that's because of the newer and sleeker-looking Point-of-Sale, or POS, systems by tech companies like Square, Toast and Clover, who also have increased their sales as a result. The pressure to tip well in front of the tip receiver, before a service is completed, or in front of other customers makes a difference for many. After customers swipe their credit card, they're typically prompted with three large tipping options on a screen. While businesses can opt out of the tipping feature, most aren't. In fact, even Starbucks started prompting customers for tips in stores in September 2022. With Americans being pressured to tip higher percentages and for more services, the question is, where is the tipping point?

[Post 233] Apple vs. Banks: The Digital-Wallet War, Explained | WSJ

Summary

Digital wallets like Apple Pay are continuing to grow in popularity. Banks are worried they’re losing ground to tech companies eager to gain market share in consumer payments.

One of traditional finance’s biggest threats is Apple. Here’s how big banks are fighting back.

[Post 232] How a Traded-In Apple iPhone Gets Refurbished | WSJ

Summary

So you just traded in your used Apple iPhone 11 at your wireless carrier to get a deal on a brand new iPhone 14. Where does that old phone go? How do companies make money on it?

WSJ’s Joanna Stern heads to a U.S. Mobile Phones facility in New Jersey following an iPhone 11 through the refurbished process to explain how the second-hand phone market is a booming business

[Post 231] Young people living a lavish lifestyle on credit card debt | 60 Minutes Australia

Summary

Back in 2008, the global economy was in meltdown and the financial markets were in chaos. Basically, greed, dodgy loans and bad debt were to blame. So you'd think people were a bit cautious with their credit cards. Some may be, but not the kids they call Generation Y. 

They're young, reckless, and they've racked up an astonishing $60 billion of debt. New cars, new clothes, new toys, no problem. Just whack it on the card. These kids had never known tough economic times, so they think they were invincible but they're in for the shock of their lives. 

[Post 230] Why This Sign Is in Front of Banks | WSJ

Summary

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was created from the Banking Act of 1933 to prevent the bank runs seen during the Great Depression. With Silicon Valley and Signature Banks, the FDIC is doing what it was designed to do—cover insured deposits.

But it’s taken its promise even further, saying it will protect even the uninsured. Here’s how the FDIC works. 

[Post 229] Working As A Food Delivery Rider: Are We Paid Enough? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

In part two, host Steven Chia puts his pedal to the metal and becomes a food delivery rider. He finds out how dependent riders’ earnings are on platform algorithms and how certain incentives can make or break their daily income. He also investigates if their earnings that riders make is enough to last them through retirement and what more can be done for this group, besides the current protection measures out there.

[Post 227] Food Delivery Hustle: Is It That Lucrative? How Much Can You Make? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Summary

Flexible working hours, cash in hand and no qualifications needed – that’s what we see when we think about food delivery jobs. But is there more to it? The first of a four part series looks at the daily realities of everyday Singaporeans. Host Steven Chia finds out first-hand what it is like to be a delivery rider and if the algorithms of online platforms work against riders’ earnings. He also finds out what the consequences are of staying in this job for the long term.

[Post 226] What First, Business, And Premium Economy Classes Are Like On Singapore Airlines | Insider Business

Summary

I flew 40 hours from NYC to Singapore and back to see which cabin on Singapore Airlines was best. The first-class suite alone is one of the most expensive plane tickets in the world and can cost $23,000 round-trip. I even met YouTuber MrBeast on that flight. After reviewing the food, service, and seats, I had one favorite that might surprise you. Insider paid a media rate for these flights.

[Post 225] Why The U.S. Can’t End Poverty

Summary

37.9 million Americans are currently living in poverty, accounting for 11.6% of the total population. That’s despite the fact that America ranks first as the richest nation in the world in terms of GDP. Poverty in the U.S. is not only a humanitarian crisis but an economic one as well. About 11% of the federal budget, or $665 billion goes to economic security programs every year. Child poverty alone is estimated to cost the U.S. over $1 trillion based on the latest research. So how did poverty become such a big issue in the U.S. and why is it so difficult to end it?

