Its common to associate wealth with material items and quantity of things we possess. My professional advice generally relates to this sort of wealth management. But today I'd like to share a thought about another kind of wealth - the wealth of a true friendship!
Like material wealth this sort of wealth also requires "management" and "protection" and best if "distributed" to especially those we care. But it has great impact if shared with those we don't know too!
Sadly it also often taken for granted and easily neglected. It possesses exponential growth potential and its affect is highly contagious if managed with great care and sincerity. Its benchmark is often the degree of happy feelings one obtains when one surrounds oneself with this wealth.
To invest in this type of wealth requires no minimum entry fee but merely basic character possession involving genuine sincerity and integrity. As an added measure, a commitment to be ever ready to extend emotional and stress relieving support would improve ones value of this wealth.
Most people are naturally talented to manage this wealth but some take them for granted too often that they need to be reminded of this in born skills.
Even the best of them face hardships during the lifetime of managing this wealth. Do expect shaky episodes of dips and bumps in the form of betrayal and back stabs. Occasionally these events happen unintentionally as some may confess in defence of themselves but nevertheless when it does occur, one will further be exposed to the true value and virtues of this wealth in the form of acceptance and forgiveness. Sometimes, too severe is the damage that it will require major asset relocation and could also involve switching of managers, whether permanent or temporary.
It is not a principal guaranteed investment and it is hardly acceptable as a collateralized asset. In fact as a collaterized asset, this form of wealth immediately loses its value.
Its non-transferable to a different asset class but share-able within the same asset category.
The beauty of this form of wealth is that, when and if it fully extends its potential, it has a lasting effect to those that possess it. Its the only form of wealth that can be passed infinitely from one mortal to another irrespective of color or creed, young or old.
No amount of money in this world can buy it. In fact if it ever can be bought with money...then it is not TRUE FRIENDSHIP!
My dearest friend I.F.A. - - - May ALLAH Bless you with HIS DIVINE LOVE and PROTECTION. I had a hard time when visiting you recently. I could not hold my feelings as I choked when we spoke about you. Seeing you in your condition right now aches me so much but I accept that ALLAH knows better than any one of us and I know this for sure...HIS DIVINE ATTENTION is upon you right now!
Barakallahu fi ka ya akhi....
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ramadhan is here...
Salaam and Good Blessing...
Its no secret that I have not blogged in ages. Excuse for that? Busy...yes seriously I was!
I couldn't fit a moment to write, especially with a long list of TTD (things to do).
Anyway...today is first day of Ramadhan and as it is every year, MUSLIMS around the world will fast from dawn till dusk ....(and stuff themselves again within nightfall and before dawn breaks.)
Among the main purpose of fasting is to experience the hunger sufferings of the poor and fakirs and to appreciate their struggles while we reflect upon the many blessings we enjoy and being blessed with things we often take for granted.
A sad note though, I feel the puasa ritual has just turned into another religious ritual for most MUSLIM (well at least in KL that i observe). Most will abstain from eating and drinking only, and that's just it....when in fact there is more to it than that. Idle talk and idle activity remains unchanged during this holy month and in fact has increased even more because to fill the vacuum of time left from the NO eating and NO drinking activity during the day.
Do you ever wonder if one family actually spends less ($) during RAMADHAN or spend more? One would expect a decrease in spending yes?..because one does not need the regular morning tosai, roti canai and teh tarik for breakfast and there is no lunch budget too. Its only that one meal a day during break fast! Theoretically yes...you should spend less!
For most of us the reality is not quite so...especially if you are the 'buka kat luar" type of a person then you can appreciate my point that eating at restaurants or hotels (especially) is so mahal gila!!!!...not less then RM44 per head...then there is that ++ lak lagi!
Even at gerai too they will charge the all-you-can-eat price and it's not less than RM25...Thats just for buka...sahur lagi tak kira!
During normal non fasting month, I don't think many people spend more than RM25 ringgit for a decent whole days meal, yes?
And then there is the BAZAAR RAMADHAN which offers a lavish spread of kuih muih and lauk pauk to feast the eyes and tempt the hungry stomach and crack the wallet. The tendency is often to buy what we see and what looks nice. But the thing is, just a couple of hours before breakfast, every thing in front of you will look sumptuous and delicious! Its common that most would end up, stopping at every stall they past and buy a little of this and that.
