Published in DataDrivenInvestor·PinnedMember-onlyPresident Biden Has A Strategy to Contain China and Defeat Russia. It’s Brilliant.America has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to exploit Russia’s and China’s mistakes. — Russia and China, America’s two most formidable geopolitical adversaries, have become mired in monumentally complex challenges, largely of their own making. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has dragged China into the fray. Meanwhile, China’s decision to stake its reputation on a zero COVID strategy is becoming increasingly untenable as the…Society11 min readSociety11 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·PinnedMember-onlyThe Great Resignation and “Goblin Mode” Are Signs of Society’s Hastening BreakdownThe disease is serious but it isn’t terminal yet In The Guardian, writer Kari Paul described the novel, and appealing, idea of going full “goblin mode.” If you’ve never heard of it, goblin mode is the polar opposite of seeking self-improvement. It’s about dragging yourself out of the house in…Society7 min readSociety7 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·PinnedMember-onlyRussia and China Aren’t the Ultimate Causes of Our Growing Inflation NightmareThe real reason can be found right at home — Inflation is the flavour du jour. The prices of everything, including food, fuel, education, and healthcare, are skyrocketing with no end in sight. Inflation in the USA reached 7.9% in February, the highest level in four decades. Once high inflation rates emerge, people start worrying about inflation’s scarier cousin, stagflation. …Society7 min readSociety7 min read
Published in DataDrivenInvestor·PinnedMember-onlyThe Great Resignation: Why Millions Are Now Fed Up of Corporate BullshitStop gaslighting workers into thinking it’s their fault — Some of my old friends recently announced on LinkedIn that they would be joining the Great Resignation. A few contacted me for advice because they knew I’d left the corporate workforce almost 15 years ago. They wanted to know how I’d managed to keep going all this time. They were…Work8 min readWork8 min read
Published in Making of a Millionaire·PinnedMember-only4 Unusual Side Hustles I Do to Earn an Extra $1,500 a MonthNo cliches like dropshipping or blogging, I promise — Freelancing sometimes feels like cycling between feast and famine. Although I have enough clients to bill regularly to keep the lights on, I still appreciate having side hustles around as an additional income source for savings and investments. I believe in a simple mantra to build wealth. Earn more than…Money6 min readMoney6 min read
Published in The Post-Grad Survival Guide·5 days agoMember-onlyWhy Your 40s May Be Your Most Challenging Decade YetHere’s how you prepare yourself. — You might have been amused over the weekend by the news that Bryan Johnson, an uber-wealthy Silicon Valley venture capitalist, is spending $2 million per year to “de-age” his body back to 18. (He’s 45.) I’m sure some find it fun to rip into another filthy rich tech bro broadcasting…Life Lessons8 min readLife Lessons8 min read
Published in Making of a Millionaire·Jan 25Member-onlyMoving to a Small Town Nearly Ruined Me Financially. This is Why.“Lower cost of living” actually meant poorer quality of life. — When Malaysia announced the first of several lockdowns in 2020, I put a hypothesis to the test. I figured I’d relocate to a small town to wait out the lockdown. I didn’t know how my freelancing business would fare, so I reasoned that moving to a lower-cost-of-living area made prudent…Life7 min readLife7 min read
Published in The Post-Grad Survival Guide·Jan 23Member-only5 Simple But Effective People Skills That Will Speed Up Your Career ProgressSoft skill power moves all 20-somethings should learn — In 2023, society will have finally decided to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror. If you’re starting your career, you’re probably wondering how to get back on track after three years of limbo. The return to pre-pandemic “business as usual” puts young people on the back foot. Those with…Life9 min readLife9 min read
Published in Making of a Millionaire·Dec 31, 2022Member-onlySome Lifestyle Creep is Inevitable. It May Even Be Desirable.Be sceptical when millionaire celebrities warn you against lifestyle creep. — Almost everyone who claims to be a personal finance guru warns about the dangers of lifestyle creep. Personal finance influencers like Kevin O’Leary and Graham Stephan scream loudly about the perils of store-bought coffee as if making your own damned coffee would solve everyone’s financial problems. Other writers hem and…Finance6 min readFinance6 min read
Published in Making of a Millionaire·Oct 19, 2022Member-onlyHow Getting Rid of Your Old Stuff Helps You Reach Financial FreedomDon’t be trapped by an endless craving for material possessions — Most of us are drowning in stuff. According to my friend Charlie Brown, who writes the excellent simple-living newsletter, Simple and Straightforward, the average household has more than 300,000 items. 300,000! The mind boggles just thinking of such a large number. I didn’t think I had that many things. But…Finance6 min readFinance6 min read
