Money Talks

Is it possible to insure yourself against climate change? Is personal cyber insurance a must, given that we have digital lives? In this week’s episode of Money Talks, Helen Shen, Singlife’s Group Head of Health, tells us what you need to know about supplementary insurance policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a freelancer may offer flexibility and freedom, but what about financial security? In this week’s Money Talks, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of MoneyOwl Chuin Ting Weber, shares tips on how freelancers can manage their money better for a financially secure future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fixed deposits and government bonds are top choices for Singapore investors. But there are many other opportunities to grow wealth outside these tried and tested vehicles. But to do this, investor education is critical says Jo-Ann Chia, Asia Fixed Income Senior Portfolio Manager at Nikko Asset Management. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making a career pivot may seem scary, regardless of your age or station in life. How should you plan and manage your finances before making the leap into a new career? In this week’s episode of Money Talks, Peter Tan from Unicorn Financial Solutions shares some tips on how to navigate the change without disrupting your finances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across Asia, stock markets have seen diverse performances. From frontier markets that offer opportunities, to emerging ones that continue to entice investors and developed markets with steady growth, what should we know before dipping our toes in? Alex Wolf, Managing Director and Head of Investment Strategy for Asia at J.P. Morgan Private Bank gives us the lay of the land. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial abuse of vulnerable adults has been on the rise in Singapore. What are the red flags and what kind of legal and non-legal action can be taken to mitigate the impact? In this episode of Money Talks, Chong Yue-En, a lawyer and the Managing Director of Bethel Chambers LLC, gives us a breakdown of this complex issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just as there are generous grants for workers to learn new skills, businesses too have a range of resources to tap on. Lee Hsin Chong, managing director of BNL, explains how he uses subsidies and grants to help his company and the staff improve. This episode was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, in support of Budget 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government recently announced a S$4000 SkillsFuture Credit top-up for Singaporeans aged 40 and above. While this is good news for those keen on upskilling themselves, others may not know where to start. Peggy Lim, director of the Public Engagement Division at SkillsFuture Singapore, guides the way on this week’s Money Talks. This episode was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, in support of Budget 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The housing rental market in Singapore has gone through significant changes over the past few years. How should potential renters prepare themselves before taking the plunge? What red flags should they look out for in their contracts?In this episode of Money Talks, 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.

Access to private markets may be expanding, but they remain opaque to the regular investor. In this episode of the Money Talks podcast, co-founder and CEO of investment platform StashAway, Michele Ferrario, takes us through the differences between public and private markets, and how access to private markets still has its limits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One tool that every shareholder or investor should have in their arsenal is the ability to read and assess a company’s financial statements. But not everyone is equipped to cut through the jargon. David Gerald, founder, president and CEO of Securities Investors Association (Singapore) shows Andrea Heng what to look out for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following its peak in 2021, China has seen an epic US$7 trillion stock crash. Are we seeing a bottom nearing? What benefits can be reaped from buying cheaper Chinese stocks? Andrea Heng speaks to John Lin, Chief Investment Officer of China Equities at AllianceBernstein.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might have heard of the 'Magnificent 7' - Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla. But how did they become the darlings of the tech stock market and why are they so attractive to investors? Jonathan Woo, senior equity research analyst with PhillipCapital gives us the lowdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest changes to the CPF scheme announced in Budget 2024 raised concerns about the potential impact on retirement planning – specifically, the closure of the CPF Special Account. How will these changes affect your nest egg? We speak to Alvin Chow, CEO of financial education platform Dr Wealth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shock of losing a job without any warning is usually followed by anxiety over the loss of regular income. What are your options if you are retrenched and how do you stretch your savings while waiting for the next job? Sim Yong Han, senior financial consultant of Trust Advisors Group at SG Alliance, provides some practical tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picking the right bank isn’t as straightforward these days. Beyond finding a reputable name to park your savings in, banks are also aggressively wooing customers with investment products, higher interest rates and customised financial planning. Prashant Aggarwal, CEO of the MoneyHero Group, guides Andrea Heng on how to choose the right bank for your needs.