The problem is, not only will this eye-candy spending will cause you to spend more than you need as the amount easily adds up but when you get home and upon the first hearing of ALLLAAAHU AKBAR!.....you take the first bite...then ...Alamak...tawar nye! or masin nye! or keras nye!..ini cucur badak ke...kuku badak?!?
Okay, I agree not everything at the bazaar is that bad...surely you must concur with me that often, just one bite of anything you eat during break fast will be sufficient!...after that the margin of utility drops very fast and soon your stomach just can't take much more. Before you know it, you will seat in your chair wondering...sape lak nak makan yang lebih ni!
IF you wish to avoid wasteful spending during RAMADHAN, remember these points:
Its no secret that I have not blogged in ages. Excuse for that? Busy...yes seriously I was!
I couldn't fit a moment to write, especially with a long list of TTD (things to do).
Anyway...today is first day of Ramadhan and as it is every year, MUSLIMS around the world will fast from dawn till dusk ....(and stuff themselves again within nightfall and before dawn breaks.)
Among the main purpose of fasting is to experience the hunger sufferings of the poor and fakirs and to appreciate their struggles while we reflect upon the many blessings we enjoy and being blessed with things we often take for granted.
A sad note though, I feel the puasa ritual has just turned into another religious ritual for most MUSLIM (well at least in KL that i observe). Most will abstain from eating and drinking only, and that's just it....when in fact there is more to it than that. Idle talk and idle activity remains unchanged during this holy month and in fact has increased even more because to fill the vacuum of time left from the NO eating and NO drinking activity during the day.
Do you ever wonder if one family actually spends less ($) during RAMADHAN or spend more? One would expect a decrease in spending yes?..because one does not need the regular morning tosai, roti canai and teh tarik for breakfast and there is no lunch budget too. Its only that one meal a day during break fast! Theoretically yes...you should spend less!
For most of us the reality is not quite so...especially if you are the 'buka kat luar" type of a person then you can appreciate my point that eating at restaurants or hotels (especially) is so mahal gila!!!!...not less then RM44 per head...then there is that ++ lak lagi!
Even at gerai too they will charge the all-you-can-eat price and it's not less than RM25...Thats just for buka...sahur lagi tak kira!
During normal non fasting month, I don't think many people spend more than RM25 ringgit for a decent whole days meal, yes?
And then there is the BAZAAR RAMADHAN which offers a lavish spread of kuih muih and lauk pauk to feast the eyes and tempt the hungry stomach and crack the wallet. The tendency is often to buy what we see and what looks nice. But the thing is, just a couple of hours before breakfast, every thing in front of you will look sumptuous and delicious! Its common that most would end up, stopping at every stall they past and buy a little of this and that.
The problem is, not only will this eye-candy spending will cause you to spend more than you need as the amount easily adds up but when you get home and upon the first hearing of ALLLAAAHU AKBAR!.....you take the first bite...then ...Alamak...tawar nye! or masin nye! or keras nye!..ini cucur badak ke...kuku badak?!?
Okay, I agree not everything at the bazaar is that bad...surely you must concur with me that often, just one bite of anything you eat during break fast will be sufficient!...after that the margin of utility drops very fast and soon your stomach just can't take much more. Before you know it, you will seat in your chair wondering...sape lak nak makan yang lebih ni!
IF you wish to avoid wasteful spending during RAMADHAN, remember these points:
- Dont go to find your food less than 2 hours before buka, this is when you are most vulnerable...it the same as "Dont buy groceries on an empty stomach."
- Buy the items you need for buka way ahead of time, best if you have a schedule
- Plan your buka meals a day before.
- Home cook meal
- lagi best, buka je kat surau..lepas tu tapau yang mana tak habis for sahur!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
13 is a good number!
Salam and Good Blessing,
For most people the number 13 may represent bad luck or carry negative connotations...but the number 13 should really be a good number for me, although most people know my favorite number in 9!
yesterday, i chanced upon this thought of the number 13 and how it represents my family..i'll explain that later.
last night I was given the honor to arrange the logistic requirements for a middle eastern family from his apartment in taman seputih to kompleks yayasan aljenderami... his entourage was 23 people many...7 males, 14 females and 3 kids. yesterday just happen to be a bad day to arrange for public transport because protesters of ISA dominated the streets. but Alhamdullillah i managed to get 5 cabs ready to ferry them to our destination at the promised time (5pm) ...but this family was not ready at this time and after waiting more than half an hour...all 5 cabs left!...aduh!...dah la susah nak dapat taxi!
