The July gathering focused on small business ideas. But, importantly, as I see it, many of the ideas centred around "What can SilverHairs do to keep ourselves financially sufficient to bring us through our retirement years".
What’s enough? Two years ago, Vincent said $500 is enough. A few days ago, we hear from the floor that we need $1,500 or $2,500 per month.
During the gathering, participants had only 5 minutes or less. Presentations had to be brief. We can now continue the discussion without being cut short for time. Let’s use this forum. I took some notes; but really did not do a good job. Let me put the pointers down; and you can elaborate from here.
We had how to tap funds for business, bicycle rental, hot dogs, an investment club, retirement villages, Blue Helmet, online trading and investing, service to look after elderly, community work, family tree, and cakes to friends and neighbours.
Don’t be shy. Write your ideas here. Many SilverHairs read this forum. Your participation can help create the bigger picture of what we SilverHairs can do when we retire, at 50, 60 or 65.
Terence Seah
Hi KT,
Have you gone ahead with the Investment club? How many participants do you have? Ready for live and demo runs?
Terence
Hi JB enthusiast,
If you are looking for landed property in JB, Austin Height has big and nice houses there for sale right now. I have been to the show room, wow! very impressive and big garden for only 700-800 MR!
On the other side, the 2nd link at Tuas, there are many Condos situated at Leisure Farm which is also a good choice for weekend getaway. Last weekend, a few of us were there…guess what? we are thinking of having another SHC gathering there…. may be buy one unit there???
Ah Nee.
Edwin,
Do you mean HDB’s The Pinnacle @ Duxton in Spore or KL’s The Orion
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=14403054
If its HDB enjoy the view and remember to feed the pigeons. Bungee jump and sky diving from balcony. Passive income unlimited. Lucky devil!
If its KL freehold, think about flipping it for Iskandar/JB asset or enter into a property swap. Short KL and Long Iskandar (The Iskandar Development Region (IDR) in the South Johore Corridor (SJC)) is a good mid-term play under the present circumstances.
Edwin
No caught. Not even a bit. The otherside of diamond is coal and dirt.
Iskandar could be the new “Gold Hill” that Frisco is no more.
Thousand apologies….
Trust my luck. Just at the wrong time.
I sprained my leg and twisted my ankle on the greens this afternoon. I wasn’t golfing. Just walking. I am immobilized by and large.
I’ll have to skip this week’s JB run. What about next week. Otherwise, we can also meet to plan when I have recovered.
If you are looking for places and have time, check out Legends@Kulai. It’s a major play. I’ll tell you more when we meet. Or Pulai Springs.
Dear KT,
Thanks my man, you hit it right on the knob! For the interim, however, I am a little caught. Picked up a small unit at Pinnacle, 41st level(should be ready by 2008/9). Hoping against hope that I could find a good tenant when the time comes and then move on.
The JB Club House idea is worth some further consideration, I think it has been kept in abeyance for far too long.
Cheers, Edwin Chen
Dear Ron Wie,
It has been ages since I travelled to JB. So I don’t think I could be of any use to you as a guide. But I have learnt from a Doc fiend who has been snapping up properties within and close to the proximity of that vast potentially new development area in JB.
Fact is, I have accepted their invitation to perform for a house warming party over there. May have to engage your transport service soon.
Cheers, Edwin Chen
JB gang
Ron: Is the Tues JB run on? Where is Central MRT?
Count me in
Edwin: The smart money is renting their S$750K HDB at S$2.5K per month for a S$1K per month landed property purchase instalment in a gated community somewhere in JB (or anywhere else except here). Let’s meet at the Tues run and work this out. If there is a lack of volunteers, I’ll apply to be your gatekeeper, hotel reception, chambermaid, security guard, butler, tour organiser, bus driver and consierge all in one.
Worry about patriotism? Worry no more.
Sunday Times today (Lifestyle L2) ask “Why No Singapore” in Kit Chan’s ND song. She went literally around the world but no S. Artisitc mistake?
No, more like a Freudian slip coming from a primivial urging deep from the subconcious. And we all know that our sub-concious ID don’t lie.
We can clap hands and sing songs. But when the bill comes end of month we know where our survival lies.
Hi Edwin and all,
Yes it does sounds great as cost is cheaper there and who knows even taking it as a cost sharing investment while running it as a club house it can pay for itself while returning a good interest in years to come.
Yes it can also serve as Party venue for rent , with SHC members providing food, music, etc.
I for one can be available to be a caretake cum lodger paying for monthly bills for a start.
KT, how much can you rope in including your personal investment, as you do indicate you have some interest in JB as an RV ?
Tallking about that , this Tue 14th JB trip is on and Thomas , Jie, Clara have indicated about joining the trip, so KT and Edwin , are you coming along to show us some other interesting places ?
Cheers
Allrounder
Dear Ron Wie,
How is the rental situation in JB? Maybe, some of us could chip in and rent a place as our SHC clubhouse.Like our younger days where some of us rent apartments and use it as bachelors’ mess. In the present JB case, a bungalow will be great, maybe,with a pool. Then we could consider working on regular social programs with the venue as a base.I am sure more interesting viable projects that are self supporting could be churned out.
Count me in if you could find a bungalow with a swimming pool, say around Leisure Farm, just across the Tuas crossing. Any others interested? Its a question of numbers, if the sum is right, we could also employ someone to be the resident caretaker of the premises.
