People who know me personally will tell you that I'm an advocate of earning more over saving as hard as you can. I'm a firm believer of personal growth and increasing resources to have and do more. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why my wealth management philosophies not only revolve around traditional planning but also sharing ideas with my clients on personal growth or getting better wages. At the end of the day, we work hard to enjoy our lives right?

Today I'm not going to nag about the usual importance on financial planning but share 3 lifestyle habits I personally live and breathe that help me progress in my pursuit of personal growth and a more comfortable life. Friends and clients who know me on a personal level will tell you I'm not much of a hoarder of cash and very much a believer of spending to get more. I call it investing in myself.

1. Going out and catching up with people

Will you agree with me that as long as you go out you will spend money? My mom who is comfortably retired always comments that whenever she goes out she will have to spend. Having said that, even if I'm not in the financial advisory line, I see myself constantly catching up with my friends. A network is always valuable, and most of us give up our network that we meet at different stages of our lives because we are too 'busy'.

I try to initiate catch ups with friends from all stages of my life because there's always something new to learn, or new opportunities uncovered. I found my current role by chance because I made an effort to keep in touch with friends within the same industry. You'll be surprised I was on my way to join another company before I got counter-offered. I got the offer because I met my friend to tell her I'm changing jobs. The company I was about to join was a result of me catching up with another ex-colleague who I met up with because I bought a present for her from my recent incentive trip to London which she contributed to my qualification. I got an offer to return to banking (didn't accept the offer) after I changed to this role with a remuneration higher than my last drawn in my previous job simply because I met another friend for lunch. Who needs to send in a job application if you have a strong enough network?

A lot of people see meeting up with old friends, ex-colleagues as spending unnecessary money. Some even worse, they view a friend who initiates a meet up with suspicion. Must be either MLM, insurance or want to borrow money. I see catching up as an opportunity to learn new things. Out of 10 meet ups with friends, I've always walked away with around 8 catch ups that provides me with valuable insights, new food experiences, new friends even... what have you to lose other than 2 hours and perhaps the cost of a meal?

2. Learning new skills

I spend quite a small fortune on personal development. My most recent splurge is on Speakers' Institute because I've always have bad stage fright. I'll tell you this is something I don't see myself doing 2 years ago because I wasn't ready to make myself uncomfortable, much less pay money to be uncomfortable. If you aren't willing to spend cash on a new skill yet, you can take baby steps by using your skills future credit. I spent mine to learn bouquet making. Next up on my self-improvement shopping list is to become a licensed estate planner. Previously, I've invested some money to learn forex trading from 2 practitioners. I still trade whenever I'm free.

I'll strongly encourage readers to find their passion and invest some money on themselves. New language? New coding skills? New bouquet making skills? Learn something and who knows, it might become your side hustle in the future. Skills have utility. By taking small steps to learn new skills, you might one day fire your boss and do something you love for a living. Some people are not keen on doing financial planning and I don't really like forcing people. At least, spend on increasing your personal value so that if you are wealthy enough, you will be your own insurance policy!

3. Taking up a hobby

In my case, point 3 and 1 are somewhat connected. I feel as long as we are doing a side project, opportunities will open doors. In my case, I have a food blog. Food and travel photography in Singapore as a hobby is expensive to a certain extent. Having said that, it's a great form of socializing that caters to a wider variety of audience. As we speak, I'm meeting up with a new friend over ramen tonight. His hobby is to help people travel well for free. I'm intrigued!

An entrepreneur once told me, as long as you are doing something, meeting people, more doors and opportunities will open up for you. I'd like to advocate finding something you enjoy and join a club or something. Take for instance, one of my hobbies is playing chess. I play every Wednesday night at the open area at Asia Square with other chess aficionados. By doing something, you will minimally get to know new friends and learn new insights from people.

If you are looking for an activity to do, you might consider getting some exercise and enjoy some good food after when you join me for a hike up Bukit Timah Hill on most Sunday mornings. Drop me a message if you are keen!

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Disclaimer: The content created are based on my personal opinions and may not be representative to everyone or any organisation. If you have any doubts or queries pertaining to insurance or investment, please seek professional advice from a trusted adviser in an official setting. You may also reach out to me if you do not have a present adviser using the message box under 'Let's Talk'.