Senior executive Kowshik
Sriman, on balancing saving
and enjoying life
True independence
'To me, education is an
investment. So is travel, as you
are able to spend quality time
with the family. There are a lot
of people with the money but
not the time. If you are able to
make time for yourself, then you
are truly independent.'
On education and travel
Sound decisions
'If you are able to understand
the herd instinct and control
your own emotions, you can
make sound investment decisions
in uncertain times and take a
back seat during the bull
market.'
On investing wisely
WORST AND BEST BETS
Q: What is your worst
investment to date?
I made speculative investment in
Malaysian Clob shares after
starting work in the early 1990s
and having saved a sum after
three years.
I lost all $50k of my investment,
which was painful for someone
who had just started working.
It taught me a valuable lesson -
never follow the herd instinct.
The majority may not be right
when it comes to investment
choices.
Because of that, I shied away
from equity investments. Until
now, I don't want to hold too
many equities.
Q: And your best?
It's my townhouse in Watten
Estate as its value has gone up
three times.
We bought it in 2002 for $1.2
million and now it is worth about
$3.5 million. At $1.2 million, I
would be getting a 7 per cent
rental yield.
Source: The Straits Times ©
Singapore Press Holdings Ltd.