My tuppence worth!
Cheers, Edwin Chen
Hi KT, Ron and Dan,
I hope this JB junket is not totally scrapped as I can see a lot of potentials in it, barring any upsets. Nothing beats re-living what Singapore was like in the good old days. i.e. what I remembered what JB was like the last time I was there. It may be unrecognisable now, with the progress they have made.
Appreciate it if the organiser { whoever it may be } please count me in for the next trip.
Tks and regards…..Jie
Dan, Ron and the JB gang
Case in point. Ultimately, if it is not commercially viable and structured, many projects will fizzle. “Cheng Kay tops up” is a unique SHC experience but not real world sustainable.
Suggest we do it this way. Could you guys organize one more time. I will join in and lets put our heads together to form the Great SHC Causeway Sale program. Win-win, value all round.
I have great sentiments for JB as a RV juncket destination. Now with the sub-prime meltdown, market free diving and green dot state declarations, assets which went for a song will go for the chorus now. Time to buy-in.
Hi Ron.
Don’t think I will be able to carry on with the JB trip as I do not usually stay for more than 2 hours if I go in.
cheers
Daniel
Hi KT and all,
The JB weekly trip is defintely not for making a living or earning enough even for a part time job just maybe as a hobby, that you share with others who occasionally feel like making the one day shopping/dining.
I am not discontinuing the weekly JB trip, rather i won’t be around after Sept to do it. I am hoping anyone else who has a car, has free time and who likes going to JB and continue with the current arrangement.
I know Daniel will continue with providing this service and it will be up to him to continue doing if he finds it satisfying or rewarding in other ways as the $10 per person charge is to provide the convenience of shoppers not have to worry about lugging around their baskets of durians, food, ete to their doorstep on their return trip.
So no worries , Weekly JB trip will still continue after Sep with Daniel and maybe also cooking classes in JB too, right after doing the wet marketing in JB itself ?
Cheers,
Allrounder
Ron,
What happened?
“On the same note, would like to say the weekly JB trips, will not be continued by me after Aug and i am hoping that Daniel will carry on with it. ”
Does day trip to JB work as a model. Or the cost/benefit just doesn’t cut it.
Good or bad. Share. We will learn from your experience.
Ron suggests “babysitting for aged”
I have a need for a physiotherapist on a 1 to 1 to rehabilitate a parkinson patient. Anyone with a lot of patience, time and experience may apply.
No, Ron. Not myself. I may sound there sometimes but not quite yet.
Takers?
Hi KT and all,
I think many other areas can only be considered as long as there is a market for such services, like what some else suggested baby sitting of aged parents, taking a dog for a walk ,etc
By the way Pof Att is short form for writing letters of Power of Attorney. Such services along with Will writing are services that Tim can offer as there is demand for it among SHC members.
Cheers,
Allrounder
Gary,
What’s this about being wronged in Blue Helmet’s “dating agency BUSINESS”?
Blue Helmet is a proposed Social Enterprise, partially government funded project involving senior retraining and job recruitment.
Our current business plan do not have dating as one of our match making activity. “Do not” does not mean “Never”.
Tell me about your lateral thought.
Ron,
SHC Investment Club (SIC) is a non-profit group of private indiviuals from SHC sharing their trading experience and financial education. I am not selling any investment advice. If you join and make an obscene amount of money, it is only coincidence. Fellowship of the Win is the objective. Not money.
What is this Pof Att that Tim is selling. I thought he is only into sure win football with money-back guarantee.
Hi Joy,
Thanks for you support and also having enjoyed the trip to JB. I started that JB weekly trip for 3 reasons, ( but definitely as a means of earning a living ) :-
a. To promote JB as an getaway shopping, dining trip for retirees to stretch the S$
b. That many other SHC members can come forward with other such activities, or trips elsewhere Bali, Mersing ,etc based on this cost paying structure as apart-time past-time that help to cover daily expenses.
c. That SHC can be exciting , with more activites like this and those who want to start or have existing business can tailor serivces to SHC members in a mutual win win situation as examples :-
i. Hair saloon/restaurants/Karaoke – giving 50% or more at off peak hours to SHC members,etc.
ii. Or retired music , art,dance or language teachers who are SHC members can come forward to offer their services at a good price to SHC members ( many who can are hesitant to do so for fear or being frowned or being labelled of taking advantage of SHC).
But if you think of it who are the people who will benefit, is the members themselves both as students and as teachers if this concept of Retirement one man home entreprise is encourage to all ?
So hopefully in the near futures the Directory of Services to members can be expanded to retired Professional services such as follows:-
a. Dental services – for cosmetic services
b. Legal services – will writing , Pof Att (Tim , about time you make money from such sure money earning services at a reasonable price to members)
c. Investment advices from KT
d. Vet services from
e. Professional counsellling from Henry
f. Shirley’s Hot Dogs ( maybe a hot brand soon ? )
etc, etc,
So, the list can be endless and exciting , that maybe someday SHC may even compete with NTUC someday ?
On the same note, would like to say the weekly JB trips, will not be continued by me after Aug and i am hoping that Daniel will carry on with it.
So hope to hear the next local Brand to make it big with franchise expansion programme will be the BusyBees ? Shirley i may not be in town but will sponsor the first hour of SHC members coffee drink, or anyone else want to co-sponsor with me for the whole day ?