I had to practically beg the taxi operators to send another batch and by this time it was already 6 pm...nasib baik after much negotiating, dapat 3 taxi van to commit...but getting through the clogged traffic was not easy...the 3 cabs came around to their pick up points 30 minutes apart...when they finally moved it was already 745pm..from seputeh to kajang tol was about 30 minutes drive...and when we finally transferred them into YAJ transport vehicles...it was already 845 and almost half of the MAULID event at YAJ has already past...but we headed there anyway.
In the van, my guest from Mekah and I started small talk and he asked me about my family and how many children I have. and stuffs..i reciprocated his good intentions by asking him the same...his reply really shouldn't shock me but still, I had to reset my thoughts anyway...
"Alhamdulillah, this wife over here I have 5 children..." he said, it was obvious to me then he has more than one...(wife that is!)
some how this helped explain why we couldn't keep on time the appointment with the first 5 cabs.
i didnt continue to ask him further like who is who in the transport vehicles...i left it at that. He is a very nice man and seemed a caring and responsible family person...I am honored to have met him.
so what has the number 13 got to do with this weeks blog you may ask..???
i am very blessed with my 1 wife and 3 kids...its enough for me..ALHAMDULLILAH...am not saying it is wrong for others who are 2 and 9...or maybe 3 and 11 or 4 and 25!!!...but i love my 13!
For most people the number 13 may represent bad luck or carry negative connotations...but the number 13 should really be a good number for me, although most people know my favorite number in 9!
yesterday, i chanced upon this thought of the number 13 and how it represents my family..i'll explain that later.
last night I was given the honor to arrange the logistic requirements for a middle eastern family from his apartment in taman seputih to kompleks yayasan aljenderami... his entourage was 23 people many...7 males, 14 females and 3 kids. yesterday just happen to be a bad day to arrange for public transport because protesters of ISA dominated the streets. but Alhamdullillah i managed to get 5 cabs ready to ferry them to our destination at the promised time (5pm) ...but this family was not ready at this time and after waiting more than half an hour...all 5 cabs left!...aduh!...dah la susah nak dapat taxi!
I had to practically beg the taxi operators to send another batch and by this time it was already 6 pm...nasib baik after much negotiating, dapat 3 taxi van to commit...but getting through the clogged traffic was not easy...the 3 cabs came around to their pick up points 30 minutes apart...when they finally moved it was already 745pm..from seputeh to kajang tol was about 30 minutes drive...and when we finally transferred them into YAJ transport vehicles...it was already 845 and almost half of the MAULID event at YAJ has already past...but we headed there anyway.
In the van, my guest from Mekah and I started small talk and he asked me about my family and how many children I have. and stuffs..i reciprocated his good intentions by asking him the same...his reply really shouldn't shock me but still, I had to reset my thoughts anyway...
"Alhamdulillah, this wife over here I have 5 children..." he said, it was obvious to me then he has more than one...(wife that is!)
some how this helped explain why we couldn't keep on time the appointment with the first 5 cabs.
i didnt continue to ask him further like who is who in the transport vehicles...i left it at that. He is a very nice man and seemed a caring and responsible family person...I am honored to have met him.
so what has the number 13 got to do with this weeks blog you may ask..???
i am very blessed with my 1 wife and 3 kids...its enough for me..ALHAMDULLILAH...am not saying it is wrong for others who are 2 and 9...or maybe 3 and 11 or 4 and 25!!!...but i love my 13!
...my 1 and 3...we always put our best foot forward!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Salam and Good Blessing...
I received an email which contained excepts from an interview with President O on the topic of fatherhood. It's nice to know that there are still good fathers in this world and lets hope many more fathers out there can emulate and advocate some of President O's thoughts and principles...(yours truly included!) ... but of course my role model is not just limited to Mr. President!
Yea I know, this has nothing to do with FP, you may wonder...but hey!..I did say I would keep this blog light didnt I? ... so shush you lips, do the Helen Keller and ... spend time with your kids! ... I love you guys Z, D and Dz!
President's Obama's thoughts on Fatherhood
On the pressure to be perfect.
...I've made mistakes as a parent, and I'm sure I will make plenty more. There have been days when the demands of work have taken me from my duties as a father and I’ve missed some moments in my daughters’ lives that I’ll never get back. So I’ve been far from perfect.
