The Atrahasis Portfolio began with a shift from speculation to structure.

TL;DR
Early 40s, started investing only in my late 20s. I began by chasing the “next big thing” (more gambling than investing), then moved to SG REITs for steady dividends. Five–six years later I added individual US stocks alongside a modest world ETF. In the last 2–3 years I shifted fully into ETFs—trimmed profitable single‑stock positions (e.g., PLTR, NVDA), left small red ones alone—and, over the past year, I used AI tools to design a simple framework that I can actually follow. This journal is how I keep myself disciplined.

The beginning

My early and mid 20s came and went without real investing. In my late 20s I finally decided to act. I walked into my neighbourhood POEMS branch, opened a brokerage account, and started chasing the next big thing in the local market with little knowledge or experience. In hindsight, it was speculation, not investing.

That realisation pushed me to rethink my approach and look for steadier ways to build a portfolio. I turned to SG REITs after discovering the Dividends Rich Warrior SG blog. Regular cash flow was compelling. I set a first milestone of S$1,000 per month in dividends and watched payouts slowly climb from tens to hundreds. That simple target gave me focus and patience.

With that foundation in place, my confidence grew and my attention shifted beyond Singapore. The US market offered scale and growth, so I began buying individual US stocks while keeping a modest world ETF for balance. I started with familiar names such as Intel and Microsoft, added growth exposure through Palantir and Nvidia, and even dabbled in a few SPACs. This exploration became the spark for what I now call the Atrahasis Portfolio. Some picks worked and some did not. I learned that a handful of winners cannot make up for a strategy that depends on constant decision making. I needed something simpler and more consistent.

To put that lesson into practice, over the last two to three years I moved fully into ETFs for broad, rules‑based exposure. I sold down profitable single‑stock positions, including PLTR and NVDA, and left smaller losing positions alone rather than committing more capital.

Getting structured (and why I’m writing)

In the past year I decided to get more organised. I worked with AI tools to pressure‑test and shape a simple allocation that fits my risk tolerance and behaviour. It will not suit everyone, but it works for me. This journal keeps the rules visible and holds me accountable.

Portfolio preview

This is the broad shape I am working with. Details will live on the Portfolio page and in the monthly updates. The Atrahasis portfolio does not include CPF nor Property.

Notes:
High-level breakdown: roughly two-thirds equity risk, one-quarter defensive ballast, and a small alternatives sleeve for diversification and optionality.

What to expect

Short monthly updates, a clear view of the portfolio when I am ready to share it, and the small lessons I pick up along the way. Singapore specifics included. Wins and mistakes included.

Thanks for reading. Let us see where this goes