Cheers
Allrounder
I think no one needs to feel pai seh for offering a service for a fee, especially if that service is our means of earning a living.
Maybe if you feel awkard to quote a fee, you can ask the person to pay you what they think is a fair price for your service.
I took Ronald’s makan and jalan to Johore service and for $10, it is value for money. I get picked up close to my place and was dropped off right at my door step. And the bonus is the company of other SHC friends.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with Ronald Wi on initiating and supporting SilverHairs who are keen to offer their services.
Generally, the view was that we or rather me, in particular, have not made it clear to members, how paying services are to be handled on this forum or within the SilverHairsClub. I guess there was the feeling that paid services were not supported or frown upon. On the contrary, I am in full support of SilverHairs using their creative minds and time to find ways to be financially sufficient.
Yes, I must say we have not given a lot of thought into this issue; and I hope we can develop the ideas over time.
We definitely support and encourage SilverHairs to have their own business, and to provide their services, for a fee. The charges, fees or discounts are at the discretion of the individual.
SilverHairsClub has made it clear from the beginning that MLM and direct selling are not supported on this forum or during SHC activities. Promotion of non-SHC members businesses or services will continue to be disallowed.
As a step in support of this position, we shall explore how to allow members’ service to be advertised and promoted. There is a suggestion for a “Directory of services”, and we would work on it.
Meantime, please stretch your minds and ideas. Go ahead, and share with all of us.
Terence Seah
hey all of you got me wrong! I do not mean that SHC form or be a dating agency!. I mean some SHC members start a dating agency BUSINESS and follow the rules set by Govt -go through accreditation & so forth and run it as a BUsiness -earn money (profits…)& so forth as a ‘blue helmet project’ or what have you.. beats just walking the parks everyday -by helping others outside SHC to ‘CLICK” & help to fund the Registry of Marriages coffers-now you get what I mean?? (look at it as just a business idea!!)
Dan, no man is an island and no matter how shy a person is, deep within, he/she longs for friends and a companionship that will last.
But to therefore conclude that it’s functioning like a singles club may be taking our imagination a tad too far altho some eligible singles mau eventually pair and, if they’re happy enjoying each other’s time & company, it is to be congratulated.
Yes, I agree with you that let nature take its course but until that happens, it’s still caveat emptor !
Whether we like it a not the SHC is functioning like a single club which is not too obvious because we have couples too.
This is good for all of us as we don’t feel inhibited or threaten or on the defensive whenever we meet for any occasion.
All the informal gatherings organised by SHC provide the environment for single to meet on a subtle note and letting nature take it course.
I don’t thing we need to form a dating agency as we are already funtioning as one.
Heee, June, you want me to steer clear from you like I do for that guy with the grey look huh? You sure you wont miss me meh? (Seriously, not going to paraphrase what you wrote – too short & straightforward this time……..smart gal).
KT, no access to computer so replying now.
Why make life so complicated when the outcome is always half?
If you dont win, you lose……..so how come you want more outcome ? Hehe, try going back to the spore pools and tell them “Draw leh, you didnt win I didnt lose so give me back my money”. Expect the long drawl from them, if they bother to stop laughing and answer.
Knn, Tgl………..saudi huffed & puffed, good scoring chances they fluffed, at the end made to eat curry puff when the iraqis showed their stuff making me call my own bluff, and my “winning” ticket, I tore in halves. (Heee, shd hv given it to you to claim the $240 at asian cup 2010).
So, the actual placings 1.Iraq 2.Saudi 3.Korea 4.Japan and yes, I got them all wrong.
So whether I had bravely called myself a betting czar, guru, wizard, at the end if the soccer ball doesnt go in, you cant win.
KT, I think I like you enough not to offer you the rope but if you must grope then come filled with hope but be prepared to get doped as we both slide down the slippery slope so since it’s not smthg easy to cope, maybe better if you stay with forbes.
My dear KT Wong & Gary Loke,
All is well, no real harm is done.Lets move along.I am sorry,Gary if I have triggered an unitentional slingshot.If you are both around Bedok, lets go “yum cha” sometimes.
Regards,
Edwin Chen
Dating? Interesting idea. On more than 3-4 occasions, I had been asked if SilverHairsClub is a dating agency. My immediate response was “No”. Then, I realised I was being pretty naive. Luckily, some sharp SilverHairs cut in, and said if some SilverHairs were to click, and be partners, this would indeed be a joyous scenario, and calls for some celebration.
Dating agency? I am no expert. Affairs of the heart can be quite complicated. If there is any one who has experience running dating agencies, do raise your hand. Maybe, you can take the idea further.
As for SilverHairsClub, I think many members have made new and more friends. Thanks to all the active members.
Terence Seah
Gary,
You started on DA@#19 and Edwin came in on the scam bit and why he’s not so hot on the idea. I don’t think anybody intended a religious spin to the story.
Dating Agency is not such a bad idea. Many seniors are widowed, divorced or single. It fills a gap.
What’s good with a lot of money if you are lonely and have to spend it alone?
Hmmm…. what if she spends it all and leaves you. That will solve half your problem. Before you’re rich and lonely. Now you’re just lonely.
Hee hee.
Gentlemen,
Please be reminded not to discuss religion in this forum.