[Post 224] How Nvidia Grew From Gaming To A.I. Giant, Now Powering ChatGPT

Summary

Thirty years ago, Taiwan immigrant Jensen Huang founded Nvidia with the dream of revolutionizing PCs and gaming with 3D graphics. In 1999, after laying off the majority of workers and nearly going bankrupt, the company succeeded when it launched what it claims as the world’s first Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Then Jensen bet the company on something entirely different: AI. Now, that bet is paying off in a big way as Nvidia’s A100 chips quickly become the coveted training engines for ChatGPT and other generative AI. But as the chip shortage eases, other chip giants like Intel are struggling. And with all it’s chips made by TSMC in Taiwan, Nvidia remains vulnerable to mounting U.S.-China trade tensions. We went to Nvidia’s Silicon Valley, California, headquarters to talk with Huang and get a behind-the scenes-look at the chips powering gaming and the AI boom.

[Post 223] What China's Shrinking Population Means For The Global Economy

Summary

China remains home to 1.4 billion people. But that number is getting smaller.

The country's National Bureau of Statistics reported China's population slipped to 1.412 billion last year from 1.413 billion in 2021. The last time China saw negative population growth was in the 1960s.

Many experts believe that China's one-child policy, introduced in the 1980s, is one of the main reasons for the population decline.

"China's one-child policy was a mistake," said Yi Fuxian, an expert on Chinese population trends at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "China is worried because its economic outlook is bleak."

China revised its one-child policy to two in 2016 and three in 2021. But despite the change, younger adults don't seem to be in much of a mood to follow the policy and have more babies. The country has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world, falling to an all-time low of 1.28 in 2020.

"This one-child policy has the Chinese people accustomed to one child per family," said Xiaolin Shi, an assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University. "So you can imagine how hard it is to change people's cultural attitude that has been such deeply rooted in their mind."

Some experts believe that slowing population growth is not only a concern for China but also a global concern, as the country has long been known as the world's factory.

"The global consumer is going to feel what's happening," said Mei Fong, author of 'One Child.' "What's happening in the bedrooms in China is actually affecting what's happening in the rest of the world."

Watch the video above to find out what caused China's population decline and how the shrinking population could alter the global economy.

[Post 222] How the U.S. Spent $1.4 Trillion in Debt Last Year | WSJ

Summary

The United States relies on taxes and debt for much of its spending — but what would spending cuts look like? Just last year, the U.S. took on over a trillion dollars in debt.

WSJ explains how much the Treasury relies on debt, where it goes and what happens when the Treasury hits the debt ceiling.

[Post 221] The Future Of KFC & Its Fried Chicken Empire | Inside KFC E3 | Our Stories

Summary

This documentary series goes inside the fast food giant KFC UK from their boardrooms to their kitchens. In the final episode, the future of the KFC UK brand is put under the microscope. Marketing expert Meghan hopes to change the public's perception by launching new healthier products like BBQ'd Pulled Chicken. First Meghan has to get the concept past franchisees like Acky, who own 65% of UK and Ireland stores. Following a photo shoot, Pulled Chicken hits the shelf in Glasgow to a lukewarm start. Manager Mark's team hit the streets with free samples and within days Pulled Chicken is flying off the shelves, just in time for Meghan to witness.

[Post 220] The Rise And Fall Of Forever 21

Summary

At its peak, Forever 21 made $4.4 billion in revenue and was one of the fastest-growing fast fashion empires. Now, the retailer is preparing to file for bankruptcy after alienating its core customers and struggling to keep up with the rise of e-commerce. As one of the largest tenants of American malls, a large-scale shutdown of Forever 21's stores could exacerbate the ongoing retail apocalypse.

[Post 219] Inflation Woes: How To Stretch My Food Dollar? | Talking Point | Budget Challenge

Summary

Inflation is at a near 10-year high in January this year, and it’s hitting our food prices hard. So it’s more important than ever that we stretch our dollar when it comes to our food. 

