Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Neighbourhood schools now require balloting

Hi Mr Tan,
You said "parents have the choice to ignore these competitive requirements and send their child to a nearby school, i.e.instead of competing for the "good" schools.". I wish to update you on the P1 registration today. Many so-called non-famous schools (eg. in Woodlands, Sembawang) require balloting nowadays. This is due to the fact that PRs enjoy the same priority as citizens for P1 registration. As S'pore PR is easily obtainable, this is tantamount to giving foreigners equal standing as citizens for P1 registration. The recent amendment to give citizens an extra ballot slip is just cosmetic. A PR whose sibling is already studying in the school will get priority over citizens without one. Is this fair?

The P1 registration priority system is very convoluted for a reason. It allows many well connected parents to obtain backdoor entry to famous schools without a soul noticing. I have come across such cases before. It is ironic that this government prides itself as being meritocratic!


TY

Understand your life insurance needs

Many people have to consider life insurance when they are approached by an agent (or someone who is called an adviser or consultant). The agent will tell them about the risk of premature death or critical illness or the need to save for the future, and recommend a life insurance policy as the solution.

The agent is well trained to tell convincing stories to the consumer, but these stories are often exaggerated. The life insurance policy is usually not in the interest of the consumer, i.e. the consumer can find better alternative solutions. The agent is likely to recommend the life policy that pays a fat commission (usually several thousand dollars) to the agent, and is taken away from the consumer.

I strongly advice consumers to be educated about life insurance and personal financial planning so that you can make a better decision for your future. You can read my book on financial planning (www.tankinlian.com/ishop) or attend the educational talks conducted by FISCA (www.fisca.sg).

You can also get answers to specific questions in the FAQs posted in my website, www.tankinlian.com/ask.aspx. Some of these FAQs can be found by searching for the keywords below:

Half truths
Right prioirty
Low cost
How to say "No"

My message is specially directed to young people who are starting work for the first time, as you will be the target of several life insurance agent within a few months. Some of them are your classmates or friends. You need to know how to ask the right questions and how to say "no" to them. You have to learn this skill, as it could save several thousand dollars from being wasted.

My message is also for parents of these young people. Do pass this message to your children. It will mean a lot for their future.

Tan Kin Lian