Is Your Salary Enough to Buy You a House?

Reading these 2 articles from The Star on the same day got me thinking...is this really the case?

Article #1: Salaries not going up as fast as prices of homes
Link: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/02/18/Salaries-not-going-up-as-fast-as-prices-of-homes/

Key excerpts:

When A.S. Gill bought his double-storey link house in SS12 in Subang Jaya back in 1985, it took about a quarter of his salary combined with that of his wife to realise their dream. The house was RM200,000 but now it costs RM1mil. 

“Today, I am estimating that youngsters would have to fork out at least 50% of their salary.”

“More young people are buying old houses with the support of their parents.” 

“If you want cheap and nearby the city, don’t expect it to be big. If you want big and cheap, don’t expect it to be nearby.”

Article #2: Klang Valley still affordable
Link: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/02/18/Klang-Valley-still-affordable-A-household-needs-monthly-income-of-RM14580-to-buy-a-home/

Key excerpts:

You must have an average household income of RM14,580 a month to afford a home in the Klang Valley, according to a recent study. 

It found that certain groups of buyers interested in strategic areas can have access to houses that are priced at 56 times their household income. 

The study also found that this same group can afford to spend up to 26% of their monthly household income to service a mortgage.

What can we conclude?

1. If you have a rich dad, good for you.
2. If your dad is not rich, don't blame and sulk, just go out and look for more money. You may not have a rich dad, but that doesn't mean your children should not have one.
3. If you blame everyone else other than yourself for not being able to afford a house, most likely your children will do the same too. And one thing for sure, you'll be one of the persons they blame too. This is called duplication.

Take action. Sitting at home watching, listening and reading news doesn't make you money. If it does, you should have been rich by now.

Li Ka Shing Teaches You How To Buy A Car & House In 5 Years

Here's a superb article on how you can manage your funds wisely to help you attain what you want in life.

Article: Li Ka Shing Teaches You How To Buy A Car & House In 5 Years
Link: http://www.ceoconnectz.com/lessons-from-li-ka-shing.pdf

I particularly like the "classic quotes" in the article:

Famous theory from Harvard: The difference of a person’s fate is decided from what a person spends in his free time between 20:00 to 22:00 . Use these two hours to learn, think and participate in meaningful lectures or discussion. If you persist for several years, success will come knocking on your doors. 

No matter how much you earn, remember to split your salary into five parts. Take care of your body so that it will still be in good shape. Invest in your social circle so that you will constantly meet new people where you can learn new knowledge from. Expanding your network will also have an important impact in how much you earn eventually. Travel every year and expand your horizons. Also keep abreast with the latest developments in the industry. If you follow this plan diligently, you will soon see big surplus in your funds. 

Whatever happened in the past is over. Do not dwell on past mistakes. There’s no point crying over spilt milk. Everybody makes mistakes. It’s what you learn from the mistakes, and promising yourself not to repeat those mistakes that matters. When you miss opportunities, don’t dwell on it, as there are always new opportunities on the horizon. 

Being able to smile when being slightly misunderstood is good upbringing. When you’re wronged and you smile with calmness, it is generosity. When you’re being taken advantage of and you can smile, you’re being open-minded. When you are helpless and you can do a philosophical smile, you’re in a calm state. When you’re in distress and you can laugh out loud, you’re being generous. When you’re looked down and you can calmly smile, you’re being confident. When you’re being jilted in relationships and you can smile it off, you’re being suave.

I'm going to add these practices into my daily deliberate actions. Are you?


P/S: Many thanks to Edmund Ng of CeoConnectz for taking his time to translate the original Mandarin article for the benefits of English-speaking readers.

Are You A Social Media Green Eyed Monster?

I have to confess. Browsing through my Facebook page can sometimes make me feel really envious of my friends, especially when I see them doing things which I have always dreamed of doing myself, or see them achieving success while I'm still struggling in my own pursuit. It can be quite depressing sometimes, triggering doubts and thoughts like "is there something wrong with my life?"

But so far I have still been able to pull myself back by reading the right books and listening to the right audio materials.

