How to get free bus rides any time, any day?

A few days ago, the Singapore government started a year long trial offering free rides on MRT trains to commuters who journey into 16 stations before 7.45am on weekdays. What about those who take buses? So unfair!

Well, want to get free bus rides any time, any day? Watch the video and be amazed:





This gives "riding on a bus" a new meaning, don't you agree?

What a visit to NTUC Fairprice could teach us about investing in stocks?

I have blogged about how to explain to sceptical family members that investing in the stock market is not the same as gambling. I have blogged about how soon should we start the next generation on investing and I have also recommended a book to this end.

These topics are evergreens. 5, 10 or 20 years later, we will still have people facing these issues, I don't doubt. To deal with these issues, it helps if we are more creative. Using examples from our daily life and using language free from financial jargon will probably see positive results.

For example, I would explain to my niece that when we see good value for money, we buy. So, seeing two 1kg packets of rolled oats selling at $6.95 instead of the usual $9.90, I bought right away. It was almost automatic. I didn't really have to think.

How sure was I that it was a good deal? Well, I probably consume more oats than the average Singaporean. I have oatmeal for breakfast everyday and sometimes for both breakfast and lunch. So, I know the price of rolled oats quite well. This is within my "circle of competence", so to speak.

Extending this example to the stock market, when prices of stocks we are familiar with or within our circle of competence fall to levels which offer good value for money, why do people hesitate to buy? Obviously, there is fear that prices could fall further. Then, what if prices did not fall further?

I blog continually about the importance of having a war chest. However, what is also important is having a reliable stream of income, passive income preferably.

If our war chest is smallish, it could get exhausted quickly. So, we will need a constant stream of income to fill it up. This is why investing for income is so relevant and, indeed, important.

Know people who think that investing in the stock market is too esoteric a subject? You might want to share AK's story about his circle of competence with packets of rolled oats which offered value for money.

Related posts:
1. Investing in the stock market is gambling!
2. If AK71 can cook, so can you!
3. At what age to start investing in stocks?
4. Let your child have fun and a head start in life.
5. Teaching young children financial literacy.