Category: Retirement issues

For those who wish to stay short term in Thailand and wish to learn conversational thai, i would encourage you to take up live learning, direct from thai people.  With today’s internet, you can learnt thai over Skype.  You can see the teacher.  You will use a common thai conversation book.  Two adult students can learn and speak and listen together.  You will be corrected if you pronnounce wrong.

These is a great way to learn from your own desktop or even mobile.  Right from Singapore from Central Thailand.  Good Thai schools charge about 30,000 for one-one coaching.  But I think we can get teachers for less than 50% on a twin sharing.

As part of my ongoing plan to encourage retirement in Thailand, i encourage you to start learning thai now.

I look forward to have some Singapore friends in Thailand when I retire.  Especially when you have some thai language skills.

Let me know if you wish to learn thai.  BTW, another way is to have a thai boyfriend or girlfriend or to go for slow thai karaoke.

Terence Seah

In 2004, my close friends, William Chew, Richard Ng and Vincent Khoo got together regularly to talk about retiring in Thailand. That’s 10 years ago. We have been living in the region for more than 20 years. Today, Richard stayed on and worked in Bangkok. Vincent Khoo moved back recently to Singapore due to health reasons; he is eager to get back next year. William Chew stayed on in Myanmar, having lived there for almost 30 years. I have been living in Thailand for more than 20 years, and today, I am extending my plans to live in Thailand for an indefinate period of time.

There are many Singaporeans living in Thailand, enjoying their retirement. They can be found in Chiangmai, Phuket, Bangkok, Korat, Pattaya and HuaHin. Most have either a house Upcountry or an apartment in key cities. Many live on a modest lifestyle, enjoying the vastness of Thailand, the beautiful shores, the wide range of medical facilities, the modern supermarkets, the friendly culture, and importantly, the low cost of food, transportation, housing and travel.

Language is easy, most Singaporeans can pick up day to day communication within 3 months. I went to school for 6 months, Thai karaoke every week and speak Thai in my best with anybody around me.

Whether you are a man or a woman, you will find friends to help you make Thailand a place to stay, even for retirement, short term or long term. It’s for you to build the relationships.

There is a Singapore Club of Thailand (SCOT) and there is the Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC). I was the President of SCOT for two terms and a co-founder of STCC. The first is social and the latter is more business. Either one, you can join.

You may be able to get a job in Thailand, or you can start a small business with a local partner. Both of which are not complicated procedures. A small business can make your stay beneficial and worthwhile.

While Thailand has a growing middle class, many Thais are still very poor. They are mainly in agriculture. If your heart is to help the poor, you will find doing charity projects meaningful as our contributions to the less fortunate.

Here in Thailand, you can easily have a maid, a kitchen help or a driver. On a shared basis, among friends, you will find the cost of living in Thailand workable and within the means of a small calculator.

I shall lead this Post on Thailand covering issues on retirement living, including short term living. Each week, I shall cover an issue, and you are free to ask a question or make a comment.

Please stick strictly to Thailand and retiring in Thailand issues. For members who wish to join in on this topic, please feel free to join in.

Terence Seah

Last week I was in Singapore.  I visited an ex-colleaque of mine, and I visited his office. Sat down and chatted with him.  Chatting through, I noticed on his table were hundreds of business cards, messily placed in front of his computer screen.  He is a Sales Director, has no personal secretary, and has to manage his name cards , and keying them in into his Microsoft Outlook contacts.  At the same time, he has one of the latest Samsung S4. He complains he has no time to enter the contract details, but will likely do so before the end of the year.

If someone, contracted through an external company), can do so for the entire company, with 10 executives, can input the business cards into a file, and after finishing, the executive can download the contacts into his smartphone or desktop, the executives will be very happy with this part of the job.  That someone can charge the company a fee.  He can also work together as a group.  This can also be a retirement part time business for some SilverHairsClub members.

We have to continuously think of work for ourselves, to make some money and to keep our fingers nimble and our brains vibrating.

What do you think?  Can this work? and how can we do this business for retirees.
We will get to know more working people, and perhaps get leads and tips.  There are hundreds of companies out there with similar issues.

You know I love ideas, and you too can be a part of it.

Terence Seah

One of the nicest things about retirement/semi-retirement is the opportunity to take on part time work/jobs on an ad hoc or short term basis, thus enjoying the varied experiences that life has to offer.

