Inadequate parking spaces

There are too many cars in Singapore. There is inadequate parking spaces for the cars.

It is frustrating, after paying the expensive ERP charges and spending a long time on congested roads, to arrive at a destination and find it difficult to find a vacant space to park the car.

This situation will be worsen when the new buildings are ready in Marina South. The new buildings will have fewer parking spaces, compared to the old buildings.

Why drive? It is better to learn how to use the MRT, buses and public transport.

Shortages and bubbles

The world is short of oil. Oil price went through the roof. This is followed by gold, commodities and food (i.e. wheat, rice, etc).

Is the world suddenly so short of these commodities, when it was in adequate supply two years ago? Why is there a sudden increase in consumption or a big drop in supply?

The main cause is speculation. When there is a small shortage, the speculators came into the picture and push up the prices. The ordinary people also start to stock up on food supply, aggravating the situation.

The world had gone through bubbles. It was the tulip bubble, South sea bubble. In more recent years, we have the dotcom bubble, the US housing bubble. Now we have the commodity bubble.

All bubbles will burst. Some burst earlier. Others burst later. Be careful. Do not be caught in the oil, gold or commodity bubble.

Timing the market

Mr. Tan
Is this a good time to invest in bonds, instead of fixed deposit?

REPLY
Please read this FAQ for long term investments:
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html

If you want specific advice on timing, please see a financial adviser or stockbroker.

Advice from a financial planner

Hi,

I currently have the following insurance coverage: whole life, investment linked, decreasing term, mortgage insurance, company coverage disability income, private Shield. (Details provided)

However, my critical illness coverage is very low. I am considering either a limited premium life insurance or a term insurance covering specifically critical illness.

My questions are:
a) Do i need to cover for critical illness?
b) If yes, should i cover for 75 years or 99 years ?
c) If no, should I focus on something else?

REPLY

Please see if these FAQs are able to answer your questions:
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/choice.html
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html

If you want specific advice on your situation, I suggest that you see a financial planner.

Single premium endowment

Hi Mr Tan ,
I have a fixed deposit of 10k which is due soon. Currently, the interest rate is less than 1%. I like to invest this amount in a furnd or unit trust. My risk appetitue is toward low to balanced. I wish to hold it for 5 years or more . I am quite happy to invest in a single premium endowment. I wish to hae this saving for a rainy day and will not need this money at the moment.
Kindly advise.

REPLY
You can read this FAQ
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html

If you are happy with the return on a single premium endowment (about 3% to 4%), you can go ahead and invest in it. You only need to be clear about what you can get over the period of the policy.

Poll: local bus serivce

There were 19 repliest to the poll:
Do you like light buses to operate a local service within each town?

52% - strongly support
36% - neutral
10% - not feasible

Poll: Makeover at Orchard Road

30 people replied to the poll:
What do we need along Orchard Road?

26% - covered walkway at second level
10% - light rail transport or monorail
46% - both
16% - none of the above.