Above is the progress of me reaching my targeted financial goals for January 2023. The total value of my financial assets increased from 61.64% to 64.02%. The increase was attributed to the increase in overall value of my stock portfolio in January 2023.
If you wonder how I compute the total value of my financial assets, they are:
- Insurance savings (NTUC RevoSave)
- Savings accounts (POSB, OCBC, CIMB)
- Singapore Savings Bonds
- Current value of my stocks (My Stock Portfolio)
- Supplementary Retirement Scheme
Insurance Savings
In this section, let me share on the savings I have related to insurance. I used to have cash stashed away in Singlife, Dash PET and Dash EasyEarn. They are alternative to traditional savings accounts whereby they used to offer higher interest rates as compared to traditional bank savings accounts.
The recent interest rates hike have turned the tables around whereby bank savings accounts can offer higher interest than these insurance products.
Last year, I have withdrew all my monies from Singlife, Dash PET and Dash EasyEarn and placed them into Singapore Savings Bonds given the higher return rates.
Savings accounts (POSB, OCBC, CIMB)
I have 5 tranches of fixed deposit placement with CIMB the bank has consistently offered excellent fixed deposit promotions. (Refer to: CIMB January 2023 SGD Fixed Deposit is 4.20% p.a.)
Singapore Savings Bonds
Singapore Saving Bonds continue to be an almost risk free investment. The effective interest rate for SBFEB23 is 2.97% p.a. over a 10 years period. Even though interest rates have fallen slightly, it is still attractive.
Readers who wanted safe haven or place for emergency funds should consider Singapore Savings Bond.
The good thing about Singapore Savings Bond is that you can redeem them anytime because there is no lock in period.
In January, I have collected the following interest payout from the Singapore Savings Bonds that I have bought every month over the years.
- July 2018 (GX18070N)
- January 2019 (GX19010T)
- July 2019 (GX19070W)
I written 2 guides on Singapore Savings Bonds. Do check them out!
My Stock Portfolio and Dividend Payout
I use Stocks Café to keep track of the total value worth of my stocks. Stocks Café is my preferred tool for managing my stock portfolio. It is packed with tonnes of intelligent features such as portfolio monitoring and reporting, dividend tracking, stock screening. All these features are automated which means no manual entry is required.
This month, I have divested Manulife US REIT from my stock portfolio and added Frasers Centrepoint Trust.
There are no dividends payout in January 2023.
There are no change to my US stock portfolio. Even though Technology firms continue to cut jobs, their stock prices seem to perform well.
Summary of Financial Goals Progress January 2023
I was surprised how well my stock portfolio had performed as we embark in the first month of 2023. Even though I have suffered losses in Manulife US REIT, the other stocks in my stock portfolio saved the day.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) is now 8%. However, I think this is not much of a problem and I can cope with this minor increase. I do note that certain food stalls have rose their food prices ridiculously. Thus, I am more cautious in terms of food selection nowadays.
In terms of investment strategy, I reminded myself that the Fed may continue to increase their interest rates to further curb inflation. The ongoing political tensions between the two giant countries can also cause global stock markets to suffer.
I will continue to add minor positions in good dividend yielding stocks to my stock portfolio to build my passive income.
Last, I wish all financial bloggers and readers a Happy Prosperous Chinese New Year and may our profits leap like the rabbit!