Can you solve this logic quiz?
There are four houses with different colours in a row. Each occupant keeps a different pet and drinks a different beverage.
1. The person who drinks beer lives to the left of the person who keeps cat.
2. The grey house is to the left of the blue house.
3. The purple house is occupied by the scientist.
4. The salesman keeps bird.
5. The green house is next to the person who drinks wine.
6. The scientist lives to the left of the person who drinks tea.
7. The accountant lives to the left of the manager.
8. The person who keeps hamster lives to the left of the person who keeps fish.
9. The purple house is the second house.
You can find the answer here
http://www.tankinlian.com/logicquiz/answer.html#B1
Here are more quizzes at three levels:
http://www.tankinlian.com/logicquiz/quiz.html#B1
And you can download the teaser to share with your friends:
http://www.tankinlian.com/downloads/Logic_Quiz_Teaser.pdf
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Secret of the Amazing Numbers
It is time for me to share the secret of the Amazing Numbers. After your friend has selected the cards (that contain the selected Number), you add the first number of the selected cards to get a total (which is the selected Number).
For example, if your friends chose the cards with the starting numbers of 1, 8 and 16, the selected Number is 1+8+16 = 25. The Number 25 appears in these three cards and not in any of the other cards.
The starting numbers of the 7 cards are in multiples of 2, i.e. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Any Number can be formed by adding from these starting numbers. The Number 25, is formed by adding 16 + 8 + 1. Hence, this Number appears only in these three cards.
You can take my Amazing Numbers and make the 7 cards to amaze your friends!
For example, if your friends chose the cards with the starting numbers of 1, 8 and 16, the selected Number is 1+8+16 = 25. The Number 25 appears in these three cards and not in any of the other cards.
The starting numbers of the 7 cards are in multiples of 2, i.e. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Any Number can be formed by adding from these starting numbers. The Number 25, is formed by adding 16 + 8 + 1. Hence, this Number appears only in these three cards.
You can take my Amazing Numbers and make the 7 cards to amaze your friends!
Puncak - hill resort near Jakarta
I stayed at a villa near Puncak, which is a popular holiday resort outside of Jakarta. According to Wikipedia, Puncak is only 390 m above sea level, but it is quite cool and pleasant.
I found the landscape from the villa to be magnificent. I could see three large mountains in the distance, with beautiful white clouds below the peaks. I gave a great feeling about the wonders of nature.
I found the landscape from the villa to be magnificent. I could see three large mountains in the distance, with beautiful white clouds below the peaks. I gave a great feeling about the wonders of nature.
Lawyer's Joke: Contempt of court
The lawyer was quite fed up with the judge, who was constantly ruling against him. He collected his papers and was about to leave the court.
The judge asked the lawyer, "Are you trying to show your contempt for this court?"
The lawyer replied, "No, your Honour. I am trying to conceal it!"
The judge asked the lawyer, "Are you trying to show your contempt for this court?"
The lawyer replied, "No, your Honour. I am trying to conceal it!"
Books on financial planning
Dear Mr. Tan,
I am new in investments. Can you recommend a good book or financial blogs?
REPLY
There are many books on financial planning and investments available in the market. They are good in theory, but will probably have the following disadvantages:
a) They do not cover the situation in Singapore
b) They teach the theory and avoid the practical issues that are faced by real people.
I am not able to recommend any good books. Perhaps, the other readers of my blog can suggest some good ones?
I suggest that you read the following:
My blog: www.tankinlian.blogspot.com
My website, under the section Ask Mr Tan: www.tankinlian.com/faq
Dr Money's articles: http://www.tankinlian.com/drmoney/
I am new in investments. Can you recommend a good book or financial blogs?
REPLY
There are many books on financial planning and investments available in the market. They are good in theory, but will probably have the following disadvantages:
a) They do not cover the situation in Singapore
b) They teach the theory and avoid the practical issues that are faced by real people.
