In Q3 my portfolio did not grow, but I am still pretty much financially independent.
In Q3 2026 my portfolio decreased slightly by S$3,559, from S$1,476,299 to S$1,472,740. There were S$9,010 in investment losses, partly offset by S$3,180 in fresh investments and S$2,271 in reinvested dividends.
My current net salary is only around S$72k per year.
Working or not working makes little difference.
Asset allocation
Still pretty much financially independent
My hypothetical retirement income using a 4% withdrawal rate from my portfolio (green line) has dipped below my trailing 12-month average expenses (blue line). As of October, my current 12-month average spending would correspond to a withdrawal rate of about 3.8% of the portfolio.
Outlook / plan
The plan has not changed much since my last post. I am still in a bit of a holding pattern.
I calculated that the next two funding rounds will dilute my shares in the startup even more strongly than I had assumed. It now depends on how good my salary increase and new share allocation will be, and how long my wife still wants to work.
I am a bit tired of working in general. AI has somehow made working life feel even more pointless, as a lot of my original skills are now greatly devalued. I just want to do sports, read books and look out at the ocean.
My portfolio is more than big enough for this target. In fact, even at a conservative 3.65% withdrawal rate, I would have more income than 60% of German full-time employees.
Right now my plan is to wait a few months until the funding round is complete, then renegotiate. If, for any reason, I am not satisfied with the outcome, I will escape working life. Also, next year I will turn 45. I think it is time…