Money Talks

US-China tensions are back, shaking up the markets. But market volatility isn’t always bad news for investors. In fact, it could be a chance to buy into future winners. Andrea Heng finds out from Thomas Chua, author of personal finance blog Steady Compounding, why patience and discipline matter more than timing the market. This episode was recorded live at Seedly Personal Finance Festival 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being in the top 15 per cent income bracket doesn’t guarantee a secure future. Lifestyle inflation, DIY missteps and uncoordinated plans often catch  high income earners off-guard. Andrea Heng sits down with financial adviser Jo Ong to find out how to better manage your salaries and avoid financial hurdles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US Federal Reserve rate cut may be good news for your mortgage, but bad news for your fixed deposits. As global interest rates shift in response, where should Singaporeans invest for better returns? Andrea Heng sits down with Ritesh Ganeriwal from Syfe to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is making its way into the financial planning space, with the technology’s ability to scan through hundreds of products and generate investment plans within minutes. But can AI chatbots replace a human adviser? Andrea Heng sits down with Kilde co-CEO Radek Jezbera to unpack the capabilities and limitations of asking an AI for financial advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Singaporeans overlook the fine print when it comes to CPF nominations, especially during key life changes like divorce or having more children. Andrea Heng sits down with Pang Zhe Liang, financial adviser and author of The CPF Playbook, to find out what can go wrong – and how to fix it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of long-term care is rising, and CareShield Life is evolving to keep up. How will the new support measures and revised premium structures affect Singaporeans? Andrea Heng sits down with Alex Lee from the Singapore Actuarial Society to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having the “money talk” with your parents can be daunting, especially when they’re reluctant to listen. But with housing assets, health costs and retirement planning at stake, these talks are critical. Vera Lau from Saxo shares what worked in her own experience and breaks down how to approach the conversation with empathy and respect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Franchising promises a head start with a proven brand. But is it really easier or cheaper than building a business from scratch? From royalty fees to brand restrictions, there’s more than meets the eye. Nafees Khundker, the franchisee of Lush in Singapore, unpacks what aspiring franchisees need to know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While some Singaporeans are familiar with local exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a world of opportunity lies beyond our borders. How does one navigate the complexities of different time zones, currency risks and foreign taxes? Is there a hack to lower the tax on dividends? Gerald Wong, CEO and founder of Beansprout, breaks down what you need to know before taking your investments global.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central banks around the world are looking to increase their gold reserves, seeking a safe haven amid global uncertainty. How can individual investors get in on the action? How much of one’s portfolio should be allocated to this precious metal? Shaokai Fan, global head of central banks and head of APAC (excluding China) from the World Gold Council, breaks it down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2021 GameStop saga introduced the world to meme stock mania. Now, with the likes of GoPro and Krispy Kreme in the spotlight, the phenomenon is returning. Andrea Heng speaks with SMU's Associate Professor of Finance (Education), Aurobindo Ghosh, to unpack the psychology behind the hype and the risks for retail investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No contract, large data packages and free overseas internet roaming. These are just some of the perks that mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Singapore are offering. Dinesh Dayani of DollarsandSense.sg discusses what to watch for in the fine print and how to know when it’s finally time to make the switch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many jobs come with corporate insurance coverage but for those who want extra protection, they may consider paying for a personal insurance policy. Which policy should you claim first and how do you make the most out of your company insurance policy? Peggy Chan from the Institute for Financial Literacy shares what to look out for.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When companies like Reddit and Grab are listed on the stock exchange, there is often a buzz. But what does “going public” really mean for the company and for you as an investor? In this week’s Money Talks Explains, Dr Zhang Weina from NUS Business School unpacks the ins and outs of getting an Initial Public Offering (IPO), how prices are decided and whether it’s wise to invest in newly listed stocks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When geopolitical tensions flare up, all eyes turn to oil. But why does this commodity trigger global anxiety? In this episode of Money Talks Explains, energy expert Vandana Hari from Vanda Insights unpacks how changes in oil prices can have a ripple effect through economies – impacting policies, prices and portfolios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Singapore phasing out the sale of new internal combustion engine car and taxi registrations by 2030, many Singaporeans are contemplating switching to an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid car.  