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold and other precious metals, certain currencies and some defensive stocks are often considered safe haven assets. But are they really zero risk? Vasu Menon, managing director of investment strategy at OCBC, explains why these assets are a popular choice during an economic downturn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US securities regulator recently approved the first US-listed exchange traded funds (ETFs) to track bitcoin, putting ETFs in the spotlight with first-time investors. What are ETFs and what do you need to know before investing in these funds? Andrea Heng finds out more from Yeap Jun Rong, market analyst at IG. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 was a challenging year for real estate investment trusts or REITs with rising interest rates. But how exactly do they work, and should every investor include REITs in their portfolio? Executive chairman of GCP Global Gabriel Yap gives Andrea Heng a crash course on this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some people develop bad spending habits due to stress, while others learn them in childhood. How do we recognise these behaviours and more importantly, how do we get rid of them? Benny Ong of investment advisory community I Quadrant shares his experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates four times in 2023 and at least three cuts are expected this year. How do fluctuating interest rates affect our expenses and investments? Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer of Maybank Group Wealth Management gives an overview of 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last instalment of our top three episodes from our archives, Dawn Cher, author of personal finance blog SGBudgetBabe shares her top tips on how to combat rising food prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second of three top episodes from our archives this year, Julian Kho, general manager of Sgcarmart weighs the pros and cons of having a car in Singapore. With car prices at an all-time high, thanks to record-breaking Certificate of Entitlement (COE) fees, would it make more financial sense to lease a car instead of owning one?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first of top three episodes from our archives this year, Andrea Heng asks property agent Jooann Tay what prospective homebuyers should do. Get a new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat that can take more than four years to build? Or buy a resale flat that might cost significantly more?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Need a break but don’t want to splurge too much on an overseas holiday? You can travel affordably if you are willing to take these extra steps, says finance blogger Eugene Chai. He shares with host Elizabeth Neo his best hacks on how to score cheaper air tickets, accommodation and sightseeing deals. Am I Adulting Right is a limited series on the Money Talks podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dexter Tiah was only two years into his first job when he accumulated enough to start his first S$100,000 investment portfolio. The investor and author of the personal finance book Laughs, Losses and Lessons, shares with Andrea Heng how he achieved this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yoga, pilates, massages and facials – these are some of the offerings in a growing health and wellness industry in Singapore, all in the pursuit of staying healthy. But how much is too much for this portion of our expenditure? And what are the must-haves in your wellness budget? Kenneth Lou and Dr Ryan Ware from Mito Health break down their spending in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax season isn’t in a few months but with year-end bonuses coming, it’s time to plan how to maximise tax reliefs and deductions. What are the easiest and best-known ways to reduce personal income tax? Josh Tan, financial adviser and host of YouTube channel The Astute Parent, guides Andrea Heng on this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are single, it could mean you have more time for self-discovery and self-care. But chances are, you are also paying all the bills, with no one to share the financial load with. Andrea Heng gets tips and advice from siblings Sara and Aaron Wee, otherwise known as the Weeblings, on creative ways to budget, save and invest better when you’re flying solo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be very tempting for some of us to quit work so we can rest, study or just spend more time with the family. What financial calculations do you need to make so you don't end up struggling? Andrea Heng speaks to Andy Soh, who does sales for SMEG Singapore and took a career break for two years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While getting a divorce is not something many people plan for when they walk down the aisle, navigating the financial costs when it’s time to split can be difficult. What financial decisions should a couple agree on when they’ve reached the end of their marriage journey? Ivan Cheong, a family law specialist and equity partner with Withers Worldwide, gives his advice on this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking or planning to take up a job overseas? Before jumping into that jet-setter life that awaits you, what expenses should you set aside your money for? He Ruiming and Goh Wei Choon of The Woke Salaryman give host Andrea Heng a clear-eyed breakdown of what you need to consider. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money can be a delicate topic for some couples. But such conversations are important when planning for a future together. What are some red flags you should look out for in your relationship? Hans and Shu Goh, husband-and-wife team behind Homesmart Singapore, share with host Elizabeth Neo about their financial journey. “Am I Adulting Right?” is a limited series on the Money Talks podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 5Cs – cash, car, credit card, condominium and country club - have been touted as the classic Singaporean Dream. But for Singapore’s millennials and Gen Zs what are the new metrics of success and are their financial goals any different? Host Elizabeth Neo gets the answers from Bryan Choo, CEO of TheSmartLocal Media Group. “Am I Adulting Right?” is a limited series on the Money Talks podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If a couple has to turn to assisted reproductive methods