How I was moved by Lucy?

I watched Lucy, the movie, last night.

It was thought provoking and I enjoyed it very much.

Morgan Freeman asked if we humans are too concerned with having instead of being? I like that question.

I asked myself what would I like to be?

Pause.

Pause.

Pause.

I would like to be a person who can make a positive difference to people's lives.

I want to be a good influence.

I think a person like this is good to be.

Of course, whether I will actually be someone like this is harder to say.

Related posts:
1. The kindness of strangers.
(Published in the month of August last year.)

"I feel that if we can make a positive difference in the lives of others, why not? If we can show some consideration to others and make the world a better place, isn't that a good thing?" AK.

2. Another day in paradise.
3. The world is full of nice people.

Should I become a permanent resident (PR)?

I am publishing this in the hope that there are PRs amongst my readers who are willing to share their thoughts on the matter.

From reader:

Hi AK

 

I have been reading your blog for half a year now. It has been my great source of knowledge! Thank you for wonderful blog!

 

I have some questions on whether I should apply for PR. Here is my background. I have been in Singapore for 10 years. Started off as student at secondary 3 then JC and university. I have been working for nearly 2 years now. Still holding an EP. My friends and colleagues often ask me if I would apply for PR. My answer to them so far is no. The main reasons are I still do not see myself living here permanently. The high costs of house and car are the main factors as well. Nonetheless, I may end up living here if there is great opportunity ahead, plus I have pretty much adapted to life here.

Also, the benefits of PR, of course, is CPF contribution from employer but I also do not like the idea of monthly contribution while I am still uncertain of living here or not. I know that I can take all CPF back if, in the end, I discard my PR but again, there is no second chance if I drop my PR. Short-term wise, I see myself here in the next few years. Should I then apply for PR?

 

If it does not trouble you so much, I'd like to seek your advice or opinion on this matter. Thank you for reading this.

Regards,
C
 

Share a thoughtful moment?

My reply:

Hi C,

I cannot give you any advice but I can share with you how I might think if I were in your shoes.

Being a PR has quite a few advantages compared to being an EP holder, as you have rightly pointed out. I would simply ask myself whether those advantages are important and attractive enough for me to want to be a PR. If they are, then, I should apply to be a PR and pray that I am successful.

There is a big element of subjectivity in making this decision, of course. So, only you know if this is something you want to do.

Best wishes,
AK

Please leave your thoughts in the comments section for C. Thank you.

A way to be $48,000 to $60,000 richer in a decade!

My blog post on what I had for lunch yesterday attracted an interesting response from a reader who is in his 20s and who is new to my blog.

He said that his breakfast is typically bought from Subway or McDonald's near his office. These would cost him about $5.00 to $6.00 every morning. His lunch would cost as much or, usually, more. Any amount between $5.00 to $10.00 for lunch is quite normal.



Then, if he should stay in the office to put in extra hours in the evenings, he would spend another $10.00 on dinner which usually includes a cup of gourmet coffee from Coffee Bean. I was surprised it wasn't Starbucks but that is not the point.


Anyway, typically, he would spend some $400 to $500 on meals at work every month. Over the course of a year, it would amount to $4,800 to $6,000. That is quite a bit of money for someone who is making under $3,000 a month.

Anyway, the long and short of it is that the reader is thinking of making his own breakfast and lunch for work now, winning a stamp of approval from AK!

If he is good at this, he is going to be $48,000 to $60,000 richer over the course of a decade. 

I cannot see how that is not a tidy sum of money to have and this is assuming he leaves the money in a biscuit tin (or mooncake tin) at home too. No interest income and no investment income.


Related posts:
1. A quick and economical lunch.
2. Afternoon tea break with AK.
3. Economical gourmet sandwich.
4. What's for lunch?
5. Seven money saving habits.

A quick and economical lunch. Healthier?

What did I have for breakfast? Did you guess oatmeal? You are right!

What did I have for lunch? Did you guess instant noodles? You are right, again!

OK, before anyone starts scolding me, I love instant noodles but I have been cutting down. The last time I had this was in June. Not too bad lah.

It is the same brand of instant noodles. It is the type that comes in a bowl and all I have to do is to add hot water after pouring in the seasoning and dried vegetables that come with it.

The last few times I had this, I added only half a packet of seasoning. This time, I decided not to add any at all.

I know that the packet of seasoning is just lots of MSG and I know it is bad for me. Actually, I have become less tolerant of MSG as I grow older. I really should watch it.

Anyway, I also felt like having noodles without the soup. So, I poured in 50% less hot water than usual. The end result? Not bad.

Price? $1.10.

Warm, moist, springy and still tastes quite good without any seasoning. Well, the noodles are naturally fragrant and the vegetables had some flavour.

OK, maybe, it's more acceptable to older people.
Seriously, I have found that in recent years, I like rather bland food.

So, don't take my word for it but you might want to try it. If it is too bland for you, you could always add the seasoning later.

What? You threw the packet of seasoning away already? Oops.

Related post:
Think we can't save $400,000?