The Archive · 2013 — Now
Notes from the practice.
Write to figure out what you actually think. The post is the second draft of a thought you had earlier in the day.
521 essays in the archive · 13 languages · 55 categories
Applying for a Credit Card without Affecting Your Credit Score: A Guide for Expats in the US
Discover how to check credit card eligibility through soft inquiries and pre-approvals—avoiding the 5-10 point score drop that comes with hard pulls.
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I felt outraged reading “The price we pay” by Marty Makary, MD
After paying 4X more for healthcare in the US than Singapore, I discovered why: markups of 20-50X, kickbacks, and middlemen gaming a broken system that consumes 18% of GDP.
Bilt Rewards Program Explained: Rent Points, Fees, and Who Pays
A narrower explainer on the Bilt rewards program itself: how rent points work, who pays for them, and why the business model is unusual.
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Bilt Credit Card Review (2026): Earn Points on Rent Without Fees
No. 05GoogleInterest in AI exploded in the US on the same week that ChatGPT was released
No. 06Expats in the USFrom Asia to California: A Guide to a Smooth Relocation
No. 07GeopoliticsMy thoughts on Ray Dalio's recent dialogue on the Center for China and Globalization on Jan 10, 2023
No. 08Credit card tipsUpgrade Your Wallet: How to Turn Credit Card Spend into Free Flights, Cash, and More!
No. 09Expats in the USExpat guide to US relocation: Consider the cost of living
No. 10Expats in the USExpat's Guide to US Relocation: Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease in the US
No. 11Expats in the USNavigating the US Healthcare System as an Expat: Your Go-To Guide for Staying Healthy in America
No. 12Expats in the USExpat Life in the US: How to Stay Close with Loved Ones Back Home
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