Recently I went to work for four hours as a Standardised Patient – a what? yes, i was also baffled when i first heard this label. Basically, an SP role plays in a set clinical scenario. This scenario forms the practical assessment of mainly medical and nursing students.

After several days of bracing myself for the ‘job’, i went to report at the venue and saw the great buzz at the lift lobby. How exciting, i thought.  Well, I was really relieved that my ‘debut’ went smoothly and i found the whole experience very interesting, so much so, i’m looking forward to my second assignment!  lol!

I know there are other interesting part time work/jobs  and it’ll be nice if you could share your experience. Who knows – we might form a network of sorts. A part-timers network?  lol!   :)

I chanced upon an article about a retirement community called Nalcrest in Florida. It was built for the retirement of poorly-paid  postal workers in the 1960s. It got me reflecting: Can S’pore have an affordable retirement community for ordinary S’poreans (a.k.a. HDB flat dwellers)? I say yes because we have CPF ,  Medisafe and private savings to support a simple, dignified retirement life for the ordinary man in the street.

The idea is feasible if based on three main criteria: The retirement flats have a short lease,  are non- transferrable and open only to HDB flat dwellers.

If you are interested in this topic, do put in your take and/or share your suggestions/ideas. Perhaps we could send a proposal to the Minister for consideration. :)

We shall have another relaxing gathering for retirees at the MPH cafe, Robinson Road on:

• Wed 14 Nov 2012.
• Time:  1430 to 1630 hrs.
• Again, this is a free agenda afternoon.  A good opportunity to meet other retirees and semi-retirees.
• A set-lunch and a Tea set with toast will be provided free, if you register on this Post.  Simply say you are coming.

if there is some topic you would like to raise with me, please let me know.

I would be pleased to discuss topics on what SHC can do for you.  Obviously, if there is a role you can play in SHC, I would be more than willing to hear from you too.

Look forward to your coming.

Terence Seah 

Registration list:

1. Terence Seah
2. Vincent Khoo
3. Lawrence Lee
4. Lina Wang
5. Ann Lim
6. Jassmine Teo
7. Annie Loh
8. Terry Tang
9. Rosalind Lee
10. .

Dear fellow members,

This month, I shall focus on another part of Club members’ needs.

SilverHairsClub was formed in 2005 for the benefit of Singaporeans, over the age of 45. Therefore, it is important we meet your needs to meet other
SilverHairs.  If you find that the Club does not meet its objective of providing a platform for you to get to know
new and more friends, please do share with us. Your feedback would be shared with other members.  You may also want to do something which you have behind your head. 

I like to encourage you to take this opportunity to meet other SilverHairs.  If you have not visited SHC before, feel free to write to me or voice your ideas on this forum; but you must first register to enter SilverHairsClub.com.

If you are always busy, you may like to join SHC Live!.  This is a live event, where you can meet
other members on the internet, from your home.  We have a Men’s night on Sat 18 Aug 2012.  Click here for details  https://silverhairsclub.com/?p=4463.   There is a ladies’ night too.  Watch out for more details on SilverHairsClub.com when the organisers are ready with their details. 

Please feel free to organise an activity or event for other fellow members.  And, do take the lead.

For members who would like to make use of their experience and available time, and would like to take up part-time work opportunities,
please feel free to also write to me at terences@SilverhairsClub.com.  As SilverHairs and seniors, we can still reach
out to society and contribute to society. Currently, SilverHairs Enterprise is focused on opportunities in the
part-time area, for SHC members only, in areas of Eldersitting, errand runners, Office stand-ins, and Chinese tuition online.

I like to extend an invitation to members who can help to make our Blue Helmet projects a reality and success. 

We have started in the area of Eldersitting, and I am happy with the progress.  Two members have
volunteered as Enterprise administrators Jenny and Vivian, and a few members have already worked as part-time Eldersitters. Feedback from clients have been good. 
If you like to be an Eldersitter, read more about it in SilverHairsClub.com. We see there is a demand for eldersitters, and we intend
to recruit more eldersitters. 

In Jan 2012, a few members have suggested we attempt govt or public funding.  We tried, and with the
help from participating members, we submited our proposal.  Unfortunately, the deciding department felt
that the SilverHairsClub members are not a disadvantaged group, and in Mar
2012, notified us that it could not support our project.  Nevertheless, under the SilverHairs
Enterprise, we decided to proceed on.  We pursue the eldersitter project because this project is our way of contributing to the elderly society. Fit and healthy seniors providing eldersitter services to the less fit elderlies.

