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I have to put a clause here.
My intention of sharing my journey is not to riak or to show off. My intention sharing my journey is to encourage and inspire others to be debt free, as much as they can.
Being debt free is possible in Singapore.
I was in a dilemma if I should create this blog post. Share my journey, people say I riak.Dont share takut dosa, ilmu simpan sendiri.
However, after much considerations and requests from many, dengan lafaz Bismillahirahmanirahim (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) I decide to document my journey.
I will share with you 2 blog posts…….
This blog post, I will share, Why I aim to be debt free, my challenges and how to be debt free in Singapore.
The 2nd blog post, I will share, How to make it easier for you to be debt free in Singapore.
Keep an open mind. If not, (I am pleading with you) please don’t continue reading this blog post.
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If you are my client, you know that as an Islamic Financial Planner in Singapore, I have come up with a 4-prong approach to my personal finance.
1)Clear my HDB loan + Comprehensive Halal Insurance Coverage 2) Monthly Investment in shariah compliant fund + Top up when there is a market downturn (like the COVID-19 health crisis) 3) Shariah Compliant Stocks
(Act as turbo booster to increase investible assets value in networth statement for the next 5-10 years. Shariah compliant methodology adopted: Dow Jones shariah screening methodology + AAOIFI) 4) Additional Properties
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Alhamdulillah. I have achieved the first 2 stages.
(My final payment to fully clear my HDB loan)
(and finally Debt Free!)
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Alhamdulillah. Yes! I am now officially DEBT FREE! 🙂
It might look like a breeze at the seaside but fact of the matter, it is not.
It requires careful and meticulous planning.
It takes a lot of research.
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When I first got married, I did some personal reflection. (that is when most people start to get serious about life)
I set goals.
Being Debt Free is one of them.
It is ironic because since young, I have been taught about Good Debts.
and Bad Debts.
Good Debts like housing loans are good because interest rate is so cheap in Singapore. Bad Debtslikecredit cards with exorbitant 24% interest are bad. It should be avoided at all cost.
That is what mainstream financial gurus of this century has been advocating over the years.
And I agree with them.
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And in my job as a financial consultant, I preach the idea of being Debt Free.
Most people will look at me in a strange manner.
“Biar betik si dekni.”
I don’t fault them. Because I used to think like them.
I thought it was not possible.
I thought if you want to be debt free in this cosmopolitan sophisticated Singapore,
you have to hold high positions.
Maybe if you are an executive director of an MNC. A vice president of a company. A group division manager at least.
You know, someone with positions. Alaaaah…. Orang berkedudukan with status.
Then only can be Debt Free
If not, not possible.
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Yet, the reasons I still stick to my guns, hold on to my dreams and work myself up to be debt free in Singapore because of a few reasons.
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1) Life is unpredictable.
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Being a financial consultant since year 2007, I have experienced 2 crises. 2008-2009: subprime mortgage crisis. 2020: Health crisis that we are facing now.
The prospect of people losing jobs are real.
The prospect of business closing down are real. The prospect of one depleting their emergency funds in a time of crisis is real.
I see it with my own eyes. People are struggling.
Scared of the future.
Nauzubillah…. I pray it won’t happen to you.
To me.
Or to anyone I love….
Yet, it is comforting and a relief to know that if sh*t happens, at least we still have a roof over our heads.
Better still if the biggest financial obligation of our life has been settled.
In short, from a financial advisor’s perspective, my risk profile for home to stay and risk profile for long term investment is DIFFERENT. As a sole breadwinner in my family, I am very conservative in my approach for house to stay.
Yet, I am aggressive in my approach for long term investments.
2) Job disruption due to rapid development of technology
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Even before the Covid19 pandemic, I have seen major changes in the new economy.
Jobs are replaced by machines.
15 years ago, if I want to do fundamental analysis of companies, I have to download the company’s annual report 1 by 1.
(15 years ago, when I was a student in Ngee Ann Polytechnic)
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I had to create excel spreadsheet to do vertical and horizontal analysis.
Calculated the financial ratios. 1 by 1.
Everything did it by myself. Now, with Artificial Intelligence – with just a few clicks of a button, I can get all the answers I want.
Machines help me out with all that. The role of a financial analyst has being made redundant.
This AI thing is very REAL.
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Let me give you another example in my industry. The insurance industry.
One of the biggest insurance companies in Japan terminated 34 employees in their Actuarial department.
And replaced them with an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can calculate insurance payouts.
The firm believes it will help increase productivity by 30%.
And save $1.2 million a year in salaries.
Now, my point is, If that can happen in Japan, anything can happen in Singapore.
Now, if we are stable with a good job.
If we are stable, with a healthy, profit making business. It is good for us to be conservative on how we spend our money, clear our debts and prepare for rainy days. .
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3) Personal challenge to prove that it is possible to plan our finance the shariah compliant way in Singapore
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In my job as a Islamic Financial Consultant, I always see:
Myths.
Excuses. Justifications.
That in Singapore, it is impossible to plan our finances the shariah compliant way. Too difficult.
Of course, Singapore doesn’t have shariah compliant home financing facilities like, Murabahah, Ijarah Wa Iqtina or Musharakah Mutanaqisah.
For now, we make do with what we have.
