Does anyone know when is the best time of the year to make lump sum payments to HDB from the CPF O.A? Meaning before HDB charges the interest for the home but after CPF dispense the interest into our O.A. Can the timing even be calculated? Sorry if I worded the question weirdly or if it sounds stupid, don’t have a finance background. Thanks gurus.

Hi Papaya, sorry to hear that and your rationale is valid. I agree that life is unpredictable, but I personally dun make decisions that way. We are well covered with insurances in the event of unfortunate demises but I will still pay off my loans ASAP. Insurances are things you hope you will never need to claim though a necessity to have. If I make decisions based on that (what if I suddenly die tmr) I would never have got married, have children, pursue a higher education/career…etc. Chose making a lump sum payment to HDB eventually, looking forward to receiving the HDB letter on the decrease in monthly payments!

Thank you all, really opened up my eyes to all the various options!

Those were my initial thoughts too, got swayed by the higher interest rates in the SA account. Thanks for the affirmation and sound advice guys.

Like to seek advice from finance gurus out there.


After setting aside a buffer for HDB loan payments in the event of unemployment I am left with a balance in my CPF O.A. annually. Should I transfer this balance to:

1. My S.A account to enjoy 4% interest instead of 2.5% in O.A.

2. My spouse’s S.A account at 4 % for her retirement planning since she is a SAHM with $0 in CPF or

3. Make lump sum payments towards the HDB concessionary loan which stands at o.1% above my O.A @ 2.6%.

Not interested in investing since returns are never guaranteed, unlike the 3 choices above.

Like to know your opinions. Thanks

Thanks for all the advice.


Was assured by ICR that they did a lot more than drawing during classes, but if the worksheets brought back after classes are the drawing ones only, how am I able to continue the revisions at home?

Ya, the native teachers only teach a certain level onwards. Morris Allen uses the native teachers from nursery onwards though, price seems comparable also, 44-58 depending whether weekday/end… Decisions…decisions…

3Blessings:

poohbeargang:

Hi parents,


I need advise, called up Creative Horizons and learnt that in order for my son who is in P1 to enrol, he needs to go through an entry test. He has to read the qns himself and answer it. Problem is that he's bad in reading!!

He was with ICR for nearly 3 years and still quite bad, so I need to switch him out to some other centres or 1-1 tuition.

Any recommendation for good tuition teacher or centres in kallang/geylang area?

Thanks!

I had the same problem with ICR with my DD too. After 3+ years with ICR, she can read pretty well but problem issue don't understand what she's reading. After much research n thanks to all the kiasu-mummies input, I had pulled her out n join other English program wch helps her very much.

Somehow it does not seem to be working out for us at ICR also. Enrolled my K1 boy into ICR and was told that TCS level would better suit him as he is still quite weak and have probs with alphabets.

However I realized from the worksheets he brought back that he has been doing a lot of drawing, art like work. Just puzzled that if my boy cannot be on ICR level due to being weak in alphabets, shouldn't the classes work on his weakness? I.e reinforcing alphabets rather than drawing?

The teachers for that level are also locals with diploma qualifications. Nothing against locals as I am one myself but one of the reasons we pay a premium at ICR is because they use native Aus/UK teachers that have higher qualifications isn't it?

Which course is your child attending now 3blessings? There is a Morris Allen near my home but I like to find out more in case I make the same mistake like ICR, just enrolled but need to withdraw and have to cont classes till the term ends or else the money goes down the drain. Hai...

Dear KSparents,


Like to seek your advice. Enrolled my K1 boy into ICR and was told that TCS level would better suit him as he is still quite weak and have probs with alphabets.

However I realized from the worksheets he brought back that he has been doing a lot of drawing, art like work. Just puzzled that if my boy cannot be on ICR level due to being weak in alphabets, shouldn’t the classes work on his weakness? I.e reinforcing alphabets rather than drawing?

The teachers for that level are also locals with diploma qualifications. Nothing against locals as I am one myself but one of the reasons we pay a premium at ICR is because they use native Aus/UK teachers that have higher qualifications isn’t it?

Does anyone feel the same? Thanks.

sweetjam:

Maybe the child has ADD. Seek professional help from KKH or NUH child development unit.

No ADD la, all these assessed by our Paediatrians already. Just need getting used to time table.

peijun:

Hi


Does anyone have feedback on CMA Yew Tee/Bukit Batok/Bt Panjang? I stay at CCK. Any recommendations on teachers would be appreciated.:)

My 2 boys just joined the Bukit Panjang branch. So far so good. The teachers are quite encouraging, tells me the boys did well, but need to improve at certain areas to catch up. Some reputable schools that I went for assessments seem only interested to enroll children that are already quite strong in the subject matter and they tell you- Your child is quite weak, cannot catch up with the rest of the class. Maybe you wanna teach him certain concepts first and when your child can do this and that then you come back here.

The point is, if my children are already proficient, need to send to your centre for what? :mad: