National Savings Bond by the Malaysian Government

Referring to the newspaper article by TheStar on RM5bil National Savings Bond on sale from April 14 , i was asked whether this investment is good or not, and whether should they invest in it.

The main features of the National Savings Bond is as below:

• Investment amount - ranges from RM 1,000 to maximum of RM 50,000, and in multiples of RM 100.
• Tenure - 3 years
• Frequency of interest payment - Quarterly
• Interest - 5% Guaranteed by the Government. So, it's "safer" than keeping money in the Bank.

Details of the Bond is available in BMN's website:

• News
• FAQ
• Key Features

So, back to the question, "Is it good?". The answer to this, depends on what you're comparing with.
"Is running fast?" That depends on whether you're comparing with walking, or driving.

Since Malaysian FD rates is going at 2.5% per year, then obviously this Bond is better.

However, is that the only choice we have for our money?

At 5% return, it'll take 14.4 years for our money to double (using the simple "Rule 72"). As our money earns interest (or returns), our money is also "eaten" up by inflation. Does it take 14.4 years for our expenses to doubled? I believe it'll take less than 14.4 years for goods to double in price due to inflation. I would estimate, between 8 to 12 years for goods to double in price.

Saying this, goods would double in price (due to inflation) BEFORE our money would double at the rate of 5% per year. I don't see anything safe about this. Infact, i don't see anything fun with getting poor slowly, but SURELY.

Most people would compare which product is better without understanding and knowing their needs. Truth is, which product, tools or medicine is better depends on your needs, and not on the product itself!

If you're having a headache, it doesn't matter whether Viagra is better, or Cialis is better. Both won't help much in your headache condition. What you need is a Panadol, and not choosing between Viagra or Cialis!

So, in what situation is this National Savings Bond good for you? I believe it's good if:

1. You need the money within these 3 to 4 years, or
2. You want to find a place to make your "Emergency Fund" earns higher return.
3. You have No Dependant, have set aside emergency and medical funding, knowing that your personal inflation rate is lower than 5% yearly, and have a Net Worth that is more than your remaining lifespan multipled by your current yearly expenses.
4. You know that you don't know how to invest, and don't trust anyone with your money. (Same analogy goes to driving a car: You know that you don't know how to drive, and don't trust any "driver" to drive you to Singapore, so.... you WALK from Penang to Singapore!")
5. Can't think of any other reasons why this is good.

However, i don't and won't invest in it because:

1. My needs within the next 3 to 5 years is in Bond Fund, which i will be using almost entirely within the next 3 months. So, the difference (if any), would be insignificant.
2. I'm happy with my current emergency fund, putting it in Bond Fund. And since my income is "safe", i feel comfortable with 2 month's expenses being set aside for emergency fund.
3. I don't have enough to retire on. I don't have RM 3.5 Million currently if my annual expenses is RM 50,000 and my remaining lifespan is 70 years.
4. I believe i know what i'm doing with my investments, and i choose something something which fits my long term needs. Just as Michael Schumacher believes he knows how to drive fast and safe, it doesn't mean that driving fast is not safe!
5. I trust Warren Buffett (thru Berkshire Hathaway) with more than 30% of my Net Worth, I trust Public Mutual with 90% of my Net Worth, and I also trust some of the CEO's of Public Listed Companies with my fractional ownership these companies.
6. I don't enjoy getting poor slowly but surely. I enjoy getting rich slowly but surely!.

Most important of all, I won't choose between Walking or Running if i want to travel from Penang to Singapore. I would rather choose between Firefly, AirAsia, MAS or Singapore Airlines (though i believe it doesn't make much difference in the speed and safety between them).

I don't foresee a need for more than 90% of my assets for the next 5 years or longer, so i rather choose other financial "vehicles" to reach my financial "destination".

What financial "vehicles" is the best for a person who won't be needing the money for the next 5 years? Definitely in Ownership (of Business, or Real Estate) ! I'll write more about it next time. :-)