Monday 27 February 2023

[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Ferriss also challenges the traditional notion of retirement, which he believes is outdated and ineffective.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.


[Post 216] Singapore's Soaring HDB Rents: How Do They Affect You? | Talking Point | Full Episode


Summary

Over the last two years, HDB rents have skyrocketed, reaching an all-time high in 2022. What is causing the rental market to overheat? And how is it affecting us all? Talking Point host Steven Chia investigates the causes and consequences of this bullish rental market. He learns how people are coping financially and asks… when will prices begin coming down? 

Sunday 19 February 2023

[Post 215] Book Review 2: The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5 by Timothy Ferries


Tim Ferriss's book "The 4-Hour Work Week" has captured many readers since its publication in 2007. It's a self-help book that purports to lay out a plan for escaping the 9-to-5 grind and living the life of one's desires. 

Ferriss assures readers that they can work only four hours per week and still achieve their goals, whether they are to travel the world, start a business, or simply have more free time to follow their passions.

The concept of "lifestyle design," which he defines as "the art of structuring your life to meet your passions, interests, and values," is central to Ferriss' worldview. 

The book is packed with practical suggestions on how to do so, from delegating duties to virtual assistants to establishing passive revenue streams through internet enterprises.

One of the book's important insights is the significance of focusing on high-value activities, which are the chores that provide the best return on investment for your time. 

Ferriss contends that most people waste too much time on low-value activities such as checking email or attending meetings, and that by eliminating these activities, they may significantly boost their productivity and free up more time for the things that truly matter.

Ferriss also emphasizes the need of removing "time-wasters" from your life, such as idly surfing the internet or watching television. He claims that by being more focused with your time and removing these distractions, you can accomplish more in less time and have a more happy life overall.

The book is chock-full of real productivity hacks, from applying the Pomodoro Technique to organizing your email inbox more effectively. 

But what distinguishes "The 4-Hour Work Week" from other self-help books is its emphasis on lifestyle design and the notion that work should be viewed as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.

One of the book's detractors claims that it is unrealistic for everyone to work only four hours per week, especially if they are just starting out in their careers or running a traditional brick-and-mortar business. Ferriss himself admits that the four-hour workweek is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but rather a target to strive for.

Another complaint leveled at the book is that it encourages people to seek shortcuts rather than putting in the hard work required for success. Ferriss contends that focusing on high-value activities and outsourcing low-value ones allows him to do more in less time, although some readers may regard this as a sort of cheating.

Despite these concerns, "The 4-Hour Work Week" is a popular and important book that has inspired many individuals to consider work and productivity in new ways. Its emphasis on lifestyle design and the value of following one's passions and interests is a compelling message that many readers will appreciate.

Overall, "The 4-Hour Work Week" is a thought-provoking and uplifting read for anyone seeking to break free from the standard 9-to-5 and establish their own life. 

While not all of Ferriss' ideas will apply to everyone, the book challenges readers to challenge the existing quo and think creatively about how they might live a more fulfilled and satisfying life.

Saturday 18 February 2023

[Post 214] KFC Behind The Scenes (What You Don't See) | Inside KFC EP1 | Our Stories


Summary

We take a look behind the scenes of KFC, from the boardroom to the kitchens. 

This documentary series goes inside the fast food giant KFC UK from their boardrooms to their kitchens. In this first episode, we learn how fast food chicken works on a mass scale and Managing Director Martin strives to expand his empire of 850 stores nationwide, while keeping his workforce motivated. We also meet 17 year old college dropout Beth, who struggles to find her way in her new job. And cameras are allowed inside the chicken farms that supply KFC for an inside look.

KFC: The Billion Dollar Chicken Shop - Episode 1

This film was first broadcast: 18 Mar 2015

Thursday 16 February 2023

[Post 213] Investment Book Review 3 : One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch

"One Up on Wall Street" written by Peter Lynch, is a timeless investment guidebook that has influenced numerous individuals to embark on investing in the stock market. 

Released in 1989, the book offers valuable insights into Lynch's investment philosophy, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most successful investors in history. 

