Smartphone comparison and performance rating for Huawei / Oppo / Samsung / Apple / Sony

Comparing smartphones from different brands involves considering various factors such as performance, camera quality, design, battery life, software features, and price. Below is a general comparison and performance rating for Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, Apple, and Sony smartphones:

Performance Rating:

- **5 stars**: Exceptional performance, leading-edge hardware, and smooth user experience.

- **4 stars**: Very good performance, capable hardware, and overall smooth user experience.

- **3 stars**: Good performance, satisfactory hardware, and decent user experience.

- **2 stars**: Average performance, basic hardware, and some lag or slowdowns in usage.

- **1 star**: Below-average performance, outdated hardware, and noticeable lag or slowdowns in usage.

Huawei:

- **Performance Rating**: 4 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Kirin series), ample RAM, smooth performance, EMUI offers extensive customization options, competitive pricing.

- **Cons**: Limited availability of Google services on newer models due to US trade restrictions.

Oppo:

- **Performance Rating**: 4 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Snapdragon/Dimensity series), ample RAM, smooth performance, ColorOS offers feature-rich user experience, competitive pricing.

- **Cons**: Some users may not prefer ColorOS interface.

Samsung:

- **Performance Rating**: 4.5 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Exynos/Snapdragon series), ample RAM, smooth performance, One UI offers feature-rich user experience, sleek designs, excellent camera technology.

- **Cons**: Some budget models may have less powerful hardware compared to flagship devices.

Apple:

- **Performance Rating**: 5 stars

- **Pros**: Exceptional performance with Apple's custom-designed A-series chips, seamless integration of hardware and software, smooth user experience with iOS, high-quality camera technology, premium design and build quality.

- **Cons**: Higher price points compared to many Android competitors.

Sony:

- **Performance Rating**: 4 stars

- **Pros**: Powerful processors (Snapdragon series), good RAM management, clean and intuitive user experience with near-stock Android, advanced camera technology, sleek and minimalist designs.

- **Cons**: Limited availability of Sony smartphones in some regions, higher price points for flagship models.

Please note that performance ratings are subjective and based on general assessments of hardware specifications, user experience, and industry reviews. Individual preferences and usage scenarios may vary, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing a smartphone. Additionally, always research and compare specific models within each brand to find the best fit for you.

Money Basics to 20 year old / 30 year old / 40 year old / 50 year old / 60 year old

Here's a breakdown of money basics tailored to different age groups:

Money Basics for a 20-Year-Old:

1. **Budgeting**: Learn how to create and stick to a budget. Track your income and expenses to understand where your money is going.

2. **Saving**: Start saving early, even if it's a small amount. Aim to build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

3. **Investing**: Begin learning about different investment options such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Consider starting a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA.

4. **Debt Management**: Be cautious about taking on too much debt, especially high-interest debt like credit cards. Pay off any student loans or other debts as soon as possible.

5. **Financial Education**: Take advantage of resources like books, online courses, and financial seminars to improve your financial literacy.

Money Basics for a 30-Year-Old:

1. **Career Development**: Focus on advancing your career and increasing your earning potential. Consider further education or training if it aligns with your goals.

2. **Emergency Fund**: Continue building your emergency fund to cover at least 3-6 months' worth of expenses.

3. **Investing**: Increase your investment contributions and diversify your portfolio. Consider seeking professional advice or using robo-advisors for investment management.

4. **Insurance**: Review your insurance coverage, including health, life, and disability insurance, to ensure adequate protection for yourself and your family.

5. **Long-Term Goals**: Start planning for major life events like buying a home, starting a family, or saving for your children's education.

Money Basics for a 40-Year-Old:

1. **Retirement Planning**: Assess your retirement savings and make adjustments if necessary. Consider increasing contributions to retirement accounts and exploring other retirement planning options.

2. **Debt Reduction**: Focus on paying off any remaining debt, especially high-interest debt. Create a debt payoff plan and stick to it.