Be it HLE loan or bank loan with the lowest interest. Try to clear it ASAP.
It can be done.
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Of course, Singapore doesn’t have the grand infrastructure or enjoy economies of scale to promote Islamic Finance financial instruments
like our counterparts in Malaysia or Indonesia.
Or even gulf countries like Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman or Saudi.
(Me and my wife at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman)
(Beautiful interior of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman)
(Myself and the friendly Dai’s who promote the beauty of Islam at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman)
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For now, we make do with what we have.
Start growing your money the shariah compliant way in Singapore with as little as $5/day.
And don’t look down on that small $5/day.
That small $5/day can help kickstart your journey to be a Muslim millionaire in Singapore. Insya’Allah.
My goal as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore is to lead by example. Create more success stories.
When people say, its impossible.Change it to “I M Possible”.
When people say, there is no market.Change it to we will CREATE the market. And will EDUCATE and GROW this niche market.
When people play it safe, we charge ahead and go on the offensive.
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It reminds me of the Roger Bannister story.
4 minute mile story.
Long long time ago, humans on this earth were led to believe that running 4 miles (equivalent to 4 rounds in the stadium) in less than 4 minutes is impossible.
Back then, nobody can run that fast.
Everybody believed that it was not possible.
They even had scientists and doctors to come on board and make a detailed scientific report to substantiate with “latest up to date data”.
Substantiate and prove that running 4 rounds in the stadium in less than 4 minutes is impossible.
Impossible because our human body is just not created in a way Impossiblebecause of our bone structure, muscle fiber, tissues, anatomy limited by design Impossible because….. (many more reasons why it wont work)
But you know what? Roger Bannister believes.
For years and years…. No one was able to break that record
Roger Bannister believes he is able to do it.
And he did it!
The amazing thing for me is not Roger Bannister could complete 4 rounds in the stadium in less than 4 minutes.
The amazing thing here is within the 1st week Roger Bannister broke the 4 minute mile, someone else did it.
And now thousands of people have done it.
Because people have the mindset, “If Roger Bannister can do it, so can I.”
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In my many years journey as an Islamic Financial Consultant, I met quite a number of people already cleared their housing loan in their 30s.
And they look very happy.
And they are just normal people like you and me. Having ordinary jobs.
Working 9-5.
Eat Nasi Padang at coffeeshops for lunch.
And sipping teh tarik gleefully.
The thing here is they look so “normal”. Don’t look like those sophisticated businessmen.
Or the “sovereign” type.
They are normal everyday people like you and me!
That is my aha moment. My “Roger Bannister” moment.
If they can do it, so can I.
(I watch this video every time I feel down and demotivated)
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Thus, I began interacting with people who share the same values as me.
I begin to ask the correct questions.
How can I make this work?
I began documenting things down. Identify the traits of financially successful people.
I develop Your Financial M.A.P. model and trademark it.
It is a simple 3-step model.
(Whatsapp Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim at 96520134 to get free video, “5 Shariah Compliant Ways To Save More Money in Singapore”)
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Wallah….. These are the exact strategies I used to accumulate a lump sum of money fast.
Be it for my wedding. For my honeymoon.
For my renovation expenses.
For me to buy my car without loan.
And also Alhamdulillah, for me to clear my housing loan.
Again my intention of telling you all this is not to brag.
I just want to give you the assurance that I am genuine. I am real. I am your fellow Singaporean Muslim friend who walks the talk.
I understand your struggle and I want to help. Especially in this challenging times.
No bullsh*t. No textbook stuffs. Simple actionable steps that even a 13 year old can understand.
I am with you.
My advice to you is just listen in to my 7 minutes video.
And just follow step by step.
No need to think too hard.
As long as whatever I share does not transgress shariah, is not haram.
Just do it!
Give your 1oo%! Do your best and leave the rest to Allah S.W.T.
Go key in your details. And start taking action.
I will share in greater detail on how to make it easier for you in my 2nd blog post. Stay tuned. Wait for it. 🙂
5) Financial Independence is my ultimate goal
Many of you know the definition of Financial Independence.
When you are financially independent, it means your monthly passive income > monthly expenses.
When you clear your housing loan, it means you have lesser monthly expenses.
Thus, you need lesser passive income every month to achieve your financial independence.
Another benefit of clearing loan is that you will have lesser stress.
People with lesser money-related stress have a clear mind.
Their brains are not shrouded with how to survive in the vicious, never ending rat race.
Their brains can think creatively.
Innovate.
Create opportunities.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my personal sharing, Clearing My 5 Room HDB flat loan at age 34….
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
We are in the 2nd week of “circuit breaker” in Singapore.
Although I have to work from home, I’m blessed because I still have a job that makes me excited everyday. 🙂
Alhamdulillah…I am thankful to NTUC Income for acknowledging and recognising my hard work by having my name mentioned in Straits Times.
I would like to thank my wife, Shikah Anuar for being my pillar of strength and believing in what I do.
My manager, Irene Ho for your continuous guidance to keep me focused on my goals.
I would like to thank my clients for your trust and support over the years in engaging my expertise to help you plan your finances, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.🙂
There are a lot of ups and downs. Moments where I just feel like giving up. Yet your tremendous support and encouragement continue to spur me forward.
Thank you all once again! 🙂
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Many have asked me on the story of my “overnight success”.