Terence Seah
KT Wong, Edwin mentioned ‘christian outreach work’ and he wanted to ‘get foothold into China’. I thought that such concepts -known in christian circles as ‘tentmaking’ should be taken out of SHC’s forum. I did not respond in respect of ‘scams exposed’ -you misunderstood. You are entitled to your opinion (that I am woolly headed). But I do not believe that I have offended anyone,, at least, not yet.
June,
Let’s model after the best. NTUC brokers a comprehensive range of services
http://income.com.sg/homeservices/
It is not easily to set up a mature platform. Again we need serious corporate organisation and funding to kick off. How?
For a no-money-down approach, I suggest creating a senior chapter with NTUC. Don’t duplicate range. We cannot outgun and compete headon with the unions. Try to value add synergistically to the existing portfolio.
I met a new member at the 17 July meeting. He was involved in the “legendary” TKL’s Income RV project. Can he contact us again.
Sadly I am working now, otherwise I would hve volunteered to man the one-stop point :-)))
If this materialise, that is SHC becomes point of approach for seervices, I will be able to enjoy this facility a decade down the road.
So fellow members, any new suggestions? any feedback(both good and bad) on the suggestions given above etc etc. It is like paying forward. Our 5 cents bit now would be our 50 cents worth years down the road:-))))))….Tim, no comments from you for this pls :-)))))
Investment clubbers (IC)
Minutes-in-brief. Meeting held on Wed 17 Jul7 07 at Hans@National Library.
– Members decided to pool funds to form a private group autotrading forex.
– The original intention to run a parallel IC for equities (CFD) was deffered until a lead manager volunteer can be found.
– The objective of the IC is not serious fund management but finacial education. “See and learn what others do, then do it yourself.”
Update – We will be meeting possible new members to help organize equities. Dennis has some recommendations. Any existing members with interest inequities is welcome to volunteer.
Gary,
Please don’t deprive the rest of us “fellowshipping” on dating services et al.
I am sure there are no rules against anything except if you are trying to tout something (eg product, politics, religion etc) that you have a direct interest in and present it as an independent opinion.
I mentioned this under investments. If someone declares he is from Income and explains the advantages of Income’s annuity program, this could be very useful information for all. The important thing is the declaration of interest. Things should not be advocated under false pretensions.
Nothing Edwin said so far has crossed the line. Expose on scams is an important part of sharing in a forum like this and help to keep members safe.
This is not a Neopet site. If one is running fifty and cannot discern an opinion, then one should not be here. One should be institutionalized.
Tim,
I thought there are three outcomes in a single match – win, lose, draw. Odds 1/3 not 1/2. If you are paid $240 on a $30 bet (payout 1/8), then die,die also must bet.
If you are betting on a cup winner and say if you are very confident of narrowing down to 5 possibles, then your qualified odds are 1/5. On a payout of 1/8, one should also close eye and bet
Right or wrong? (forgive my naivety; I don’t bet pools yet and eager to learn the ropes.)
Edwin, glad to know you online. In order not to infringe SHC’s rules (religion), may I suggest we take the ‘tentmaking’ talk o/side. Pls contact me at dovebis77@yahoo.com. I would love some ‘fellowship’ with you….
Hi Gary Loke,
Dating Agency
We have not met. I am still quite new to SHC. Nevertheless, I think you have provided me some food for thought. True, there are many sleazy companies doing this business here and some with affiliates in China operating under various guises. Gladly, my current involvement with China christian cell groups have managed to expose and have some of these nabbed.
Anyway, I think SHC should explore this potential venture and its social value, especially now with impending accreditation being considered by the authorities and I guess,Gary,some of us may even have the respectable social status to sway things a little for the general betterment of the SHC.
So far, I have concentrated my christian outreach work with folks at Dalian and Qindao. My wife has done some recent business related lectures at Xiamen University and has a good impression of the place. Myself,I am still seriously thinking of laying a foot hold in China.
Regards and all my best wishes,
Edwin Chen
Thanks, KT, for drawing my attention to Ronald’s #20 posting which I have measured, is 14 inches long vertically and, I hv counted, contains 16 paragraphs with my name hidden in there twice.
Phew, Ronald Marvel, that’s a feat and it makes you a good treasure-hunt operator.
KT (I’ll continue to call you KT rather than Kong Kong despite yr calling me tim tim), you’ll hv to ask Ron why he calls me stimulator-in-chief. The only inkling I hv is, I recommended him hse 14 @ lor 18 but he went to hse 18 @ lor 14. He took only 5 minutes to come out, crestfallen but with a horizontal projection which he carried for another day.
(Is it sheer coincidence that you are also thinking of making a hot dog stand ?).
Haha, I’ll give you more credit than a book on excuses bigger than the “Complete History of the Universe”. Yr book will be so big that it takes you into the universe to continue yr writing, having exhausted the trees to make the pages.
Yes, you’re right that my $30 investment only yields me a paltry $240 but imagine that with your wealth which you nvr failed to impress me, and using the same multiplier, your one peanut investment will give you $4,800,000, and let’s not forget you hv many more peanuts than the woman who made peanuts so famous.
KNN, in gambling you want to apply the academic probability…..you siao huh?
It depends on how well you’re wired up with the who’s who and, going back to yr world of corporate deals, we call it guanxi.
Since you’re so cute, I drop you a bit more tips……..saudi has got good attack, with osama in the team some more hor but iraq boast of an almost impregnable backline so you go think abt it.