3. **Estate Planning**: Begin estate planning by creating a will and establishing powers of attorney. Review beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance policies.

4. **Healthcare Costs**: Plan for healthcare costs in retirement by researching Medicare options and considering supplemental insurance coverage.

5. **Mid-Career Changes**: Evaluate your career satisfaction and consider making changes if necessary, such as pursuing a new job or starting a business.

Money Basics for a 50-Year-Old:

1. **Catch-Up Contributions**: Take advantage of catch-up contributions to retirement accounts if you're behind on savings. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts to accelerate savings.

2. **Healthcare Planning**: Research long-term care insurance options and plan for potential healthcare expenses in retirement.

3. **Debt Elimination**: Prioritize paying off all remaining debt to enter retirement debt-free and reduce financial stress.

4. **Transition Planning**: Start thinking about transitioning to retirement, including deciding when to retire and how to structure your retirement income.

5. **Financial Advisors**: Consider consulting with a financial advisor to review your retirement plan and ensure you're on track to meet your goals.

Money Basics for a 60-Year-Old:

1. **CPF**: Understand your CPF benefits and when you're eligible to start receiving them. Consider how CPF fits into your overall retirement income plan.

2. **Withdrawal Strategies**: Develop a withdrawal strategy for retirement accounts to ensure you have enough income to support your lifestyle throughout retirement.

3. **Healthcare Considerations**: Research Medicare options and supplemental insurance coverage. Plan for potential healthcare costs in retirement.

4. **Estate Planning**: Review and update your estate plan, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations, to reflect your current wishes.

5. **Legacy Planning**: Consider your legacy and how you want to distribute your assets to heirs or charitable organizations.

Regardless of age, the key to financial success is developing good money habits, setting clear goals, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial plan as needed. Remember, it's never too late to take control of your finances and work towards a secure financial future.

Endowus Singapore CPF instrument

Endowus is an investment platform that allows Singaporean investors to access a range of investment options using their Central Provident Fund (CPF) and Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) funds. Here's how you can invest through Endowus using CPF and SRS:

1. **CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)**:

   - Endowus offers access to the CPF Investment Scheme, which allows CPF members to invest their CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds in approved investment products, including unit trusts, bonds, and shares.

   - You can use your CPF OA funds to invest in Endowus' various investment portfolios, which are typically diversified across different asset classes such as stocks, bonds, and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts).

   - Endowus provides a streamlined investment experience, allowing CPF members to invest their CPF savings efficiently and in line with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

2. **Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)**:

   - Endowus also facilitates investments using funds from the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS), which is a voluntary savings scheme to help Singaporeans save for retirement.

   - You can contribute to your SRS account and invest those funds through Endowus' platform. Similar to CPF investments, Endowus offers diversified investment portfolios tailored to your risk profile and retirement objectives.

   - Investing through SRS provides tax benefits, as contributions to SRS are tax-deductible, and only 50% of withdrawals from SRS are taxable at retirement, providing potential tax savings.

It's important to note that investing through CPF and SRS involves certain rules and limitations set by the CPF Board and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Before making any investment decisions, it's advisable to understand these rules and seek professional advice if needed to ensure that your investments align with your financial goals and comply with regulatory requirements.

Personally 

I have been using my SRS to invest in the S&P 500 whereby i get tax savings. Since my run time will be 17 years + before i start to withdraw my SRS account money. I thought it is great to invest in the S&P 500 using Endowus where i can save tax and also invest my money. Do take note as of today the first $40k that you withdraw from SRS will not be subjected to any tax when you hit the SRS withdrawal age. Do note that if you withdraw the money in SRS before your SRS withdrawal age. 5% of it is subjected to 100% tax. The rest will add on to your annual income tax bracket accordingly. 

My referral link is as below. If this article is useful and you are looking at investing through SRS, do refer to my link to sign up so that we can both earn the reward of $20 in Endowus Fee credits. 

https://endowus.com/invite?code=WIGOG