Singapore-based financial blog that aims to educate people on personal finance, investments, retirement and their Central Provident Fund (CPF) matters.

Thursday 23 February 2017

Singapore Budget 2017 - U-SAVE GST Vouchers

Announced on the 20th February 2017's Singapore Budget, Singaporeans will receive their annual U-SAVE GST vouchers for year 2017.
The U-SAVE GST Voucher is used to help households reduce their utility bills.
This year, there will be an increase in the U-SAVE Vouchers to help families cope with their utility bills that are set to rise.
The amount will increase by $40-$120, depending on flat type.
This increase is permanent (next year, you can expect to get the same amount of U-SAVE you get this year if you are still staying in your current flat).

Recommended Post: Singapore Retirement, Re-Employment, CPF Withdrawal Age

The amount of rebate is as per below:












The months of rebates are as per below:









So, your household will receive the appropriate rebates during the stated months above.

PS:
1) If you own more than 1 property, you do not qualify for the U-SAVE GST Voucher.
2) If you are staying in private residences, you do not qualify for U-SAVE GST Voucher as well.

Recommended Post: Singapore Budget 2017 - GST Vouchers

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Wednesday 22 February 2017

Singapore Budget 2017 - GST Vouchers

Announced on the 20th February 2017's Singapore Budget, Singaporeans will receive their annual GST vouchers for year 2017.
In addition to the normal GST vouchers, this year (like last year), the Government will provide a one-time Special GST Voucher - a Bonus!
You will receive a letter in July how much you will get from your GST Voucher.

Recommended Post: Singapore Retirement, Re-Employment, CPF Withdrawal Age

Eligibility
1) Assessable Income Earned in 2015: $28,000 and below
    Yes, your eligibility for year 2017 GST Voucher is dependent on your 2015 income.
2) Age 21 or above in year 2017
3) Singaporeans residing in Singapore

Ineligibility
1) Singaporeans owning more than 1 property in year 2017 will not get the Special GST Voucher.
2) Assessable Income Earned in 2015: more than $28,000









*you can check your home's annual value from the IRAS website.
The link and instruction is here: https://mytax.iras.gov.sg/ESVWeb/default.aspx

Recommended Post: Should You Invest in the Trump Presidency?

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Saturday 11 February 2017

Should You Invest in the Trump Presidency?


The stock market is down for the first year of a Republican President - excluding 
the first year he got re-election.
We looked back to data from ex-President George W. Bush in 2001 to 
ex-US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.

We show below the price of the S&P500 for the first year of a Republican President
Orange reflects the price at the start of the month
Blue reflects the price at the end of the month

George W. Bush 2001

George H. W. Bush 1989

Ronald Reagan 1981


Richard Nixon 1969

Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953
Conclusion:
1) The first year of a Republican President is bad for the stock markets,
4/5 times the market is down
2) We did some correlation analysis on Singapore STI and the US markets.
Turns out they track each other fairly closely. Down for US = down for STI

Maybe, just maybe, you might not want to hold stocks this year?

Remember to offer your opinions. If you don't put your two cents in, 
how can you expect to get change?

Have a feedback? Tell us now!
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Thursday 2 February 2017

Stock Market's Performance in the First Year of a Republican President

The stock market is down for the first year of a Republican President - excluding 
the first year he got re-election.
We looked back to data from ex-President George W. Bush in 2001 to 
ex-US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.

We show below the price of the S&P500 for the first year of a Republican President
Orange reflects the price at the start of the month
Blue reflects the price at the end of the month

George W. Bush 2001

George H. W. Bush 1989

Ronald Reagan 1981


Richard Nixon 1969

Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953
Conclusion:
1) The first year of a Republican President is bad for the stock markets,
4/5 times the market is down
2) We did some correlation analysis on Singapore STI and the US markets.
Turns out they track each other fairly closely. Down for US = down for STI

Maybe, just maybe, you might not want to hold stocks this year?

Remember to offer your opinions. If you don't put your two cents in, 
how can you expect to get change?

Have a feedback? Tell us now!
Subscribe to us or