By sharing his experiences managing the Fidelity Magellan Fund, Lynch provides readers with his tested and proven methods for selecting winning stocks and achieving financial prosperity.

The book highlights the significance of taking a proactive approach to investing. Lynch emphasizes that individual investors have an advantage over professional money managers as they are closer to the industries and businesses they are investing in. 

By conducting their own research, individuals can attain a better understanding of the companies they are investing in and make informed investment choices.

Lynch emphasizes the value of taking a long-term perspective on investing, avoiding market speculation, and keeping emotions in check. 

He also stresses the importance of diversification, encouraging investors to distribute their investments across several different industries and companies, reducing risk and increasing the chances of finding successful stocks.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the stock market, including the role of brokers, investment bankers, and analysts, and explains various methods used to evaluate stocks. 

It also provides a framework for identifying and analyzing potential investments, including the P/E ratio, earnings growth, and return on equity.

One of the standout features of "One Up on Wall Street" is Lynch's writing style, which is engaging and easy to understand. He simplifies complex investment concepts, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of financial literacy. 

Through personal anecdotes and stories from his experiences, Lynch brings the stock market to life and makes investing an enjoyable and exciting process.

Lynch places a strong emphasis on finding great companies with a competitive advantage. He believes that by investing in companies with a proven record of success, individuals can achieve long-term financial prosperity. 

The book includes real-life examples of companies that meet Lynch's criteria, including Walmart, Home Depot, and Coca-Cola.

In conclusion, "One Up on Wall Street" is a must-read for anyone interested in investing in the stock market. Through its easy-to-understand writing style, practical advice, and real-world examples, Lynch provides readers with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve financial success in the long-term. Personally, this is one of my favourite investment book to read as it is easy to understand unlike the more throughly detailed "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham

Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting out, this book is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration for your next investment. For singaporean, this book can be borrow at the nearest National Library Board near your home in an audiobook or Ebook form.

Wednesday 15 February 2023

[Post 212] How ‘Quiet Hiring’ Became The Workplace of 2023 | CNBC


Summary

Remember 'quiet quitting?' It described the trend of employees choosing not to go above and beyond in the workplace. Well, that was 2022. This year there's a new vogue practice — "quiet hiring."

"Quiet hiring is one of several trends that we've identified as potentially having a major impact in 2023 for the future of work,'" says Emily Rose McRae, who leads Gartner's future of work research team. "And for some organizations, it's going to be a game-changer."

Despite tech layoffs dominating headlines, the larger economy remains relatively strong. However, many economists still think a recession could happen in 2023. And companies are starting to turn to quiet hiring to trim costs ahead of a potential economic downturn.

"So with all the economic uncertainty going around, employers are looking at ways to fulfill their needs without actually having to commit to growing their workforce," says Kory Kantenga, senior economist at LinkedIn. "One way of potentially doing that is what has been called quiet hiring."

Watch the video above to find out more about the concept of quiet hiring and its potential impact on the job market and the overall economy.  

[Post 211] Book Summary 1: Around The world in 80 Trades by Conor Woodman | Documentary

Part 1: Around The World In 80 Trades-Trade In Africa

 

Part 2: Around The World In 80 Trades - Trade in Asia


Part 3: Around The World In 80 Trades - Trade in the Far East


Part 4: Around The World In 80 Trades - Trade in Latin America


As there is a full documentary available on this at Youtube,I hope you enjoy it as much i did.This is one of my favourite books.Thank you for watching.

Tuesday 14 February 2023

[Post 210] How We Make Money From ASMR Videos & Custom Keyboards | On The Red Dot | Full Episode


Summary

Tang Dong Li is Singapore’s most-watched ASMR creator on YouTube, amassing over 600, 000 subscribers in just 3 years on @DongASMR. He produces four videos a week, and fresh ideas are starting to run dry – but he has an ace up his sleeve – a public ASMR video in Haw Par Villa. 

Meanwhile, Charmaine Koh and Tan Peck Han are also making money from making sounds. For over a year, they have been building custom mechanical keyboards that sound good, look sleek and are satisfying to use. With their most ambitious build up next – they may need some extra help. 

