Another end to a year. For the nth time, I dread reflecting on the year because I did not receive positive outputs from the pain I’ve endured.
But here goes.
Here’s a recap of my finances over the years:
2024 Review
Borrowing my past year statement: This year, so much has happened, but not much have changed.
Since I don’t blog every month, here’s a recap of what I’ve done across the past 12 months:
Jan
Feb
- Went to pray– for both fertility and job security. Got a positive lot from the bugis temple and it made me really hopeful. Make it a point to donate $50/month and $100-200 when I have bonus.
- Travelled to China to take a break from stress I was suffering both mentally and physically
Mar
- 6th IVF. Final embryo at this second IVF clinic. Failed.
May
- Was brought by a couple friend to Toa Payoh temple to pray (thank you for your concern and help)
Jun
- One year since my miscarriage
- Tried chiro and signed a package
- Travelled to Europe, again, to keep my mind away from negative thoughts
- Was told my team had restructured and there were a number of colleagues who were laid off. Thankfully my job was safe. However, it was a difficult news given how that stressful feeling had been lingering for many months.
Jul
- Decided to pick myself up to do a round of IVF at JB. Despite the hassle, the cost is really much cheaper. Alas, the quality was really poor – I only had one blast whereas I had 4-6 in previous 2 rounds of egg retrieval. I’m not sure if it’s because they have a poorer lab compared to Singapore or my eggs quality deteriorated badly after multiple attempts. Doctor said it varies every cycle. Decided to hold off the transfer until I feel ready
Aug
Sep
- Did my 7th ivf transfer with my one and only blast. Failed and decided to put a stop to this journey. I’ve tried my best and it’s enough.
Nov
- Did volunteering work
- Sold some BTC at 70-80% profit
Dec
- Reached $1m networth, thanks to stronger comeback for crypto and US stocks.
- Top up cash to my CPF SA and my mum’s.
Again, 2024 was spent mostly on one thing – IVF. All my time, efforts, money devoted. Close to $100k in. It’s enough. I have enough.
In 2024, I also took a hit in my career. First, the retrenchment exercise. While I was not impacted, remaining in the company meant taking on others’ scopes. I’m glad my ex-colleagues managed to find jobs very soon and they even said they felt it’s a blessing to be able to go to a better company with better salary; on top of that, they had a good redundancy package. What was most disheartening was that despite taking on more, I was told there is no salary increase. It felt extremely unfair given what I’ve put in, and it’s signalling I should leave. Unfortunately, I have not been able to identify any better companies to head to. I feel stuck.
On to a better turn, I have sold my house and is looking forward to getting a new home in 2025. However, the property prices have been off-putting and a good resale condo is getting out of reach. It is also going to be a risky move buying a new house under my name, should I want to leave my job. It is also hard to predict if a next wave of retrenchment will hit me.
All in all, I really hope for a better 2025. God, please treat me well.
Therefore, to recap the goals set for 2024, I’ve achieved mostly:
- Hit $950k net worth for 2024 ✅
- Look out for a new house (possibly moving in in 2025) ✅
- Stay healthy and be happy ✅❌
Net Worth
Anyway, on to what people are here for: $1.04m net worth. A 221k increase? Honestly, I’ve no idea how I did it, except that my past investments are yielding better returns.
I foresee a drop in my networth for 2025, given that a good chunk of my CPF OA will be diverted to my property purchase.
Hopes and Goal for 2025
I’m not sure if I jinxed myself – but it’s not in my imagination that there’s yet another year of no salary growth. It’s high time I keep a look out for better opportunities, which may make 2025 a risky and challenging year, coupled with getting a new home.
This is what I WILL achieve in 2025:
- move into a home that serves as a stronger asset
- pray more and practice care and kindness to myself
- get promoted with high pay jump either in this firm, or a new one
- travel with my family (already 2 planned)
- gain new skills (e.g. coaching, trading, new language)
- Achieve 1.3m net worth