(If you still insist on probability, it’s 50-50……….either you win or you lose….. but whatever the outcome, dont let loose yr screw, hehe)
Terence,
Many dating agencies have been around for donkey years. They operate out of Beach Road joints & sometimes we even hear of shady ongoings. SHC will seek a path of integrity and actually offer a genuine service of trying to connect people with similar likes. (We are not targetting only SHCs per se, but the populace at large or dare I say, with a regional perspective). Suffice to say that the computer matching software is a given (by an expert IT guy) and our office should be in a ‘respectable’ building. This is a services industry. If there is a genuine interest by a critical mass of SHCs to do this biz, then a pooling of funds & Human resources needs to precede anything else. The Govt is trying to make this kind of activity ‘respectable’ by accrediting it. So let’s also play the game! I really don’t see how I can champion this, given my present work in China. But I do hope I have started some heads thinking & planning to take some action. I believe its a feasible biz if managed properly and relevant mission (to shape culture)is in place (depends on the CEO lah…). Three years down the road, going regional even…..
Tim, Tim
If I have to pen an excuse for every loss I make, I will have a book bigger than the “Complete History of the Universe”.
First booty sales, now football pools. It is getting harder to make a decent, honest living nowadays.
Cut to the chase. “$240 for my $30 investment” The question is what is the theoretical probability of a Saudi win to justify this bet. Are you better/worse than the odds? How much?
Tim. Ron Wi calls you stimulator-in-chief. What do you stimulate? Illustrate and demonstrate at next meet. (comment#20 refers)
Good ideas. Two dimensions.
(a) Run distributed specialised clinics for retirees with franchisee spread all over. Suggestion. Take over existing chain of beauty salons or hairdressers and inject value add IP.
(b) A centralised Health and Beauty Farm possibly within a stayover RV setting.
The end brings us to the start. You need a corporate platform and funding for either. To make money, you’ll need the discipline even if you want to start just a single hot dog stand.
Hi June, Ronald, Catherine, Ann Lim, Bessie and Annto,
Your ideas are defintely workable. I take the point that SilverHairsClub can be a point whereby other SilverHairs and the public can approach, when looking for services.
Let’s say SHC initiate such a onestop point where retirees can offer their services. We advertise our services, and we need to man this service.
Assuming this idea is viable, would you offer to man this onestop point? And, let’s say we work out a fee for retirees, manning this onestop point.
And, let’s say we also have a fee for SilverHairs offering their services.
Let’s toss this ball around the field. Does this make sense? Please give your idea and opinion and suggestion.
I feel strongly about this, as I see this as as self-help service.
Terence Seah
Gary,
On comment #19, are you serious that a dating service will work? Are you keen to champion this idea? I have also been asked many times by SilverHairsClub members on this topic.
Some members have expressed that this issue is very personal, and if two persons click, we should give our congratulations. SHC activities essentially are target towards making new and more friends.
Whatis in your mind? I like to hear further from you.
Terence Seah
Well, Dennis (Wee), the asian cup semi finals were played last nite and, as cautioned, the “outsiders” emerged victorious.
I wd hv broken my losing streak since my return from sijori had iraq ridden more on their ambition & won without the mandatory penalty kicks, which wd then hv netted me 1,200% in profits.
As it were, I am down by $4 from a $650 investment.
There’re a few butties here who do dip their fingertips in soccer investments.
So if I were to be believed, the first 4 placings, to be played over this weekend, will be as follows : 1.Saudi Arabia 2.Iraq 3.Japan 4. Korea Republic.
(I wagered on S Arabia to win the cup before the tournament started, on 2 July, which, if it happens, will reward me $240 for my $30 investment).
As in all investments, there’re risks, more so in sports where fatique is a issue, syndicates meddling is a factor and the players’ will to win also affects the outcome. That’s why i hv never tempted KT, who apparently has keys to many vaults hanged round his waist string, to even sink a dollar in soccer.
So invest for the fun. Not with all your funds and then it becomes no fun when you start to worry.
Hi Terence,
Sure,go ahead and make plans for retirement but most importantly,ensure that your heart and mind goes in unison.My wasn’t then and my bubble burst! Yes,we come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Some walk, run,others hop,step and jump through their career paths. When my “titanic” went down, the first thing that came to mind was to shoot my stock broker,next my banker,lastly my smooth talking solicitor/barrister friend. Maybe, include a couple of investment gurus also for the finale! Unfortunately, I could not get hold of a trusty M-16 here! Bangkok/Manila?No problem!
Today, I enjoy listening to simple people who have walked the plank and survived. I hope you do too!
Regards,
Edwin Chen
As I always say, dont be shy. If you have an idea, on what you would like to do, when you retire, to keep yourself financially sufficient, share it with us. There may be many others, who have the same ideas as you.
Walking a dog, baby sitting while the parents are at the casinos. Why not?
On the 17 July, we talk about bread and cakes. Again, why not. Keep the ideas coming.
June, Ronald, ideas will work. We just got to push it.
Terence Seah
Hi Edwin,
With your experience, corporate knowledege in reinsurance and fund raising activities ,maybe you can help formulate a good workable roadmap on how we can realise a dream towards this direction ?
See you tom and we can talk more about this.
Cheers ,
Allrounder
Hi Ronald Wi,
I did not hear from you for a long while on this site and now, out of the blue, an avalanche of lightning proposals! You never fail to impress me! Especially, after all that driving up and down the Malaysian highways, I would have thought that you would need to take a break. Not this burst of energy!
