M Farhan M Samsudin

HDB Resale Levy: when and why

Perhaps you’ve read HDB Resale Levy: What Second-Time Flat Buyers Need To Understand Before Buying Another Flat from DollarsAndSense.sg. Reading the numbers, the facts and figures, you’re scared to consider buying your second flat, crushing your dreams to upgrade your living space. But hold on! As much as the article is scary and could instilContinue reading “HDB Resale Levy: when and why”

Conditions of Zakat

[Zakat in Practice (part 7)] [Introduction: This series is a sharing on zakat from the perspective of a financial planner. It is hoped to be educational, informative as well as practical to help readers better understand Zakat, especially Zakat on Wealth, as a Muslim in Singapore. Topics to include: Zakat on Investment, Zakat on Savings,Continue reading “Conditions of Zakat”

Is Whole life insurance or Term life insurance better, for a 25 year-old?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Which do you think is better, whole life insurance or term life insurance, for a person under 25-years-old?” If you are that young, it would be better for you to buy a whole life policy. The reason is because a whole life policy has level premium,Continue reading “Is Whole life insurance or Term life insurance better, for a 25 year-old?”

Zakat on Wealth

[Zakat in Practice (part 6)] [Introduction: This series is a sharing on zakat from the perspective of a financial planner. It is hoped to be educational, informative as well as practical to help readers better understand Zakat, especially Zakat on Wealth, as a Muslim in Singapore. Topics to include: Zakat on Investment, Zakat on Savings,Continue reading “Zakat on Wealth”

Do wealthy people buy life insurance?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “Do wealthy people buy life insurance?” Wealthy people buy the most life insurance. It is an irony of sorts that the people who really need life insurance underinvest in it, whereas the people who might have a lesser need overinvest. People of a higher socioeconomic strataContinue reading “Do wealthy people buy life insurance?”

Do I have to pay Zakat on wealth in Ramadan?

[Zakat in Practice (part 5)] [Introduction: This series is a sharing on zakat from the perspective of a financial planner. It is hoped to be educational, informative as well as practical to help readers better understand Zakat, especially Zakat on Wealth, as a Muslim in Singapore. Topics to include: Zakat on Investment, Zakat on Savings,Continue reading “Do I have to pay Zakat on wealth in Ramadan?”

Budgeting your expenses

Quite often, when we mention “budgeting”, we’d often be told to differentiate our needs and our wants. This 50/30/20 rule reminds us that on top of needs/necessities and wants, we should also set aside a portion of our budget for financial goals. Personally, I prefer the 4321 rule shared by Alfred Chia (CEO, SingCapital) whichContinue reading “Budgeting your expenses”

How do commission-based financial advisors help customers without conflict of interest?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “How do commission-based financial advisors help customers without conflict of interest?” Within the context of Singapore, there is the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework. A financial advisor must conduct a thorough fact find, and justify any recommendation. There is an annual ethics assessment, market surveys post-transaction checksContinue reading “How do commission-based financial advisors help customers without conflict of interest?”

Is it time to buy or sell your investment?

[This post was originally posted on my FB page on 9 March 2020.] Timing the market may not be a wise move. There are at least a few factors to be considered: what’s the purpose/objective of the investment? is it a single sum investment or regular contributing investment (dollar cost averaging)? what sectors are youContinue reading “Is it time to buy or sell your investment?”

Zakat in Practice (part 4)

[Introduction: This series is a sharing on zakat from the perspective of a financial planner. It is hoped to be educational, informative as well as practical to help readers better understand Zakat, especially Zakat on Wealth, as a Muslim in Singapore. Topics to include: Zakat on Investment, Zakat on Savings, and Zakat on Estate.] [Previously:Continue reading “Zakat in Practice (part 4)”