Money and More Money

About 3 weeks ago, me and my colleagues decided to play Robert Kiyosaki's Cash Flow 101 board game after work. As the title says, the board game is created by Robert Kiyosaki...you know, 'The rich dad, poor dad' dude. The aim of the game is basically to get out of the rat race as soon as possible and achieve the ultimate financial freedom or easier put as to become a millionaire. Forgive me, I'm not very good at expressing my thoughts and I might make this game sounds kinda boring..but trust me Monopoly is even more boring. If you are into investing and making money kinda thing, then I really recommend this game. It was really fun and educational too. It took me and my friends good 5 hours to finish it. In case you are wondering, I didnt win though. But heck, I did learn a lot from it.

Since after playing the game, I've become more eager to achieve my own definition of financial freedom. A simple silly board game and yet, it somehow inspired my financial mindset. It's almost like a wake up call. It hit me that my monthly pay cheque aint gonna make me rich. I have so many things that I want in life and I will need a hefty lot of money to fulfil all my needs and wants. So, I decided it's time to make a change.

From that moment onwards, every possible time I have, I read financial news, articles, whatever..whether from the Internet, books or newspapers. I have to say, amazing wealth of knowledge out there. I read just about anything; share dealing, property investment, financial planning, forex,etc. I also ordered investment books so I can read before bedtime. I even tried doing forex trading with this cool simulation software that allows you to trade with virtual money on real market data. I was really into this.

Let me tell you what I've learned. The biggest lesson I learned is that my knowledge in this area is really shallow. I have to humbly admit that. Before, I always thought I know a lot, but the more I learn, the more I realised that I dont know that much. It make me feel kinda low but hey, suck it up and learn from it.

So, now here I am..still far from my final destination, my own financial heaven. But at least I've started the journey. One step at a time.

The following are other things that I learned. Nothing technical just some thoughts:
1) There is no such thing as easy and quick money maker. If it sounds too good to be true, it usualy is too good to be true.
2) Dumping all your money in those common savings account wont make you rich. Make your money work harder for you. Invest it wisely.
3) Learn before you invest. Don't just simply take other people's word.
4) You dont need millions to start investing. It's ok to invest small. Compound interest and time will work its miracle. All you need is patience.
5) Make sure you have sufficient 'rainy days' fund before even thinking to risk your money.
6) Branded clothing and expensive gadgets doesnt define who I am and who you are as a person. Stop spending so much on it!
7) Money certainly wont buy me happiness but it is the tool to achieve happines ;-)
8) It's ok to discuss about personal financial especially with friends and family. Nothing to be ashamed of. The more you share, the more knowledge you get.


On the last note, my two friends, Azida and Ainul have passed their exam to become unit trust advisors (is that the right title?). I was so excited to know that because for me it means I can 'use' them as my learning tool. So girls, well done and hope you dont mind sharing your knowledge! I'm so proud of you ;-)