Hope to see you and Daniel Kang tomorrow…
Regards,
Edwin Chen
Hi all ,
Ideas, Ideas , ideas need more of these and hopefully sometime in the near future the right mix of people can come with something to work out a retirement plan that can work out to be a Retirement village with job opportunities that suit SHC people as well while serving as a retirement village as well.
For the time being, this is one area that isopen an avenue to earn some money:-
1. NUS/Lilly requires Healthy volunteers need (age 21-65) for clinical research. Time required can range to an hour a day to 24 hours a day. Period for about 3 weeks.
Free medical checkup, x-ray, ECG etc and you will also be paid if selected. About 2k.
Purpose: To check the effects of their clinical products against diabetes,etc for side effects on healthy people. I have already registered waiting to be selected.
2. Hopefully in future, SHC can oneday run a village consisting of SHC people for Companies wanting to do research Beauty Care & Age-defying, products by Dremu, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Hormones, General.Oseteroprosis, reduction, Levitra for elderly, etc.
3. With new SHC members like Anne Heng, the other lady who runs a beauty business perhaps and Lisa Ong teaching a running a Hair boutigue, this idea may soon bear fruits in the near future , adding on to SHC Blue Helmet projects.
I will be most willing to be the first guinea pig , to be fed with herbs , massage, manicure, hairstyled and also forced to do whatever acts neccesary in the required tests, of course getting paid also lah. Hymm , it think Tim would also be a good competitor for this job ?
But really looking at it , there are many, many firms wanting to promote , improve and test their products, be it ginseng, herbal tea, beauty cream etc, and Singapore being renowned for being strict and as uncorrupted as any other country can be can be, has a good range of elderly people to cater to setting up such an organisation. I will call it the Silver Cap Corporation , an independent body that conducts independent tests, help develop, reshape products, programmes for the elderly.
Thus June, we can also walk the dogs, baby sit (as foster grandparents) , test 101 other products like magnetic beds, air filters, ionizers, yoga for elderly etc , while living in this retirement village that can be some kind of Development Project as well ?
So maybe if we can start getting some sponsors like Anne Heng , Thomas Kwan ( free education to keep elderly active ) , beauty treatment from that lady ,Lisa Ong to conduct Hair styling courses, then we can start maybe on a rented bungalow in Seletar Air Base for a few SHC members ?
Sponspors can also employ SHC members to be part time evaluators, QA audit, psychologist ( like Henry ) , and stimulators ( like Tim ) to study various effects of products from tranquillizers to stimulants ,etc.
I for one can get one almost ready sponsors for ladies new age Tampons that has organic testers for skin infections for healthier lifestyles.
With our ever increasing memberships , hopefully more sponsors can be found soon to start this project ?
So if any of you think we can start something , somewhere , somehow soon , let us put on our thinking caps and meet for a chat any time.
Cheers
Allrounder aka Ronald Wi
91519301
As the song goes “All you need is LOVE!…” no, these days, you need IDEAS. With the Govt wanting to accredit even the DATING business, what about a SHC dating service. Well, each ‘director’ will have to specialise in a certain module (when the authorities roll these out in Oct) and then we’ll fulfill all the needs to start a legal biz. With the tried and tested experiences of all, that would be our cutting edge to beat the ‘competition’. Human services will continually be needed even in 22nd century so, can try try lah…
Less than a qtr century ago, I was naive to think of retiring at 45 and devote myself to social service work thus ensure my life is chock-full of merits pts – ? ? ? for the next life? (joking lah) and then dwindle my twilight years by the Kallang River. A simple person with a simple mind & needs, I thought it wise then, having my future charted. Time changes, everything changes. My 10-cent coin no longer look that size of the bullock cart wheel, but bad shrunk; even beyond its actual size.
I have thoughts, along June’s contribution at #8, but I am less optimistic. Those services she suggested like walking the dogs, mowing the lawns, shuttering/accompanying the sick &/or elderly, tailoring, etc, are already being offered in the market. However applying J Archer’s “twist” in storytelling, could we not fine-tuned the “adult-sit” service? Frankly, how many fellow Singaporeans trust strangers into their house/flats to baby-sit or “adult-sit”? Well, let the mountain come to Mohd then. A centre can be set up for those in need of such a service; to drop-off and later pick up their kins or kids. Say, what about using someone’s house? (Jokes aside, do you see this demand when the IRs are in operation? Currently, centres for childcare & elderly care do not operate on 24-hr basis.)
The “soup kitchen” idea – One can’t deny that value & cost usually go hand-in-hand.
Nowadays, with the affluent bringing chefs right into their own kitchens, the lesser means patronizing the hawkers, the health-conscious preparing their own meals and the adventurous flying thousands of miles to satisfy they their taste buds, who would still need the soup? Only the Needy needs. We could explore this further if someone wants to start a community project.
But… never say die. What about a “dial-a-soup” delivery service? Umm… with someone man the line and the older ones brew the soup, leaving the younger lots to deliver (& clear up at end of day – right, June?) …well may be this might work but the profit margin may not be high….but.. but.. but… well and where do “kapo” a delivery van, huh?
Next comes tailoring …. ?,? , ???… sorry for for jabbering away, am sure other members have more constructive ideas coming….. so ????, ?????.
Hi Ann, June and Bessie,
Glad that you are keen to help make this concept work. June is not available this weekend.