That’s the challenge that host Steven Chia issued to two families for a week - to either save money on their meals, or figure out ways to get more food for the same amount of money. How much can they achieve in a week? And can they do it without compromising on their current lifestyles?

[Post 218] Why McDonald’s Is Thriving In China

Summary

With 60 million customers daily, more than 40,000 locations in over 100 countries and 1.9 million employees McDonald’s is one of the world’s largest restaurant chains. And it is about to get even bigger. The fast food giant said it plans to open 1,900 new restaurants in 2023. Almost half of those locations will be in China. McDonald’s got its start in China in the early 90’s. 

Today, the chain has more than 4,500 restaurants in mainland China and Hong Kong with considerable room for growth. But it has faced headwinds along the way including lockdowns due to Covid-19, food safety issues and competition from rivals whose menus may be more suited to the Chinese palate. China is McDonald’s second largest market by store count behind the U.S. So how did the Illinois-based burger joint find success in a country known for its love of pork.

[Post 217] Book Summary 2: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5 by Timothy Ferriss

 "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss is a self-help book that was published in 2007. It is a practical guide that aims to help readers escape the traditional 9-to-5 workweek and create a lifestyle that they truly enjoy. 

Ferriss suggests that readers can work just four hours a week and still achieve their goals, whether that's traveling the world, starting a business, or simply having more free time to pursue their passions.

The book is divided into four sections: Definition, Elimination, Automation, and Liberation (D.E.A.L.). 

These sections outline Ferriss's step-by-step approach to designing a lifestyle that is based on one's passions, interests, and values.

In this summary, we will go over the key takeaways from each of these sections.

Source

Definition

In the "Definition" section of "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss, the author sets out to redefine commonly accepted concepts related to work, retirement, and time management. 

Ferriss argues that people should not have to wait until they are 65 to retire and enjoy their lives, but rather can achieve their goals and enjoy their lives now through what he calls "lifestyle design."

Ferriss defines lifestyle design as "the art of designing your life to fit your passions, interests, and values." He believes that people should design their lives around the things they love, and use work as a means to that end. 

Ferriss challenges the traditional notion that work should be the primary focus of our lives, and instead encourages readers to think creatively about how they can work less and achieve more.

To achieve this, Ferriss suggests that people need to re-examine their definition of "work." He argues that work is not about being busy or productive, but rather about creating value. 

Ferriss suggests that people should focus on the activities that create the most value for their time, and eliminate or outsource the low-value tasks that take up their time and energy.

Ferriss also challenges the traditional notion of retirement, which he believes is outdated and ineffective. He argues that instead of waiting until old age to retire, people should focus on achieving "mini-retirements" throughout their lives. 

Ferriss defines a mini-retirement as a period of extended travel or time off, during which people can pursue their passions and recharge their batteries. By taking mini-retirements throughout their lives, people can enjoy their lives now rather than waiting until they are too old to enjoy them.

Finally, Ferriss redefines the concept of time management. He argues that people should focus on the activities that create the most value for their time, and eliminate or outsource the low-value tasks that take up their time and energy. 

Ferriss suggests that people should strive to work smarter, not harder, and find ways to automate or outsource repetitive tasks so they can focus on the tasks that require their unique skills and expertise.

Overall, the "Definition" section of "The 4-Hour Work Week" challenges commonly accepted ideas about work, retirement, and time management. 

Ferriss encourages readers to think creatively about how they can achieve their goals and enjoy their lives now, rather than waiting until old age to retire. By redefining work, retirement, and time management, Ferriss offers a new way of thinking about how we can design our lives around our passions and interests, and achieve more with less effort.

Elimination

Another section is the idea of "elimination," which involves cutting out unnecessary tasks, people, and commitments from your life to make more time for what really matters.

Ferriss argues that most people waste a significant portion of their time on activities that don't add value to their lives, such as watching TV, browsing the internet, and attending pointless meetings. 

