Some photos of the World Expo, opening in Shanghai soon.
My comment
My first vist to Shanghai was 20 years ago. It was under-developed, poor and dirty. There were few cars on the road. How much has Shanghai changed in 20 years. It is a marvel!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Al Jazeera
Read this article about the coverage of Al Jazeera on the homeless in Singapore and the rebuttal by the Minister for Community Development.
Equality
Our National pledge emphases the principle of equality. A person is entitled to equal treatment in our society and should not be discriminated based on race, religion, gender or age. They are entitled to equal opportunity under a system based on meritocracy.
However, the concept of equality is subdued in a capitalist, free market system where people with the power and the money enjoy "more than equal" treatment. They can take advantage of the weak and the poor who do not have the financial resources to challenge injustice through the law courts.
Well-off parents can afford private tuition to their children to perform well in their studies and earn a scholarship and a good career in business or government. It is difficult for children from poor families to meet this competition, although some of them are able to overcome the obstalces and have done well.
To reduce the disadvantages faced by the poor, we need national policies to achieve the following goals:
Tan Kin Lian
However, the concept of equality is subdued in a capitalist, free market system where people with the power and the money enjoy "more than equal" treatment. They can take advantage of the weak and the poor who do not have the financial resources to challenge injustice through the law courts.
Well-off parents can afford private tuition to their children to perform well in their studies and earn a scholarship and a good career in business or government. It is difficult for children from poor families to meet this competition, although some of them are able to overcome the obstalces and have done well.
To reduce the disadvantages faced by the poor, we need national policies to achieve the following goals:
- provide decent income through a minimum wage system
- provide social security for old age
- provide affordable health care
- provide quality education to all, and not dependent on private tuition
- strong regulation and enforcement to prevent cheating and exploitation of consumers
Tan Kin Lian
Social democracy
Read this explanation of social democracy.
My comments
According to this defination, the social democrats are more towards the center compared to democratic socialists.
My comments
According to this defination, the social democrats are more towards the center compared to democratic socialists.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Read the benefit illustration
I get requests from the public for my views on whether a certain insurance product is suitable for them. I advise them on the following:
a) Ask the agent to provide the benefit illustration to you
b) Ask the agent to explain the full contents of the benefit illustration
c) Insist on a clear explanation on every item in the benefit illustration
d) No not buy the policy until you are convinced that it clearly meets your needs and provide good value for money.
e) Look at the distribution cost and effect of deduction (as explained in my book on financial planning)
I find that most life insurance policies provide poor value as an investment product and should be avoided. I have looked at many benefit illustrations and they tend to confirm my general impression that these products are:
a) high cost
b) give poor value to consumers
c) have a lot of vague and unreliable projections
The only ife insurance policy that you should buy are term insurance for a duration of up to 25 years. These points are explained in my book. I urge you to read my book, rather than ask me to give my views peculiar to the products that is being sold to you.
You can buy my books online at http://www.easysearch.sg/
Tan Kin Lian
a) Ask the agent to provide the benefit illustration to you
b) Ask the agent to explain the full contents of the benefit illustration
c) Insist on a clear explanation on every item in the benefit illustration
d) No not buy the policy until you are convinced that it clearly meets your needs and provide good value for money.
e) Look at the distribution cost and effect of deduction (as explained in my book on financial planning)
I find that most life insurance policies provide poor value as an investment product and should be avoided. I have looked at many benefit illustrations and they tend to confirm my general impression that these products are:
a) high cost
b) give poor value to consumers
c) have a lot of vague and unreliable projections
The only ife insurance policy that you should buy are term insurance for a duration of up to 25 years. These points are explained in my book. I urge you to read my book, rather than ask me to give my views peculiar to the products that is being sold to you.
You can buy my books online at http://www.easysearch.sg/
Tan Kin Lian
Valuation of a property
This writer said that the bank officer indicated that the valuer will value the property at a higher price to get a bigger loan.
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_519799.html
My comment
The buyer should avoid paying a high price for the property as this means a higher monthly repayment over many years. Pay a price that is within your earning capacity (i.e. not more than 5 years of your family income). This is explained in my book, Practical Guide on Financial Planning.
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_519799.html
My comment
The buyer should avoid paying a high price for the property as this means a higher monthly repayment over many years. Pay a price that is within your earning capacity (i.e. not more than 5 years of your family income). This is explained in my book, Practical Guide on Financial Planning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)