On the first day of Chinese New Year, the newspaper deliveries stopped.

That sudden morning silence reminded me of a controversial podcast I listened to recently. 

The host's premise was simple: Did the news actually help you make any big decisions today? Has your life objectively improved after reading it? If the answer is no, they argued, why bother letting it clutter your mind?

It is a fair question for most, but as a wealth advisor, I take the exact opposite approach. 

I consume the news constantly, and here is why:

1.  The Macro vs. The Micro

The podcast is right about one thing: the daily headlines shouldn't dictate your Big Picture goals (like your 20-year retirement plan). But the news absolutely guides the day-to-day conversations. I read to continuously self-learn, to spot new market narratives, and to keep my clients grounded when the headlines get noisy. 

(Especially when you see the sensational headlines of "STI breaking past 5000..")

2.  The Screen-Time Swap

On a personal level, reading the news acts as my daily anchor. Instead of doom scrolling on my mobile phone or playing games, I am actively engaging with new information. Of course, I focus on "important news" instead of the "number of calories per CNY snack". 

FYI, a pineapple tart 🍍requires 15 minutes of dancing!

3.  The "Dad" Bonus

There is a massive difference between my children seeing me staring blankly at a glowing rectangle in my hand versus seeing me flipping through a newspaper. It sets a much better visual example for them.

(And let’s be entirely honest—the real sweetener is that it stops my wife from scolding me for being glued to my phone... even if hiding behind a newspaper means I’m still slightly distracted from the chaos! 🤫)

The bottom line? Don't let the news dictate your long-term portfolio and your corresponding decisions. But when consumed with purpose, it definitely adds value to your day.

Now, if you will excuse me, it is time to read the papers... on my tablet. ☕📰

Are you a physical newspaper reader, or have you gone 100% digital?