Growing up, I knew deep-down I never wanted to exchange time for money.

But it was over one dinner conversation that turned that quiet thought into a burning desire.

I come from a middle income family with two lovely younger sisters. I was the eldest. One day over dinner, my mom said we had to spend less. The thing is, the company my dad had worked for wasn't doing very well. The economic crisis had just hit. And I could sense the worry on my parents' face. That moment shook me. Especially, when I knew my parents still had to pay for my sisters' university education.

I knew I had to do something.

During university, I gave tuition to students, including my younger cousin. But that meant my entire Saturday afternoons got burnt. I worked during my school holidays as an admin assistant. But I got bored at the desk.

In a way, I wanted to work without exchanging my time for it. Later on, that planted a seed in my head: how to make passive income.

It was only when my university hallmate passed me a book called the Intelligent Investor — I got that "aha" moment.

I realised investing was a money-making, life skill. If I could master it, I could make money without exchanging my time. And I would also enjoy the intellectual challenge. I was hooked. I didn't become interested in the financial markets. I became obsessed.

That kicked off my journey in financial markets. Eventually, it led me to achieve my financial goals. It also fulfilled my personal mission to build a retirement portfolio for my mom.

I share this story in an interview with DollarsAndSense few years ago. It’s very special for me, because it changed me perspective toward money and savings.

Sometimes, investing can be simple.

Willie Keng, CFA

Founder, Dividend Titan