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Serene Ho

In Touch

A Monthly Curated Newsletter

As humans, we often like to think we're right, even when we can be wrong at times. Many of us have the unconscious tendency to seek information that support our existing beliefs & disregard or undermine those that do not match ours. But doing so without awareness or questioning can have adverse effects in the way we think, make decisions & live our lives. Today, I'd like to share with you some potential consequences of confirmation bias & what we can do about them.

World’s richest man says highly intelligent people do this one thing

To Amazon billionaire and world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, this phrase is extremely true. He believes one single trait distinguishes highly intelligent people from all over people: the ability to reassess and change their minds.

 
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Investing and the Danger of Confirmation Bias

Sound advice on how we should be aware of the dangers of confirmation bias in finances and how we can approach investing responsibly.

 
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Why you think you're right — even if you're wrong by Julia Galef

 
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I seek to reach out to people who believe in safeguarding the interests of their loved ones. Let me know if I can be of help to someone you know or care about. We can make a difference to lives when it matters most. Cheers.
 
Serene Ho
 
 
 
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Testimonials and Referral Notes

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Ms Chia Yen-Yen . A Professional Nurse turned Financial Consultant

Serene Ho, a close friend of mine, took over servicing of my husband’s portfolio when his close friend agent passed on. She also became my consultant as we wanted to have the same FC servicing us. As we have known Serene for close to 10 years, we were confident that she will be our trusted and dependable FC. Till this date, I have no regrets with this decision. Through Serene, I have purchased policies to meet the financial needs and goals of my family and I. Serene has been consistently reviewing my family members’ portfolio every year. She provides an up-to-date summary of the policies which gives me a comprehensive yet concise picture of my wealth protection and wealth accumulation status. I was rather impressed with how systematic her approach has been. I am grateful to Serene for guiding me with the insurance claims after my husband had a major stroke. When there was a delay in receiving the medical reports from the hospital, she followed up by making enquiries to the Medical Records Office [MRO] and Service Quality [SQ]. This expedited the matter and I was then surprised that the personnel from these departments called me up to find out how they could be of help to me. Since then, I was just an email or call away from any assistance I needed with the medical reports. This was very helpful because I had to apply for several medical reports for claims from various insurers and other administrative matters. Serene’s proactiveness had facilitated the ease with which I was able to obtain prompt and personalised service from the MRO and SQ. Serene also met up with me regularly during the initial 6 months after my husband’s stroke to find out how things are with me . She was always concerned about my well being as I had just experienced a rather traumatic event. She also presented the cheque for the insurance payout to me personally which she did not have to. I am thankful to Serene for going the extra mile for me. I am certain that she does the same for others. Fast forward to 2021, I have made a career switch from a nurse of 30 years to a ‘newbie’ FC, as late as in my fifties. Also, from being my FC, Serene is now my Agency Leader and Mentor. She drove all the way to my home to hand to me by hand the learning resources for my preparation for the licensure examinations to become an FC. I am confident to entrust my career as an FC to Serene and I have much to learn from her to be successful in this very purposeful and meaningful financial advisory service to others. I hope to emulate her attentive and listening, as well as methodical and analytical, approach. Serene has been very encouraging, supportive and generous. For this, I am very grateful to her. Thank you Serene.

Sai & Nidhi . Engineer & HR Personnel

We were introduced to Serene recently through our property agent, who has been a guardian mother to Nidhi for the past few years. We are extremely grateful to Serene for taking time to share with us the importance and nuances of financial planning and insurance. Serene has impressed us with her approach to understand our background and priorities and customizing our sessions specifically to suit the needs of a young couple like us. The awareness we got is now going to help us make better and informed financial decisions. We also got exposure to financial planning tools she invested in and use that will help us plan and map out our future investments. No policies were pushed to us and no immediate sales pitches were made to quickly make us sign a policy. Instead, our background, current financial situation, future needs and plans were carefully considered and understood before even suggesting what we could consider. Options and recommendations were clearly summarized for us to consider and besides, all our queries were answered patiently and professionally. We greatly appreciate the customized and customer-specific approach Serene adopted with such patience and clarity. Young adults can not only sign-up suitable policies or start investments but also receive financial education with expert perspectives from her. Financial knowledge is the key to financial success. It doesn’t take long for us to see her sincerity, commitment and professionalism in the way she does her business , let alone all her existing clients over the 20 yrs and especially those who had begun their financial journey with her with all the necessary fundamental financial knowledge to make informed decisions confidently . Thank you, Serene for your invaluable service.

Soh Kee Seng. IT Facility Manager

I first got to know Serene Ho back in 2003 when she took over as my servicing agent. I was hesitant initially thinking that she will be yet another ordinary agent who is only interested in selling . However, she impressed me with her sincerity, looking out always for my interests whenever we meet . We stayed connected with periodic updates and reviews . Serene engages with her clients well as I find her passionate and experienced in what she does. Her advice is often comprehensive as she patiently explains and explores with me strategies that best suit my changing circumstances and needs over the years. I am glad I took her advice where applicable and needed as recently I became a beneficiary to my own financial plans which I took up following her diligent follow up and advice. Serene again showed her commitment delivering her exceptional service that exceeded my expectation with my claim. She is definitely my choice financial consultant and will not hesitate to recommend her to my family, friends and colleagues.

Wee Jin & Jean. Daddy & Mummy of Jay Ong

I was introduced to Serene through a friend in university and had my first policy with her in 2011. My wife and child have policies with her. When my child was just born, I remember that she sent us a gift hamper to congratulate us. When my child needed surgery later on, the claim procedure was smooth and uneventful, which can only be a good thing! Serene has kept in contact through the years and is not the sort to contact me out of the blue to buy more. When it was National Day, she even sent me a link to receive our nation’s flag (for free)!! What I find reassuring about Serene is that she has been in the business for decades. When you need help, instead of finding out your adviser has left for another job, it is nice to know that she will be there. She knows her products inside out, including all the nitty gritty, and gets back to you with information in a timely manner. Serene knows life has many demands and has helped my family and I get some protection for what is important.

Mrs William Loh. Teacher

After my previous financial advisor left the service, I got to know Serene through a close friend. Serene has always been earnest about ensuring that the investments I make meet the needs of mine and of my growing family. Serene fully understands that I, as a full-time working mother, have lots of commitments to attend to. She is meticulous to ensure that I can financially manage the long term upkeep of my investments and stretches every dollar that I spent. She has gone the extra mile to advise about the importance of forward planning for possible early retirement. Over the years, she assumes great responsibilities to make regular check-ins on my well-being and is consistent in keeping me updated on any changes in my policies or market movements. She is a responsive go-to person whenever I have any queries about certain claims or policy matters, even if the claimant of concern was not her client. I loved it that her conversations with me have always been very objective, analytical and concise. I am grateful to have found such an attentive consultant like Serene to work alongside with me to meet my financial goals.

Mary Chiang . Physiotherapist

Serene has been my financial consultation for more than 15 years . I have learnt much from her . Serene consistently provides post sale support promptly. She will update me on the latest product that may enhance my asset without being pushy. I Have no reservation in recommending her service to my friends who require financial planning. Kudos to you Serene.