CPF Portfolio Update Nov

Here's a partial update of my CPF Portfolio invested using OA funds as at 2017-11-16:

Aberdeen SP Thailand Eq SGD	$3,642.945	6.99%
First State Regional China	$3,203.480	14.30%
PineBridge Singapore Bond	$1,408.099	0.34%

All three of them can be considered as indexes of their respective markets. I think major indices around the world are rising in tandem.

The portfolio is small now but the yield is already 7-14% (after the fees) since I started a few months ago. I'm approaching cautiously as it doesn't smell right for the market to keep on rising for so long when we're nearing a potential downturn based on the 10-year crash cycle.

I have already stopped the PineBridge fund Regular Savings Plan (RSP) as the yield is really low in a bull market.

I chose the unit trusts based on their stellar past performance.

The good thing about unit trusts is that you only incur an initial sales fee of 2.5-5% and after that recurrent purchase is commission-free.

Saving money on clothes

I am a typical man (geek) who doesn't care much about fashion.

My wardrobe is full of free stuff from events, hand-me-downs, out-of-fashion stuff, oversized clothes from unknown sources, etc.

Recently when I was tidying up my wardrobe (for the 1st time in years), I got quite a shock when 10+ pieces of them had gone mouldy and yellowish! Most of them are cheapo stuff bought at sales and free stuff from events, from several years ago. So luckily, I didn't lose much $.

My ancient-looking wardrobe probably from the Qing dynasty.

Unsightly yellow stains on a white shirt.

That was the moment when I realised I need to take good care of my clothes so that I can save $ (or rather, not lose $ buying replacement).

Practical Tips

1. Overcome humidity: 
• As Singapore weather is extremely humid, it is best to completely dry your washed clothes before putting them away in the wardrobe. 
• Try not to stack them as this tends to trap moisture. I hang up most of them using clothes hangers (also because I'm lazy to fold).
• Use a dehumidifier such as Thirsty Hippo. I just bought a pack of 8 at $11.95 from Sheng Siong (on promotion). Each box can last for 2-3 months or when it cannot absorb any more moisture. 
• Once in a week, if you have the time, unfold and fold your stacked clothes in the darkest corner of your wardrobe, to remove trapped moisture. 
2. Buy prudently:
• Review your wardrobe regularly. Many people buy clothes frequently and end up don't wear most of what they bought. They keep wearing those favorite few of the hundreds they own. Know what you have and rotate so you get to wear each of them eventually.
• Control your urge to buy when you encounter sales. I buy 2-3 pieces of clothing every 2-3 years on average. 
• Wear your clothes until they become not wearable anymore and by that I mean they have holes or have turned yellowish. Some people may say yucks! 
3. Rid old stuff:
• Sell those old and infrequently worn ones on sites like Carousel. Alternatively, donate to the salvation army or hand down to your younger siblings. 
• Wear at home as "comfy" clothes (nobody cares what you wear at home anyways).
• Use as "wash cloths" or rags.