Ringgit and Sense

In Ringgit Ring-In, your personal financial questions are addressed by a qualified financial planner. This week we deal with saving your bonuses, property loans and credit card debts among other issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Islamic-based financial products have been in the market for years now and increasingly gaining traction around the world. This may already be general knowledge for some but we revisit the differences between the two investing methods.   News: The curious case of the RM12.50 lemon water The benefits of valuing time over money Weak ringgit affects healthcare costsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you use financial dashboards to steer yourself to a healthy financial life ? Rajen Devadasen shares how you can use them to track your finances and cash-flow. News:RON95 should not cost more than RM1.06 a litrePetty food traders can't stomach rising costsFamily of 16 sleep in shifts in a single room flatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to surveys, financial resolutions are among the top resolutions made by people globally. We look into some good ones you can make and also more importantly, how to keep them. News:Saving money from cutting off alcoholMalaysian ministers guide to saving money and raising incomeMr SuperPlastic's 1,500 credit cardsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another episode of Ringgit Ring-In with burning personal financial questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is bargaining just a matter of asking for an arbitrary low price? And should you be shy about bargaining? Liew Ooi Han, founder of savemoney.my shares his views. News:Star Wars is cheap entertainment amid inflationCondo speculators in a rush to sell OCBC Real Money StoryLending money to closed ones or charity?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given the rising demands on household expenses and pressing needs for retirement, it is timely to look out how we can optimise financial assets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can all accrue points on our cards, but the hows and whys of spending them can be a mystery even after all the research and comparisons. Ross Cheong, Head of Content at iMoney.my clears it up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many questions on insurance in this week's Ringgit Ring-In including whether one should get annually renewable term policies and investment-linked insurance products. Also is a gold investment account a good idea? OCBC Real Money StoryThe case of adult credit card spending and kids savingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Mahdzir Othman, CEO of i-VCAP who are launching an Islamic agribusiness ETF. We ask why agribusiness conforms to sound investing principles.News - The Devil's Financial Dictionary- Myths of savings from a millenial OCBC Real Money Story- Saving for education of special needs childSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we look into the ubiquity of online financial portals that can be a big help towards personal financial management. News- Indonesia exchanges trash for healthcare- Making a living out of collectibles OCBC Real Money Story- Secret savings for wivesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever balk at selling investments that are not doing well? Should you sell them? Julian Ng speaks to Yap Ming Hui, Independent Financial Advisor from Whitman on how to cut losses. News- Aeon Credit comes under fire for expensive wedding proposal- Parents should kick out their adult squatters OCBC Tips to survive financial uncertainties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month's call in session deals with investing and saving for the long term and pensions.OCBC Real Money Story - Playing SafeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of tomorrow's Budget Day, we look into the sentiment on the ground and also some interesting personal management techniques like 'envelop', 'snowball' and 'snowflake'. Our guest is Ross Cheong, Head of Content from iMoney.my. OCBC Real Money Story:- Ringgit: Then and NowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liew Ooi Hann of Savemoney.my suggests some ideas to save smartphone costs that might involve some spending. News: - Give stocks to children instead of presents- Bread and butter issues by Alan Tong OCBC Real Money Story: - The issue of money in a relationshipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia or PIDM protects your bank deposits and insurance so you don't have to worry about a bank run. News: - Hedge funds perform the worst since the global financial crisis- Bankrupt rapper spends more than 50 cents buying African mansion OCBC Real Money Story: - Selling a service during bad timesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A purely ROI (Returns on Investment) based investing may be detrimental to your financial goals. For instance, you may run the risk of putting too much focus on returns of a single stock. Net Worth Investing which looks at risks and returns of your assets holistically is better for your overall financial objectives.News: The difference between a financial advisor and a scam artistDiamonds are not forever OCBC Real Money Story:The real meaning of weddingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing with Part 2 of 2 in our series on will-writing, today we explore how you can write a will easily and cheaply online. News:The boomerang generation stays with parents and it helpsBut inheritance is a poor retirement help OCBC Real Money StoryStarting a small business and having a firstborn at the same time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first of a two-part series on will-writing, Max Yong, founder of ThyWillBeDone.com.my, an online will-writing service, goes through the checklist of things to consider when writing a will.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's installment of Ringgit and Sense, Lee Chwi Lynn and Julian Ng discuss the differences between online insurance shopping and talking to agents personally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's call-in session, Robert Foo the Managing Director of MyFP Services discuss how to plan your finances amidst a weakening ringgit and stock market volatility. Is this a right time to invest in stocks with lower valuations ? Listen to the podcast to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with Merdeka Day, we explore the idea of how one achieves financial independence.News Part time work on the riseEmployers must invest in wellnessOCBC Real Money Story Saving for business vs saving for retirementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a more detailed into the occupation that not only plans your financial goals but helps you achieve what you want in life.News Working in one country and living in another Retirees living in 'lalaland'OCBC #RealMoneyStories Starting your own businessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We give you ways to save credit card costs beyond telling you about their expensive interest rates. Our guest is Ross Cheong, Head of Content from iMoney.my. NewsJust retiring will make you happy OCBC #RealMoneyStoryRetirement lifestyle choicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our monthly call-in session covers investing options for retirees as well as rent-or-buy decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our monthly call-in session covers investing options for retirees as well as rent-or-buy decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss this philosophical issue including whether there is a magic number that will make you happy.News:When investing guru say buy, maybe it's time to sellIt's official: student loans stress you outOCBC Real Money Story:Being responsible about student loans.Plus Money Hacks:Ways to pay down student loans quicklySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robo-advisors are websites that are disrupting the investment advisory scene that haven't reached Malaysian shores. When they do, they can be essential to your investment planning. News:Hong Kong rejects cash-carrying limits on touristsLiving in smaller spaces saves costs and brings people together OCBC Real Money Story:Surviving against the oddsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are gifting considerations when you attend weddings, birthdays an other social events? Joyce Chuah and Lee Mun Wai, give the financial planner's version. News:High suicide rates in startupsRising college inflation OCBC Facebook Story:Saving for children's education and post-graduate degreesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of 2 of our insurance series looks at what products are out there and their pitfalls.   