Being an Islamic Finance practitioner in Singapore since year 2007 is a dream come true for me.
It is my 1st job after ORD from the army.
Yet, my story began long before that.
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… My ambition when I was young was to become a school teacher. I love interacting with kids. And I love teaching, sharing my knowledge with others.
So after my O’Levels, I applied for Diploma in Teaching of Malay Language with Ministry Of Education.
I was called for an interview but unfortunately did not make the cut.
I was doing OKAY with my Malay language but I think my “peribahasa terabur” at that point of time because I was too nervous! That was my 1st interview in my entire life!:p
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So my second option, was to go for my Diploma in Accountancy.
My logic back then is that every company in Singapore needs an accountant.
To my mind at that point of time is that an accounting job is the most sheltered and safest job one can have.
The job will be irreplaceable and very secure!
So I applied for NP. I was living with my parents at Marsiling.
(My family and I celebrating Hari Raya a few years ago)
(Beautiful and spacious Marsiling before the BTO flats sprung up like mushrooms over the years)
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I thought studying in Nanyang Polytechnic – which is just next to the MRT – would be very convenient.
When I got the results of my posting., I got the shock of my life. I found out that NP stands for Ngee Ann Polytechnic!
and not Nanyang Polytechnic!
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There is hikmah to be rejected for my interview to be trained as a school teacher
and hikmah for me to accidentally choose to study in Ngee Ann Polytechnic,
because that choice CHANGED the course of my entire life!
In Ngee Ann Polytechnic was where I was exposed and trained to love and understand numbers.
Not numbers without meaning. 🙁 Practical numbers that will determine the life of a business. 🙂
Will the business succeed? 🙂 Or the business fail? 🙁
Can the stock make money? 🙂 Or the stock lose money? 🙁
We learnt how to create company’s annual report.
Trading, Profit and Loss Statement
Balance Sheet.
Statement in Changes of Equities
ALL FROM SCRATCH!
We computed Financial Ratios.
Analysed them. Interpreted them.
And presented them in front of our “clients’. Alhamdulillah. That was my first exposure to public speaking
and someway, somewhat, somehow, I enjoyed it…. 🙂
(My first experience presenting details of a financial statement in front of our “clients” 15 years ago)
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And in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I joined the business club.
Me and my business partner were 18 years old at that point of time.
We went for a business plan competition and Alhamdulillah was awarded with a funding of $3000. (that was a lot of money when you were students)
As we were below the legal age to set up a company, we used our fathers’ names to register a private limited.
The business failed.
Yet I learnt many important lessons from that episode that shapes me to who I am today! 🙂
(My business while I was still studying in Ngee Ann Polytechnic)
(While waiting for my enlistment in the army, I did a sales job promoting credit cards for a marketing company.
Alhamdulillah. I topped the whole company for 3 months before my enlistment.)
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(Myself in the middle after POP from BMT)
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Whilst serving my national service, i did my research.
I knew back then after ORD,
I wanted a job that allows me to have freedom of time.
I don’t want a desk bound job. I want to be my own boss.
I don’t want to stick myself to the 8-5 routine (just thinking about the morning peak rush hour makes my head spin)
And at the same time allows me to share my knowledge on finance with the common people on the streets.
That is where a career as a financial consultant looks appealing to me.
I did my research.
1 thing that I want to be assured is that my job must be Halal. I emailed MUIS and was directed to the fatwa on permissibility of cooperative insurance in Singapore.
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Alhamdulillah. We know the Hukum of getting cooperative insurance in Singapore is Harus (neutral).
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Yet, I know financial planning is beyond insurance.
What about savings for child’s education? Retirement? Wealth Accumulation?
And I discovered NTUC Income has numerous shariah compliant funds at that point of time.
NTUC Takaful fund (which now follows the Dow Jones Shariah compliant screening methodology)
NTUC Amanah Equity fund
NTUC Amanah Bond (Sukuk) fund
To me, having shariah compliant funds closely monitored by Islamic Finance scholars 24/7 is important.
Thus, that’s where I began my journey as an Islamic financial consultant in a cooperative insurer in Singapore.
(Picture with Alvin Soong’s team, my 1st mentor who brought me in to the financial planning industry a decade ago)
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When you first start out in the financial planning industry.
It was not easy. It was not a bed of roses.
If you think just by joining the financial planning industry, can immediately drive flashy cars.
Buy a yatch. Relax by the beach everyday.
No. Its far from it.
Many times, I felt like giving up.
In fact, I felt like giving up everyday.
To me giving up is easier than persevering.
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When we first started, we earned based on commissions.
(My first month commission when I first started my career as a financial consultant in year 2007)
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We don’t have the luxury of immediately earning a stable basic salary $2-$3k/month.
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Not only that. We have costs to pay.
If you see financial consultants doing roadshows at Malls or exhibitions, on average they need to pay $300/person for rental of space.
So imagine. My $700 commission minus off $300. I am only left with $400 to survive.
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Not only that. Year 2008, 2009.
Was the subprime mortgage crisis which lead to the global economic crisis.
That was the period of Lehman Brothers Minibonds Saga.
Many people were reluctant to part away with their money. People were very afraid of financial consultants.
I remember doing roadshows, and was told “Young man. I just lost $100,000 in XXX scheme. And you want me to invest with you?”
