Retirement

[dreamybear]

I find it difficult to cultivate interests outside of work and my social circle. Like most Singaporeans, work takes up a big part of my life. A typical work day is 10 to 12 hours. By the time weekend rolls around, I just want to slack at home and binge watch TV programs to destress and distract my mind from work matters.

I fully agree - In my "prime", by the time I come back home from regular 10/12 hour workday(IT sector), my mind cannot function properly anymore(sometimes fall asleep in taxi). In IT, ocassionally we have to work on weekends as well and have to constantly go for IT certification exams. On top of it, we have to be "involved parents" to engage our kids coz they are very stressed as well. Not to mention visiting parents, exercise, etc ....

So, WHERE GOT TIME ???

It is no wonder then, that I encounter people having cancer cases more and more frequently, given the ultra stressful lives we are living.
Personally, after being "enlightened" by those interactions, I am in the midst of converting from living a frugal life to YOLO !  

But .... is there a dreamybear FIRE thesis ?  

Well, I think it is best to start learning abt investing and saving $$ as early as possible(e.g. JC, NS or university days). Try investing(even small amt as soon as able to open CDP account). It is inevitable to make some investing mistakes. Once a person starts work, ideally(if realistically possible) - marry young (save time to find soul mate and social activities at the same time), have kids as late as medically recommended possible(save time to mind the kids). From those time savings, spend some time to refine investing(maybe a bit during work day, more during Wkends/PH). Having said that, valuebuddies is a MUST read, seriously.  I feel once the momentum of learning investing from young is started, it is much easier to progress. 

Hope the younger ones can benefit from our experience.