We recruited fit seniors from SHC from April to June.  Members are interested
in part-time work, and all of them have experience looking after their elderly
parents and many have worked in eldercare organisations. Besides a part-time work income, we also want to interact with society. We are definitely wanted by society.

In May, after reviewing various systems, we went ahead to purchase and design
an online service booking system where our clients can book for eldersitters on
the internet.  Besides recruiting eldersitters, we also took in two administrators working Mon to Wed and Thur to
Sat to take calls, take online bookings, and pair clients with our eldersitters.  While we do face snags here and there, I am happy with the progress.

In June and July, we launched a series of advertisements in the Straits Times, Today newspapers and classifieds to test the effectiveness of advertising, and
which days are worth our spending advertising money.  We trial tested our procedures from system
tests, advertising, liaison between administrators and eldersitters, payment, live accounts, handling the clients and managing returning clients. We have
almost completed the basic steps.  Of course, more needs to be done.

During this period, we determined public needs, relative to services we
provide, and our eldersitter services are mainly companionship-type services.  We have no plans to go into nursing or
medical support services.  Following the good advices of supportive members, we are now venturing out to make links with
organisations whose patients require after care assistance.

This is the stage we are in now.  If the eldersitter srevices continue to meet our needs, we will quickly move into
other part-time work opportunities for members. If you are interested in any part-time opportunities for SHC members, please write to me.

We are now into the second half of 2012; and would be celebrating SilverHairsClub 7th anniversary in Oct. Give it a thought.

Terence Seah

SilverHairsClub &
SilverHairs Enterprise

• Today i visited a block of studio apartments for seniors near Toa Payoh Central and was glad to see how PLEASANT the environment is. The common areas are SPACIOUS and CLEAN. The common corridors outside the individual units are WIDE and UNCLUTTERED. The units are small bed-sitters, bright with windows on one wall. In the bathroom is an emergency alert cord.
• The two lifts are BIG and stop at EVERY floor. On the third level are two cozy GARDENS.  Seats are PLENTIFUL and INVITING!
• Nearby are other blocks of flats, shops, a hawker centre, a market….

• Could HDB adapt this concept of studio apartment living for seniors with smaller nest-eggs to cater to seniors with bigger nest-eggs by building bigger studio apartments and providing more facilities? But however HDB modifies/adapts, it must keep to the 30-year lease and the non- marketability of the studio apartments for the ‘richer’ seniors. These two conditions will keep out the sharks and the profit-driven entrepreneurs.

N.B. Comments no. 1 -5  are pre-post comments.

On this forum, there has been many discussions on the setting up of "Short-term retirement homes outside Singapore for Seniors".  So far, we have many ideas and suggestions; but we have not been able to put up a feasibility paper.

Perhaps, this is a good time to bring together SHC members who like the idea, are interested in promoting this idea, with the aim of setting up facilities and services and also investing in the project if feasible.

Assuming we take 4 months to prepare a draft paper, the team can bring these ideas together, consolidate the discussion and finally write out a paper that is viable and feasible, practically and financially sound.  All participating members must have roles in the team.

If you have interest to work in this team, please let me know, and we will organise physical meetings and offline discussions.  Please indicate the role you would like to participate.

If the team can put up a feasibility paper, we can use it as an investment paper.  If you have experience and would like to participate, join the team.  I will coordinate the team; but if there is someone with experience in a similar project, do let me know.  Closing date for the formation of this team: 30 Apr 2012.

Terence Seah 

 Hi Silverhairs,

 On security-guard duty since Sept 1st last year at the Singapore Post Building which is next to the Paya Lebar MRT Station, I have come to know two operations-staff whom, together with one of their cousins and plus one of their good friend who has an Indonesian wife(all are Malay-Muslims), in late 2010 bought two properties (each cost less than Three hundred and fifty million rupiahs, 1million rph = $14,300plus) at the Costarina Complex which faces the inlet where daily will pass by the ferry from Harbourfront.  From mid-last year, a ferris-wheel(probably less than half smaller than our Marina Flyer) and a small jetty with a few parked recreational boats were readied for residents.