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. It was a difficult phase of my life.
I remember at that point of time……
Not even having enough money to top up my EZ Link card because minimum top up is $10. I only had $5 in my wallet.
I remember at that point of time,
having to turn down invitations by friends to eat buffet for lunch at the restaurant because I didn’t have enough money.
I remember at that point of time,
the nikmat of sharing briyani on a dulang at Wak Tanjong mosque when I broke my fast during the month of Ramadan.
That briyani was a luxury to me because I only had single digit $ in my bank.
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These memories evoke deep sad bitter sweet emotions within me that I can feel even till now.
I felt like a total failure.
But as Muslims, I always remember this. We are not alone. We have Allah S.W.T.
I make a lot of doa to Allah S.W.T.
As Muslims, I remember the words of Allah S.W.T.
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Alhamdulillah. Allah’s promise is true.
With strong support from my family and clients, I persevered. (eternally grateful for them because I have nothing to showcase at that time.)
After hustling for a while, things got better.
Once things stabilised, I then subsequently upgraded myself by taking my degree, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Banking and Wealth Management with University of Wales (UK).
My favourite module back then was Islamic Banking and Finance.
Alhamdulillah, with the guidance of our beloved teacher , Professor Asam, I aced the module.
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(Testimonial from Islamic Finance Professor during my undergraduate days)
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And Alhamdulillah, what came as a surprise for me at that point of time was when I was informed that I was amongst the top 3 students in my whole cohort upon my graduation.
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You have to understand this.
All my classmates were financial consultants, bankers and seasoned practitioners (some with decades of experience).
And to become amongst the top 3 students never came across my mind.
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(My proud moment receiving an award on stage)
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That gives me the determination and direction..
Allah gives me the rezeki.
The amanah.
Puts me in a very favourable position. For a REASON. (if you know me on a personal level, I rasa betul2 tak layak. There are many others who are way better than me)
I find that this is part of fardu kifayah.
And I have the responsibility to shoulder this tanggungjawab to share with our community the pragmatic aspects of Islamic Financial Planning in Singapore.
I have to prove and make it work in Singapore.
For me success in Islamic Finance is not just me, myself clearing my own riba based loans and growing my own money the shariah compliant way in Singapore. Success in Islamic Finance is helping others plan their finance, without riba, maysir and gharar in Singapore.
Why I continue to stay in this line after so many years is
because I believe I will be able to HELP many more Muslim families plan their finance,
the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
After I die, in the hereafter, at yaumul mashar, I need to present my deeds in front of Allah S.W.T.
I want to be certain.
Ya Allah. On this earth, you bless me with the rezeki to learn about Islamic Finance.
and I, Helmi Hakim had done my utmost best to educate and share with as many people on how they can plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
My mouth.My hand.My legs.My head.My heart.
All as one will testify that I have done my utmost best, to educate and share with as many people on how they can plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
And all, be it you are my clients. Or just anyone who has benefited from my sharing.
You will be my witness.
You will be my lawyers on judgement day, that Islamic Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim when he was on earth, he had done his utmost best, to educate and share with as many people on how they can plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
Please send him to Jannah. Ya Allah. Amin. Amin…. Insya’Allah. 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on the Story of Islamic Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim.
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
Some of you know that I recently went on a 23 days juice detox.
It is part of my new year’s resolution to eat healthy.
Stay fit.
Our body is an amanah from Allah S.W.T.
And we have an obligation to take care of our body through proper nutrition and exercise.
Detoxing my body through juice detox was a totally new experience for me.
For the very first time, I cleansed my body. Cleansing is a process to remove toxins from my body.
It looks simple. Yet its challenging.
But Alhamdulillah.
With proper guidance from my nutritionist and mentor, I managed to overcome it….
(Gallstones that came out of my body during my 2nd phase of Detox)
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Having said that, today I want to share more on the similarities of detoxing your body and Islamic Financial Planning in Singapore. 🙂
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1) Detoxing Your Body and Islamic Financial Planning involve processes
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Previously I thought that detoxing my body involves simply drinking fruit juice.
Or perhaps lemon juice.
Or perhaps aloe vera juice.
No.
There are many rules and processes to it.
Example, 80:20 rule.
80% of the juice must come from vegetables and 20% from fruits.
I learnt the proper step by step process of detoxing my body.
First 10 days: colon and kidney detox.
Next 7 days: gallbladder and liver detox.
Last 7 days: juicing.
It is a very elaborated process, yet I enjoyed my journey very much! 🙂
(Video of Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim juicing his juices.)
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Similarly in Islamic Financial Planning, there are a number of steps and processes that I share with my clients.
Firstly, the FLAIR concept.
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Financial Objectives, Liquidity, Affordability, Investment Time Horizon, Risk Profile.
(F.L.A.I.R. concept used by Islamic Financial Planners in Singapore)
(Financial Consultant, Helmi Hakim sharing more on FLAIR)
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For Muslims, we have to understand the prohibition of Riba, Maysir and Gharar.
Riba, meaning payment or receipt of interests is strictly forbidden.
Allah S.W.T said in the glorious Quran, Surah Al Baqarah, Verse 275:
“Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest”
Maysir, meaning any form of gambling. And Gharar, meaning uncertainty. Both are not allowed.
