Ringgit and Sense

At the onset of 2018, the Malaysian Employers Federation expected 50,000 retrenchments this year. Is the gig economy a viable alternative? Raymond outlines the pros and cons of finding income outside of a regular 9-5 job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Post-GE14, Malaysians have seen a seemingly endless stream of news updates. Amid all this newsflow, how can we ensure we stay the course in achieving our financial goals? Lawrence helps us digest macroeconomic indicators, and other tips that may help shape our portfolios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We tackle the age old chicken and egg question of personal wealth, should I save or should I invest first? Helping us look into this is our regular guest, Rajen Devadason who gives some sagely insights into the concept of the risk-reward relationship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Losing your job is a very daunting prospect, so today we focus in on this and consider how one can best prepare, or mitigate, the effects of retrenchment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the next three years, one in 10 Malaysians will be aged 60 and above. By 2040, the ratio is projected to be one in five Malaysians, and the country would have already reached ageing nation status. In light of these facts we take a look at the 'aged care' industry in Malaysia and the cost involved in growing old and taking care of oneself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even with rising concerns of a US-China trade war, CIMB Principal's CIO is still bullish on equities in the world's second-largest economy. Patrick also outlines some investment strategies for Malaysian retail investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global stocks have endured several bouts of volatility so far this year. Rajen shares 4 lessons as to how investors can stay true to their personal financial goals amidst these turbulent times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Securities Commission Malaysia's 2017 Annual Report acknowledged the 'early success' seen by peer-to-peer financing platforms. Kristine recounts the traction that Peoplender's platform has gained since launching in July 2017, and shares the risks and opportunities for those considering this alternative financing avenue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing announced his retirement on March 16, officially handing over the reigns of his business empire to his son Victor Li. What can we learn from the elder Li about having a well-prepared succession in place? Lawrence walks us through the options available to Malaysian businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's first US dollar-denominated, Shariah-compliant security, called MyETF-50 recently made its debut on Bursa Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Securities Commission Malaysia is expecting to announce the nation's first robo-advisor by June. What does all this mean for your investment strategy? Julian weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the rising cost of healthcare in Malaysia and the cost difference between private and public hospitals. We also talk about what needs to be done to prepare financially for our future medical needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Buffett has just released his highly-anticipated annual letter to shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway. Rajen highlights 3 lessons on investing that we can all learn from the Oracle of Omaha.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we take a look at bankruptcy and financial distress. We discuss signs of financial distress and how to seek help and repair the damage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a special episode of Ringgit & Sense to celebrate Chinese New Year. Many of us are certainly excited about receiving ang pows and eating good food to celebrate this festival. However, as with all festive periods, we should be careful about how much we spend. Joyce Chuah and Lee Mun Wai -- licensed financial planners -- share their takes on how to best manage your personal finances during this festive season. Should we splurge on that new outfit and haircut to keep with traditions? What about Ang Pows -- to follow market rates to save face or follow our pockets? Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rajen shares his insights on the dos and dont's of leaving an inheritance for your children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Jasmine and Chune from financial comparison site GoBear Malaysia on how to choose the best credit card for one's needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yamin shares his insights on what consumers should look for when buying both new and used cars. We also discuss the cost of car ownership, and some of the alternative financing and mobility options available.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve walks us through the steps of reviewing your portfolio, from asset allocation as per your risk profile, to periodical reviews and risk diversification. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rajen shares practical advise about financial goal setting for the long haul, whether for a year, a decade or more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the cost, benefits and challenges of sending a child to international school. We highlight important points to consider as well as some common mistakes when making the choice between public or international school.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run Crew discusses useful financial tips for the year ahead based on memorable conversations in 2017.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Ringgit and Sense, we take a look at some of the lessons from the year, ranging from financial resolution and tax advise, to conversations about financial scams and how to deal with finance and relationships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rajen takes us through the advantages of financial resolutions and ways to kickstart, renew and keep to our 2018 financial resolutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Joyce about the ticking time bomb  in Malaysia. Malaysians are not  saving enough for emergencies and retirement. Joyce shares practical  tips on how we can save more money through implementing simple changes to our consumption patternsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AS cliché as it may sound, there is nothing more certain than death and taxes. While we cannot escape taxes, we can look into making sure that our taxes are calculated efficiently by correctly claiming the right reliefs and deductions applicable to us. 1. What are the deductions one can claim for to offset against their taxable income? Am I claiming the right amount of tax reliefs applicable to me? 2. What if I'm a married and working -- should I elect for a combine or separate assessment? 3. What are my rights and responsibility under a self assessment system? 4. First day to the job and do not have a tax file? 5. What happens if I just found out that I'm taxable but I haven't paid any taxes? We ask Lim Phing Phing Director at PWC International Assignment Services. