I have decided to write down on a monthly basis all my thoughts, feelings, progressions, decisions made throughout my financial journey and anything about life really. Hopefully this will shed some insights for all readers, and even myself when I look back onto the past. If you're interested in my past month updates, take a look at Monthly Updates and I hope you enjoy reading!
For those whom had read my last update on June 2025 would know that I've officially secured permanent residency from Australian government - and had since been planning for my next steps. As easy as I want the move to be - it was much harder than I initially anticipated.
Looking for a job without first being physically in Australia have proved to be much more difficult than I initially anticipated - making the 'game' so much harder for me. If I use references from Counter Strike/Valorant, I basically have to commit to push a site even if I do not have 100% certainty that the enemy team will not be there - it's akin to a 50/50 situation where I have to 'push' the button (e.g. physically move there first) and then HOPE that I can find a job there which is very risky for me.
Of course - I do have the savings to cover my fixed expenditures in Malaysia for at least a year or longer, depending on how tightly I squeeze the purse. But Australia's cost of living isn't cheap either. Based on my last simulation, if I press the button now-now, I'll set myself back at least 3-6 financial years - undoing some of the compounding advantages I've been building the last couple of years.
This was really the biggest hesitant that I had. Depending on how negotiation goes in next couple of weeks, I may end up taking a temporary pivot, hoping to further strengthen my financial foundations before 'pressing the button'. Let's see where things go in the next couple of weeks and hopefully dusts are settled by the time I prepare for my December's update. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻.
Unfortunately given the uncertainties with my upcoming moves and/or plans, I had decided to withdraw from my Korean Language school for now until I sort out my stuffs. Was definitely a good run for almost 1.5 years to pick up a new language. Not skilful enough for sure, but usable for basic conversation and/or half-understanding Korean drama's (with missed context most of the time :D).
Now, going back to our usual monthly update for my finances and portfolios.
Finally, after 3 to 4 months of struggling to 'control' myself, I've brought the savings rate back on track. The last 4 months of "addiction problem" had definitely set me back, buying collectibles after collectibles. With the bleeding now stopped, here's hoping for a stronger recovery the next 3 month so that I could at least bring the annualized savings rate closer to 60% (which is still below our original target).
No changes to the Emergency Jar this quarter.
This section probably gets very boring - considering that I haven't really done anything to my portfolio aside from the recurring dollar-cost-averaging purchases. For whatever reasons, market's been soaring again and again, creating new highs which resulted in extremely high unrealised profits in my portfolio.
Time will only tell if these are just short-term illusions or long-term profits. Not planning to make any drastic move since I pretty much left my finances on autopilot, focusing on other aspects of life (mainly career and migration plans).
Note: For the definition of snapshots, please check My Portfolio where I elaborated it in detail.
Sold (Retired) Portfolio (accumulative)
IRR: 0.37%
ROI: 0.51%
Profit/Loss: RM 1,828.88
Active (Invested) Portfolio
IRR: 17.98%
ROI: 42.26%
Profit/Loss: RM 212,048.64
True Cost: RM 489,816.77
Total Value: RM 713,844.74
Entrance Value: RM 452,939.15
Portfolio Value: RM 668,324.81
Nett Dividend (2025): RM 3,141.30
Whilst I don't like the idea of celebrating too early, an achievement unlocked is still an achievement unlocked. Thanks to the performance of the market above, I've hit my LEAN Fire status much earlier than I initially anticipated. Here's hoping that I won't jinx it so that I can close the year with Lean FIRE status - after all what goes up will come down when it comes to stock markets.
One question that I've been wondering - what's next after 2025. Do I still keep this chart updated going forward, or do I just call it off so that I can start to realign my focus beyond chasing the fictitious numbers. Either way, nothing will change with or without hitting Lean FIRE status - my goals are clear and I still intend, if possible, to hit Fat FIRE (Emigrate) within this lifetime of mine so that I can be at peace even when migrating out of Malaysia.
If you're interested in my past updates - do check out my previous Monthly Review or Year In Review!
As always, thanks for reading and I will see you again in my next post! If you haven't already, be sure to follow me on my Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for the latest updates!
Cheers,
Gracie