JUST a few months after starting work, Ms Serene Loong began putting money aside for investments. She started with a $100 a month investment-linked insurance policy. She was 22 then and a copywriter with an advertising agency, earning about $2,000 a month.

What motivated her to save and invest? 'Fear! I fear having to depend on someone and being helpless.'

Two years later, in 2000, she and her fiance bought a three-room Housing Board (HDB) resale flat in Commonwealth Crescent.

When they decided to buy a car, they settled for an old Volkswagen Beetle. They still own it and it is now 33 years old.

One business venture that Ms Loong has undertaken is to fork out $10,000 to publish The Science Of Getting Rich. She also intends to buy a third property in the next economic downturn, in her quest for financial freedom. Photo/ Lim Sin Thai

Ms Loong's investing habit grew along the way. As her income grew, she socked away more money into investments.

Now it is $700 every month in unit trusts and $400 for investment-linked insurance policies.

Then there is her purchase of a share of a warehouse in Australia. It is rented out for a guaranteed yield of 9 per cent a year for five years, in Australian dollar terms.

'I see myself as spending money and buying things - that is, a share of some businesses. Unit trusts, for example, invest in businesses,' says Ms Loong, now 30 and a senior copywriter with a global advertising agency.

Last year, she and her husband - Mr Paul Sng, 34, a sales manager at an international broadcasting company - bought a private apartment for about $760,000.

The value of the property in Upper Serangoon Road has since risen to nearly $1 million, she says.

The couple, who do not have children yet, have moved into that apartment and rented out their HDB flat.

Because the HDB flat was bought at a low price, the rental income exceeds the monthly mortgage repayment.

'I was thinking of selling the private apartment and moving back into our HDB flat. I don't mind the move but my husband wasn't sure. To me, being financially secure is more important.'

She is used to HDB living, having grown up in a four-room flat with her family and extended family.

To her, all her saving and investing efforts will be rewarded with financial freedom.

'If you don't like your job, you can leave. If you come across interesting business ventures, you can take part in them,' she says.

One venture she has undertaken recently is to publish a book, The Science Of Getting Rich, for $10,000.

Next on the far horizon: To buy a third property in the next economic downturn.

Her financial goal: In 10 years' time, her regular stream of income from such ventures and her investments should cover all her expenses.

'I would still continue to work. Then it would really be just for fun!' she quips.

Related stories:
It pays to save and invest early
Fear of being helpless motivates her to save
Too busy to spend, he invests his cash instead

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