such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), cost becomes a major factor. Tim Kwan, managing director of fertility clinic Virtus Health Singapore, explains the numbers on Money Talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Owning a second private property is an aspiration for many – as retirement income and investment. But with the new additional buyers’ stamp duty announced earlier this year, is two always better than one? What are some considerations before taking the plunge? Hear more from Clive Chng, associate director at Redbrick Mortgage Advisory, on the Money Talks podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The big “R” word: Recession. It’s been uttered so many times this year, striking fear in the most seasoned economist. With many signs pointing to a looming recession, is it time to add some resilience to your portfolio? Are there “recession proof” stocks that are worth investing in? On Money Talks, Alvin Chow, CEO and founder of Dr Wealth, charts a path through these uncertain times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s Treasury Bills (T-bills) and Savings Bonds (SSBs) created a buzz with retail investors when yields hit record highs in end 2022. But since then, the returns have fallen, prompting many to ask if these government securities are still worth investing. On this episode of Money Talks, CEO and founder of Beansprout, Gerald Wong explains why yields have dropped despite the US Federal Reserve rate hikes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since the Open Electricity Market (OEM) launched in end 2018, residents in Singapore could choose their preferred OEM retailers and select a price plan that best serves their household needs. But with the sudden exit of several players, is it still best to switch to an electricity retailer or stay with the incumbent provider SP Group? Joel Koh, content manager at Seedly, breaks it down for Andrea Heng on the Money Talks podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing kids, establishing your career and ageing parents. Juggling your forties with an eye on retirement is no easy walk in the park. How do you use your CPF to plan for a tidy nest egg? Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, shares his insights and experience on Money Talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing your CPF money when you are in your 20s or 30s - that’s something not many of us think about when we’re younger. But can young people afford to be more aggressive with their CPF investment strategy? Lawrence Tan from the Institute for Financial Literacy gives us his top hacks on Money Talks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a wide range of insurance policies and investment opportunities available in today’s market, should you be looking to buy or even keep your existing investment-linked insurance policy (ILP)? Colin Lai, client advisory lead at MoneyOwl weighs the returns and risks, and tells Andrea Heng what to look out for if you decide to terminate your policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fast cars, glamorous homes, luxurious holidays - some content creators appear to lead a lavish lifestyle that others can only dream of. How much can you really make as a content creator and how do you stand out? Host Elizabeth Neo gets some answers from husband-and-wife duo Jianhao Tan, CEO of Titan Digital Media and Singapore’s top YouTuber, and Debbie Soon, entrepreneur and influencer. “Am I Adulting Right?” is a limited series on the Money Talks podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exotic treats, luxury fashion collars, birthday parties, trust funds … Some pet owners go to great lengths to provide the best for their furkids. But is there such a thing as spending too much on your pet? What are the necessities and what can you save on? Elizabeth Neo returns with her limited series Am I Adulting Right and gets answers from Daniel Boey, fashion director and dog owner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The range of credit cards available to Singapore spenders can be mind-boggling. From cash back, air miles, lady’s card to dining rewards, there’s a card that caters to every need. How do you select the right credit card, and is it practical to not own one at all? Abel Lee, general manager of MoneySmart Group speaks to Andrea Heng. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singdollar soared to a record high of S$1 to RM3.44 on Jun 8 – making shopping and eating trips across the Causeway very attractive. But is a strong Singdollar always better for the average consumer? What about investing? Enya Rodrigues, research analyst at ValueChampion, breaks it down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gone are the days where the only way to trade stocks is through a physical broker. With a plethora of financial tools and readily available information, more people are choosing to manage investment portfolios on their own. But is this for everyone? Tim Phillips, Head of Content & Investment Lead at ProsperUs, CGS-CIMB Securities, explains what it takes to go solo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding a good financial planner who understands your needs and goals can be a challenge – and breaking up with one may be even tougher. Luke Yap, financial planner with Great Eastern, talks about penalties and potential risks, and how your relationship with a financial planner boils down to trust and communication. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you tell if that delectable Bordeaux wine with a dark fruity note is more than just a conversation piece and could make you some real cash? Andrea Heng gets Nico Monroy, Southeast Asia director at Cult Wines, to pop the cork on what makes a fine wine investment worthy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A childhood interest introduced by their father turned into a business when Jarod and Joses Ng saw how profitable flipping luxury watches can be. But does buying a brand name watch always guarantee a return? The directors of Watch Capital tell Andrea Heng the highs and lows of investing in luxury watches. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.