But what are the costs involved? In this episode of Money Talks, Julian Kho from Sgcarmart gives a breakdown of the real costs and benefits involved – from maintenance fees to charging costs and road tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financial costs of studying overseas may seem daunting but it can be manageable with the right planning and a buffer for unexpected costs. In this week’s Money Talks, Dr Chan Khai Leok from education consultancy theRightU walks us through the key financial planning essentials - from funding options to major expenses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the US dollar weakens against the Singdollar, should you buy it even if you’re not traveling to the US anytime soon? And what happens if the rate drops drastically? In this week’s Money Talks episode, Khoon Goh, head of Asia research for ANZ gives a run down the basics of currency exchange.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the physical and emotional toll that comes with having cancer, the financial burden can be just as daunting. So what are the key costs to consider if you or your loved one are faced with cancer? Group director for clinical services at the Singapore Cancer Society Dr Dennis Chia is our guest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property disputes – especially among family members can lead to painful and costly legal battles. What can be done to avoid these conflicts before they escalate? Andrea Heng sits down with Lim Fung Peen, director and head of family and private wealth practice group at Yuen Law LLCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond using your CPF to buy a home or as a retirement plan, it can also be used for investments. But what are the risks involved? In this episode of Money Talks, Christopher Tan from Providend explains how to avoid some common investment pitfalls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S$NEER – the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate - is a critical component of Singapore’s monetary policy. Jeff Ng, head of Asia macro strategy at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, tells Andrea Heng how this affects the price of our daily coffee or our shopping sprees on holiday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning a funeral can be a deeply emotional experience - but it can also come with significant financial costs. Andrea Heng speaks with Ang Ziqian, vice-president of the Association of Funeral Directors Singapore and managing director of Ang Chin Moh Funeral Directors, on the costs and logistics of planning for a funeral. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European stock market was outperforming the American markets in the first quarter of 2025. Then came US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” and markets across Europe plunged. Should investors still look to Europe in the mid- and long-term? Yap Fook Hien, senior investment strategist, wealth solutions for Standard Chartered Bank breaks it down.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From growing up in a wealthy family to losing it all when she was just 15, group CEO and founder of The Parentinc, Roshni Mahtani Cheung, is our guest on this episode of How I Made It. She tells Andrea Heng how she built her business from scratch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump’s tariffs have sent shockwaves through global markets. But what does this mean for your investments? Eddy Loh, chief investment officer at Maybank Group Wealth Management tells Andrea Heng what you should consider having in your portfolio to weather through the falls. This podcast was recorded on Apr 8, 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early March, financial services firm Chocolate Finance announced it had suspended instant withdrawals, causing concern among customers. This raised questions about the safety of digital banks and investment platforms. Avishek Nandy from Bain & Company gives Andrea Heng a quick lay of the land in this week’s Money Talks Explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you planning to refinance your mortgage loan but not sure if it’s the right time? In this episode of Money Talks Explains, Clive Chng, head of relations at Redbrick Mortgage Advisory, gives a breakdown of what homeowners should consider – from loan tenure to interest rates – before making the move.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From big-ticket items to daily expenses, the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scheme has gained traction among consumers for its convenience and flexibility. But do consumers fully understand the risks involved? Associate Professor Pearpilai Jutasompakorn from the Singapore Institute of Technology breaks down the pros and cons of the scheme with Andrea Heng in this week’s episode of Money Talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When making travel plans, buying travel insurance is usually treated as an afterthought. In this episode of Money Talks, Cherie Wang co-founder of Planner Bee tells Andrea Heng why this shouldn’t be the case, and highlights what fine print to look out for to ensure you can travel with a peace of mind. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2025 was chockfull of goodies – from top-ups in CDC vouchers, increased support for workers looking to upskill themselves, and more incentives for Singaporeans to have larger families. In this week’s Money Talks, Navin Sregantan, financial literacy specialist at DBS Bank tells Andrea Heng how we can make the most out of this year’s offerings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever bought an insurance policy only to have your agent ask if you would like to add on a rider for extra cost? In this week’s Money Talks Explains, Samuel Low from Income Insurance tells Andrea Heng what to consider before adding an integrated shield plan (IP) rider to your insurance policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial analysts will tell you that you need at least S$600,000 in cash when you retire. But for most people with heavy financial needs, what’s a reasonable plan? Andrea Heng asks OCBC's group wealth management head, Tan Siew Lee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From home renovation to purchasing a car and buying a house, what types of loans are available in Singapore and what should you look out for? Head of retail at GXS Bank Jenn Ong explains how to find the correct loan for your needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When choosing a credit card, which reward system should you go for – miles or cash rebates? On the brand-new Money Talks Explains, where we break down your financial questions, Tim Philips from TimTalksMoney explains the pros and cons of each, the trade-offs and key factors to consider before choosing your next credit card. