My Experience of going to Polyclinic verses a private clinic and its Pros an Cons

Choosing between a polyclinic and a private clinic in Singapore depends on various factors, including one's healthcare needs, preferences, and financial considerations. Here are some general pros and cons of each:

Polyclinic:

Pros:

  1. Affordability: Polyclinics generally offer subsidized rates for Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs), making healthcare services more affordable, especially for those with lower incomes.
  2. Comprehensive Services: Polyclinics often provide a wide range of medical services, including primary healthcare, chronic disease management, vaccinations, screening tests, and basic dental services.
  3. Integrated Care: Polyclinics are part of Singapore's public healthcare system, which promotes integrated care and seamless referral to hospitals or specialist clinics if needed.
  4. Healthcare Professionals: Polyclinics are staffed by qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, who provide quality care to patients.

Cons:

  1. Long Waiting Times: Due to the high demand for subsidized healthcare services, patients may experience longer waiting times for appointments, consultations, and procedures at polyclinics.
  2. Limited Choice: Patients may have limited choice in terms of doctors and appointment slots at polyclinics compared to private clinics.
  3. Less Personalized Care: Polyclinic consultations may feel more rushed compared to private clinics, as healthcare providers often need to manage a higher volume of patients.

Private Clinic:

Pros:

  1. Convenience: Private clinics typically offer more flexible appointment timings, shorter waiting times, and convenient locations, making it easier for patients to access healthcare services.
  2. Personalized Care: Patients may receive more personalized attention and longer consultation times from doctors at private clinics, leading to a higher level of satisfaction and trust.
  3. Specialized Services: Private clinics may offer specialized medical services and treatments not available at polyclinics, catering to specific healthcare needs.
  4. Patient Privacy: Private clinics usually offer a more private and comfortable environment for consultations and treatments.

Cons:

  1. Higher Costs: Private clinics tend to be more expensive compared to polyclinics, especially for patients without health insurance coverage or government subsidies.
  2. Limited Subsidies: Private clinic services are generally not subsidized by the government, so patients may need to bear the full cost of treatment, medications, and procedures.
  3. Varied Quality: While many private clinics uphold high standards of care, the quality of services can vary among different clinics, requiring patients to research and choose reputable providers carefully.
My experience of going to polyclinic. Previously i was staying in lakeside whereby the nearest polyclinic is Jurong Polyclinic. Even though i will have an appointment at 830am, normally it takes around 1 hour+ before i can be seen. Unlike the private clinics that i went to which takes about 1/2 hour minus the travelling time. After i shifted to teban gardens, i opted for pioneer polyclinic instead of jurong polyclinic. Normally it will take 10 mins within the appointment time. Not sure why but i guess not many people know of pioneer polyclinic or it could be the amount of people that it is located in. I prefer polyclinic as medicine is at a subsidised rate and records of patient are being kept so that i need not always repeat myself and for my children if we visit private clinic.

Comparing both private and public, my view is that for private clinic it is best for young children and older adults (65+) so that they need not travel far if the polyclinic is not in a nearby location. Diagnoise by private doctors (normally in 40s) are quite accurate and 1 visit will normally remedy the issue (Cough, fever, sorethroat)


Lessons from Money not Enough Movie 1, 2 ,3

 "Money Not Enough 1,2,3" is a Singaporean comedy film. The movie addresses various financial struggles and challenges faced by the average Singaporean family. Here are some lessons that can be gleaned from the film:

  1. Financial Challenges Are Common:

    • The film highlights the financial struggles faced by an average Singaporean family. This resonates with many viewers, emphasizing that financial challenges are part of the shared human experience.

  2. Importance of Financial Planning:

    • The characters in the movie grapple with financial issues due to lack of planning. The importance of setting financial goals, budgeting, and saving is a central theme. Planning for the future can help individuals navigate economic uncertainties.

  3. Balancing Work and Family:

    • The characters in the film struggle with balancing work and family life. This reflects the real-world challenges faced by many individuals trying to provide for their families while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

  4. Impact of Economic Changes:

    • The movie depicts the impact of economic changes on individuals and families. Economic downturns, job losses, and changing market conditions can have profound effects on people's financial stability.

