In 1996, my mother bought what she believed was an endowment plan, hoping it would give me $20,000 when it matured. She paid the premiums for 20 years. When the policy matured, we discovered it was a whole life policy with a sum assured of $20,000. There was no endowment payout. We were confused and disappointed, and I realised how easy it is to misunderstand a financial product when no one explains it clearly.
That experience stayed with me. I started Dollar Bureau so other people would have somewhere to learn, compare, and ask questions before making financial decisions that can affect them for years.
Long before Dollar Bureau launched in 2019, I spoke with many financial advisors and insurance agents, including friends. Sometimes a casual lunch or dinner turned into a sales pitch. Those conversations showed me how important it is to understand the options and know whether a recommendation fits your needs.
I’ve always loved researching things before I buy them, whether it’s a new gadget, a travel destination, or a financial product. When I started Dollar Bureau, I put that same curiosity to work. Since 2019, we’ve reviewed more than 200 insurance policies, comparing their features and talking to people about what they actually need. The comparisons and guides on Dollar Bureau come from that research, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
I’ve also learned a lot from speaking with financial advisors who can compare products across multiple insurers. Together, we look at the trade-offs between policies and how they might fit different people and situations. When someone asks us for help, we try to understand what matters to them before discussing possible options.
That’s why Dollar Bureau brings financial education together with personalised financial advice. I want people to be able to understand what they are buying, why they are buying it, and how it fits into their wider plans. My own family’s experience is the reason I care about this work; it’s still the reason we put so much effort into research and clear explanations today.
I’m Muhammad Firdaus Syazwani, also known as Fur amongst friends. I’m the founder of Dollar Bureau.
I’ve passed the following examinations and hold the associated certifications from the Singapore College of Insurance:
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to share my perspective and Dollar Bureau’s work with publishers in Singapore and overseas. Here are the features already on this site:
The CPF Special Account can take up to 11.5% of your monthly salary. But why is so much channelled here? We explain why and what you can do in this post!
Here’s what you need to apply for ComCare and find out how much it pays. Our guide breaks down the application process and income support provided by ComCare.
Having a plan for your child’s education is essential. Here’s a guide to education planning in Singapore so that your child can study without worries.
What would happen to your assets and liabilities when you pass on? Want to ensure your loved ones are secure? Read our guide to estate planning in Singapore.
If you’re looking to reduce your tax liabilities while growing your wealth, the supplementary retirement scheme is for you. Click here to read more about it!
If you’re looking to properly distribute your assets after you pass on, legacy planning is what you need. Read this guide on how you can do in Singapore.
Here’s a guide on how to plan for retirement in Singapore. We breakdown what it takes to retire in Singapore with this retirement planning guide.
The ElderFund helps seniors with long-term care costs. It supports elderly with severe disabilities and limited financial means. Click here to read more.
Here’s how to review your insurance coverage to ensure it meets your evolving needs and offers adequate protection in Singapore. Click here to read more.
Need help with long-term care costs in Singapore? Learn how MediSave Care supports those with severe disabilities in Singapore. Click here to read now.
Twenty years ago, Firdaus's mother bought an endowment plan from an insurance agent to gift him $20,000. However, after 20 years of paying premiums, Firdaus discovered that the policy was actually a whole life plan with a sum assured of $20,000, and they didn't receive any money back. This experience inspired Firdaus to create dollarbureau.com, so that others won't face the same problem of being misled or not understanding what they are purchasing – which he sees as a is a huge problem in the industry.
Jaslyn began her finance journey as a ghostwriter for global websites, fostering a unique perspective on the subject. Now at Dollar Bureau's helm, she approaches finance through the everyday Singaporean lens. Her leadership ensures content is both relatable and easy to understand, making complex topics accessible to all.
Yuan Tian is an aspiring digital creative who’s looking to shape the industry for the better. She finds joy in picking up things that spark her curiosity and mindfulness. Not to mention, she’s an outdoor sports fanatic!
Jazlyn Ching is an Accountancy and Finance graduate. She has a keen interest in the finance industry and is always looking for methods to build and accumulate wealth. She understands how financial products can sometimes be confusing. Hence, she researches and shares her simplified take about them on Dollar Bureau's blog.
Lorraine Chew is a graduate from Singapore Management University. In her quest to navigate the world of adulting, she gleans the cruciality of financial products in safeguarding one's health and wealth. She endeavours to make the topic digestible to the layman by sharing her insights on the Dollar Bureau blog.
Akshaya is a full-time student, avid reader, and a self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur who despises talking about herself in third person. In her free time, if she’s not busy binging on her latest tv show obsession, she can be found engaged in movie marathons. Occasionally, Akshaya does research and freelance writing for Dollar Bureau as part of her passion for writing.
Get the Coverage Compass – the FREE insurance coverage calculator that has helped 1,000+ Singaporeans find out how much insurance they need.
100% free, delivered to your inbox in 3 minutes.