But in the end, it’s not about being perfect. It’s not always about succeeding; but it’s about always trying. And that's something everybody can do. It’s about showing up and sticking with it; and going back at it when you mess up; and letting your kids know -- not just with words, but with deeds -- that you love them and that you're always -- they're always your first priority.
On the influence a father has.
A lot of folks know I love playing basketball. But it was my father who gave me my first basketball. Even though he wasn't a part of my life, in the few weeks that I was with him, he gave me a basketball...A lot of folks know I love jazz. It turns out he took me to my first jazz concert. I didn't remember this until later on in life, but just that imprint is powerful. And imagine if that's sustained every day. And especially, young men, when they hit the teenage years, to have somebody there who is there to steady them and to provide them with some guidance, that makes all the difference in the world.
On the sacrifices fathers make.
And what it does mean is, is that fathers sometimes have to give up stuff that they'd like to do instead, like just sit there and watch Sportscenter....I like watching the highlights -- but sometimes instead of watching the third, fourth, fifth time Sportscenter, I just watch it once so that I can then spend time with the girls -- because they don't like watching basketball that much.
[Being a father] isn't an obligation. This is a privilege to be a father.
On gaining your kids' respect.
...You can't use anything as an excuse not to be involved with your children. Because kids -- they won't judge you based on whether you're wealthy or poor. They will judge you if you are abusive to their mother. They will judge you in terms of you not showing up when they need you. That's what makes a difference. And kids will respect their fathers if their fathers are showing kindness and are modeling -- that they're working hard and trying to do what's right for their families.
On balancing work and family and deciding to run for President.
...This was a joint decision -- was could our family handle it? And frankly, if it hadn't been for Michelle's extraordinary strength and commitment, I could not have done it and would not have done it. Now, I want to emphasize we are luckier than most; we've got more resources than most...but it was still a very difficult decision.
The person who suffered the most was me, because I would be calling from God knows where and they'd be having fun and laughing and kids don't talk on the phone that well. So I'd be, "Sasha, how was your day?" "Fine." "What did you do?" "Nothing." You guys have had those conversations.
On getting the skills you need and making a difference.
I’ve made my share of mistakes; I've had to ask a lot of questions.But I've also learned from men that I admire.
And we need dads -- but also men who aren’t dads -- to make this kind of commitment not just in their own homes to their own families, but to the many young people out there who aren’t lucky enough to have responsible adults in their lives. We need committed, compassionate men to serve as mentors and tutors, and big brothers and foster parents. Even if it’s just for a couple hours a week of shooting hoops, or helping with homework, or just talking about what’s going on in that young person's life. Even the smallest moments can end up having an enormous impact, a lasting impact on a child’s life.
I received an email which contained excepts from an interview with President O on the topic of fatherhood. It's nice to know that there are still good fathers in this world and lets hope many more fathers out there can emulate and advocate some of President O's thoughts and principles...(yours truly included!) ... but of course my role model is not just limited to Mr. President!
Yea I know, this has nothing to do with FP, you may wonder...but hey!..I did say I would keep this blog light didnt I? ... so shush you lips, do the Helen Keller and ... spend time with your kids! ... I love you guys Z, D and Dz!
President's Obama's thoughts on Fatherhood
On the pressure to be perfect.
...I've made mistakes as a parent, and I'm sure I will make plenty more. There have been days when the demands of work have taken me from my duties as a father and I’ve missed some moments in my daughters’ lives that I’ll never get back. So I’ve been far from perfect.
But in the end, it’s not about being perfect. It’s not always about succeeding; but it’s about always trying. And that's something everybody can do. It’s about showing up and sticking with it; and going back at it when you mess up; and letting your kids know -- not just with words, but with deeds -- that you love them and that you're always -- they're always your first priority.
On the influence a father has.
A lot of folks know I love playing basketball. But it was my father who gave me my first basketball. Even though he wasn't a part of my life, in the few weeks that I was with him, he gave me a basketball...A lot of folks know I love jazz. It turns out he took me to my first jazz concert. I didn't remember this until later on in life, but just that imprint is powerful. And imagine if that's sustained every day. And especially, young men, when they hit the teenage years, to have somebody there who is there to steady them and to provide them with some guidance, that makes all the difference in the world.
On the sacrifices fathers make.
