Month of December 2024

Updated finance page.

https://drinkingspot.blogspot.com/p/finance-sharing.html

It's a last burst of energy to cross into 2025. I took in four rounds of golf (one local, three in JB), met friends over dinner and brought the kids for their dental checkup. The two younger sons also needed to get new uniforms. This came after the school posting result was announced and we were so happy that they could be together in the same school. My morning schedule has also been resolved. A trip to my alma mater for the next four years before going to work.

There was a reacquaintance with a dear restaurant which used to be one of my go to place for an escape from the city. Previously, it was at Portsdown Road and if my memory is right, my first time dining there was about 15 years ago. The dimly lit road leading onto the steps and veranda remains with me, along with one of the brothers who is part owner and led the service crew. All was well until our urban planners then decided this rustic locale needed to make way for the development of Mediacorp city. So when Pietrasanta moved to One North, I didn't tag along as the vibe got lost. By chance, a friend suggested and I gladly accepted the invitation. On a weekday night, we were seated outside, facing the main road. The person serving us was an old staff at the former premise. I remember him. None of the brothers were around, perhaps I just didn't see them. Nevertheless, the food quality remained top notch and I received news that they have a smaller outlet (serving set menu only) on the second floor of Fusionopolis. While I have no complaints over how the evening unfolded, the new facade didn't impress enough.

In mid month, we left for Taiwan on a ten day holiday trip with two family of friends. It was an important downtime for us to just leave work aside and indulge in new explorations of places, food and pleasure. As there's too much happenings, I will record these in a separate post later.

Tip: Tramin Sauvignon Blanc 2019, lemon with a good touch of grass and guava, medium body and finish

Closing Out 2024

Every year begins with a new step. There's the excitement and trepidation on what's to come. This time, in the family, we planned our schedules around the youngest son. From fetching him to school and tuition classes, supporting him through rugby competition and watching his diet, no effort was spared to provide the best possible environment to prepare for PSLE. We wanted him to learn well, eat well and sleep well. It's good in a way there was a routine. Thankfully, the result was a great one. The eldest son started his diploma course and glad to say that he's adapted nicely after some transition struggles. Now, he's made a few friends and becoming mature. Strapped usually with his headphone on, I think he finds comfort and engage in simple conversation when needed to. As for the second son, he's the more socially capable one. Generally more active and independent, I try to keep up with him lest he gets restless. Academically, he's due for a change next year as he got accepted into the IB program.

It gives me a little thrill to know that my cooking skills have improved (compared to a prior mention here). Previously, the number of dishes I could confidently make were counted within two hands. As we ate mostly at home over the weekend, it was an opportunity to try new recipes and methods. My repertoire expanded with oven baked items and better seasoning combinations. Whipping up a quick three dish meal comes easy now. For the first time, I prepared a pot of spaghetti bolognaise for my colleagues and received positive feedback. This gave me motivation to learn more going forward.

As usual, there were few good things and few not-so-good ones. I am still learning things about myself. There were times when friends said I looked tired. Indeed, the body does not lie and I needed to clear my mind. This was what led to more golf and runs. Then, the thought of just putting things down and leaving the job did occasionally flash by. But I'm not ready. A stronger financial foundation is required. This is an endurance journey that only I can walk by myself. At this point, it's about waiting for that fork in the road to appear so that a decision can be made and alter the course of the present.

Keep the happy moments to lift the spirit, stick to positive thoughts and share the goodness with people you love.

Tip: Felline Zinfandel 2018, rum raisin, beautiful age, smooth with a tasty edge

Finance Investment Movement 52

Barely a few weeks before the year ends, more conflicts have occurred. The first bombshell arrived when the South Korean President, for scant reasons, suddenly declared martial law. That caused a major revolt within the government and citizenry, forcing him to retract shortly after. We won't know the real reasons but the damage was already done. There seems to have internal conflicts and such a power move failed miserably. Not long after, Syria's rebel group mounted a coup that fortunately ended quickly without bloodshed. It just adds another layer of uncertainty into the Arab zone. The wider implication is that it foments more worries ahead. There is no peace when people feel insecure. Is this the signal for a coming big reset?

From an investment perspective, things appear stuck at a crossroad. We are anticipating great changes next year due to Trump's incoming. Should we fear another wave of inflation? I decided to lock in a fixed 2.58% home loan for two years and that brought a bit of comfort. The sweet spot would be for interest rates to hover around 3-3.5% so that I could put cash to work. The plan is to earn from the spread and return to the CPF OA housing refund, indirectly repaying the loan partially.

Tip: Lucashof Graburgunder Trocken 2022, pear citrus, white flowers with good acidity