Growing up in a household where privilege met struggle, I experienced both the comforts of regular travel during my childhood to countries like Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea for family holidays, and the harsh realities of financial instability. My mom thrived in the corporate world, while my dad ran a business repairing forklifts and pallet trucks. However, things took a sharp turn during my teenage years when my dad’s business faced challenges, leaving us grappling with mounting bills. I would come home from school to find the water or electricity cut off due to unpaid utilities, but in my youthful optimism, I believed it was just a phase that my parents would eventually fix.
Despite these early financial struggles, I remained carefree. I didn’t grasp the importance of financial planning or saving, and although my mom often urged me to save, there was never a clear strategy or roadmap provided. Money was a touchy subject, and discussing finances would often trigger heated arguments that ended unresolved. Because of this, I grew up avoiding any serious conversation about finances or anything related to it with my parents.
Fast forward to my twenties—there I was, working for over a decade with zero savings. Shocking? Absolutely. Despite earning a decent income, I was still that optimistic, happy-go-lucky person who spent most of her earnings on travel and got caught up in MLM schemes, which, unsurprisingly, never paid off. I may not regret the travel experiences, but I do regret not understanding earlier how crucial financial planning really was. Friends who entered the financial industry tried to help me, but I always dismissed their advice. I thought insurance and savings were unnecessary because, in my mind, “What’s the point of planning if tomorrow isn’t guaranteed?”
In truth, I didn’t fully understand what insurance or actual financial planning was all about. To me, it was always this confusing, distant concept that seemed unnecessary and irrelevant. When insurance agents approached me, I didn’t even know what I was buying, nor did I see any real value in it. No one explained it clearly enough for me to understand its importance. I saw friends join the insurance industry, only to leave after a few years, which made me even more skeptical. With financial conversations being such a taboo in my household, the subject of insurance was one that I avoided altogether.
However, I prayed for financial wisdom and stability each year, even as I continued my carefree lifestyle.
Things began to change in my thirties. I met a financial planner through a mutual friend, and this encounter marked a pivotal moment in my life. Unlike many agents I had encountered before, she didn’t try to push a product on me right away. Instead, she took time to get to know me, understand my concerns, and build trust. She was patient, kind, and genuinely invested in my well-being, offering valuable financial education. This experience was eye-opening—it made me realize that I wasn’t even prepared for my parents’ eventual retirement or potential financial challenges I could face in the future.
After becoming her client, I saw my financial situation improve. I was encouraged to return to the corporate world to gain stability and rebuild my savings, which gradually turned my finances around. I finally understood the long-term benefits of planning, saving, and having the right protection in place. More importantly, I saw how empowering financial knowledge could be.
This personal transformation inspired me to take things a step further. I wanted to share this knowledge and help others avoid the mistakes I had made. So, I invested in my education and took the necessary exams to become a financial advisor. My goal is to provide others with the same level of care, education, and tailored planning that I was fortunate enough to receive.
Today, as a financial advisor, I’m dedicated to helping people from all walks of life achieve their financial goals. Whether it’s creating a savings plan, planning for retirement, planning a wedding and buying your first home or protecting loved ones with insurance, I’m committed to offering genuine, holistic financial planning solutions. I believe in providing a simple and actionable financial blueprint that helps people feel confident and empowered about their future.
Looking back, my journey into the financial industry was far from linear. It was shaped by personal struggles, eye-opening experiences, and the guidance of someone who truly cared about my financial wellbeing. Now, I’m here to do the same for others—to help them gain the financial literacy and tools they need to live with confidence and security.
If any part of my story resonates with you and you’re looking for guidance on how to navigate your own financial path, I’d be happy to help. Whether you’re just starting to save, planning for major life events, or seeking to protect your future, I offer a free consultation to discuss your unique financial situation and goals.
Let’s work together to create a plan that empowers you. Reach out to me HERE — I look forward to connecting with you!
“A good financial plan is a road map that shows us exactly how the choices we make today will affect our future.”
— Alexa Von Tobel
Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Hi! I’m Joanne, a passionate financial planner dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals and dreams.
Whether you’re planning for a comfortable retirement, preparing for a significant major life milestone, or seeking sound investment guidance, I’m here to support you every step of the way with our comprehensive One-Stop Solution Platform.
I believe in providing a Simple, Actionable Financial Blueprint that empowers you to make informed decisions about your future with confidence. Together, we’ll turn your aspirations into achievable milestones.
If you’re ready to start your financial journey, feel free to reach out to me for a Free Consultation with you and/or your family HERE.
I look forward to connecting with you soon!