But, I am keen still to meet up with both of you, whenever I can make a slot in my schedule.
I tried both of you on the telephone. Can you call me. I would like to firm a short meeting on Sat or Sun. Cheers.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence/June Lim,
Agree, let’s explore these possibilities.
Most of our silverhairs are still physically fit and mentally alert. Besides leisure, tis another way to keep the body and mind gainfully occupied.
We are keen to help in any way to bring this concept into fruition.
Ann Lim / Bessie Lam
Any members can turn up for the two SHC events on Wed 25 July 2007. If you are undecided whether you want to join just come as observers.
12.30pm to 2.30pm – Blue Helmet, the retraining and recruitment centre project
2.30pm to 4.30pn – Investment Club (IC.
This is the first meeting of the Investment Club. Thhe agenda is to decide on where we want to take the IC
Structure – Advisory, Educational or Proactive?
Programs – depend on structure decided
If Proactive, then
1 Lead Manager
2 Fund and subscription size
3 Strategy
Currently, we have an “advisory” financial email circular started by Ronald Wi. Whilst it is a popular talking post, it is not “proactive” and does not focus on trading specifics ie making (or losing) money. I hope to be able to step up to the next level of participation and wealth creation (or destruction).
Either way it should be fun. Action-lah.
Hi June,
You have definitely given more than some thought on this issue, in your comment #8.
And, I am keen to expand these ideas, and make some of them into real fruits.
If we can identify what we, SilverHairs, are willing to do, something we are capable of doing, and we promote and market our services, we can definitely add value to our SilverHairs years.
We can advertise the individual or various services that SilverHairs can provide, as you have documented in your comment.
I do notice it does take some some time for SilverHairs to speak up on what they can do, although I am aware there is tremendous interest in how to keep ourselves financially sufficient. This is part of the realities in our lives.
I really like your thoughts. If we organise a small gathering, would you be able to come? We can set this project in motion.
Let’s say Saturday, 28 July 2007 morning in town. If you say yes, the meeting is confirmed, and I shall fix a place. I shall call you today.
And, if anybody else likes comment #8, and believes in that concept, please raise your hand. I would like to invite you to participate.
Terence Seah
Hi KT,
Would you be able to accept more people to the Investment Club @ the Hans @National Library? If you can manage, please advise registration, or just turn up Wed 25 July at 2.30pm.
Also, a quick note on the agenda that day.
Terence Seah
Chee Kiong,
Perphaps you can come to the Wed Roundtable talk at Hans 2.30 pm (National Library, near Bugis)
Offer your ideas on Internet Marketing as a direct investment venture. Or set up a trading desk on ebay for fast-moving, stocklot commodities.
Put part of your savings into Structure Deposits which are capital protected to be sure of returns. N.T.U.C.CAPITAL PROTECTOR FOR 2 YRS ALSO has good returns.Don’t buy shares for those not familar.
I’ll give tuition whenever possible and good extra income even if you aren’t a teacher! Many parents are willing to pay for their darlings.They even start at kindergartens!Why not?
Phew, finally finished reading June’s 1-paragraph prose but then huh, hv forgotten much of what she wrote……..just vaguely remember these :
“….…mmmm……the “chenghu”……legs less strong…….hope…..for rainy weather…..pray hard for sicknesses can wipe up savings……I can walk the…..dogowners; I can mow…… houseowners…..after matured adults in their 70’s/80’s for a day or two or three……gather grp to design/sew/sell……….people…….(presently no market for this..); gather grp to set up stall to………mess up their…..kitchen etc etc etc. How can SHC help realise this? ……is there someone to show us how to do it, not the design, we can do that, but where to get the…..tailors……for the home brewed double-boil soups………. some thots for the moment . I hope a decade down, me and likeminded members can get help from SHC. ”
Heeee, I hv somethg entirely different on my mind then……………
Hi K. T.
Would it be OK to sit in for both Sessions i.e.the Round table Talks of the Blue Helmet and Investment clubs. They both sound interesting. Let me know.
Thanks…….Jie
What can we do whn we retire??? Let’s see…mmmm…Speaking for myself, I guess I hve to retire by 62…that’s the “chenghu” rule right? By then, legs less strong, eyes less bright, mind less sharp and so on and so forth. Despite that, I would hope to keep myself active for as long as permitted. I would like to do do any kind of work and hope to be paid a small fee, enough to cover transport and food for the day. By then,in my 60s, I don’t need much,I wold hve savings set aside for short holidays and rainy weather. But I pray hard for health as sicknesses can wipe up savings. It is “expensive” to be sick in Singapore. What can I do??…eh, I can walk the dogs for dogowners; I can mow the lawn for houseowners; “adultsit” ie instead of looking aftr babies/kids (no energy for babysitting) I can look after matured adults in their 70’s/80’s for a day or two or three, whn maids are hving their offdays etc chatting or accompanying the older folks to the doc esp ‘chenghu’ hospitals where appointments take up most of the day and most children are unable to take time off from work to accompany their aged parents/relatives; gather grp to design/sew/sell clothes to people in their 50s/60s (presently no market for this..so difficult to get clothes these days); gather grp to set up stall to sell home-cooked soups (most people will be eating out by then, as busy with work and not wanting to mess up their “show” kitchen); etc etc etc.
