We Decide :)

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

When this post is drafted, I am currently spending my four days Chinese New Year leave in the city where I am currently working in. This is basically my first time spending my four golden days here after living in this city for almost 4 years.

I am currently in the midst of putting extra miles efforts in order to transfer out from my current department. I just being there in less than a year, but upon realizing that my current superior always bringing the worst out of me rather than bringing the best out of me, I think it is the right time to move on; which is in my case, I must put extra miles effort in order to get myself out.

Phuket, Thailand

Basically, regardless where we work, we always can choose as long as we know the correct channel to do so. As in my case, the process may take quite a long time which may take more than a month, but as long as I can move out, I am okay. 

At the same time, we should explore other opportunities outside as well. Sometimes, having many options can reduce our risk to be on losing side. And most importantly, whenever we are trapped in this kind of situation, being prepared mentally, emotionally and financially is a must. I can say that being in a situation whereby we have nothing to loose is vital.

After all,  difficult situations in our life can be a blessing. As a Muslim, we must strongly believe that Allah will never test us beyond our capability. He is the Most Fair and Most Justice and hence, everything happened in our life basically leave us with the best lesson learnt; if we really think about it. 

Phuket, Thailand

After taking few days of self-introspection, I have came out with these conclusions:

1) We cannot control people. Hence, we have to control everything that is within our control. Like in my case, asking for transfer is within my control, but to approve the request, is beyond mine. Therefore, we must leave the rest to Allah; as long as we have make the efforts. Tawakkal is incredibly important.

2) In any situation, never start any evil deeds towards others. It is surely the truth will reveal; just the matter of sooner or later. Trust me, being in a situation whereby we are the one who are being abused, be it in term of physical, mental or emotion; we are always on the winning side. Allah will always guarantee our prayers.

Kajornrangsan School, Phuket, Thailand

3) Never let our past bad experiences just go like that. Learn from it. And as much as we could, avoid to be the bad actor or actress in any situation. Remember, this dunya is just temporary. We have an eternal hereafter. It is definitely a big loss if we were to trade this temporary life with the eternal one. 

4) Always look on the bright side. Even it is bad, it is good :) Cliche isn't it? 

Have a nice day :)

Wassalam.

Wealth Management: Way to Start

Assalamua'laikum wbt & Good Day,

 

It is good that today's youngsters have better financial insight as compared to previous generations. Most of them who are mostly Muslims have registered their account at Tabung Haji (TH), one of the boards in Malaysia that responsible in assisting the Muslim citizens to perform their pilgrimage. As of the date this post was drafted, the minimum amount that must be deposited into TH account is 1300 MYR in order to book our queue for pilgrimage with the most basic assistance.

 

However, there are many news keep on viral today whereby TH fund reserve bank is currently is at negative level. In a simple word, it indicates that TH might not be able to pay the dividends to millions of its depositors like previous years. However, there is still no concrete statement from any official parties who supposedly accountable to manage all the funds inside TH.

 

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei Darussalam

 

Frankly speaking, I was deeply frustrated when I first read about this rumours. However, knowing that we cannot trust rumours so much although our instincts believe otherwise could be the best way to divert our attention in order to mitigate the risks associated with our savings.

 

On top of this, the government just release the new 2016's budget whereby the employees now have the options to either opt for 8% or 11% contribution to their Employee Provident Fund (EPF). I will not touch on these options as I believed that different people will definitely has different needs. But as for myself, I still stick to the current 11% deduction for the sake of tax benefits.

 

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque, Brunei Darussalam

 

Whenever any issues like these arise, having a solid financial planning is extremely important. Or else, we tend to base our judgment by following the majority preference without considering the pros and cons with our own current financial states and needs.

 

I would love to share the books that I have read in order to strengthen my basis while doing my own financial planning. My suggestions may not fit into everyone, but I believe you may consider to have these books in order to enrich your knowledge on financial planning.

 

1. The Millionaire in Me by Azizi Ali

 

This book teach us on way to manage our money but still become an employee.

 

2. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki

 

This book has opened my eyes that being highly educated in formal education system may not bring us to financial freedom; but financial knowledge do.

 

3. Cashflow Quadrants by Robert T Kiyosaki

 

This book told us about four types of individual based on the way they earn their money and ways to make money works for us instead of the other way around.

 

 

Brunei International Airport, Brunei Darussalam

 

4. Believe in Your Dreams and Grow Rich by George Leong

 

This book taught us a practical ways in managing our earnings or incomes and the necessity of having a good financial planning since early age.

 

And for Muslims, I would suggest you to read Mukmin Professional written by Ustaz Pahrol Mohd Juoi before you read any of books mentioned above in order to strengthen your basis on why we as a Muslim must strive to be the best in anything that we do, whereby in this case, it is by being a good rich Muslim.

 

Have a nice day :)

 

Wassalam.