News:- Lack of money delays American financial objectives- Millennials are good at setting up emergency savings- OCBC Facbook story of the day: A big spender with saving urgesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many questions on property in this month's Ringgit Ring-In which is only natural since this is such a big part of our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given how big the link is between life's goals and financial planning, the role of the financial planner is becoming more important. We explore more of this with the deputy president of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia News: -The intergenerational transfer -90-year-old Wall St old hand reveals her investing wisdom -OCBC Real Money Story: Is 'trading' gambling or investing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much to save? What if there isn't enough income to do so? We look at some of these questions in this week's Ringgit Ring-In.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't base too much of your investing decisions on how well the market or fund managers have done in the recent past.News: Mystery why money pours into hedge funds Buffet asks for frugality in CEO pay 80% EPF savings below poverty line Gen X, Y, Z want moneyTip: Invest foreverSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good news is that we are living longer. The bad news is retirement funding is getting more costly. This discussion will cover things you have to know to prepare for your post-work life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In another episode of our call-in session, we talk about about whether we should dabble with currencies, oil schemes or property. Also, what to do with a RM30m inheritance.  Our guest is Yap Ming Hui, Independent Financial Advisor from Whitman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are always talking about saving and investing but today we deviate from that and talk about what Malaysians splurge on. The results aren't as wasteful as you think. News: Saving for the ages Bad news: people are living longer Janitor dies with $8m to his name Money psychology is a thing Tip: Saving and spending are different sides of the same coinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara has replaced the BLR regime that of the base rate. Find out how you can benefit from this. News: Ex-Pimco boss moves money into new fund Buffet leading in stock market wager US recovery may become Malaysia's cushion Cars to be 20% by 2017? Tip: Negotiate with banks that have the lowest base ratesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss your personal finance issues with the help of a professional financial planner. - Should I invest into the oil & gas sector? - Buying into low-cost world index funds - Financial planning for parents with special-needs children - Identifying fraudulent or legitimate investment schemes - Buy gold or invest in unit trust? - Investing in start-ups - Can a foreigner invest by buying shares in Malaysia?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wealth accumulation, an important aspect of financial planning, should be executed together with some kind of feedback to tell us how well we are doing financially. The role of personal net worth and cash flow statements are often understated in this respect. News: HELP University students win stock-picking contest Fund advisor gains traction in index strategies HK regulator investigates misleading research Tip: Liabilities are ok so long as cash flows are positiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You don't necessarily have to cough out huge sums of money to buy property. With REITs you can become a regional and global property investor. Our guest is Yap Ming Hui, Independent Financial Advisor from Whitman. News: Malaysians want RM2m for retirement Ronald Li invested till death US wage growth is at odds with economic boom What wealth women want Tip: Don't over-borrow while speculating in propertySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe all it takes is to look at resolutions differently for them to succeed. Liew Ooi Hann from Savemoney.my shares his wisdom with us. News: No GST for life insurance premiums Food stall operators maintain prices despite oil price crash Global government bond yields falling Tip: Your body is a wonderlandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After having provided phenomenal returns over the past few years, it is timely to talk about how to view property investing. For instance, questions like whether property is a sure bet and how returns compare to stocks and bonds are relevant. News: Turning fuel to taxes How to avoid being a Scrooge at Christmas Tip: Invest in stocks like you invest in property - never sell unless you need the moneySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don't realise it but the things we do in the short term have long term financial consequences. This is akin to a very slow-moving crashing train. News Everyone wants a piece of China Dr M: rich-poor divide in education Child-raising non-essentials Tip Short-term decisions can whiplash long-term financial returnsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians buy a lot of cars. But there are now alternatives to avoid the costs of car ownership.News Inequality rises in Malaysia Zeti: Indebtedness caused by "social pressures" Aussie bank gets Shonky award for dodgy serviceTip Save money from not buying a car.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All it takes is a default of just RM30,000 to have bankruptcy proceedings started against you. To state the obvious, a bankrupt status is like a millstone hung around one's neck. We look into how bankrupts can clear their name and into the business of such offering such services. News Alibaba develops ETFs in China Norway fund studies China investment PTPTN cuts off non-BR1M Qualifiers Orman frowns on retiree students Tip Know How Much You Can Gamble AwaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss your personal finance issues with the help of a professional financial planner. - Is insurance important to have or a must-have? - How much should you spend a month for life/health insurance? - If GST will be on motor insurance and riders, should I switch to Takaful since it is GST exempt? - I own a rental property with my wife. Can I have the tenancy agreement in her name only, which would mean only she is taxed for the whole rental income? - Should I have more than one insurance policy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look into the GST in greater detail and see whether there are options for the consumer to strategise dealing with it.News: Youth bankruptcy on the rise Mid- to small-cap stocks get battered Tip:Think long term when thinking about inflationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Believe it or not, there are ways to manage the imminent GST and subsidy cuts. Part of it is psychological. News Fink is not Gross Swedes Go Cashless Tip Money and Mind are LinkedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liew Ooi Hann, co-founder of savemoney.my talks to us about a survey on what Malaysians want in the upcoming budget. Whether they get them or not would be a different matter as the media and industry have started get word of what to expect. You can also adopt a personal strategy of how to deal with the imminent GST. News New Pr1ma scheme likely to be introduced Malaysian youths want milk and money Tip Know your SST and GSTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.