 These two operations-staff sold their 3-rm flat to HDB for a 30yr-lease stay whilst the cousin downgraded from 4rm to 3rm and the close friend sold outright his 3rm flat.  The close friend is a permanent stayer while the other three make regular bi-monthly two/three day visits and since last year June holidays, six of their Muslim family friends have rented rooms up to one-week stay(was not told and did not enquire the rental rates).

 Perhaps a "Core-group of Absolutely-interested" Silverhairs can copy the above, a Silverhairs’ Resort Home located in JBahru(the Bukit Chagar site next to the Customs Complex is ideal as its higher elevation provide views of the Johor Straits, less than one hundred metres away, and it is also ten mins away to the newly renovated Evon Centre, but alas the buildings are quite dilapidated), the Danga Bay area, or the new Kulaijaya township which is 90mins away north from JBaru.  Kukup, Batu Pahat and Mersing can also be considered, but the latter two towns entail about three hours driving time.

 This concept has to be brainstormed by the Core-group of Absolutely-Interested Silverhairs and my take at least ten members are required to anchor this project and assuming one member foots out one hundred thousand ringgit, the capital base is One mil ringgit sufficiently enough to purchase two properties.

 Regards

  Abel Tan

Hi Everyone! Happy CNY !!

Retirement is a hot topics here, guess most of us wanna enjoy our lives after years of working hard for our $$$ :)
Several places hv been brought up here as we noticed.

I’m glad tt there’s a couple of guys who’re willing to share their knowledge & experience of Chiang Mai with us.

If u hv a thot of Chiang Mai & wanna know more of the place, … or
U hv experience there & wanna share some tips & advice …

… let’s come together for an informal sharing session to explore Chiang Mai as a retirement destination.
Am arranging a simple meetup as below:-

Date: next Sat,  11th Feb
Time: 10:30am, morning
Venue: YaKun at Orchard Central, 5th floor

Hope to touch on topics like:-
* Good & bad of Chiang Mai
* Stay options available
* Immigration laws, property options & laws, etc
* Biz opportunities & regulations (for those who still wanna biz / freelance job but less streeful one :)
* The community, weather, health facilities, security concerns, banking facilities, etc
* The various areas, zones for leisure, games, nature, … & to avoid !!!
* Charity / voluntary organizations tt’re worth supporting / helping
* Preparation needed to settle there
* Contacts there for assistance, etc

Do add if u’d like to know more or can provide info on.

Thanks all & hope to hear from u! Hv a great weekend ahead :)

I believe we have many still-working SilverHairs in our membership.  By full-time, I mean working 9-5 or where the hours worked are long.I believe we have many still-working SilverHairs in our membership.  By full-time, I mean working 9-5 or where the hours worked are long.

By "Still-Working", or partially retired, I am referring to part-time work eg teaching, consultancy, online trading or when the hours worked are a few hours a week.  I also mean "paid work".

By retired, I mean "Not working" at all.  May be looking after grand children, playing mahjong daily,  going holidays, or catching up with friends regularly.

As a show of hands, can you raise your hands, so we know, you are retired, and what do you do in the course of the week? We may be able to learn from you how to go about our later part of our lives.

I hope that SilverHairsClub can also provide more opportunities for 100% retired members to gather together.

Look forward to know the real retirees.

Terence Seah

Bunch of retirees:

1. Wendy Koh
2. Rosalind Lee
3. Gabriella Chua
4. Lim Tian Soo
5. Felice Lim
6. Janet Loo
7. Ronald Koh
8. Jassmine Teo
9. Vincent Khoo
10. Robert Ong
11. Charles Chua
12. Aeden Tang
13. Jacqueline Han
14. Peter Lim
15. Primrose Kok
16. Susan Tan
17. Steven Chan
18. KC Lau
19. Catherine Yeo
20. Peng Peng
21. Jane Tan
22. Linda Chan
23. Josie Yow
24. Pearl Kwan
25. Simon Lee
26. Cheng Pun
27. Richard Lean
28. Tan Seok Wah
29. Mega Abdullah
30. Philip Wee
31. Priscilla Wee
32. Daniel Kang
33. Keep coming.  This can be one of the longest list in our forum.

Hi guys and gals,

Once in a while, some members have expressed interest in looking at JB properties.  Their idea is to rent the properties for retirement or to buy, if the economics make sense.  Unfortunately, some of the organisers with good intentions, withdraw the trip plans, due to lack of support for their suggestions.

There is true the media has reported crimes in JB, theft in non-gated communities in JB, etc etc.

