My February wasn’t all fine and dandy. I received only RM1,099.48 in dividend income from two companies – IGB REIT and Axis REIT. As compared to RM1,732.06 in 2018.
That’s a 36.52% drop in dividends compared to the same month last year. The main reason being – Homeritz declared in February last year, but I received their dividends in March instead, in 2019.
Also, if you’ve been following me on Facebook and Instagram, I’ve actually sold half my holding in Axis REIT after receiving their dividends.
February 2019 Dividends – RM487.48 February 2018 Dividends – RM186.17 Total 2019 Dividends – RM487.48 Total 2018 Dividends – RM1,359.45 Dividend Yield – 1.42%
A 162% increase in dividends for Axis REIT. The REIT is back on track and I foresee future growth in share price. My reason for disposing of half of the stock is because the yields are still below par for my portfolio.
End.
Freedom Fund as at February 2019 Dividend Income (February) – RM1,099.48 Dividend Income (2019) – RM2,129.48 Dividend Yield – 0.58%
Dismal dividends for the first 2 months of 2019. Still optimistic for the rest of 2019 though!
Onwards and upwards. How has everyone’s portfolio performed?
The Employees’ Provident Fund has a good track record of declaring above average returns to Malaysians. Also, have a look at their very simple vision and mission.
Vision
Helping members achieve a better future
Mission
Safeguard members’ savings and deliver excellent services
Quality Policy
The EPF is committed to help members achieve a better future through continuous improvement in safeguarding members’ savings and delivering excellent services.
With the EPF, Malaysians essentially have in place a system of forced savings, investing and reinvesting for their retirement.
An independent governmental body whose goal is not motivated by fees but to earn the highest possible return for its members.
In general, Malaysians are happy with the 6.15% declaration of dividends by the board of our good old EPF.
And YES! EPF = KWSP. They’re one and the same.
We’re all familiar with EPF as our retirement fund. But what does EPF actually invest in?
‘How late do you expect to be working?’
Main Assets of EPF
As of 2018, equities made up about 41% of EPF’s total assets.
A further 50% is invested in fixed income instruments.
Let’s have a look at some of EPF’s largest equity holdings.
It’s a good idea to have EPF’s investments as a reference, apart from my Freedom Fund of course. ; )
What Will Become of Your EPF Savings?
With the recent 6.15% declaration in dividend, what do you plan to do with your savings in the fund?
I’ve created a simple poll in an attempt to gauge the mentality and financial decisions of everyone here.
No pressure. Also, there are no wrong answers.
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What I Do With My EPF
I personally am leaving my EPF untouched till I reach 55. And then I’ll withdraw a monthly amount to keep me alive, slowly drawing down on the capital.
Your EPF is essentially forcing you to save a portion of your income every month. And it helps you reinvest those 6% and above dividends every single year.
Even though I’ve mentioned there being no wrong answers to the poll above, I do believe Option 2 and 3 – where you’re essentially drawing down on your funds from your EPF savings is the least financially sound decision.
I see no reason for one to forego that 6% return in lieu of mutual funds or property. If you’ve got to take money from your retirement savings to purchase something, you definitely can’t afford it. In my opinion, of course.
Has anyone done this long term and made good money from Options 2 and 3?
End.
You may have heard from uncles and aunties telling you to withdraw as much as you can during times of uncertainty.
Mutual fund agents may have enticed you to believe their RM100 million funds are superior to our national fund – worth over RM800 fucking billion dollars.
Property agents may have hinted that your purchase of that 3BR apartment is a better decision than leaving your money in the hands of a professional investing team.
I think all are a load of hokum and I’ll stick with EPF for the foreseeable future.
I think you should too. And this is a plea to all Malaysians, don’t squander away your retirement savings.
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