As stated in Surah Al-Maeda, Verse 90:
“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan’s handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.”
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Understanding the different type of shariah compliant screening methodologies is crucial for
us to build our 100% shariah compliant portfolio.
The entire process is very IMPORTANT!
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Because many have the misconception that as long as the financial instrument has no pork. Has no lard.
Automatically it becomes Halal. .
They call it ‘Muslim friendly’ financial instrument. .
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I have to politely remind them ‘Muslim friendly’ NOW, does not mean ‘Muslim friendly’ FOREVER.
and Halal financial instruments go beyond No Pork, No Lard.
There are other additional requirements to it…………
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That is why I advocate shariah compliant financial instruments.
These group of Islamic Finance scholars will monitor endorse that the underlying assets are 100% HALAL at any given point of time.
Today. Tomorrow. The day after.
Forever.
As long as the shariah compliant fund remains to exist.
This gives us investors the peace of mind that our financial portfolio is 100% Halal all the time.
Peace of mind in this dunya.
Peace of mind in the akhirah.
Alhamdulillah! 🙂
And of course we learnt from an investment perspective how you can make your money,
the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
(Halal Financial Plan Card I get my clients to keep at their home. I target to distribute it to every single Muslim household in Singapore. Insya’Allah)
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2) You need guidance.
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I remember snapping photos of 10 different type of bread and Whatsapp-ing them to my nutritionist seeking for approval.
The types of nut butter I can eat.
Or I cannot eat.
What to look out for when reading the ingredients.
I even went for cooking classes to learn how to cook delicious yet healthy food. Some people told me. “Alahhhh Helmi.
You can learn everything from Google.”
The issue here, there are too many different opinions in Google.
And you don’t know which is right. And which is wrong.
That is why you need professionals to guide you step by step in achieving your goals in a seamless process.
(Pictures of healthy food that I learnt to make myself)
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Similarly in managing your finance the shariah compliant way in Singapore,you need a mentor or a coach.
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Christiano Ronaldo, the world’s famous football player has a coach.
Tiger Woods, the world famous golfer of all times has a coach.
Khabib, the UFC martial artist champion has a coach.
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A mentor and coach can help you with 2 things.
First, show you how to get from Point A to Point B.
Secondly, make you aware on your blindspots and obstacles that you should avoid so that you don’t tumble and fall.
When you have a mentor, you have the “certainty” to know if you are in the right direction or not.
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Have you realise that time flies VERY FAST?
So fast, that is now February 2020!!!
Don’t waste time figuring out on your own.
Having a mentor can fast track your journey towards success.
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Fast Action, Fast Results.
Slow action, little results.
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Speed… Its now or never! Find yourself a mentor!
3) Right circle of friends
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I remember when I first got excited learning all these awesome new health info, I had the inclination to share.
But my idea got immediately shot down by others saying it is a waste of time.
Immediately, I stopped sharing and stayed focus.
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Sometimes, when you start planning your finance the shariah compliant way in Singapore, it is good
to keep things to yourself.
When you are new at something, keep things for yourselves.
After you get some success, then slowly encourage your loved ones.
And also start building your circle of friends who share the same goals as you.
There are many out there who can give you hundreds of reasons on why things won’t work.
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I treat them as excuses.
Justifications on why things wont work is just “NOISE”.
Don’t give power to noise.
Ignore them. Treat it with a pinch of salt.
When people say, “Islamic Finance is impossible in Singapore…”
My head goes “blah blah blah….”
When people say, “Riba is now acceptable…”
My head goes “blah blah blah…”
When people say, “You are never good enough…”
My head goes “blah blah blah….”
The “noises” are like the “blah blah blah….” in this song.
My favourite song currently. Listen to it! 🙂
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4) Your BIG WHY is important
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Part of my detox process involves swallowing the mixture of olive oil and lemon juice.
My gosh! That was the most challenging part of my detox.
I was like “Yucks!!!”
Felt like vomiting.
At that point of time, the question “why am I doing this?” played in my mind.
Felt like giving up. To me, giving up is easy.
So I took a bit of time to remember my BIG WHY.
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Similarly, when you want to plan your finances, theshariah compliant way in Singapore, your WHY is important.
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My friends….
When you know your WHY,
your HOW will suddenly come knocking at your door. 🙂
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Your BIG WHY will give you the energy to follow through the goals that you set in the first place.
Why are you doing what you are doing now?
Are you saving up for your child’s education? Why save up for your child’s education?
(My daughter loves her new school bag)
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You save up because you want to see your child be able to study in a good university in the future.
You want your child to be a doctor. A teacher. A lawyer.
An engineer.
An artist.
You want your child to be a successful individual who can add value to the society.
Or are you doing it for your retirement? Why save up for your retirement?
What type of retirement do you want to lead in the future?
When are you going to retire?
Bottom line, WHY you are doing something comes before HOW to achieve it.
Explore the reasons.
It will bring you far.
5) Successful people begin something and do it till they meet success.
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I like a quote by Profesor Hamka, a renowned Southeast Asian Muslim scholar and cleric.
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Kalau hidup sekedar hidup, babi di hutan pun hidup. jika kerja sekedar kerja, kera juga berkerja.
Which means…
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It only means that whatever you want to achieve in life, work towards it relentlessly.
