In the world of personal finance, there are a multitude of content creators sharing their insights, strategies, and financial journeys. One such individual is Kelvin, a personal finance YouTuber who manages to rake in an impressive monthly income of S$20,000 from various income streams.
Introduction
Kelvin, the Ipoh-born content creator, made a significant life change when he moved to Singapore in 2007 and became a citizen in 2021. Max Chernov recently interviewed him, offering valuable insights into Kelvin’s perspective on Singapore and his financial success.
Relocating to Singapore
One of the first things that Kelvin shared was his journey to Singapore. Moving to a new country can be daunting, but Kelvin found the transition relatively smooth due to the similarity in cultures between Malaysia and Singapore.
He humorously pointed out, “Even though I feel that Malaysian foods are better,” which was a testament to his affection for his homeland. However, Kelvin’s admiration for Singapore soon became evident.
Praise for Singapore’s Efficiency
Kelvin highlighted Singapore’s efficiency as a significant factor in his fondness for the country. He pointed out that Singapore’s small size and well-developed public transport were major advantages.
Comparing it to his hometown, Ipoh, where public transport wasn’t as accessible, Kelvin realized the value of Singapore’s infrastructure.
As someone who prefers not to drive, having reliable public transport was a huge plus for him. Additionally, he marveled at how everything in Singapore could be done online, streamlining various administrative processes. He quipped, “They can just mail you the entire passport…but that’s not possible in Malaysia.”
The Culture of Hard Work
Max delved deeper into Kelvin’s experience in Singapore and asked him about the aspects he didn’t like. Kelvin shared his mixed feelings about the culture of hard work in the country.
He mentioned the traditional life path that many Singaporeans follow: intense studying to secure a place in university, even more rigorous studying in higher education, and then a relentless climb up the career ladder. While this path guarantees financial stability, it may not be the most relaxed way of life.
Kelvin acknowledged that Singapore rewards hard work, which aligns with the government’s emphasis on human talent as a valuable resource. He pointed out that if Singaporeans were to relax more, the country’s competitiveness might suffer.
The Birth of a YouTuber
Kelvin’s journey into the world of personal finance and YouTube was a revelation. He began his YouTube journey in 2020 while juggling a full-time job.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Singapore and people started working from home, he found himself with extra time to invest in building his YouTube channel.
It was in 2022, when his company let him go, that Kelvin made the bold decision to pursue YouTube full-time. He pointed out that, at that time, his YouTube income was on par with his day job.
When asked if he would consider returning to a stable corporate job, Kelvin’s response was an unequivocal no. He expressed his satisfaction in working hard and directly reaping the rewards of his efforts. For Kelvin, the world of YouTube and its advertisers provided a sense of fulfillment that a traditional job couldn’t match.
The Secrets to His Success
Kelvin’s impressive monthly income of S$20,000 was largely attributed to his work as a YouTuber. However, he clarified that this figure included income from YouTube, his job, and investments.
He estimated that YouTube alone brought in an impressive S$6,000 to S$10,000 a month. Since making the transition to full-time YouTube content creation, he claimed that he now makes two to three times that amount. Notably, the bulk of his income comes from affiliate marketing, rather than traditional ads or sponsorships.