And what it does mean is, is that fathers sometimes have to give up stuff that they'd like to do instead, like just sit there and watch Sportscenter....I like watching the highlights -- but sometimes instead of watching the third, fourth, fifth time Sportscenter, I just watch it once so that I can then spend time with the girls -- because they don't like watching basketball that much.
[Being a father] isn't an obligation. This is a privilege to be a father.
On gaining your kids' respect.
...You can't use anything as an excuse not to be involved with your children. Because kids -- they won't judge you based on whether you're wealthy or poor. They will judge you if you are abusive to their mother. They will judge you in terms of you not showing up when they need you. That's what makes a difference. And kids will respect their fathers if their fathers are showing kindness and are modeling -- that they're working hard and trying to do what's right for their families.
On balancing work and family and deciding to run for President.
...This was a joint decision -- was could our family handle it? And frankly, if it hadn't been for Michelle's extraordinary strength and commitment, I could not have done it and would not have done it. Now, I want to emphasize we are luckier than most; we've got more resources than most...but it was still a very difficult decision.
The person who suffered the most was me, because I would be calling from God knows where and they'd be having fun and laughing and kids don't talk on the phone that well. So I'd be, "Sasha, how was your day?" "Fine." "What did you do?" "Nothing." You guys have had those conversations.
On getting the skills you need and making a difference.
I’ve made my share of mistakes; I've had to ask a lot of questions.But I've also learned from men that I admire.
And we need dads -- but also men who aren’t dads -- to make this kind of commitment not just in their own homes to their own families, but to the many young people out there who aren’t lucky enough to have responsible adults in their lives. We need committed, compassionate men to serve as mentors and tutors, and big brothers and foster parents. Even if it’s just for a couple hours a week of shooting hoops, or helping with homework, or just talking about what’s going on in that young person's life. Even the smallest moments can end up having an enormous impact, a lasting impact on a child’s life.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
How a Financial Planner can help you
Offer personalized service - We each have different financial goals and objectives. Your FP will be able to personally guide you though the processes of attaining these objectives that meets your specialized needs.
Act as a financial coach - Your FP is trained to listen and understand your financial concerns. He/she will be able to explain to you the strategies and concepts related to your financial objectives.
Help conceptualize your goals - Your FP can clearly define your financial goals and prioritize them for you and therefore eliminate any confusion arising from unclear and vague goals.
Road map to achieve your financial goals - a financial planner can design a comprehensive and clear plan to ensure that you reach your financial goals.
Selection of correct financial tools - a financial planner will be able to guide you in selecting the best financial tools that suits your investment profile and objectives therefore reduce the risk of you selecting the wrong instruments while simultaneously keeping you better informed to make the best decision.
Proactive management - a financial planner with a thorough understanding of your investment objectives can bring opportunities to your attention. He can keep you abreast of the financial environments that may affect your plans and make recommendations to adjust them.
END
Act as a financial coach - Your FP is trained to listen and understand your financial concerns. He/she will be able to explain to you the strategies and concepts related to your financial objectives.
Help conceptualize your goals - Your FP can clearly define your financial goals and prioritize them for you and therefore eliminate any confusion arising from unclear and vague goals.
Road map to achieve your financial goals - a financial planner can design a comprehensive and clear plan to ensure that you reach your financial goals.
Selection of correct financial tools - a financial planner will be able to guide you in selecting the best financial tools that suits your investment profile and objectives therefore reduce the risk of you selecting the wrong instruments while simultaneously keeping you better informed to make the best decision.
Proactive management - a financial planner with a thorough understanding of your investment objectives can bring opportunities to your attention. He can keep you abreast of the financial environments that may affect your plans and make recommendations to adjust them.
END
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Salam and Good Blessings,
Welcome to my blog. At this platform I hope to share with you valuable information and tips about accumulating and managing wealth. I will also cover aspects of wealth protection and distribution which I am sure you will find it most useful. But...it may not all be about boring numbers and financial jargons, I may add some unrelated topics just to keep it fun and light...so, come around often and you may learn a thing or two.
...I am rara and I am your WEALTH CONSULTANT!
Welcome to my blog. At this platform I hope to share with you valuable information and tips about accumulating and managing wealth. I will also cover aspects of wealth protection and distribution which I am sure you will find it most useful. But...it may not all be about boring numbers and financial jargons, I may add some unrelated topics just to keep it fun and light...so, come around often and you may learn a thing or two.
...I am rara and I am your WEALTH CONSULTANT!
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