This week we are very please to introduce ichew ...
Investideas: You have a very special nick. Why are you using this nick and what does it mean ?
My first name starts with letter "i", last name is chew, so ichew
InvestIdeas: What can you tell us about your background ?
I got a local degree in Mathematics but ended up as a Programmer for 5 years before switching to a Logistics firm. I just started a new job on 01 February 2010.
InvestIdeas: How long have you been investing / trading ?
I think for about 10 years now but it is never the quantity but the quality. I think that I am still a very long long way to being good in investing / trading.
InvestIdeas: What are your favorite books on trading / investing ?
There are too many nice books to classify any as my favourite.
For FA, the "The Five Rules for Successful Stock Investing" by Pat Dorsey and Joe Mansueto is a good introduction.
For TA, I thought that the books by Darryl Guppy are very good introductions.
The CANSLIM book is not bad too.
For FA/TA Psychology, I thought both Mark Douglas's "The Disciplined Trader" and "Trading in the Zone" are interesting, as well as Van K. Tharp's "Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom".
InvestIdeas: What are your investment vehicles ?
Sticking to SG stocks for now. Yes, it may be kelong. But there are enough volatility for TA and enough gems for FA digging. In addition, I have learned the importance of FOCUS.
InvestIdeas: What has been your best investment so far ?
I was blessed to have siam ( escaped ) the bulk of the recent 2008 recession. My rule #1 is to protect the capital. I was also blessed to have invested a lot of time with good friends.
InvestIdeas: What has been your worst investment?
Too many to speak of. But I think the worst of mine is in those "Insurance-Linked Unit-Trusts". I think the lesson learned is Retail Investing may not be inferior to these Professionals. Retail can run so much faster..
InvestIdeas: What advice do you have for a young/newbie who is just starting out ?
Focus. I like what d.o.g. mentioned in the old WS forum. That young people should focus on their job and get the high annual % increment. It beats earning that little bit from your investing. Oh, and SAVE a lot.
And when you have the time and spare cash, then FOCUS on learning everything about investing or trading. Know the difference and do not mix them up.
Without putting in the effort, it will be difficult to learn enough about investing / trading to be excellent.
If you just want good returns, you can stick to Index Funds etc and invest the time in other areas
Think this principle works for all other areas in our lives as well. Without FOCUS and investment of time and effort in our work, health, relationships, it is difficult to do well.
People who do not prioritize and try to juggle everything will just be average. ( by the way, average to me is also ok )
I am just suggesting that if you want to see excellent result in, say, your relationships with your family, you will need to prioritize time and energy to be there with them.
What are their love languages? Do you speak them? Do you take your kids out and be involved with them MENTALLY too? Do you take your wife out for a special date-nite once a week? Do you sit down and listen to your parents nag ?
If you want to see excellent result in your work, you will need to be more pro-active in all areas of your work. Stand up and be counted upon. There are always areas, processes to be improved upon. If you spend all your weekends, weekday nights on projects that matters eg finding new sales. I am sure you will get the raise.
Anyway these are my personal views only. Hope i did not ruffle anyone.
InvestIdeas: Are there any other Non-Investment related book that may have influenced your outlook on life ?
I like Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture".
And of cos my bible.
InvestIdeas: Are you able to tell us a bit about your family ?
Just got attached . Hence, FOCUS-ing on her and her only.
InvestIdeas: What are some of your favourite investment topics in the forum ?
Due to time constraints, I am FOCUS-ing only on SG Stocks Forum. Hopefully, when I have more time, i can move to others
I have been to other parts and I see a wealth of info... kudos to all contributors. Many thanks.
InvestIdeas: What are some of your other interests ?
Looking at Singapore Properties. La kopi and watching the world pass me by
Last words:-
I know I have improved in investing / trading these years because of the kind sharing of many forummers. Eternally grateful and thankful..