I am not able to recommend any good books. Perhaps, the other readers of my blog can suggest some good ones?
I suggest that you read the following:
My blog: www.tankinlian.blogspot.com
My website, under the section Ask Mr Tan: www.tankinlian.com/faq
Dr Money's articles: http://www.tankinlian.com/drmoney/
Continue existing policies
Dear Mr. Tan
I would like to thank you for your generousity in time and advice for everyone. Your blog has been an eye-opener for me.
I would like to seek your advice on my family's insurance needs. Finance has been tight for us. We have 3 regular premium ILPs that were bought 7 years ago. We are thinking of stopping the ILPs and buying a Term insurance.
My agent has suggested that we buy a life insurance policy. Do you think that this is a good idea?
REPLY
For the three ILP policies, can you find out the following:
1. What percentage of the monthly premium is invested from now onwards (i.e. after the policy has passed 7 years).
2. What are the deductions from the monthly premium to cover the policy expenses and mortality charges?
3. What is the annual charge on the investment fund?
4. What is the spread on investing each premium into the fund?
Quite likely, you have passed the period of high upfront charges. If this is the case, it is better to keep the ILP policies as an investment for the future.
I do not recommend a new ILP policy, as it incurs high upfront charges. But, if you have already incurred it in past years, it is better to continue with the policy.
I suggest that you buy a decreasing Term insurance to cover 5 years of your earnings, reducing over a period of 20 years. Do not buy the whole life policy.
You can read the FAQs here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/choice.html
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/ilp.html
I would like to thank you for your generousity in time and advice for everyone. Your blog has been an eye-opener for me.
I would like to seek your advice on my family's insurance needs. Finance has been tight for us. We have 3 regular premium ILPs that were bought 7 years ago. We are thinking of stopping the ILPs and buying a Term insurance.
My agent has suggested that we buy a life insurance policy. Do you think that this is a good idea?
REPLY
For the three ILP policies, can you find out the following:
1. What percentage of the monthly premium is invested from now onwards (i.e. after the policy has passed 7 years).
2. What are the deductions from the monthly premium to cover the policy expenses and mortality charges?
3. What is the annual charge on the investment fund?
4. What is the spread on investing each premium into the fund?
Quite likely, you have passed the period of high upfront charges. If this is the case, it is better to keep the ILP policies as an investment for the future.
I do not recommend a new ILP policy, as it incurs high upfront charges. But, if you have already incurred it in past years, it is better to continue with the policy.
I suggest that you buy a decreasing Term insurance to cover 5 years of your earnings, reducing over a period of 20 years. Do not buy the whole life policy.
You can read the FAQs here:
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/choice.html
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/ilp.html
Investing for the future
Hi Mr. Tan,
I am concerned that my savings for the future will be eroded away by inflation and that the yields in the CPFOA may not keep up with inflation.
I am considering putting some savings into UOB Growthpath 2040 fund and also the Combined Fund by NTUC Income. It seems that doing a regular ILP incurs high costs. I am thinking of putting some money in both funds over the next few months. What are your views?
Thanks for the advise on your website. It is sad that insurance agents put a lot of pressure on customers. I almost signed up an ILP with a friend only to realise of the high upfront costs, and also the relatively high annual charge of 1.5%. I was advised to put money in single country funds that are 'hot' economies. I decided to cancel the policy within the 14days grace period. I cannot afford to lose up to 18 months in upfront costs at this early stage of life.
I checked with another agent and was told that not all the information on DR Money's website is true about insurance.
REPLY:
You can read this FAQ about investments:
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html
I am not able to give you specific views about the UOB fund. If you wish to invest in the Combined Fund from NTUC Income, you can invest through the Flexi Link policy, where the charges are much lower than a regular ILP.
You did right to cancel the high cost ILP policy. Your savings should be for your future, and not for the earnings of the insurance agent.
Dr Money's advice on insurance is sound. It may not be 100% accurate. My advice is not 100% accurate either. But, they are useful for consumers.