  5. Support Systems Matter:

    • The importance of family and friends as a support system is evident in the film. Emotional and financial support from loved ones can help individuals navigate tough times and build resilience.

  6. Education and Skills Enhancement:

    • The characters in the film face challenges in the job market due to changing industry demands. The importance of continuous education and skills enhancement to stay relevant in the workforce is a key takeaway.

  7. Living Within Means:

    • "Money Not Enough" underscores the importance of living within one's means. Keeping lifestyle expenses in check and avoiding unnecessary debt can contribute to financial stability.

  8. Adaptability and Resilience:

    • The characters demonstrate the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of financial setbacks. Being able to pivot, learn new skills, and persevere during tough times is crucial for financial success.

  9. Investing Wisely:

    • The movie subtly touches on the idea of making wise investments. While it doesn't delve deeply into investment strategies, the concept of financial growth through smart investment decisions is implied.

  10. Long-Term Perspective:

    • "Money Not Enough" emphasizes the importance of taking a long-term perspective on financial planning. Building wealth and achieving financial goals often require patience, discipline, and a focus on the future.
Mi and my wife went to watch Money Not Enough III on my birthday. We really enjoyed the movie and we were moved to tears as well. Although this is the 3rd series of Money Not Enough, we cannot get enough of it. The actors have improved leaps and bounds from the 1st 2 movies of Money of Not Enough.



Dave ramsey 7 baby steps. How to apply it in Singapore?

 Dave Ramsey's "7 Baby Steps" is a financial plan designed to help individuals achieve financial freedom and build wealth. While some of the steps may need to be adapted for the specific financial landscape in Singapore, the principles can still be applied. Here's how you might interpret and apply Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps in a Singaporean context:

  1. Baby Step 1: Save $1,000 for an Emergency Fund:

    • Establish an emergency fund in Singapore dollars to cover unexpected expenses. This fund acts as a financial buffer, preventing you from relying on credit in times of need.

  2. Baby Step 2: Pay Off Debt Using the Debt Snowball:

    • List your debts, excluding your mortgage, from smallest to largest. Focus on paying off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the others. Once the smallest debt is paid off, roll that payment into the next smallest debt, creating a "snowball" effect. This method helps build momentum and motivation.

  3. Baby Step 3: Save 3 to 6 Months of Expenses in a Fully Funded Emergency Fund:

    • Expand your emergency fund to cover 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses. This larger emergency fund provides greater financial security and ensures you can weather more significant financial challenges without going into debt.
Take a pause here and take stock before you go Baby step 4 to 6 as it is concurrent.
The first 3 baby steps is to take a hard look at your finances. What is the amount of money that you are bringing per month? What is the expenses that you have per month? At the end do you have more money coming in then going out? This is critical as if you have less money coming in then going out, it shows that you have a earning issue which you need to tackle or reduce your expenses so that you have money left over after the expenses. Without this in place, you should not proceed further. Some people take years to go beyond baby step 3.
  1. Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of Your Household Income in Retirement:

    • Contribute 15% which in Singapore is 20% of your income to retirement accounts. In Singapore, this may include your Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions and other retirement investment vehicles.

  2. Baby Step 5: Save for Your Children's College Fund:

    • Begin saving for your children's education. Consider using education savings plans or other investment vehicles available in Singapore to fund their higher education expenses.

  3. Baby Step 6: Pay Off Your Home Early:

    • Work towards paying off your mortgage early. Allocate extra funds towards your mortgage payments or consider refinancing to a shorter loan term if possible.
Take a pause here while you take stock of the baby step 4 - 6.
If you have children, it will be good to consider their college fund (Polytechnic or University in Singapore) as the primary and secondary school are free education for all Singaporeans. If you do not have children. You can just focus on baby step 4 and 6. Once the house is fully paid off, you can be considered a millionaire in Singapore context as the homes in Singapore has been ranging up for the past few years where the new BTO can go up to $700k+.
  1. Baby Step 7: Build Wealth and Give:

    • Continue building wealth by investing, saving, and giving back. Focus on growing your net worth, supporting charitable causes, and enjoying financial freedom.

My Experience of going to Polyclinic verses a private clinic and its Pros an Cons

Choosing between a polyclinic and a private clinic in Singapore depends on various factors, including one's healthcare needs, preference...