I like to take a different approach.  I think that the situation of many retirees and soon-to-be retirees warrant a relook at JB as a destination for retirement living.  Many Singaporean retirees have nice big or medium big HDB flats, which are probably fully paid.  However, many retirees, not all, see that they are not enjoying the lifestyle that they want.  Got asset, but little cash.  Why not rent the place out, and move to another cheaper place with more space and maybe conditions worth reviewing.

There, then is the possibility of looking for a nursing home, not for now, but maybe the future for ourselves.  Or may be for our old parents, relatives and friends.

I hope we can support those members who want to give JB a look at retirement and nursing opportunities.  Find out what it costs, how safe they would feel confortable with at different places, the good food, the ugly side, the bigger houses, etc etc.  The media has reported the negatives; and some of us have experienced negatives.  But, let’s not let these negatives prevent us from going to have a look.  There are other Singaporeans who have successfully stayed in JB, and come back once a month, to see their friends or for medical.  So, again, Let’s gives others a chance.

As such, I have requested Daniel Kang, who lives in JB most of the time, to coordinate this activity, from JB.  It is likely we will adopt the following approaches.

• Daniel will assist to organise a van, likely a 9 seater from morning to late afternoon.
• He will make arrangements to view some properties, maybe the Iskandar project and a nursing home.
• He will arrange to meet some condo and house representatives, so that those who attend can get an idea of the possibility in JB.
• The nursing home for Singaporean is also of interest, and I have asked him to work on this.
• Towards the end of the day, we can land at some makan places, have a good meal before going back to Singapore.
• All transport to JB and return will be organised by the individual.  Daniel’s task will be to pick up in JB and return you to JB.

I think that this activity would not suit everybody; but it is for those who wants to explore the possibility of another option.  Everybody has different situations, so, give every body a chance.  Dont let our experiences with negatives discourage other members from seeing the other side of the river.

Daniel will get back to us soon.  I thought it would be nice to inform you of this plan.  More later.  And, of course, if you live in JB and like to help us with seeing JB from the same angle, send me an email.  If you have interest to participate, please put your name down to register, and once the details are available, you can decide if you can make the date.

Terence Seah

Anyone already retired in Chiang Mai or planning to do so? Am toying with this idea. Hope to get some advice, tips, etc :) Can contact me (raffady@yahoo.com). Many thanks in advance.

2012 is round the corner! Many of us will be thinking of plans to do. I wish to bring up a travel plan for ladies who would like to visit Perth or its surroundings but lack friends to travel with. I know that sometimes we put off trips for lack of finding someone to travel with and may not feel comfortable travelling alone. As I spend about 2-3 months in Perth when I am there, I can provide B & B homestay accomodation in my home of 1 furnished room for single or 2 ladies sharing. You can have a free and easy stay, moving on your own or join me sometimes for activities eg golf, walks, eateries or short trips to nearby towns eg Mandurah, Margaret River. You will need to arrange your own flights to and from Perth but airport transfers can be arranged. For details and costs, contact can be by email. Cheers Joan

The only two places in Asia where I enjoy listening to Hokkien songs and singing are Malaysia and Taiwan.  Perhaps, Taiwan Formosa television has made Hokkien songs popular in Singapore with the Taiwanese soap operas.

I am not fluent in Hokkien; but like many of us, we enjoy listening to the songs.  A week in Bangkok, and I already missed my favourite Taiwanese "LOVE" drama.  To share with you, I am having a headache, because I have not been able to find a Club Manager to replace Dolly Lim in the new year 2012.  Music and songs and dancing are a great relief when it comes to solving headaches problems.  Of course, the other headaches are the consequences affecting us, as a result of the going-ons in Europe and the US.

So, I was thinking of having a Karaoke event, during the week of Oct 24.  The event will have a simple buffet, sit down, aircon pl;ace and we can sing, listen, enjoy each others’ company, and get to know one another.

But, really, I think we should stay focused, and not have multiple dialects or languages.  All songs will be in Hokkien only, single, duet or group.  And, to qualify as as "Karaoke" participant, as long as you like Hokkien songs, can sing of the screen and entertain fellow members when they eat and chat or dance, you can participate as a singer.

But, I dont have a place or the date yet.  Next week, I am back in Singapore, and we shall finalise the place and date.  Some of you are eager to be an EO.  Would you like to try as an EO?  I shall invite you for lunch or dinner at the place I have in mind.  This event is ON and confirmed.

