Getting to the first $100k investment in the easy way

I often wonder how can i get to my first $100k in SGD investment portfolio if i were to start back in my early 20s. As i evaluate my life over the past 30 years + since i reach 49 this year. The first thing i will do is every year when i receive my hongbao during Chinese new year when i am a kid starting from young from age of 7 that is when i am encouraged by my father to save up for rainy days.

I will deposit the money that i have receive from Hong Bao money to be deposit into the special account. Mine you that is when is it 1984. Assuming i get $100 per year. I save up at leasat 80% of it and it will compound till my 20s. 

I also work as a cadie when i was 13 years old in secondary school. Back then i wanted to buy a sega to play games. I saved up from my part time job to earn the extra cash to buy games and sega. That would have cost me $500+ which if i have saved up in my investment account in the special account. Long story short, i estimate i would have saved up $10k + over the years when i hit 19 years old. From there i entered army, and if i saved up 50% of my allowance which is around $150 average per month. From the 2.5 years in the army i would have saved up to $4.4k + and coupled with the part time job i did after my NS. I could have accumulated to $20k in my special account when i am 22 years old. 

From there i started to work where my monthly salary goes up to $1.5k , if i saved 50% from my take home pay which is about $600 per month and put it inside the special account. I would have accumulated up to $30k+ when i am age 23. If i continue to do that with the increase in salary and also my contribution, i would have hit the $100k+ in my special account when i reach age 27. If i consider to transfer from my Ordinary to Special, i could have hit it when i am age 25. Such is the power of compounding by making use of the special account and from there look at the various funds that can be purchased using special account. Assuming the long term average of 12% growth compounded. Over a 40 years period, one could accumulate up to 10 million SGD. Such is the power of the 7th wonder. 

Now i'm playing catch up at my age. However for my children i have make it a point to deposit their hong bao money into their special account every year and whatever additional money we receive from the government, i also deposit into their account. Both of their special account have grown to $9k+ and $6k+ respectively. And the first $60k of their special account will enjoy 5% which will give them a headstart for their retirement. To me that is a sure F.I.R.E for them as they reach retirement when they are aged 65. Having a 10 million dollar portfolio when they are retired. From age 25 with $100k in special account using it to purchase the index funds and leave it there for 40 years. 

Top 10 Hospitals & Medical Centres in Johor Bahru for Male Full Body Health Check-ups (2026)

If you're travelling from Singapore, these are among the best-reviewed hospitals and health screening centres in Johor Bahru.

Rank	Hospital	Typical Price*	Best For
🥇 1	Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor	RM600–2,000+	Premium executive health screening
🥈 2	KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital	RM400–1,500	Best overall value
🥉 3	Regency Specialist Hospital	RM500–2,000	Heart and executive screening
4	Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau	RM735–1,500	Excellent for first-time screening
5	Kensington Green Specialist Hospital	RM400–1,200	Comprehensive health packages
6	Puteri Specialist Hospital	RM500–1,500	Family-friendly hospital
7	Bandar Dato' Onn Specialist Hospital	RM500–1,500	New modern facilities
8	Regency Medical Care Centre	RM400–1,200	Convenient at Mid Valley Southkey
9	Southern Health Centre (Taman Pelangi)	RM168–1,288	Excellent budget choice
10	Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre	RM200–1,000	Flexible customised screening packages

*Prices vary depending on the package selected and optional add-on tests.

My recommendations for Singaporeans

🏆 Best Overall: KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital

4.3•Private hospital•Open

••

Pros

• Long-established private hospital.
• Comprehensive male health packages.
• Experienced with Singaporean patients.
• Good balance of quality and price.

Estimated cost: RM500–1,200.

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⭐ Best Premium Experience: Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor

4.8•Private hospital•Open

••

Ideal if you:

• Want a premium executive screening.
• Prefer a quieter location near the Tuas Second Link.
• May need advanced imaging such as CT or MRI.

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💰 Best Budget Choice: Southern Health Centre (Taman Pelangi)

5.0•Medical Center•Open

••

One of the most popular centres among Singaporeans.

Available package tiers include:

• RM168
• RM388
• RM688
• RM1,288

The RM688 package is often considered the best value because it includes more advanced screening than the entry-level options.

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❤️ Best for Heart Health: Regency Specialist Hospital

4.6•Private hospital•Open

••

Recommended if you have:

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart disease

Executive packages often include cardiac investigations beyond a standard ECG.

If I were choosing for you

Based on what you've shared previously, you're 49 years old, physically active, have a healthy BMI, and have a past history of hypertension that is currently being monitored.