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs could raise prices, but his pro-growth policies could work for your investments. Abel Lim, Head of Wealth Management Advisory and Strategy at UOB, shares his insights on this week’s Money Talks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Common disputes customers face with financial institutions include having their bank accounts frozen due to fraudulent transactions or not understanding why their insurance claims were rejected. So how can these issues be resolved? Eunice Chua, CEO of the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC) shares with Andrea Heng how mediation can help.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to financial resolutions, the common advice is to spend less and save more. But is it really that simple? In this episode, author of personal finance blog SG Budget Babe Dawn Cher shares with Andrea Heng how to diversify income streams, overcoming inertia to start investing and reviewing financial portfolios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last installment of our top five episodes of the season, Andrea Heng finds out what potential renters need to know before taking the plunge and what red flags to look out for when reviewing their contracts. Dr Lee Nai Jia, Head of Real Estate Intelligence, Data and Software Solutions with PropertyGuru Group gives his take.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one of our top five episodes of the season, Chong Yue-En, a lawyer and the managing director of Bethel Chambers LLC, breaks down the complex issue of financial abuse. What are the red flags and what kind of legal and non-legal action can be taken to mitigate the impact? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third episode of the top five episodes of the Money Talks season, CEO of Mortgage Master, David Baey, shares his insights on how to navigate the costs of home ownership, amd getting the most out of your mortgage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second of the top five episodes from our archives, Nabila Hanim shares with Andrea Heng about some of the hidden financial and non-financial costs that come with being the primary caregiver for her ailing grandmother. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first of the top five episodes from our archives this year, Andrea Heng sits down with PropNex CEO Ismail Gafoor. He shares how his childhood shaped his attitude towards money, the number one financial rule he and his wife live by, and why it took years for him to finally enjoy spending money on himself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies in Singapore are always encouraged to invest in training and upskilling of their staff. But with limited resources and time constraints, what sort of assistance can SMEs tap on to keep up with the competition? Brian Stampe from Commonwealth Concepts and Xu Wenshan from SkillsFuture Singapore share their insights in this week’s Money Talks. This episode is brought to you by SkillsFuture Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, going against the big players can seem almost impossible. But what if the big players can help the SMEs to not only survive but thrive? In this week’s Money Talks, Andrea Heng sits down with Yee Wee Tang, managing director of Grab Singapore, and Xu Wenshan from SkillsFuture Singapore to share about the SkillsFuture Queen Bee networks and how industry leaders can further support SMEs. This episode is brought to you by SkillsFuture Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From budget constraints to moving timelines and working with contractors – renovating your home can be a mentally and financially draining process. In this week’s Money Talks, Qanvast co-founder Daniel Lim shares tips on how to navigate the renovation journey without breaking the bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the suburbs of Australia to the snowy resorts in Niseko, Singaporeans are venturing overseas in search of a second property. Whether it’s an investment or to be close to your child in university, the process comes with certain costs and trade-offs. Clarice Lau, head of sales, residential (international project marketing) from Knight Frank Singapore gives Andrea Heng the lay of the land in this week’s Money Talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claims limits for hospital stays and outpatient treatments will go up - but so will MediShield Life premiums. How can we maximise our MediSave, and what support is available for those who may not be able to afford the rising costs? Dr Cynthia Chen, Assistant Professor at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health sits down with Andrea Heng on this week’s Money Talks. This podcast was produced in partnership with the Ministry of Health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore may have one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but this comes at a heavy price. In this week’s Money Talks, Dr Jeremy Lim from NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health explains how early detection of diseases may help lower your healthcare expenses in future. This podcast was produced in partnership with the Ministry of Health. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From defective home appliances to misleading product descriptions, it can be frustrating when your purchases fall short on quality. What rights do customers have when seeking compensation, and when is it all a futile exercise? Linus Ng, chairperson of the CASE Consumer Education Committee and partner at Donaldson & Burkinshaw, explains if you can get your money back from errant vendors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.