If we do things for the sake of doing, sambil lewa, how are we different than the animals in the jungle?
When I was doing my 23 days detox, there are a number of times I felt like giving up.
Especially towards the last few days when we were only allowed to drink juices.
No solid food.
When I was fasting during the month of Ramadan, at least I could look forward to iftar.
Last few days of my detox process, I was on a liquid diet.
Not easy.
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Last kopek already. Jangan hangat hangat tahi ayam. Genggam bara api biar sampai jadi arang.
Successful people begin something and do it till they meet success.
How you do anything is how you do everything.
It’s now or never!
You start it. You finish it…. AS A CHAMPION! 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on Detox Your Body and Islamic Financial Planning in Singapore For Year 2020.
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
In my profession as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore, I always emphasize the importance of setting goals.
I know. It might sound cliche.
Everyone knows the importance of setting goals in life.
Everyone knows about the SMART goals concept. Specific,Measurable,Attainable,Realistic,Timely.
Yet….
Most never do it!
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Or worst!
They set goals haphazardly!
Anyhow whack.
Setting goals for the sake of setting it. And when they don’t achieve a target, they BLAME everyone else except themselves!
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Today, I want to share with you 1 secret technique.
1 super simple yet powerful exercise that will open your eyes, your heart and your soul
to comprehend the importance of having clear, unambiguous goals.
I’ve never shared this exercise openly in public before.
Reserved specially for my clients to show them the importance for
them to be super clear of their goals.
Yet for the first time ever, I am revealing it to you.
You will understand why by the end of the post.
I promise! 🙂
I want you to take out a pen and piece of paper. Participate in this simple quiz below.
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Choose 1 out of the FEW options below.
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1) Red/ Green / Black / Gold
Choose 1.
Red, Green, Black or Gold?
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2) Full Moon / Crescent Moon / Lunar Eclipse
Choose 1.
Full Moon, Crescent Moon or Lunar Eclipse?
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3) 5 / 14 / 40
Choose 1.
5, 14 or 40?
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4) Wood / Cloth / Stone
Choose 1.
Wood, Cloth or Stone?
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5) Planet / Comet / Stars
Choose 1.
Planet, Comet or Stars?
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Have you made your CHOICE?
Take your time and choose carefully.
Come on…. Complete this exercise before you scroll down. Make sure you have chosen your 5 options….
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Now what if I say, the answer that I am looking at is this… 🙂
Our Singapore flag! 🙂
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Wouldnt it be much easier for you to choose the answers
if I show you the Singapore flagUPFRONT? 🙂
That is why in my job as an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore,
I always share with my clients that they need to be super duper clear of what they want.
Especially their financial goals.
Because Numbers don’t lie.
When you are clear of your goals, only then you can make the right choice.
A goal that is properly set is halfway reached.
In addition to that, I want you to have a small exercise book.
And commit yourself to write down your goals in that book.
Write it. Read it everyday. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be.
Put your future in good hands-your own! 🙂
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And talking about setting goals.
I am honoured to have visionary leaders leading our beautiful country. Our founding fathers set goals early.
Achieved them. And generations to come benefit from their foresight.
On this special day, I would like to wish all Singaporeans a Happy National Day!
Enjoy your day with your loved ones!
And I want to end this post with Singapore’s Papa Rock, Ramli Sarip, singing our National Anthem!
Majulah Singapura! 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 1 Secret Technique To Show You The Super Power Of Setting Goals………
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how to set goals and how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
I love my job as an Islamic financial consultant in Singapore.
This job offers me the freedom of time.
Do what I want and when I WANT it.
I can choose to pray my fardhu prayers at the mosque
or at the comfort of my home. (My officeis just 3 buildings away from Masjid Ghufran).
I can choose to spend more time with my loved ones,
travelling all over the world.
(Me and my beautiful family spending quality time together)
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And also, being an Islamic Financial Consultant in Singapore offers me the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life.
I have the opportunity to observe and identify common traits of Singaporean Muslims who have achieved an admirable level of financial success.
They come from different industries.
Yet, all of them share this pattern.
Very common pattern.
I call this “Patterns of Success Dunia Akhirat”
This pattern sets them apart from others.
And I am going to share with you my findings, “5 Shariah Compliant Tips To Achieve Financial Success in Singapore”.
Bismillah! 🙂
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1. Strengten our relationship with Allah + Blessings From Your Parents
Some of you know that the month of June was a challenging month for me.
I was hospitalised for 8 days due to high fever
(Myself being hospitalised for the first time in my life)
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and my father-in-law passed away in that very month.
Sleepless nights.Emotional roller coaster rides – up and down..
I redha what happened.
I accept that it is Qada and Qadar.
Ketentuan illahi.
The episode taught me 1 thing. Treasure your loved ones.
Especially your parents.
They are our keramat hidup. One of themost POWERFUL nikmat that you have in this world if your parents is alive is their DOA.
Their prayers for your success. Their blessings.
(A picture of my parents, my sister, my brother-in-law and us!)
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Everytime I am confronted with challenges in life.
Or presented with opportunities that send butterflies to my stomach.
The first thing I seek is DOA, prayers from my parents.
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I realised those who are successful, they are very, very close to their parents.
They preserve silaturahim with their loved ones.