Yes, some of them may have achieved what they want...well, I'm on my way too!

But if you have been facing much worse experience with social media than I have, you may want to read this good article which addressed this issue spot on.

Article: Social Media Can Bring Out the Green Eyed Monster in You
Link: http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/love/relationship%20columnist0/Social-Media-Can-Bring-Out-the-Green-Eyed-Monster-in-You_printer.shtml

Here are some useful excerpts from the article:

The surest way to finding misery is being jealous or envious of what someone else has. 

Social media may be showing you how boring or lacking your life is, but when you become jealous you are missing the other side of what social media is not showing you. 

That is the realistic side, the honest or transparent side. Most people don't take selfies when they first get up and are looking their worse, nor are they able to post how they are fighting with their spouse, or how their child is suffering in school, or how miserable they are in the love department.

If you feel that jealousy or envy is beginning to make a presence in your life, and you find yourself feeling more and more envious, these suggestions may help you gain perspective and change your jealous ways. 

• The first thing you have to do is admit there is a problem. If you can't admit you're jealous, then anything you try to do will be ineffective. 

• Appreciate their success. Train yourself to realize that they aren't posting the whole story and you don't need to hear the whole drama details of what's going on in their life. 

• Stop comparing anyone to anyone. No one has the perfect life, and your comparison is based on false assumptions that whatever he or she posted leads him or her to nirvana. Impossible; be realistic. One good thing doesn't mean all things. 

• Make yourself limit your time on Facebook and all social media. Studies support that decreasing social media usage leads to reduced feeling of stress. 

• Learn to be grateful for what you have. You may not have the most beautiful children or the smartest, but if they love you and you love them, you are gifted beyond measure. Write that on a Facebook post and smile.

Everyone's life is unique. Be grateful and make the best of it!

Success Rate

After two years of studying business building skills, this is what I have learned about the statistics of financial success and the reasons behind the numbers:

Almost 100% of the people want to enjoy financial success... 

But 80% of them are not willing to commit themselves to the cause and pathway towards financial success...

12% of them start their cause by getting on the pathway, but fail to continually commit themselves in it...

5% of them have lingering thoughts, but are disciplined enough to stay in the pathway and made some good progress...

Only the remaining 3% have the kind of tunnel vision which keeps them on track 100% of the time and become financially successful...

I believe these numbers also reflect what's happening in other areas, such as academia, sports, work, etc. Only less than a handful of people would become successful because of the nature of human beings.

Like my mentor used to say, if someone got into Harvard University but fails to graduate, it doesn't mean that Harvard University is not good, but rather the student is the one who has failed to study well.

Sometimes people are over-indulged in assessing success rates before they start involving in a new venture. What they don't realise is, it's not the success rate that is going to determine whether they can succeed, but instead, it is their own attitude that is going to make the difference.

If something fails, don't blame the success rate. Blame yourself for not doing what the 3% are doing.

Your Crowning Glory

This is an interesting article from the Star about our hair and how it's linked to our body system.

Title: If Hair Could Talk
Link: http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Viewpoints/Womens-World/Profile/Articles/2014/02/09/If-hair-could-talk/

These are some of the problems related to our hair and the causes:

#1- Dandruff

• For most people, the real reason which cause dandruff is oily scalp, not dry scalp.
• Stress, certain diseases like Parkinson's, and hygiene can also cause dandruff.

#2 - Hair loss

• The usual causes for hair loss are genetic (for men) and hormonal imbalance (for women).
• Excessive weight loss, eating disorders, thyroid problems, stress and certain medications can also contribute to hair loss.
• When our diet lacks protein, the body is forced to conserve protein stores for other more crucial body functions, thus causing hair loss.

#3 - Dry and brittle hair

• Maintaining healthy hair requires essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin E. Fat-rich foods, fast foods and processed snacks laden with sugar, salt, additives and flavourings lack these essential nutrients.
• It can also be the result of excessive styling, washing, blow-drying or colouring.

