Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to my fellow friends, colleagues and business associates.
May you have a fruitful 2013 & a successful 2014!
Thank you for your support in the past one year.
2013 was faced with challenges. The changes in the regulatory requirements which were necessary as we move towards a developed financial hub and to provide better service to the client also mean a Financial Advisor needs to be more knowledgeable and professional now.
Among the news, one of the most shocking must be the shutting down of the U.S Government. It almost brings the financial markets to a standstill. At the other side of the world was Cyprus which as a bid to rescue the country from bankruptcy decided to tax the bank depositors with over 100,000 euros. Imagine this – Putting money in a bank and instead of interest, you get taxes! While we saw may issues such as high cost of living in Singapore escalating, we may need to rethink our problems when the problems is ‘making a living’ in most countries.
Natural disaster was unavoidable. With huge tornado hitting Oklahoma, earthquake hitting Sichuan again and Typhoon Haiyan damaging Philippines, we may like to reflect on our personal responsibility on environmental issues. And as if natural disaster is not taking away too many innocent lives, humans decided set blast in a Marathon causing many casualties. However, life is not all about sad news. It’s during these tragedies that we also saw the humanity in us and let us appreciate our love ones during this festive season.
Last but not least, the world lost two great leaders – Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela.
It may seem all the news is sad. However, each of us will end this year with sweet memories of our own and let’s look forward to a better 2014.
With that, I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!
My IFA@Sg 