Category: Money Lessons
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How to Check Whether a Housing Project Is Progressing or Has Been Abandoned in Malaysia
Buying an under-construction property comes with certain risks. Unlike a completed property, you are putting your money into something that does not physically exist yet. One of the biggest risks is that the developer may run into financial difficulties, leaving the project delayed or, in the worst-case scenario, abandoned. I have come across friends and…
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3 Common Mistakes to Avoid as a First-Time Property Investor in Malaysia
Growing up in a Chinese family in Malaysia, I would often hear my family members and relatives talking about collecting rent or struggling to find good tenants. During Chinese New Year reunions, I heard both success stories and tales of investment failures. Now that I am a full-time real estate agent and a CFA charterholder…
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Buying My First Investment Property in Malaysia: A Step-by-Step Guide to Subsale Properties
After six months of property hunting, researching, and viewing more than 50 properties, I finally found an investment property that meets all my requirements — including positive cash flow. In this article, I’ll share my journey of buying my first investment property in Malaysia and explain how the subsale property buying process works, from viewing…
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How to Buy Japanese Stocks in Malaysia Using IBKR
After exploring stock markets around the world, I still find Japanese stocks particularly appealing. Many Japanese companies have strong balance sheets, relatively low P/E ratios, and diversified revenue sources across different countries and regions. Another advantage for me is familiarity. Having lived in Japan for several years and being able to speak Japanese, I find…
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【Opening a Stockbroker Account to invest in Malaysian Shares】Direct CDS vs Nominee CDS : Differences, Benefits & Which to Choose
After I came back to Malaysia, the most attractive thing I find, in terms of investing, is that there is no capital gain tax and income tax on dividends. In other words, 0% tax on Malaysian-listed shares (with a cap of RM100K on dividend), while foreign stocks will be taxed on foreign countries level only…
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Stocks at Record Highs, Gold at 6-Month Lows: Is an AI Bubble Forming?
The S&P 500, KOSPI, Nikkei 225, all hit record high last few week, driven by the AI boom. Among major markets, South Korea’s KOSPI has been a standout performer, supported by strong gains in semiconductor stocks that are benefiting from growing AI demand. At the same time, unemployment remains low and inflation stays above…
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How to Spot Fake Property Listings in Malaysia (And Avoid Wasting Your Time)
In Malaysia, fake property listings are surprisingly common. Some real estate agents post attractive—but nonexistent—units just to attract inquiries, then redirect you to other properties. Even though this is not allowed by law, enforcement is weak. I’ve personally experienced the frustration of finding what looked like a great deal, only to be told it was…
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My First Property Journey: Cash Flow!
Read Time After investing in the stock market and reading countless books, I’ve come to appreciate several advantages of real estate that equities simply don’t offer. Real Estates are: tangible, allows the use of leverage, bring in monthly cash flow. In Japan, the rental market is definitely more attractive, given that most people rent rather…
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What Happens If You Miss a Credit Card Payment in Malaysia? (Real Story)
Read time ⏲ Missing a credit card payment is awfully painful. After a few months I returned to Malaysia and started a new job. Around the same time, my dad had a emergency health issue and had to be admitted to the hospital. I was overwhelmed. I was still adjusting to a new work environment,…
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Personal Finance – Step 2 – Know how much you earn and spend each month
Read time ⏲ Now that you know what your net worth is, and how much money you want to have in the future… The next step is simple: If we don’t track our money, we won’t know where it goes. And if we don’t save, we can’t invest.And if we don’t invest, our money won’t…