In addition to that, they understand 1 thing. Rezeki is from Allah S.W.T.
Financially successful Muslims take every action to strengthen their relationship with Allah S.W.T.
Through Solat Taubat.
Solat Tahajud.
Solat Hajat.
Solat Istikharah.
Solat Duha.
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(Sadaqah (Give to charity) andask help from our creator through prayers)
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Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him) said “la tatahrroku zarratun illa biiznillah”
(Not even a particle can move without the permission of Allah)
Do not depend on anyone.
Place your hopes only on Allah S.W.T.
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2. Pay your zakat harta
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Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam.
In my experience as a financial consultant,
when I conduct financial analysis for the public,
I realise many of our fellow Muslim Brothers and Sisters forget to pay zakat harta.
They pay zakat fitrah every Ramadhan.
But they overlook their zakat harta. They totally forgot about it!
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Some even question me the rationale.
The logic of paying Zakat Harta.
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“What Helmi? Because I have $100,000 for the past 1 year and multiply it with 2.5% –
I need to pay zakat of $2500 cash.
If I have $200,000 – I have to pay $200,000 X 2.5%.
I need to pay zakat of $5000! $5000 IS A LOT OF MONEY!!”
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I replied.
Zakat is 1 of the pillars of Islam.
(5 pillars of our Islamic Faith)
It is OBLIGATORY upon every adult Muslim of sound mind and means.
Zakat Harta is OBLIGATORY for Muslims whose wealth/savings that has reached its Haul (more than 1 year) and has reached kadar Nisab value (Refer to MUIS website for the current Nisab value).
The amount of Zakat to be paid is 2.5% of Nisab.
(Niat Zakat)
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Allah S.W.T. told us in the Quran, Surah at-taubah verse 60, on how zakat is disbused to the 8 asnafs.
“The alms are only for the Fuqara’ (the poor),
and Al-Masakin (the needy)
and those employed to collect (the funds);
and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam);
and to free the captives;
and for those in debt;
and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything);
a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” [Al-Quran 9:60]
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If you need to pay zakat, you should shukur. You should be grateful.Because it means you are self sufficient.
You are in the position to give.
And if you are yet to have the opportunity to contribute to zakat harta due to not fulfiling the syurut of zakat/ requirements above, give sadaqah jariah.
Because by giving sadaqah jariah, Insya’Allah you will be blessed with the rezeki to contribute to zakat harta in the near future.
Amin. Allahumma Amin… 🙂
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3. Just Do It
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I like NIKE’s tagline.
Just do it.
That is the tagline of financially successful people.
After they seek ilmu, they don’t ‘terhegeh hegeh’ (procrastinate). They immediately take action! 🙂
I always share with my clients. Knowledge is not power. Knowledge TURNED into action is POWER!!!
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You know the ways to FATTEN your wallet
These are the ways to have more numbers in your Al Wadiah savings account
These are the ways to GROW your money the Halal way
These are the ways to CREATE your streams of shariah compliant passive income
You seek the knowledge. And what should you do? Take action immediately!
The best way for you to learn something and get results is to do it.
DO THE REAL THING….
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(Cone of learning shows that the BEST way to learn and GET RESULTS is by doing the real thing)
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I have never met anyone becoming successful just by reading books, and not taking action. To me knowledge is not power. KNOWLEDGE TURNED INTO ACTION IS POWER!!!
Knowledge without amal (action) is like a tree that does not bear fruits. Wasted right? 🙂
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4. Mentor
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The 4th shariah compliant tips to achieve financial success is to have a mentor.
I have been sharing this many times.
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There is nothing new on this earth created by Allah S.W.T.
Whatever you want to achieve, somebody else has already achieved it. ..
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So what you need to do.
You need to find them.
You need to befriend them.
And you need to model them.
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Financially successful people have mentors and coaches to guide them.
To show them the ropes.
To warn them if there are any obstacles at their blindspot.
Success is by design, not by accident my friends. We have to plan our success.
And having a mentor who has achieved what we want to achieve is a sure fire way to shortcut your route to be a financially successful Muslim in Singapore.
Amin. Insya’Allah. 🙂
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5. Ultimate Vision is Jannah
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Ultimate vision for us on this planet earth is to go to heaven in the hereafter.
This world is temporary.
Before we come to this earth, Allah S.W.T. asked all the creations, if we want to undergo a test.
Life is the test.
Allah S.W.T. told us, that the angels, the animals and the mountains refused, because they knew, they cannot bear that test. But we humans in our ignorance, agree to be tested. All of us.
Indeed, we offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant. (Quran 33.72)
You will say now:
I don’t remember being asked. Me too, I don’t.
We all don’t.
That knowledge was been wiped out for the period of the test.
But on the day of judgement, we will all remember that.
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My friends… We will die.
And we will be resurrected. And we will be held accountable on the day of judgement for our deeds in this dunya.
That is why I always ask myself.
Anything I do.
Every single action I take. Will it bring me closer to Jannah?
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One aspect that I hold on dearly is managing one’s personal finances.
Financially successful Muslims are very concerned with how they earn their money.
How they grow it. And how they spend it.
We ensure that every single step to earn our money.
To grow our money. And to spend our money.
Is shariah compliant. HALAL!🙂
Because why? Because we will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement.