#4 - Gray hair

• Graying hair is generally linked to genetics.
• Hair colour can also be affected by stress.

Other things which may contribute to hair problems:

• Drinking coffee or alcohol and smoking can affect your body's nutrient absorption from the foods you eat.
• Hair loss can also occur from food allergens such as dairy, wheat, soy, corn and food additives.
• Harsh hair treatments, blow-drying or excessive hair products, and even UV rays can stress your hair roots.
• Tying, braiding or over-combing, which stresses hair roots and can lead to hair breakage over time.

Your hair is your crowning glory. Learn how to protect it  :)

Shocking Truth on Wealth Inequality

Have you ever calculated your networth?

My mentor always say that "whatever gets measured, gets improved". In other words, if you have never calculated your networth, your networth will never get improved.

This is a shocking revelation of the wealth inequality in America.

Wealth Inequality in America

Despite the statistics showing only those in America, yet I believe it is pretty much the same for our country as well. And I believe that the fundamental cause of wealth inequality around the world is down to these 3 things:

1. Wrong attitude
2. Wrong education
3. Wrong vehicle

"Most people are busy and working very hard to climb up the ladder, but not knowing that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall," another of my mentor's favourite quote.

As the video clip has shown, the middle-income group is fast depleting in numbers. Are you prepared to be wiped out together with your indulgence and ignorance? Or are you going to take action to right the above wrongs?

A Little Wisdom on Giving

Recently, I received a little bookmark from an old friend of mine, who has been serving full time at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation for the past few years. As a result of her selfless involvement in this foundation, I had decided a year ago that 10% of my business income would go to this charity foundation. Because, all I wanted was to see my funds being put to good use  :)

This is the bookmark.

Doing nothing and idling time away consumes life. Giving to others with total dedication creates life. ~ Dharma Master Cheng Yen

Some people whom I have met, they kept saying they have no time for this, no time for that, but yet time and again you would see them spending their time whetting their sensual pleasure - consuming life.

Do they really have no time? With this new perspective, I have to agree that they indeed have no time. Because they have CONSUMED their own time. Just as simple as that.

If we were to look at the bigger picture, and think of ourselves as having a unique purpose to contribute to this world while we're still alive, giving to others with total dedication, we would find ourselves having more time and energy to contribute to the world with every successful giving.

My friend has dedicated her life to create life for others through spiritual means. I'm definitely inspired to do the same, thus dedicating my life to create life for others through intellectual and financial means.

If this quote resonates with you, I urge you to embrace the spirit of giving and create life for the people around you.

What Have I Learned En Route to Becoming A DTM

First of all, don't get me wrong. I'm writing this post not to boast about being a DTM, but to share with you the fact that some Toastmasters have actually achieved their DTM award a few times (yes, you hear me right) and each time learning a different set of lessons.

P/S: DTM stands for Distinguished Toastmaster, the most significant milestone which any Toastmaster can achieve.

That said, achieving the DTM award is not really the end of the journey, but rather just a part of the journey in Toastmasters.

For those of you who are new to Toastmasters, achieving a DTM award means that the Toastmaster must have:

1. Completed at least 40 assignment speeches.
• Competent Communicator manual: 10 basic speeches
• Advanced Communicator manuals: 5 advanced speeches in 6 different speech manuals
2. Held leadership positions and served 2-digit, 3-digit, 4-digit or even 5-digit number of members.
• Served as a club officer.
• Served as a district officer.
3. Helped someone become a better communicator.
• Coached a new member in his assignment speeches.
4. Contributed to the expansion of the Toastmasters program.
• Sponsored or mentored a new club in the local community.
5. Organized, lead and completed something for his fellow Toastmasters.
• Played different meeting roles.
• Organized events or activities.

You may read more at:

http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/EducationalProgram/CommunicationTrack.aspx

http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/EducationalProgram/LeadershipTrack.aspx

Let's get back to the topic - what have I learned en route to becoming a DTM?

#1 - Being a good communicator is not just about being able to speak well, it is also about being able to listen effectively.

