Approaching the last month of 2025, my portfolio performance remained comfortably at 7.5%, a consolidated position held up by positive stock momentum and additional CPF contribution. This was against a backdrop of 20% drop in crypto value. Things went pretty well in options trades when a period of AI volatility resulted in big swings and opportunities.
Recently, a colleague got into trouble with leverage, in a big way. He was making investments of a different kind, the likes of toto and soccer betting. While trying to recoup losses, he borrowed from banks via the credit card overdraft facility, then from family, friends, colleagues and finally, the dreaded Ah Long. In total, I estimate his debt to be 40 times salary. Paying back became a problem but the matter got worse when the loan sharks sent their "greetings" at the office. That's when his cover was exposed. Never did we expect a mild mannered person like him to be in such a situation. His decade long service ended miserably with a dismissal. The gambling habit started about two years ago and descended into an abyss. As we spoke, he conceded it was his lack of control and ill discipline that ultimately led to this. This incident shook many people up. Even if we switch context and say it was a stock investment, the consequences could easily end up similar. Therefore, I'm reminded to invest prudently, within my limits through calm and steady actions.
Dividends as of November 2025: $8960.64.45 (avg $814.60 per month)
Tip: Terlan Pinot Bianco Tradition 2023, autumn crisp, grass and a little citrus
No comments:
Post a Comment