Financially successful Muslims set our targets on Jannatul Firdaus.
Amin. Insya’Allah! 🙂
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 5 Shariah Compliant Tips To Achieve Financial Success in Singapore…….
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.|
Many of you might have known me as the financial consultant who specialises in helping Muslim families plan their finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
(Myself sharing on Islamic Finance in Singapore on a national TV show, “Alah Abang, Amboi Kakak”)
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In my profession, I met skeptics who have misconceptions about shariah compliant financial instruments in Singapore.
And I am here to provide enlightenment. Insya’Allah. 🙂
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Misconception #1: Shariah Compliant Financial Instrument is EXPENSIVE
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FACTS:
All plans from financial institutions come with charges.
The shariah compliant ones. Or the non shariah compliant ones.
How to know there are charges?
Simple.
Get a plan today, and terminate it 6 months later. Your cash value will be 0 or lesser than the amount you put in because of the upfront charges.
Let’s face it.
Nothing in this world is free.
Yet, if you were to calculate the effective profit rate (Malays call it untung bersih) of shariah compliant investment over a time period of 20 years.
The effective profit rate is WAY BETTER than effective interest rate of most conventional financial instruments out there.
You fulfill your long term financial objectives, the shariah compliant way in Singapore.
You get the best of both worlds. Dunya.
And akhirah. Alhamdulillah. 🙂
(Islamic Finance practitioners constantly upgrading ourselves, learning new market updates conducted by Brother Adnan from Wellington Management, NTUC Takaful Fund manager.
Wellington Management has been managing NTUC Takaful fund since 17 Oct 2010)
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Misconception #2: Shariah compliant instruments are actually not Halal
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The 2nd misconception I get is that Shariah compliant instruments actually not Halal.
FACTS:
The basic rulings of Muamalat.
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“All things are considered lawful, except for what has been prohibited”.
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We know riba, maysir (gambling, speculation) and gharar are PROHIBITED.
You can’t invest in Haram businesses involving pork, casinos, alcohol and weaponry.
And there is a set of financial ratios shariah compliant investors have to observe.
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………….. One of my favourite questions.
Today, you are an INVESTOR.
You open up a brokerage account. And you want to invest in stocks.
Of course lah, you want to invest in Halal stocks. Not Haram stocks.
How to know the stock is Halal or not Halal?
In the world, there is this thing called shariah compliant screening methodology.
(One of the platforms I am using now to screen for shariah compliant stocks)
Dow Jones Shariah compliant screening methodology
MSCI
AAOFI (those in gulf countries like Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi adopted this)
Al-Rajhi
KSE Meezan
Malaysia also has their shariah screening methodology by Bank Negara.
Each screening methodology has their panel of Islamic Finance scholars to ijtihad and determine the stocks Halal or not Halal.
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Why is it important to have panel of Islamic Finance scholars?
Because what is Halal now might not be Halal 1 year, 6 months or even 3 months later.
~~The portfolio of shariah compliant stocks changes over time.
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The duty of the Islamic Finance scholars is to monitor if the stock is Halal or not Halal.
REAL TIME.
In accordance to the shariah compliant screening methodology adopted.
This gives us investors the peace of mind that our portfolio is not just 60% shariah compliant.
Not 70% shariah compliant.
But 100% shariah compliant!
Alhamdulillah 🙂
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Misconception #3: Islamic Insurance is only for old people
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Another misconception that I always got is that Islamic insurance in Singaporeis only for old people.
You know.
Atok atok.
Nenek Nenek.
Alaaaaahhhh… Basically the warga emas generation.
We are the Instagram generation! Still young.
Won’t fall sick easily one! Waste money only buy insurance when still young and energetic.
You know what?
I used to feel the same way too.
My perspective CHANGED when I stepped into the financial planning industry in the year 2007.
And it cemented further when I was hospitalised for 9 days due to high fever.
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FACTS:
Young people. Old people. Teenagers.
Infants. ALL OF US NEED INSURANCE!
(Myself spending malam raya alone in the hospital. Sendu….)
To me….
Halal insurancerepresents hope.
It represents love.
It represents dignity.
It represents peace of mind.
It represents Aspirations. Dreams. Promise. Shelter.
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(Alhamdulillah. Rezeki from Allah S.W.T.
Doctor allowed me to leave hospital for a few hours to celebrate Hari Raya with my family.)
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In your pursuit to achieve your goals in life, always….
Always… Remember this…
“Halal Insurance is a very, very important asset in your balance sheet.”
Be it you are old.
Young. Single. Married.
You need contingencies in a form of Halal Insurance.
It is like cruise ship. We know cruise won’t sink.
But why are there life boats in place? The life boat is JUST IN CASE. Halal Insurance is JUST IN CASE.
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Now… I hope you have benefited from my sharing on 3 Misconceptions Millennials Have About Shariah Compliant Financial Instruments In Singapore……
If you are seeking a mentor, coach, consultant to share with you practical aspects on how you can plan your finance, the shariah compliant way in Singapore, I am always ready to help you.
A certified financial consultant, Helmi Hakim has won praise for his patience, perseverance and practicality when solving his clients’ financial concerns. For more information on how you can manage your finances better, contact Helmi Hakim at 96520134.
(Niat Zakat)