[Post 209] How Much Should You Give Your Parent Every Month?

As a new graduate(Like me!), it can be overwhelming to balance your own financial needs with supporting your family. One question that may come to mind is what percentage of your salary should be given to your parents.

This is a difficult question to answer since it is difficult to strike the correct balance between taking care of your personal financial requirements and helping your family. 

Before determining this amount, it's crucial to make sure you have enough money for your own necessities such as housing, food, and transportation. You don't want to compromise your own financial stability by giving too much to your parents.

Once your own finances are secure, you can consider how much you can afford to give to your parents. While there is no definite answer, some experts suggest giving anywhere from 10-20% of your pay. This amount can vary based on your financial situation and the needs of your parents. 

If they are facing financial difficulties, you may want to give more, and if they are in a stable financial position, you may be able to give less.

Having an open and honest conversation with your parents is important in determining the right amount to give. It's also recommended to set clear expectations about the use of the money to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Personally ,I am currently giving about 10-20% of my pay after CPF deduction to both parents,which is quite close to my monthly budget.As for my pay range, let's just say it's around $3,000 to $4,000 a month 😉

In conclusion, the answer to how much of your pay should be given to your parents is not set in stone. By taking care of your own finances and communicating with your parents, you can find the right balance that works for everyone. The most important thing is to prioritize your own financial stability while still supporting your family.

Monday 13 February 2023

[Post 208] Why OpenAI’s ChatGPT Is Such A Big Deal | CNBC


Summary

OpenAI, which Elon Musk helped to co-found back in 2015, is the San Francisco-based startup that created ChatGPT. The company opened ChatGPT up for public testing in November 2022. In under a week, the artificial intelligence model amassed over a million users, according to OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman. By the end of January, ChatGPT was averaging about 13 million visitors per day. Users have had ChatGPT write everything from essays, to lyrics and even correct computer code. ChatGPT is part of a growing field of AI known as generative AI, which allows users to create brand new content including videos, music and text. But generative AI still faces a number of challenges, such as developing content that is inaccurate, biased or inappropriate. Now enterprises and the public are wondering what wide access to AI will mean for businesses and society.

[Post 207] Book Review 1: Around The world in 80 Trades by Conor Woodman

 

"Around the World in 80 Trades" by Conor Woodman is a true gem of a book that will take you on a journey like no other. 

This memoir is not just about trading goods, but it is a story of adventure, perseverance, and a man's quest for self-discovery.

Conor Woodman, a seasoned traveler and a successful trader, sets out on a mission to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, trading his way through some of the most remote and exotic locations in the world. 

From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the tranquil hills of Cambodia, he braves the unknown and challenges himself to barter his way through these diverse cultures.

What sets this book apart is Woodman's writing style. He brings to life the colorful characters he meets on his travels and the captivating stories they share. 

He weaves these tales with humor, honesty, and a deep respect for the cultures he encounters. The reader is transported to these far-off lands, experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavors of each destination through Woodman's vivid descriptions.

As he progresses on his journey, Woodman faces numerous obstacles and hardships. Yet, he never loses sight of his goal, and his determination is both inspiring and heartwarming. 

Throughout the book, he reflects on the lessons he has learned from his travels, sharing insights on life, love, and the importance of following one's dreams.

In conclusion, "Around the World in 80 Trades" is an unforgettable adventure that will captivate your imagination and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the world and its people. 

It is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, adventure, and inspiring stories. Whether you're an armchair traveler or an avid globetrotter, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

For those who are interested in reading this book,do head to your nearest library!


Sunday 12 February 2023

[Post 206] Investment Book Summary 2: "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham



The Intelligent Investor, written by Benjamin Graham, is a classic investment book that provides readers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions when it comes to their finances. 

Published in 1949, the book has stood the test of time and remains a relevant source of information for investors of all levels. 

In this blog post, we will summarize the key takeaways from The Intelligent Investor and explain why this book is a must-read for anyone looking to invest in the stock market.

