Ringgit and Sense

A Look Into Korean ETFs Samsung is well-known for it's consumer electronics but they also do finance and are one of the biggest issuers of ETFs in Korea. We look into the development of ETFs in Korea and come to the same conclusion - that the low-cost nature of ETFs will continue to fuel migration of investments into these products. News Septuagenarians and above should take their money out of EPF Property affordability occupying Budget wishlist The ultra rich don't think about or need returns Biz owners don't think about personal finance Tip There's a whole world out there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss your personal finance issues with the help of a professional financial planner. - What to do with RM 2,000? - Should you invest in oil palm? - Helping your mom invest. - Gold investment options. - Anything to the Forex investment hype? - Good time to buy property? - Insurance policies that are not tied to an investment plan - Is there a list of certified financial planners available? - Ideal amount for retirement. - Am I holding too much cash? - Should I invest in Alibaba stocks?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia Day established as a national public holiday, we look into what East Malaysians on the ground feel about their income levels. The lack of financial planning services in Sabah & Sarawak has also made investing into property a lot more prominent than others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia interest rates have already risen by 0.25% and are expected to rise again by another 0.25% over the next 6 months.Today we look into the plight of the fixed income investor, where bond prices will come down as interest rates go up and at the same time, bond investors also suffer from very low bond yields. What should we do?News:- Average Household Income over RM 5,900 a month, says minister- RM5,900 average household income? Lies, damned lies and statistics, says MP.- Affordability and rising prices still a concern for property hunters.Tip:Duration measures bond breakeven in years according to changes in interest rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with BFM's 6th anniversary, we look into 6 major trends or events over the last 6 years that had a significant impact on personal finance. Some would even say these events were life-changing.Clips were sourced from: Al Jazeera, CNN, CNBC, Lost in America, EducateKnowledge and Mark Ledzian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss your personal finance issues with the help of a professional financial planner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial crises are times of strife and uncertainty. However, it is possible to use these situations to enhance long term financial returns. News: Commissions for agents could be revised Singapore revises pension plan on retirement concerns Berkshire shares crosses the $200,000 mark Poor Allen Iverson only has $30m left from a $150m wealth Tip: Buy when you have the money, sell when you need itSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The online revolution has arrived at the doorstep insurance distribution which is a good thing since it will reduce the cost of buying policies substantially. There is also strong policy support from Bank Negara to make this successful.  News: What's next for Robin William's estate? Is A Hard Life Inherited - NYT SEC probes alt-funds Tip: The web helps those who help themselvesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara recently raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.25%. Liew Ooi Hann talks to us about how your loans will be affected. It's not all bad news though as savers will enjoy higher interest rates.News: P2P lending democratises money Housing prices are key to inequality: Piketty Off-grid living gives power back to people New York holds $13b in unredeemed fundsTip: Saving on costs can be better than getting investment returns   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing is not just investing. Like everything else, there are various facets to investing. However, investing is of particular importance since this process will have an impact on one's future well-being. News:Singapore cheapens insurance productsPersonal finance as a life skillCheap international travel becomes reality Tip: Don't PeekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance products are so important but cause so much confusion. How much should you be covered for? Should you load up on life coverage over critical illness? What riders to consider? How should you assess investment-linked products? We provide some life hacks to buying insurance policies.   News: - The Chinese are coming. And they want to buy your house - Parent-child personal finance talk is hard: study. - RM2000 a year savings by avoiding food fads - US money-market fund shake upTip: Take a quick run and save on insurance costSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The phenomenal returns of property markets in Malaysia and around the world have attracted more people, both speculators and genuine buyers, into property investments. There are a few things you should bear in mind when you think of property investments and they may not have anything to do with your view of where the property market is going.News: KL Luxury condo supply "frightening" EPF starts members' Retirement Advisory Service International school fees going through the roof Asians return to Perps Tip: Stop Fantasising about owning that Dream Holiday HomeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at gambling from the mathematical and social perspectives. The conclusion that gets thrown up is: gambling hurts.News:New Zealander correctly bets on Brazil thrashingMick Jagger, the World Cup Angel of DoomTip: Know the difference between gambling and investing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the pros and cons of yet another investment scheme from distant shores: Canadian oil investment.News:Poor millions without internet face higher household costs For smokers, can e-cigarettes save money?Suze Orman's prepaid debit card makes exitTip: Don't trust financial gurusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being a conservative investor is not about totally eliminating risks as some token amount of risk gives some zing to the portfolio. This is of course after making sure the conservative investor has taken care of prudential matters like setting up an emergency fund. News: Millionaire women marrying on financial par with men Student commits suicide after losing World Cup bets Highest-paid World Cup coaches Tip: Investing shouldn't be exciting so that your life can beSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a marketplace flooded with agents touting impending doom left, right and centre, how do you know what the right insurance solution is for you? We identify key questions you should be asking as well as the fundamental role of an independent financial planner in finding that elusive solution.News: CIMB in-house survey show staff slightly bullish on stock marketEastspring survey: Investors eyeing more income fundsSingaporean pays $2.7m for Buffet dinnerTip: Insurance policies are not the correct investing vehicles  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue with the conversation with an exploration of returns on investment when it comes to your child’s education and explore alternatives like free education. News:- Worst College Majors- 2000 protest in Singapore over new CPF rule- Brazil's 1% richest benefits from World Cup- Highest prize money ever for World Cup at $576m- Cuepacs: Keep up fitness during World Cup Tip: unit trust hidden costs #4 - Cash Holdings are EvilSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of sending your children to university is so exorbitant that proper planning is essential. Surprisingly, there are also cheap or free alternatives. News:- US cost of raising a child till age 18 goes up sharply- Advising the ultra-rich- Inclusive Capitalism Conference attempts to quell capitalism backlash- Is Giant wrong to sell shark meat at RM9.99/kg? Tip: Start a college education fund now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It won't be long before we can buy unit trust and investment schemes from around the region under the Asean Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Framework. This will enable shopping for the best-managed and cost efficient funds. We discuss the key points this framework. News:EPF Q1 return rate averages about 1.5%Bankruptcy registers an alarming 32% jumpFive things that are cheapest in the world's costliest city Money Tip-of-the-Week:Unit Trust Hidden Cost #3 - Bad Trading.