From time to time, I get emails from readers who wonder if average Singaporeans could ever become financially free. Of course, I will remind them that AK was once upon a time a pretty average Singaporean too. If we are from a humble background and if we have a humble lifestyle, I believe that these are strengths and not weaknesses. I remember when I was a teenager about to join the armed forces, some wondered if I was going to make it because there were stuff I didn't like eating. Then, when they remembered that the stuff which I didn't like to eat were crabs, prawns, abalone, lobsters and a whole list of atas (i.e. Malay for high class) foodstuff, they knew I was going to be OK. I didn't have atas taste buds... ...