Update:

• Venue:  Oxford Hotel, 218 Queens Street, (2 mins walk from Bras Basah circle line or 10 mins walk from Bugis MRT).
• Theme: Buffet dinner with Hokkien Karaoke – 680 titles. 
• Date:  Sat Oct 22, 2011.
• Time:  Starts 1700 hrs and ends 2100 hrs.
• Costs:  $18 per person (Payment by 15 Oct 20110); $19 per person (Payment after 15 Oct 2011).
• Payment:  Interested participants, please transfer the money to:   POSB Saving Account no. 085-46543-0; Account Name:  TAN SOK CHENG
• Seating Capacity:   60 pax
• Strictly for SHC members only.  Please bring along your name tag.
• Dress Code:  Your regular Saturday Attire.

Terence Seah/Sally Tan

Registration:

1. Terence Seah (EO) (Paid)
2. Sally Tan (co-EO)    (Paid)
3. Dan Huang (Paid 19/10)
4. Shirleen Kao (Paid 15/10)
5. Judy Lim (Paid 11/10)
6. Ronnie Sow (Paid 14/10)
7. Annie Loh (Paid 7/10)
8. Sarah Zahriah (Paid 14/10)
9. Rena Wong (Paid 14/10)
10. Sam Goh (Paid 14/10)
11. Dolly Lim (Paid 9/10)
12. Lily Ho (Paid 9/10)
13. Janie Leong (Paid 9/10)
14. Judy Tay (Paid 9/10)
15. Eyvonne Chew (Paid 11/10)
16. Lina Ng (Paid 9/10)
17. Hou Chong (Paid 9/10)
18. Steven Chan (Paid 11/10)
19. Ann Lim (Paid 11/10)
20. Lilian Teo (Paid 11/10)
21. S. K. Chua (Paid 11/10)
22. Josephine Yap (Paid 11/10)
23. Esther Mok (Paid 11/10)
24. Audrey Wong (Paid 15/10)
25. Janet Chan (Paid 17/10)
26. Doreen Lau (Paid 10/10)
27. Ron Wie (Paid 10/10)
28. Daisy Yeo (Paid 12/10)
29. Helen T Wong (Paid 12/10)
30. Eunice Tay (Paid 13/10)
31. Joe Leow (Paid 13/10)
32. Bobby Bok (Paid 15/10)
33. Terry Tang (Paid 15/10)
34. Clara Chay (Paid 20/10)
35. Irene Poh (Paid 20/10)
36. Teo Chin Hian
37. Sock Cheng aka Sockie (Picture Manager)

Photos by Terence, Judy Lim and Sockie

Among members, there are a few who are knowledgeable with Indonesia as a destination to spend time relaxing, mixing with the local culture, enjoying the tasty food as well as a possible place to spend valuable retirement time.  I was in Surabaya last week for about one week, and I have this to share with you.

I find the city of Surabaya rather homely.  If one can speak bahasa Indonesia, or bahasa Melayu, this will definitely help communicate with the local community.  I guess for many of us, many of us would have learnt this language in school. 

Due to my short period there, I could only see the city.  I didn’t get a chance to see the sunrise at Mount Bromo or even Mount Penanjakan.   Being a tourist, I could only see the Russian submarine monument, the Sampoerna cigarette factory, Chinatown and reluntantly Tunjungan Plaza, the largest shopping mall in Surabaya.  It is good shopping paradize.  I remembered there was a Pasar Atum, with loads of local goods.

For men or women who admire the beautiful Surabaya ladies, this is a great city to envy.  They just have great charms, smiles and looks.  The traditional costumes are very attractive.  I believe it’s the Javanese history and culture.

Part of the reason why I was there in Surabaya was to visit an Indonesia plant.  But, I also took advantage of the time to visit the city.  The mayor of Surabaya provided a fabulous dinner, coupled with live entertainment singing and dance.  I was impressed with Indonesian hospitality.

There are direct flights from Singapore to Surabaya, only less than two hours away.  I wish some of you especially those with Indonesia connections, or having lived and worked in Indonesia give us more insights into what it is like to consider one of the Indonesian cities as a place to retire or even for a short 3 – 6 months.

What is it like to retire in Surabaya or in any other city in Indonesia?