I am concerned that my savings for the future will be eroded away by inflation and that the yields in the CPFOA may not keep up with inflation.
I am considering putting some savings into UOB Growthpath 2040 fund and also the Combined Fund by NTUC Income. It seems that doing a regular ILP incurs high costs. I am thinking of putting some money in both funds over the next few months. What are your views?
Thanks for the advise on your website. It is sad that insurance agents put a lot of pressure on customers. I almost signed up an ILP with a friend only to realise of the high upfront costs, and also the relatively high annual charge of 1.5%. I was advised to put money in single country funds that are 'hot' economies. I decided to cancel the policy within the 14days grace period. I cannot afford to lose up to 18 months in upfront costs at this early stage of life.
I checked with another agent and was told that not all the information on DR Money's website is true about insurance.
REPLY:
You can read this FAQ about investments:
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html
I am not able to give you specific views about the UOB fund. If you wish to invest in the Combined Fund from NTUC Income, you can invest through the Flexi Link policy, where the charges are much lower than a regular ILP.
You did right to cancel the high cost ILP policy. Your savings should be for your future, and not for the earnings of the insurance agent.
Dr Money's advice on insurance is sound. It may not be 100% accurate. My advice is not 100% accurate either. But, they are useful for consumers.
Low risk investment
Dear Mr. Tan,
I learnt from your website from reading mypaper. I'm a nerd when it comes to financial management. Apart from savings account, I know nothing much about investments. I'm not a high risk taker, but would like to know how to go about low-risk investments.
Are there any articles, websites or books to recommend for beginners? I heard that T-bill is a low-risk investment but I've no idea how to go about doing that.
Recently, I've also heard that an insurer is offering a sort of Fixed Deposit, which offers higher interest than banks. Is it trust worthy?
I'm in my mid-30s and wish to invest $50,000 for my retirement or my son's education fund. What is your advice?
REPLY
I suggest that you read this FAQ. It should contain the answers that you need.
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html
I learnt from your website from reading mypaper. I'm a nerd when it comes to financial management. Apart from savings account, I know nothing much about investments. I'm not a high risk taker, but would like to know how to go about low-risk investments.
Are there any articles, websites or books to recommend for beginners? I heard that T-bill is a low-risk investment but I've no idea how to go about doing that.
Recently, I've also heard that an insurer is offering a sort of Fixed Deposit, which offers higher interest than banks. Is it trust worthy?
I'm in my mid-30s and wish to invest $50,000 for my retirement or my son's education fund. What is your advice?
REPLY
I suggest that you read this FAQ. It should contain the answers that you need.
http://www.tankinlian.com/faq/savings.html
Amazing Numbers
A few people have written to ask for my permission to use my amazing numbers to play with their friends. They are most welcomed. I asked them to make 7 cards using the amazing numbers.
I have just visited an insurance company in Indonesia. Their managers are amazed at the numbers and wish to print the amazing numbers cards to give to their clients.
What are the amazing numbers? Try it:
http://www.tankinlian.com/amazing/index.html
I have just visited an insurance company in Indonesia. Their managers are amazed at the numbers and wish to print the amazing numbers cards to give to their clients.
What are the amazing numbers? Try it:
http://www.tankinlian.com/amazing/index.html
Migrating to Term insurance
Dear Mr. Tan,
I bought the NTUC I-young policies for my two sons at $100 annual premium for a coverage of $50,000. The policies will lapse upon the age of 29. Should I switch to a Term insurance policy, as mentioned in your blog, for an annual premium of $100 to $300 for a coverage of about $150,000 or stick to I-young? Your learned advice is much appreciated.
REPLY
Both options are suitable. When your sons are ready to buy their own Term insurance, they can buy a Term insurance for about 5 years of their income, and discontinue the iYoung policy. In the meantime, the iYoung will serve them well.