How can SHC help realise this? Advertise such services to the public eg walk the dogs, mow the lawns, etc?…It would make it so much easier for people like me who offers such services. As for making clothes for the 50s/60s, is there someone to show us how to do it, not the design, we can do that, but where to get the fabric wholesale, where to get tailors with good workmanship and low charges, and how to post on the net the clothes for sale etc etc. And for the home brewed double-boil soups, that is easily done the cooking I mean, but how do we get them out to the consumers? …set up small stall near offices?…The 60tish members cook and the 40tish members come in end of day to clear up? Anyway, these are some thots for the moment :-). I hope a decade down, me and likeminded members can get help from SHC.
Hi Chee Kiong,
I agree with Terence and Tim suggestion.
I hope that you can enlighten us on your “Internet Marketing” experience and thereafter for some of us that are interested to find out more details can liase directly with you.
Have a Nice Day
Patrick Yeo
SHC Event Organiser
Sorry can’t edit earlier comment. It is this Wed 25 July 2007.
TOPIC: Investment Club
Venue: Hans at National Library (near Bugis Junction)
Date:
Wed 1430 to 1630 Time: 1430 to 1630 / 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm (25 July 2007)
Hi Chee Kiong,
One of SHC’s principal objectives is for members to care & share.
Thus, I was delighted to read of yr invite to SHCians to “find out more about ways to keep ourselves financially sound” from you.
As we hail from all walks of life, differently endowed & with diverse experiences, it wd be more fruitful for your ideas to be disseminated openly in this forum for discussion (which should stand to challenges as my butties Kong Thean & Edwin will vouch). Doing thus also take the objective of sharing a big step forward.
How abt doing just?
tim
Can we meet this Wed for the first of our Roundtable Talks on the Investment Club proposal. Anyone who is serious in organizing an Investment Club can join. Bear in mind, this is not a tipster sheet session nor trend/technique presentation. It is an organizing meeting.
TOPIC: Investment Club
Venue: Hans at National Library (near Bugis Junction)
Date: Wed 1430 to 1630
Time: 1430 to 1630 / 2.30 pm – 4.30 pm
I thought through long and hard about the traditional SHC’s “no-vendor” policy. As noble and altruistic as it sounds, it does not apply for an Investment Club. Eventually any Investment Club will have to deal in the real world through multiple commercial brokers/platforms. We may even get the vendors to tailor programs specifically for us. So we shouldn’t shy away from the market nor start by pulling punches. The only question is getting into the market and getting the best deal done by negotiating for the best terms.
We hope to be a self-help, self-financed, direct action group. We will get our leverage from the market. We will warmly welcome vendor affiliates within SHC (eg Manulife, Income, Poems) with the proviso that you share your ideas/specialty objectively for the interest of the group. We approach the market with open eyes, open minds and open hearts. The main emphasis would be financial investments (eg stocks, bonds, forex, derivatives and annuities).
However, we will consider forming separate chapters for real estate and private equity (direct investments) if there is interest.
(BTW This meeting will follow an earlier meeting on SHC’s Blue Helmet project by the SHC’s Social Enterprise group at 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the same venue. This too is a planning meeting.)
Hi Chee Kiong,
Can you elaborate what are the courses conducted by Chong Pang cc? And, perhaps, instead of asking Silverhairs to email you for more details, can you share here on this forum, what do you mean by internet marketing? This way, we dont need to have many people email you for the same question.
Terence Seah
Hello fellow members, I’m Chee Kiong, 61yrs, working as eClub Mananger of Chong Pang CC. The question of “What can SH do to upkeep financially sufficient, is up to individual. Some, like me like to take up courses to learn more online business, hands-on workshop how to make money from Internet Marketing. Some like to look for jobs that keep then busy for about 5 – 6 hrs a day. It all depends, but you need to keep yourself ‘busy’ otherwise it will not be healthy for you. If you care to find out more about ways to keep yourself financially sound, please email me at manfredlck@yahoo.com
I’m not infavour of any sort of MLM or Matrix and direct sales business. I’ve been in MLM for years before and I’ve lost many good friends, relatives and comrades. Whenever they know you call, they just cut off the line because they don’t want to say “NO” to your request of buying stuff. Since then I change to Internet Marketing, where the world is my client.
Want to know more, please email manfredlck@yahoo.com
Cheers.
Chee Kiong
I was not able to attend the gathering on 17 July, so wd like to contribute following points:
1) as our individual financial situation and needs vary among us, it is likely that “investment opportunities” will be viewed differently;
2) what is deemed “enough financially” for retirement may be a “moving target” due to changes in CPF rules,personal & family situation, investment outcomes, among others which are often beyond our control;
3) we shd review our financial situation objectively based on current savings, investments, insurance, projected expenses, etc, and see what is the short fall if any;
4) avoid emotional responses to so-called unbelievable investment opportunities as frequently advertised as initial cost are high with no certainty of ROI.
If no shortfall with some available liquidity and feel quite comfortable to have a reasonble std of living, suggest going for safe and reasonable returns eg FD, funds, land-banking (be very cautious here!).
If need additional savings to top-up retirement fund, suggests suitable part-time jobs leveraging on your experience/qualifications and reduce spending. Going into biz is not advisable as risk losing your savings.
Most impt, ensure enough $ to pay health insurance and keep track of such policies to ensure well-covered. Health cost will be an impt item to drain away our savings!
My 2-cents worth. Comments other suggestions most welcomed!
Cheers ! Henry