• My observation tells me that most people are too eager to speak out their minds that they have forgotten to ask themselves whether they are speaking in the right context which the listener can relate to.
• Being able to listen effectively to what others say allows you to understand their frame of mind and specific needs.
• Once you understand their frame of mind and specific needs, you then organize your thoughts and speech in a way that they can relate to easily.

#2 - True leadership is about serving people, it's not just about titles, positions and instructing people.

• My definition of a true leader is someone who knows where to go and how to bring others along with him.
• Given a title or a position doesn't make a person a true leader because he still may not know where to go and may not have the capability to bring others along with him.

#3 - Becoming a better person.

• Having the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds gives me a more well-rounded perspective of how interpersonal relationships work.
• In order to lead effectively, you must first gain the trust and respect of the people you lead. To gain trust, you must first be trustworthy. To gain respect, you must first be a person who has integrity and respects others. Before you talk, you must first walk your talk.

The Toastmasters educational programme is a self-paced, learn-by-doing, and service-minded programme. It provides you a positive and nurturing environment to fail and and learn from your mistakes. I strongly urge you to go through the programme and share what you've learned with others.

Habits of the Wealthiest People

Most of us have read the book written by Dr Stephen Covey about the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People". But how about something more specific? Such as "Habits of the Wealthiest People"?

The infographic below is taken from the following site:
http://www.business-management-degree.net/features/wealthiest-people/

I like the "reminder" at the very bottom which says:

Following these traits won't necessarily make you rich...but they are worth a shot.

My business education program has somehow incorporated most of these elements, which means I have been practicing them for quite a while, and I have personally felt the positive growth and change in me. I would like to encourage you to start adopting these habits too!


Source: Business-Management-Degree.net

How I Got Into Toastmasters

I was first introduced to Toastmasters by my parents when I was in Form 4. Yes, just like you, when I heard of the word "Toastmasters", I thought it was some sort of a cooking-cum-baking society, which was why I had always refused my parents' invitation for me to attend one of their meetings. As they used to hold their meetings from 8.00-10.30pm, I had always refused to attend their meetings on a "legitimate reason" that I had to attend school early in the morning. Well, somehow I was always caught still watching television when my parents returned from the meetings. Hehe  :)

What is Toastmasters
Link: http://www.toastmasters.org/

After completing my secondary education, my "reason" was no longer "legitimate", and so I had to oblige to my parents invitation to attend one of their meetings. When my mom said that I should bring my friends along for company, the "light bulb" suddenly turned on, giving me the idea that I should use this as a "legitimate reason" to ask my girl friends out for a date. *evil grin*

And so there I was, attending my very first Toastmasters meeting as a guest, with this lovely lady "C" whom I had fond feelings of sitting on one side, and two male buddies whom I brought along sitting on another side (guys should know best what this means, hehe). Obviously, I was excited. But not knowing that my parents had set up an "evil plan" to make me speak during the meeting.

What is Table Topics
Link: http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/MeetingRoles/TableTopicsSpeaker.aspx

During the Table Topics sessions, after a few volunteers had spoken, the Table Topics Masters asked,

"Shall we have one of our guests to participate?"

Well, we were the only guests. And for obvious reasons, I had to play hero and step forward to volunteer myself for the topic. When the topic was read, I could feel cold sweat starting to slip out from the pores of my forehead.

"Imagine you're asking a lady out for a date. Please demonstrate how you convince the lady to accept your invitation."

As if to add coal to fire, the cheeky Table Topics Master suggested,

"I think you need a partner. Shall we invite C to join you here so that you can demonstrate to us?"

Unlike the timid me, C was a "steady" lady and immediately obliged. When she stood beside me, I blushed. Long story short, I fumbled...terribly...

Thankfully, this embarrassing experience brought out the "kiasu-ness" in me. It taught me one very important lesson:

A person may have the best intentions or ideas in mind, but if he could not communicate them effectively to his targeted audience, it is just as though he has never had them in mind.

Surprisingly, this was the very experience which triggered my interest and got me into Toastmasters.

And I have never stopped ever since.