2020 was the year COVID-19 pandemic swept the world off their feet. 

Many were left at their wits’ end. 

For me however, it spur a new beginning, the start of my journey in the financial services industry. 

Let me explain, this is my story. 

In the earlier years of my life, a series of unfortunate events left my parents with multitude of financial obligations. They were struggling to pay-off these financial obligations, yet somehow, I was unaffected and even sufficiently provided for. 

I was oblivious and shielded from the enduring reality, and fortunate to grow up in a warm and nurturing environment. 

Soon the facade faded as I grew to realise that these blessings were largely attributed to the support of many of those surrounding my family. And I am thankful. 

However, I knew then that I had to take up the ownership, to be accountable to those around me and reciprocate the blessings of many that allowed for my smooth-sailing life thus far. 

I had to be financially independent, and this sparked my interest in pursuit of financial wisdom. 

It was the year 2018, I had just started pursuing a degree in Engineering. 

In this period, I chanced upon the financial services industry. I was enticed by the perks of the industry, however the uncertainties and tainted image of the industry deterred me from making a firm decision. I was not convinced. 

Fast forward 2 years into University. 

Year 2020, I was still aimlessly pursuing a degree in engineering. 

It was also the year COVID-19 pandemic swept the world off their feet. 

Measures were taken, CircuitBreaker was implemented and everything changed. 

I was reintroduced to the financial services industry. This time, a series of deeper exposure in the industry opened my eyes to the realm of financial planning, with an emphasis on the importance of it. 

In the midst of COVID-19 and the downturn of global economy, I also saw that only in the toughest times, those with proper financial planning and management would see through, while many without fell through. 

I was concerned and just as I was determined to do this right, all stars seem to align and I met Don and decided to take a leap of faith with Odyssey Advisory. 

I experienced the genuine intentions and similar aspirations of the team, which aligned with mine. 

I want to be accountable to those around me, to educate them on financial knowledge and proper planning, to ensure that they are secured during the toughest times.

Personally, it struck me hard back home, when I spoke to my parents for the first time in 23 years, on financial planning. It was revealed that: 

 1. They had little personal insurance coverage. Severely under-insured and it meant any major risk would have landed us in crippling state, possibly other ways but definitely financially. 

 2. They had no retirement planning. I am their plan and support. 

Years of meeting financial obligations while supporting my siblings and I meant that all resources were exhausted. Insurances also had no emphasis and the importance of it was not apparent to them. 

They had no choice. 

Had they known and started early, outcome would have been different. Still, late is better than never. 

My family are only the first I have reached, they are definitely not the last. Reach out to me to embark on Life’s Adventure! 

I am Shawn and this is my personal story.