Concept of Value Investing

The first key takeaway from The Intelligent Investor is the concept of value investing. Graham introduces the idea that investors should focus on buying stocks that are undervalued in the market, rather than trying to predict the direction of the market. 

He argues that by investing in stocks that are undervalued, investors can potentially generate returns that are higher than the overall market.

Margin Of Safety

Another important concept introduced in The Intelligent Investor is the idea of margin of safety. Graham explains that investors should always aim to purchase stocks at a discount, to protect themselves against potential losses in case the stock price drops. He suggests that investors should aim to purchase stocks that are trading at a discount of at least 50% to their intrinsic value.

Diversification

In addition to value investing and margin of safety, Graham also discusses the importance of diversification in an investment portfolio. He argues that investors should not put all their eggs in one basket and should instead aim to spread their investments across a range of different stocks, bonds, and other assets. This will help to minimize the risk of losing all of your investment in the case of a market downturn.

Buy Common Stocks

One of the most important chapters in The Intelligent Investor is the discussion of common stocks versus preferred stocks. Graham explains the differences between these two types of stocks, and why common stocks are a more attractive investment for the average investor. He argues that common stocks have the potential for higher returns, and can provide investors with ownership in the company, which is not possible with preferred stocks.

In conclusion, The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham is a timeless classic that provides investors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions in the stock market. From the concepts of value investing and margin of safety, to the importance of diversification and the differences between common and preferred stocks, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to invest in the stock market. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor, The Intelligent Investor will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to achieve success in the stock market.


Thanks for reading! Remember to DYODD!

Tuesday 7 February 2023

[Post 205] MPs debate affordability of HDB flats | In Parliament


Summary

The home price-to-income ratio (HPI) of BTO flats in non-mature estates was a hot topic on the second day of the debate on public housing affordability. HPI measures the number of years of total household income required to afford a home.

Friday 3 February 2023

[Post 204] Investment Book Review 2: "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham

"The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham

                  Source

 "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham is widely considered to be one of the best investment books of all time. First published in 1949, it has been reprinted numerous times and remains a classic text for investors of all levels of experience. 

In this post, we will provide a summary of the key concepts outlined in the book, analyze the relevance of the book to today's investors and discuss why it is a must-read for anyone serious about investing.

At its core, "The Intelligent Investor" is a guide to the principles of value investing. Graham explains that the goal of the intelligent investor is to purchase securities at a price that is below their intrinsic value. 

He also emphasizes the importance of diversification and risk management, arguing that investors should only invest in what they understand and should avoid speculative investments.

One of the key concepts outlined in the book is the idea of "Mr. Market." Graham uses this concept to illustrate the emotional and irrational behavior of the market, and how it can create opportunities for the intelligent investor. 

He argues that investors should take advantage of Mr. Market's emotional swings by buying when prices are low and selling when they are high.

The book also differentiates between two types of investors: the defensive investor and the enterprising investor. The defensive investor is someone who is content with a low level of return and is focused on preserving capital. 

On the other hand, the enterprising investor is someone who is willing to take on more risk in pursuit of higher returns. Graham provides strategies for both types of investors and explains the strengths and limitations of each approach.

So, how does the book relate to today's investors? The principles of value investing outlined in "The Intelligent Investor" are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published. 

The market may have changed, but the human behavior that drives it has not. Investors can still benefit from reading the book and applying its concepts to today's markets.

In conclusion, "The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin Graham is a must-read for anyone serious about investing. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of value investing, emphasizes the importance of diversification and risk management, and differentiates between the two types of investors. 

The concepts outlined in the book are as relevant today as they were when the book was first published, making it an enduring guide for investors of all levels of experience.Personally, i thought that the book was a little much for a beginner, and that it may be difficult to finish it in one sitting.I do recommend it for everyone to give it a look through at least once though.




Thursday 2 February 2023

[Post 203] Student who turned $100,000 into a $6.7m education business | The Straits Times


Summary

In 2019, Evan Heng plonked his entire savings of $100,000 - earned mostly through giving tuition - and grew it into a $6.7 million education business.