In the 1930s, American novelist Upton Sinclair wrote that it is difficult for a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it. Almost a century on, the observation remains just as relevant. 

Insurance agents continue to peddle expensive life policies despite the universal adage that buying term and investing the rest is the cheapest and most efficient way of acquiring coverage.

Try engaging your insurer friend on that and be prepared to watch the friendship go up in smoke. 

While I would have felt a sense of unease years ago, age has made me more accepting.

Why should the truth even stand in the way of visceral self-interest?

It never has, it will never be, and I have come to accept it as a way of life. 

So it is a breath of fresh air to find myself across the table from property insider Ku Swee Yong.