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying too late, chasing prices, selling during crashes - these are some actions that make our investments perform worse than what the market actually achieves . We discuss how our emotions affect our long term investment returns and how to avoid behavioural pitfalls in investing.News:- Malaysia GNI per capita hits US$10k- Singapore's CPF raises savings floor- China urges banks not to deal with bitcoins- Women will earn more than men in 50 yearsMoney tip: Automate your investmentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The idea of retirement is undergoing transformation. It is no longer a singular moment at 60 but an alignment of wants, health and funding at many different points of your life. Plus: world personal finance news and money tip-of-the-day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debt management is a serious issue that probably ranks up there with health. Madam Koid Swee Lian of Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) wants to help you do that. Plus world personal finance news and money tip-of-the-day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brigitte Miksa, Head of International Pensions for Allianz Asset Management talks to us about the retirement conundrum: living longer but with chances of being poorer. She addresses the plight of widowed women, a state that is the biggest predictor of old-age poverty. Plus: world personal finance news and money tip-of-the-daySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iMoney CEO Lee Ching Wei discusses how home loan refinancing could be used to your advantage. We also bring you a news snippet from the world of personal finance and the money tip-of-the-day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lars Kroijer questions how many investors are smart enough to do better than market returns. His answer may surprise some of us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take a look at how the national budget will affect the personal budgets of people and whether there is any impact on long term financial objectives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you invest in the Technology Sector Fund or the Vietnam Fund or how about the Asia Ex-Japan Tactical Fund? You wouldn't want to miss the final series of "How To Be Your Own Financial Planner" which will help clear the confusion about the thousands of fund options to choose from in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 3 of the series discusses asset allocation within the Malaysian context with a focus on how EPF (Employees Provident Fund) and property can distort the asset allocation process. How the establishment of a will or estate can affect lifestyle choices is also discussed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of the series discusses asset allocation - the process of dividing our investments into the various asset classes - and its three broad categories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial planning is an important tool in achieving financial independence, be it for retirement or for your children’s education. In light of that, BFM’s new 4-part series aims to provide you with the basic understanding of investments - so that if you can’t afford a professional financial planner, you can be your own.   Part 1 of the series discusses the four major asset classes and strategies for diversifying your portfolio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mun Wai and Joyce of Success Concepts share their perspectives on how you can create your financial bucket list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An unexpected situation or emergency can cause people to make rash financial decisions, so in today's episode David Chew and Julian Ng share how important it is to have alternative resources. Additionally, Azura Rahman talks to Ching Wei Lee of Imoney.my and helps to find sensible altenatives while not incurring more debt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azura Rahman speaks to KP Bose, Trainer and Finance Consultant about personcal finance and tax lietracy at the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Ringgit and Sense, David Chew introduces a new host to the show, Julian Ng! While Azura Rahman discovers the best online resources for personal finance from KC Lau of kclau.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yap Ming Hui, an Author and Independent Financial Advisor helps to debunk some financial myths. He also shares the services that independent financial advisors do provide and what you should expect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wondering why you're always short of money at the end of the month or where all your extra money is going? Joyce Chuah and Lee Mun Wai of Success Concepts talk to Azura Rahman about the "The Latte Factor" where they explain how we are unconciously spending money on unnecessary items. Listen in and learn how you can kick these bad habits!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeevindra Kumar explains his book "Investing in Disturbing Times" and diversification of investments. He also clears up the misconception of investing offshore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ching Wei Lee of iMoney shares the pros and cons of 'plastic money'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn to make legal 'Trust' arrangements. This episode of Ringgit and Sense helps to educate people in fully utilising Trusts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wonders of smartphones are never ending, there are just Apps for everything! Kashminder Singh of Mobile World Magazine recommends the best personal finance Apps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Believing in yourself is not enough when considering trading as a career. Kathlyn Toh shares how she made the colossal move from a stable income to the risky business of trading but not without caution and a contingency plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany Tang of Treasure Mind advises how parents can help their children start a good habit of saving and investing their money. She also lays out some rules that need to be taken note of when creating an investment portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians have the perception that 'Its better to be safe than sorry' when it comes to investing. However, our guest Milan Doshi suggests ways to break out of the conservative investment attitude post-elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a good candidate for refinancing? Jared Lim shares his advice about refinancing and when it is the right time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Lee, the author of "To Delay is Human but to Will is Divine" discusses the importance of planning your estate and preparing for the unknown more relatable through short stories and fables.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With High Net Worth Individuals in this region expecting to increase by 199% this year, just exactly how how do the other half live or to put it to a finer point, how do the "one-percenters" live? Nicholas Frank from Knight & Frank speaks about the company's Wealth Management Report 2013.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ronnie Lim, Headof Consumer Banking, Alliance Bank serves some sobering figures on how we are overspending, too much too soon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been hailed as the new threat to fiat currency and unsurprisingly so with it's value doubling in a few short months in 2013. Controlled by a guerilla style peer-to-peer network, it's completely decentralised nature spooks analysts. Part-geeky project, part-currency that fuels the darker side of the internet..will Bitcoin ever be reagrded as a real currency? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.