EPF Dividends 2018 – 6.15%
The Employees’ Provident Fund has a good track record of declaring above average returns to Malaysians. Also, have a look at their very simple vision and mission.
Helping members achieve a better future
Mission
Safeguard members’ savings and deliver excellent services
Quality Policy
The EPF is committed to help members achieve a better future through continuous improvement in safeguarding members’ savings and delivering excellent services.
With the EPF, Malaysians essentially have in place a system of forced savings, investing and reinvesting for their retirement.
An independent governmental body whose goal is not motivated by fees but to earn the highest possible return for its members.
In general, Malaysians are happy with the 6.15% declaration of dividends by the board of our good old EPF.
And YES!
EPF = KWSP. They’re one and the same.
We’re all familiar with EPF as our retirement fund. But what does EPF actually invest in?
Main Assets of EPF
As of 2018, equities made up about 41% of EPF’s total assets.
A further 50% is invested in fixed income instruments.
Let’s have a look at some of EPF’s largest equity holdings.
It’s a good idea to have EPF’s investments as a reference, apart from my Freedom Fund of course. ; )
What Will Become of Your EPF Savings?
With the recent 6.15% declaration in dividend, what do you plan to do with your savings in the fund?
I’ve created a simple poll in an attempt to gauge the mentality and financial decisions of everyone here.
No pressure. Also, there are no wrong answers.
What Will You Do With Your EPF?
- 1 - I'm leaving my EPF untouched till I'm 55 (55%, 59 Votes)
- 2 - Withdraw from account 2 for properties (18%, 19 Votes)
- 4 - Self contribute additional monies for a more comfy retirement (13%, 14 Votes)
- 3 - Withdraw from account 1 for investments (7%, 8 Votes)
- 5 - I don't know what to do with my EPF savings (7%, 7 Votes)
Total Voters: 107
What I Do With My EPF
I personally am leaving my EPF untouched till I reach 55. And then I’ll withdraw a monthly amount to keep me alive, slowly drawing down on the capital.Your EPF is essentially forcing you to save a portion of your income every month. And it helps you reinvest those 6% and above dividends every single year.
Even though I’ve mentioned there being no wrong answers to the poll above, I do believe Option 2 and 3 – where you’re essentially drawing down on your funds from your EPF savings is the least financially sound decision.
I see no reason for one to forego that 6% return in lieu of mutual funds or property. If you’ve got to take money from your retirement savings to purchase something, you definitely can’t afford it. In my opinion, of course.
Has anyone done this long term and made good money from Options 2 and 3?
End.
You may have heard from uncles and aunties telling you to withdraw as much as you can during times of uncertainty.Mutual fund agents may have enticed you to believe their RM100 million funds are superior to our national fund – worth over RM800 fucking billion dollars.
Property agents may have hinted that your purchase of that 3BR apartment is a better decision than leaving your money in the hands of a professional investing team.
I think all are a load of hokum and I’ll stick with EPF for the foreseeable future.
I think you should too.
And this is a plea to all Malaysians, don’t squander away your retirement savings.
TL;DR – Withdrawal from EPF? Bad idea.
https://dividendmagic.com.my/2019/02/20/the-employees-provident-fund-epf/
