“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it.”Albert Einstein For savvy investors and personal finance aficionados, the concept of compound interest is fundamental to growing wealth. Reinvesting returns, exponential growth, rule of 72, etc… compound interest as a concept is simple to learn, but a difficult concept to master. Brain teasers to test your grasp of compound interest Here are some questions as an arbitrary test…

Bankers are broadcasting their predictions that next year the S&P 500 will be 10% up. Standard Chartered thinks that Bitcoin will rise to USD 200k in 2025. Economists expect inflation to rise based on potential policies that Donald Trump may enact since winning the 2024 US election. It's that time of the year when everyone is going to offer their forecasts for 2025. Let me do the same. I've done extensive analysis and built a 50-worksheet Excel model, taking into…

One of the most difficult aspects of personal finance is managing finances with a life partner (and then again once you have kids). Why is this important? One of the biggest contributing factor to failed marriages and divorce are financial disagreements or issues. No other aspect of life determines so much of how we think, act, make decisions and live our lives Talk to most wealthy people, they'll agree the most important factor to financial success and wealth is having…

Before I got my first corporate job in stockbroking, I thought the way to become rich was simple. Work your way up to a high-paying job as a senior executive, and you'll be rich. In many ways, this is true, but also not. Just earning a high income does not create wealth and financial independence. Just look at the many high flyers that go bankrupt with excessive spending. Over time, as I read more, learnt more, and invested more, I…

Introduction Throughout history, humans have learnt (the hard way) the fundamental workings of capitalism. The road to financial independence is filled with the bodies of those who have not heeded lessons from history. With every new investment mania, wealth guru, or market rally, it is easy to get carried away and forget fundamental principles. I have compiled 21 principles for financial independence based on my experience and knowledge. Many of them I have learnt from books in my recommended reading…

The list below is reading material I recommend as a starting point in your journey to financial independence. I highly recommend everyone read the Core reading list at a minimum, which should cover the basics of personal finance. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, there are many great personal finance books out there. I have thoughtfully curated this list so it isn't too extensive, yet covers a broad range of topics with minimal overlap. (Update 26/02/2025: Affiliate links…