Terence Seah

I wonder how Sinigapore has become one of the fastest elderly
growing population in the world.  Either our medical system has
enabled the elderly to live longer or we just eat good food, and live longer
than our grand-parents.  The baby boomers are reported to be
richer and will be better financially than future generations.  Our
age group is believed to be better prepared for old age and retirement.

Many of us have some form of personal life and
health insurances.  I like to raise this topic for discussion, so
that all of us get a chance to share what we know or dont know about the
insurance policies we have kept somewhere under our pillows.

Let’s focus on personal, health and accident policies. 
Keep out corporate insurance. 

This topic can be sensitive, especially those policies
paid out of our CPF.  But, please stay cool.  I
hope we can benefit from better understanding of our insurance
policies.  Let’s talk about choices, differences of the different type
of policies.  Please do not copy wholesale from the web. 
Keep your comments short, and in easy understandable English or
Chinese. 

There may be some insurance experts around us, your
contribution is invited.  We share.

Terence Seah    

What to do with the $$ you know you have; can see cannot touch!

Turning 55?  
How much money can I withdraw? 
What happens if I sell my property after reaching 55?  

OR turning 62??
How to get L- and V-Bonuses?  
How can I get monthly payout from my Retirement Account?  
What is CPF Life?  

Learn more about CPF rules applicable to you from age 55 & 62.
Register for a complimentary talk, go to this website:

https://www.cpf.gov.sg/cpf_trans/ssl/seminar/default.asp

Events:

Reaching 55, 23 Sep 2009

Reaching 62, 15 Sep 2009

Reaching 55 (Mandarin Talk), 9 Sep 2009

** There might be more such talks,,, so look out for it!

More about CPF LIFE:
http://mycpf.cpf.gov.sg/Members/Gen-Info/CPF_LIFE/CPF_LIFE

CPF LIFE ROADSHOW —  5Sep2009:
Have questions about CPF LIFE?

• Who can join CPF LIFE?

• What are the CPF LIFE Plans available?

• What is LIFE Bonus or L-Bonus?

• How to join CPF LIFE?

Join us at the CPF LIFE Roadshow to find out the answers to these questions and more!
Come down to listen to talks on what CPF LIFE is. You can also visit the booths to have more
information on CPF LIFE and other active ageing matters.
Most importantly, our friendly CPF officers will be there to help you understand more on CPF LIFE!

Date :  5 September 2009 (Saturday)
Time:  12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Venue:  WestMall Open Plaza, Level 1, 1 Bukit Batok Central Link Singapore 658713.

If you are not able to make it for the roadshow on 5 September 2009, do not worry,
look out for more information on the other CPF LIFE roadshows!

If you cannot find the page to register, drop me an email: chrischan5575@yahoo.com

Best Regards,
Christina CL Chan

Hi Terence and all,

Reflecting on our RV plans of the past which have not materialise, I cannot help but to post this idea of an RV alternative.  I am looking to rent a condo unit either in JB or even Malacca  that can be a 2nd home for me, as I think it wil be much cheaper living there.   So I am  thinking of renting such a unit that is within easy reach of public transport and is in a good safe location.  

I am prepared to let out a room/rooms for SHC members for overnight stay either enjoying shopping, massage, makan or even for overnight MJ or for travel stops on their way up north.  This condo unit should or will be set up with cable tv, internet  and all necessary facilities like washing machine, kitchen for cooking etc.  This idea came about too from the very good response of my weekly JB trips that I had at times had to make 2 trips in a week.  

So anyone in a group wanting to really feel what is like staying in JB can book the room at a very reasonable cost to stay over for a night or for as long as they want.

Will also welcome any ideas to expand such a plan, as I think  there are quite a few things one can enjoy in nearby JB besides the cheaper food, massage, karaoke, dancing, hair styling, tailoring, car services etc, is the slower pace of life there, or taking up cheaper courses in JB.  Some special courses that cost $3000 in Singapore cost the same amount in M$3000 and therefore can be quite a saving. 

Cheers

Hi

I’ll be in Singapore in May and if anyone is still keen to know more about short term stay in Perth etc, can meet up and chat. Let me know on the SHC website as I’m holidaying at the moment.

Regards

Joan (Perth)

We went to JB last friday. My firend and I are thinking the cos tof living in Singapore is very high. Thinking to move to JB to stay. That side condo rental is very cheap 4 room flat is only RM$1200 including furniture. Compare to Singapore this type of living standard we have to pay at lease $3K for rental. We sublet our 3 room flat and move there to stay save so much money.