As I tallied up the numbers for March, there was a sigh of relief. I knew my stock value would drop by a fair bit, recent expenses had gone up and there wasn't much interest income. So, the portfolio was somewhat saved by salary and CPF contributions. It improved to 4.7%, just past the halfway mark of my target. To feel worried or glad, that's hard to say.
Year after year, there just seems to be problem after problem. Surely, everyone feels increasing stress, in personal and corporate life. At least my situation is not so bad, there are many others suffering more. That's what I tell myself. Indeed, I could still afford certain luxuries, my consumption pattern has not changed much. My worry is more about the next few years. I think it's certain things will get worse from now till end of 2027. The global disruption of energy source will cause a restructure of supply chain, increase basic business costs and make livelihoods harder. Within each industry, further consolidation will result in concentration of influence wielded by few people. Actually, looking into history, hasn't that always been the case? The Chinese dynasties provide plentiful examples of dominant figures, followed by struggles and an eventual downfall. Or think about those glorious corporations in areas of film media, telecommunications, accounting etc that eventually folded. The repetition bears reminding. Will we see a similar event in the modern era? I have no doubts. An example is the Epstein case that could have set off fireworks but it's been suppressed. Meanwhile, here's what I'm hoping for; a more caring, gracious and helpful society. Unfortunately, in most people whom I interacted with, they're not bad, just feel insecure and being selfish is a kind of self defence. When that perpetuates onto voters who choose a country head, the scale magnifies and so we live in the present consequences. My response is to activate survival mode for two years. See whether years of financial preparation can stand on its feet.
Dividends as of March 2026: $2106.49 (avg $702.16 per month)
Tip: Domaine Des 3 Cellier Rouge 2023, forward young, grapey, vibrant nose and best now