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert shares his views on :- 1) Options available in the gig economy e.g freelancing, Uber/Grab, AirBnB type options, online businesses etc 2) Passive vs. active second income 3) How to save for investment and retirement if you work in the gig economy 4) Declaring taxable income if you work in the gig economySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Ringgit & Sense, Dawn Lai, CEO of RAM Credit Services, shares ways to mitigate the risks of data breaches as well as the wisdom of cultivating good financial habits, in order to have a high credit rating and to boost one’s appeal to obtain the best terms on financial products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In partnership with the domestic insurance industry, Bank Negara is set to roll out 'Perlindungan Tenang', a national branding and communication insurance platform. What will this mean for underinsured Malaysians? Antony highlights the lack of awareness of the need to be insured.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent Financial Advisor Yap Ming Hui shares his insights on Budget 2018's impact on the individuals. We discuss: - How parents and families benefit  - Impact on education for individuals and their children- Affordable housing initiatives - Your personal budget, regardless of the government budget and key ratios you need to look at to ensure that you are financially fit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rajen speaks to us about the importance of multiple income streams, as well as asset and geographical diversification and what we need to do, to plan for financial contingencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to former BFM presenter/producer and now financial blogger Julian Ng to discuss unit trusts. More specifically we ponder if funds that invest in Malaysia are more or less in line or have slightly underperformed over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. What can I do to prepare my self financially in case I am retrenched? 2. Should I buy a home for investment or to live in? What should I consider?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Licensed financial planner Felix Neoh answers some of your personal finance questions about: - the benefits of budgeting- how to prioritise saving - avoiding common financial mistakes- recovering your financial health after hit by emergenciesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The costs of bringing up a child can vary substantially depending on the educational choices that are made by their parents.Prudent financial planning must be taken into account for not just the needs of the child but also the financial capabilities of parents as well as long term retirement plans. We look at the cost of bringing up a child at various stages of their lives from Pre-delivery to University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People are not saving enough for their twilight years. What if they contribute to a Private Retirement Scheme in addition to EPF? We speak to Husaini Hussin about the pro and cons of participating in Private Retirement schemes as part of someone's retirement savings plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life insurance has been on a rise in Malaysia with life insurance penetration rate poised to hit 70% by 2020 up from around 50% today, according to Malaysian Insurance Institute. Today we talk about life insurance, its benefits and drawbacks as well as the comparative benefits of fintech based insurance options. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robin Lee, CEO of  Hello Gold Sdn Bhd shares insights about investing in cryptocurrencies, its pitfalls and opportunities and how his company's initial token offering project is an investment in making investments in cryptocurrencies easier.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s show we look at the importance of proper Wealth and Estate Planning, the differences between a will and a trust, tax implications of trust funds and how to avoid creating trust fund babies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Reijman, Managing Director and Nadia Khan, Content Manager, of CompareHero.my, the homegrown comparison site, talk about life lessons for young graduates, and the necessity of having the mental fortitude to resist unnecessary spend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the The Employment Insurance Scheme being tabled on the parliament, we speak to Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts on the subject of unemployment and saving up for a rainy day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you considering an overseas education? Jason Wee and Ng Jun Kiang of USAPPS discuss with us the pros and cons of studying abroad, particularly in the US, and how it impacts your wallet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does online mediation fare in comparison to a face-to-face court process? Gunavathi Subramanim of Mediate2Resolve discusses the merits of resolving conflicts online and how it empowers both parties to seek a compromise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you say to an opportunity that provides monetary gains for the investor as well as brings long-lasting benefit to the wider community? That’s the appeal of Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI). Khazanah Nasional pioneered SRI Sukuk in Malaysia in 2015, generating RM100 million to fund accessible, quality education under Yayasan Amir’s Trust Schools Programme. They are launching the second tranche of RM100 million SRI Sukuk this month, with a portion available for retail investors - that’s you and me.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Fernandez, a car specialist and founder of dsf.com.my, discusses his views on purchasing new car vs. used car, great value cars and car financing options. He also shares his thoughts on the future of cars ownership especially among the younger generation globally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How often do you partake in financial reflection? Steve provides some tips on assessing the state of our personal finances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​Why are Malaysians continuously falling for scams? Despite well publicized scam cases in the media​, reports continue to surface - and these are just the reported ones. To help us understand why, we go behind some of the stigmas attached to the people who fall victim and the ones who propagate these scams, joined by our guests from Loanstreet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission announced the Digital Investment Management (DIM) framework in May with the aim of facilitating the provision of automated discretionary portfolio management services to investors. We delve into the prospects of DIM in Malaysia and the digital future of the capital market with Chin Wei Min, Executive Director for Innovation, Digital and Strategy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts to get behind why some people choose to spend lavishly while others save up cautiously.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is RM700 a feasible budget for Kuala Lumpur living? Ooi Chia Shen, senior writer from CompareHero.my, challenged himself to live below his means for one month. The Morning Crew and Shen discuss his experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is a 'credit score'? Is it important? How does it affect my financial standing? Zuraidah explains, while revealing a surprising survey result on the overall credit score of millennials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.