My name is Clive! This is just a little sharing about what inspired me to become an Independent Financial Adviser.
Sandwich generation – a term that I first saw in a movie’s advertisement. This refers to a generation of Singaporeans who are financially responsible for their own children, as well as their elderly parents. Growing up, I saw my mother being the breadwinner of three kids and two elderly parents all alone. Piling on the financial burdens with stress at work, it was awe-inspiring how she did it. Unfortunately, this came with a price. Press a sandwich hard enough and the fillings will flatten or flow out.
April 2019, I was at work when I received a call from my mum’s slurred voice. She was having a stroke. Two mild strokes: one after the other. Her memory and brain function quickly deteriorated, impacting work performance, eventually resulting in her salary being cut by half.
And yet, the only insurance claim was for the hospital bills in Belgium and Singapore. There wasn’t a single dollar claims’ compensation from the more than 40 insurance policies that she bought from a senior elderly agent over the years. The stroke was considered to be mild, and not severe, hence unable to be compensated by the critical illness insurance policies. Early critical illness policies that would have provided some coverage are considered to be a top priority in building the foundations of proper financial planning. This coverage allows for proper rest and recovery, before rejoining the workforce at full health.
‘My children are my retirement plan.’ or ‘I don’t plan on retiring.’ Sometimes, retirement isn’t a choice. And if you do retire while relying on your children, it may have an impact on their financial situation. Plan ahead while you can, to have a happy golden years of your life.
I believe that situations like these could happen to anyone, and I am concerned. Which is why I took the plunge and am now a financial advisor. To ensure that people in Singapore are properly covered, in terms of protection and retirement planning, if it is to be, it is up to me.
Cheers!