Early retirement was a popular topic during friends’ gatherings this Chinese New Year. Many of my friends are in their mid-50s to 60s. Although they are older than me, I was the first one to stop working full-time at age 45. Hence when they mentioned three highs and work stress, or whether they should retire now and what things to do after retirement, I was grateful that I … [Read more...]
Seeing China from Guangzhou
Last month we took a family trip to Shenzhen and Guangzhou. It was the latter that I would like to visit again. I have been to Guangzhou for business a few times. But the last time was twenty years ago. The company I worked for won a contract with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. I flied there after the new airport opened in 2004. Two decades later, Guangzhou is very … [Read more...]
Will I be rich?
“Will I be rich?” My 14-year-old child asked me when we were going for a walk after dinner. I know the answer from her Zi Wei Dou Shu (紫微斗数) chart. But I can’t tell her. I could only reply with a model answer. “If you work hard, save religiously and invest prudently, you will be rich.” The Chinese dream to be rich It is arguable that every Chinese has the dream to … [Read more...]
Elderly care in Taiwan
Elderly care is a big topic. Come next year Singapore will attain its super aged status, with 20 percent of citizens aged 65 or older. Some readers sent me questions after reading my last blog post “Overseas retirement – what you don’t know”. They are interested to know the possibilities of retiring in foreign countries. Most are researching for their own retirement plan. … [Read more...]
Solution to aging population – more babies or more immigrants
Singapore has a rapidly aging population. Next year we will be a “super aged” country with over one in five aged 65 years old or above. By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be 65 or older. The two main factors behind an aging population are longer life expectancy and fewer births. An aging population heading for population decline According to the latest data from … [Read more...]