I would look for a package that includes:

• ✅ Doctor consultation
• ✅ Full blood count
• ✅ HbA1c (diabetes)
• ✅ Cholesterol profile
• ✅ Kidney and liver function
• ✅ Urine analysis
• ✅ ECG
• ✅ Chest X-ray
• ✅ Abdominal ultrasound
• ✅ PSA (prostate cancer screening)
• ✅ Thyroid function
• ✅ Stool occult blood test (or discuss colonoscopy if appropriate)
• ✅ Uric acid

A package in the RM600–900 (approximately S$190–290) range is likely to provide excellent value without paying for tests that are unlikely to benefit someone without specific risk factors.

JB vs Singapore Health Screening 2026: Is It Worth Crossing the Causeway?

Keywords: JB health screening, Johor Bahru medical check-up, Singapore health screening cost, full body check-up Malaysia, preventive health screening Singapore

Regular health screening is one of the smartest investments you can make for your long-term health. Many diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain cancers, develop silently with few symptoms. Early detection allows treatment to begin sooner and can prevent serious complications.

As the Singapore dollar continues to remain strong against the Malaysian Ringgit, more Singaporeans are choosing Johor Bahru (JB) for healthcare services. But is travelling across the Causeway really worth it for a full body health check-up?

Health Screening Cost Comparison

Package	Johor Bahru (JB)	Singapore
Basic Screening	S$125–200	S$150–350
Comprehensive Screening	S$200–375	S$350–800
Executive Screening	S$375–500	S$800–2,000+

The price difference is significant. Comparable health screening packages in JB often cost 40% to 70% less than those offered by private healthcare providers in Singapore.

What Tests Are Included?

Most comprehensive packages in both countries include:

• Doctor consultation
• Physical examination
• Blood pressure and BMI
• Full blood count
• Diabetes screening (Fasting Glucose & HbA1c)
• Cholesterol profile
• Kidney and liver function
• Urine analysis
• ECG
• Chest X-ray

Premium packages may also include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Thyroid function tests
• PSA (Prostate screening)
• Tumour markers
• Cardiac stress test
• Bone density scan
• Specialist consultation

For healthy adults, the basic and comprehensive tests usually provide the best value. More expensive packages often include additional tests that are only beneficial for people with specific medical risks or a strong family history.

Advantages of Health Screening in JB

1. Significant Cost Savings

The strongest advantage is affordability. Many Singaporeans can save several hundred dollars while receiving similar core health screening tests.

2. Modern Private Hospitals

Private hospitals in Johor Bahru have invested heavily in modern medical equipment and many doctors speak fluent English and Mandarin, making communication easy for Singaporeans.

3. Convenient Day Trip

A health screening can usually be completed within half a day. Many Singaporeans combine the visit with shopping, dining or grocery shopping before returning home.

Advantages of Health Screening in Singapore

1. Easier Medical Follow-up

If abnormalities are detected, specialist referrals, repeat investigations and treatment are much more convenient within Singapore's healthcare system.

2. Better Continuity of Care

Your family doctor can access your medical history more easily and monitor changes over time.

3. Government Subsidies

Eligible Singapore Citizens can enjoy subsidised preventive screening through national programmes, making basic screening very affordable.

Which Option Would I Choose?

If I were paying entirely out of pocket and wanted a comprehensive annual health check-up, I would seriously consider a reputable private hospital in Johor Bahru. The cost savings can easily exceed S$300 to S$600, while still receiving quality healthcare.

However, if I had existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease, or if I expected further investigations after the screening, I would choose Singapore for the convenience of follow-up care.

Final Thoughts

Health screening should never be viewed as an expense—it is an investment in your future. Whether you choose Singapore or Johor Bahru, the important thing is to undergo regular screening based on your age and risk factors.

Personally, I believe Johor Bahru offers excellent value for healthy adults looking for comprehensive private health screening, while Singapore remains the preferred choice for those requiring ongoing medical care and specialist follow-up.

Have you ever gone to Johor Bahru for a health check-up? Share your experience in the comments below. Your insights may help other readers decide whether crossing the Causeway is worthwhile.

World Cup Fever 2026

 It is World Cup Fever 2026 in Singapore. It was a solid match between England and France for the 3rd position. I have never seen a match where 10 goals are scored and both teams are attacking giving the World Cup a good name in the fight for the 3rd place. I hope that the fight for the champions will also be as exciting as the 3rd place. It will be today Argentina Vs Spain at 3am Singapore Time. Both have battled through their matches and it is anybody's guess who will be crown champions today. 

I look forward for today's match. :)