Why your portfolio may not make sense…and how to fix it
Have you ever looked at your portfolio and wondered:
“Why doesn’t this feel right?”
“Why is it so volatile?”
“What exactly am I holding… and why?”
If yes, you’re not alone.
In the past month, I spoke to three different people - each smart, hardworking, and sincerely trying to make their money work for them.
Yet, all three were unknowingly “throwing darts in the dark”.
Here’s what I mean.
1. The Stock-Tips Investor
I was talking to someone who had invested in a few stocks for a while.
How he got started? Following stock tips from a friend.
At first, it felt exciting - he bought what his friend bought.
But weeks later…
the stock was moving in ways he didn’t expect
he had no idea whether to buy more or sell
the friend (and the stock tip) disappeared
The problem? People have different risk profiles, goals, and emotional tolerance. A stock that works for your friend’s personality, income, goals, and time horizon may not work for you at all.
And once the stock is in your portfolio… you’re the one who must live with the outcome.
2. The 100%-Crypto Investor
Another friend shared that his entire portfolio (i.e. 100%) is in crypto.
Some days, he feels on top of the world. Other days, he’s in the pit. His mood swings have started affecting not just him, but his family.
The problem? Volatility is not just a number. It impacts your emotions, your confidence, your stress levels, and your behaviour.
A portfolio that constantly shakes you is not a portfolio you can stick with.
3. The Fixed-Deposit Saver With Cash Flow Problems
Someone else I spoke to was experiencing cash-flow stress while juggling credit cards.
Why? All her money was locked up in fixed deposits.
She was “saving,” but not in a way that supported her actual life needs.
The problem? Even safe decisions can become unsafe when they aren’t aligned with real-life cash flow.
All Three Had One Thing in Common…
They were genuinely trying their best. They weren’t reckless. They weren’t uninformed.
They were simply: Investing without a clear structure.
And when you don’t have structure, you end up:
reacting instead of planning
following others instead of following your goals
feeling confused, stuck, or stressed
holding assets that don’t match your risk profile
building a portfolio that doesn’t truly make sense to you
This is one of the biggest and most common problems I see.
How to Fix It
Here’s the good news: You don’t need complicated strategies. You don’t need to be “good with numbers.” You don’t need daily market monitoring.
You simply need:
1. Clarity on your goals
What are you actually building towards?
2. A structure you understand
One you can explain easily in 60 seconds, to yourself or even to a friend.
3. A portfolio aligned with your risk profile
Not your friend’s. Not the internet’s. Yours.
When your portfolio aligns with who you are, you finally feel:
✔ calmer
✔ more confident
✔ more consistent
✔ more in control
And that’s when real progress starts.
If You Want to Learn How to Build a Portfolio That Makes Sense…
I’m hosting a free live webinar:
Build a Portfolio You Understand
🗓️ 5 Dec (Thu), 8PM SG / 7PM Jkt
(Replay available for all who register)
In this 1-hour session + live Q&A, you’ll learn:
the common mistakes that make investing confusing
how to decide what should (and shouldn’t) be in your portfolio
a simple framework to build a calm, intentional investment plan
It’s especially for beginners or anyone who feels unsure about their current strategy. If you want to invest with more clarity and less fear, this session will help you.