I bought the NTUC I-young policies for my two sons at $100 annual premium for a coverage of $50,000. The policies will lapse upon the age of 29. Should I switch to a Term insurance policy, as mentioned in your blog, for an annual premium of $100 to $300 for a coverage of about $150,000 or stick to I-young? Your learned advice is much appreciated.
REPLY
Both options are suitable. When your sons are ready to buy their own Term insurance, they can buy a Term insurance for about 5 years of their income, and discontinue the iYoung policy. In the meantime, the iYoung will serve them well.
How to get started in investing
Dear Mr. Tan,
Thank you for providing this wonderful resource and for making investment and insurance products so much easier to understand.
Now I am very keen to get my money to work harder. The question is, can you please teach me how to get started? How do I buy a unit trust or an indexed fund?
REPLY
You can read the FAQ in my website, www.tankinlian.com/faq
Thank you for providing this wonderful resource and for making investment and insurance products so much easier to understand.
Now I am very keen to get my money to work harder. The question is, can you please teach me how to get started? How do I buy a unit trust or an indexed fund?
REPLY
You can read the FAQ in my website, www.tankinlian.com/faq
Financial Blogs
Dear Mr. Tan,
Hope all is well with you. Your last update on your blog was 14th. Jan today is 18th. I am sure many readers like me who visit your blog everyday must be missing your posts (like I am).
By the way, I like reading Doc money's writings but they come out just once or twice in a while. Can you suggest any Singapore specific useful financial websites or blogs (apart from those already listed on your right panel) where real good, sound info is given like you and Doc money give.
REPLY:
I have been in Jakarta for the past few days, and have some difficulty in getting Internet connection. You can read my blog and Dr Money's articles. I am not aware of other good blogs on financial matters.
Hope all is well with you. Your last update on your blog was 14th. Jan today is 18th. I am sure many readers like me who visit your blog everyday must be missing your posts (like I am).
By the way, I like reading Doc money's writings but they come out just once or twice in a while. Can you suggest any Singapore specific useful financial websites or blogs (apart from those already listed on your right panel) where real good, sound info is given like you and Doc money give.
REPLY:
I have been in Jakarta for the past few days, and have some difficulty in getting Internet connection. You can read my blog and Dr Money's articles. I am not aware of other good blogs on financial matters.
Investing in the Singapore market
Dear Mr. Tan,
A few weeks ago, you suggested that a good time to invest in the Singapore market is at the level of 3,000 to 3,300.
The Singapore index is now about 3,100, but there is the risk of a recession in America. Is it safe to invest at the current level?
REPLY
If you are investing for the long term, it is all right to invest at the current level (in my view). The market has dropped by more than 20% from its peak at 3,850. You may not be able to catch the bottom, so it is better to start investing. If you are unsure, you can invest in three tranches over the next there months.
If you are investing a monthly sum, it is all right to invest now. You can invest in the STI tracker fund, or the Combined Fund from NTUC Income (through the Flexi Link policy).
A few weeks ago, you suggested that a good time to invest in the Singapore market is at the level of 3,000 to 3,300.
The Singapore index is now about 3,100, but there is the risk of a recession in America. Is it safe to invest at the current level?
REPLY
If you are investing for the long term, it is all right to invest at the current level (in my view). The market has dropped by more than 20% from its peak at 3,850. You may not be able to catch the bottom, so it is better to start investing. If you are unsure, you can invest in three tranches over the next there months.
If you are investing a monthly sum, it is all right to invest now. You can invest in the STI tracker fund, or the Combined Fund from NTUC Income (through the Flexi Link policy).
Updating my blog
A few visitors have observed that I was not updating my blog for the past few days.
I was away in Jakarta from Tuesday to Saturday. It was difficult for me to get access to the Internet. The Internet connection from the hotel was slow and expensive. I have just returned.
I was away in Jakarta from Tuesday to Saturday. It was difficult for me to get access to the Internet. The Internet connection from the hotel was slow and expensive. I have just returned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)