By identifying and eliminating these time-wasting activities, he believes that people can free up more time and energy to pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and live more fulfilling lives.

One of the key strategies for elimination is "batching" similar tasks together to save time and minimize distractions. 

For example, instead of checking email throughout the day, Ferriss recommends checking it only once or twice a day at specific times. This allows people to focus on important tasks without getting sidetracked by constant interruptions.

Another strategy for elimination is outsourcing tasks to others. Ferriss argues that most people waste time on tasks that could be delegated to virtual assistants, freelancers, or other professionals. 

By outsourcing these tasks, people can free up more time to focus on high-value activities that generate more return on investment.

Ferriss also stresses the importance of eliminating unnecessary people and commitments from your life. This includes saying no to social invitations, cutting off toxic relationships, and delegating work to others. 

By being more selective about the people and commitments you allow into your life, he believes that you can free up more time and energy to focus on what really matters.

Finally, Ferriss encourages people to eliminate unnecessary possessions from their lives. He argues that most people waste time and money on things that don't add value to their lives, and that by simplifying and decluttering their possessions, they can free up more time, money, and mental energy for what really matters.

Automation

In the "Automation" section of "The 4-Hour Work Week," author Tim Ferriss discusses the importance of automating as much of one's work as possible to free up time and increase productivity. 

Ferriss believes that by automating routine and repetitive tasks, individuals can focus on high-value activities that generate the most return on investment for their time.

Ferriss suggests that individuals start by identifying the most time-consuming and repetitive tasks they perform on a regular basis. These tasks can then be outsourced to virtual assistants or automated using software or other tools. 

Ferriss also recommends using services such as Elance, Odesk, and Freelancer.com to find virtual assistants who can perform these tasks remotely.

Ferriss also emphasizes the importance of documenting and standardizing one's work processes. By creating detailed instructions and procedures for routine tasks, individuals can more easily delegate these tasks to others or automate them using software.

One of the key benefits of automation is the ability to create passive income streams. Ferriss suggests that individuals consider starting an online business that can generate income even when they are not actively working. 

This could include creating an e-commerce store, building an affiliate marketing website, or developing a software product.

Ferriss also stresses the importance of testing and measuring the effectiveness of automation strategies. By tracking the results of different automation tools and techniques, individuals can identify what works and what doesn't, and continuously improve their processes.

Liberation

The Liberation section of "The 4-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferriss is focused on helping readers free themselves from the traditional office-based work culture, so they can design their lives in a way that aligns with their passions and goals. 

This section offers insights and strategies for creating a sustainable lifestyle of freedom, adventure, and purpose.

One of the key principles discussed in this section is the importance of finding a niche market and developing a product or service that meets the needs of that market. 

Ferriss encourages readers to think creatively about what they can offer that is unique and valuable, and to leverage the power of the internet to reach a global audience.

He also stresses the importance of developing a "muse," which is essentially a business that generates passive income and allows for greater flexibility and freedom in terms of time and location. 

Ferriss suggests that the key to creating a successful muse is to focus on a product or service that requires minimal time and resources to maintain, while still generating significant revenue.

Another important concept discussed in this section is the idea of "geoarbitrage," which refers to the practice of earning money in one currency and spending it in another country where the cost of living is lower. 

Ferriss shares his own experiences of living in countries like Argentina and Thailand, where he was able to live a high-quality lifestyle for a fraction of the cost of living in the United States.

The Liberation section also emphasizes the importance of building a strong support network of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, support, and inspiration along the way. Ferriss suggests attending events and networking with other entrepreneurs, joining online communities, and even hiring coaches or mentors to help guide you towards your goals.

Finally, Ferriss encourages readers to embrace the mindset of "mini-retirements," which involves taking extended breaks from work to explore new passions, travel, or simply recharge. He argues that by taking these breaks, we can avoid burnout and gain new perspectives that can ultimately lead to greater creativity and productivity in our work.