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i always think at the end of the (your) day, your wealth is not the most important. Your relationship with the people around you is. Especially when you have become senile or dementia. So please take care of your relationship with people around you more than your wealth. You won't have a 2nd chance when your days have come and gone.

I was much richer by end of year 2012, with the followings in descending order

- Having a lovely kid, who stay healthy and "problem-free" in her first 4 months.
- Wife recovered from operation fully and stay completely healthy and active.
- I remains healthy and fit although age catching-up. Brain remains functional for learning and make sound judgments most of the time.
- Other family members and extended family members are in good shapes physically, emotionally and financially

Lastly the investment portfolio absolute size increased by more than 50% (with return and new money invested). Without the first 4, the last is meaningless.

(26-01-2013, 10:15 AM)shn Wrote: [ -> ]The frame of mind between having to work to live and having the option not to work (because one is financially indepedent) but choose to work is very different. Also, living a good life does not equate to living a luxulious life. Happiness is in simplicity and being stressless.

Very wise posting. Totally agree except for stressless bit. A measure of stress is necessary for me to feel engaged and alive. As for frame of mind, I started really not needing to work since 2011 and while it is very liberating, achieving it relatively young 30s does make one feel that more should be achieved and done. It's almost feels like an obligation to god, society, family and self. I spent 2h 2012 getting fitter and healthier and learning portfolio mgmt. But I keep thinking surely it cannot be just gliding along in life on work, clever portfolio management and being there for family and friends. I have always put family first most of the time.

Paul, u seem like similar situation... Do u feel the same sense of restlessness and obligation?

i think so. i guess beyond a point, having a few more millions does not make much difference. i still use used items, eat 3 simplemeals a day and sleep 7hrs a day. perhaps i should spend more time with my loved ones.

I would quote one of my favorite though a fiction figure Gordon Gekko.

"I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. "

Being rich is not about how much asset you have, is more about your liquidity, you having the money when you need the money.

beyond a certain point, its just chasing numbers. if it does not add much value to life, then one shd ask wats the use? better to cherish the loved ones, for they cannot be replaced.

(26-01-2013, 05:05 PM)paullow Wrote: [ -> ]beyond a certain point, its just chasing numbers. if it does not add much value to life, then one shd ask wats the use? better to cherish the loved ones, for they cannot be replaced.

Already spending loads of quality time with loved ones. Did that once my household income went beyond 250k a year probably since 2006 or so. What I mean is obligation to do something meaningful beyond self and loved ones. I even thought of joining politiics or build another business but this time to really solve a problem and add value to society, rather than only just make money.

The french call it a sense of ennui.

(26-01-2013, 05:44 PM)greypiggi Wrote: [ -> ]Already spending loads of quality time with loved ones. Did that once my household income went beyond 250k a year probably since 2006 or so. What I mean is obligation to do something meaningful beyond self and loved ones. I even thought of joining politiics or build another business but this time to really solve a problem and add value to society, rather than only just make money.

Set up a charitable oganization and reach out a hand to the under-privileged? That has always been my dream once I make it rich and can have more time on my hands.

(26-01-2013, 05:48 PM)Musicwhiz Wrote: [ -> ]

(26-01-2013, 05:44 PM)greypiggi Wrote: [ -> ]Already spending loads of quality time with loved ones. Did that once my household income went beyond 250k a year probably since 2006 or so. What I mean is obligation to do something meaningful beyond self and loved ones. I even thought of joining politiics or build another business but this time to really solve a problem and add value to society, rather than only just make money.

Set up a charitable oganization and reach out a hand to the under-privileged? That has always been my dream once I make it rich and can have more time on my hands.

I wish one day i will able to contribute full-time to old-folk group, in a meaningful way.

(26-01-2013, 05:44 PM)greypiggi Wrote: [ -> ]I even thought of joining politiics or build another business but this time to really solve a problem and add value to society, rather than only just make money.

The french call it a sense of ennui.

Thats really very nice. Wish more people would stand up like you to give an alternative voice to the incumbent party.