Ringgit and Sense

In the world of finance, there are often terms bandied about like preference shares, interest schemes and even cash trust. Lawyer Dr Seow Hock Peng, who is also Lecturer of Law at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology shares with us their differences, and how you should spot a red flag.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buy now pay later services have made it tempting to split a purchase into a few installments. But has it also given us a false sense of our purchasing power? Shereen Hazirah Hishamudin, Senior Research Associate, at Khazanah Research Institute joins us to discuss what are the consumer protection in place at the moment, who is more prone to the risks of falling into a cycle of high debt, whether it can serve as a safe borrowing channel. Khazanah research  recently published a report titled “The Financialisation of Our Lives” with the second chapter focusing on the rise of buy now pay later.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the financial mindset of young Malaysians with Peter Yong, Co-Founder and CEO of Mr. Money TV. We'll discuss whether it's fair to say they spend excessively and struggle to save against the backdrop of stagnating wages and rising living costs. We also dive into some very practical financial advice and the importance of the right mindset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying a house and turning it into a home is on the wish list of most but due to high building material and labour cost, how should you budget for your renovation? Kenneth Tan, a first time home buyer shares his experience so that we can avoid the expensive mistakes but also know where the cost savings are.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptocurrencies are increasingly mainstream with the launch of ETF's but what are the pitfalls of this asset class and will it replace fiat currencies one day? Andy Baehr, Managing Director at CoinDesk Indices tells us and also what are the lessons from the recent FTX trial and the fall of its founder, Sam Bankman Fried.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, EPF has reorganized its existing two accounts into three to include the new flexible account for all members under the age of 55.Licensed financial planner, Angie Ng joins us to discuss the details of these changes, who and when you should dip into the new account.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death and taxes are said to be two unavoidable things in life which is why estate planning is an essential part of financial planning. Nor Fazlina, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Trustees Berhad shares with us the difference between a will and a trust and the unique challenges women as well as Muslim women face in estate planning.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most famous value investor is Warren Buffett but what does this style of investing mean? Faridq Ridzuan, Vice President of CFA Society Malaysia  discussed the basics of it,  how to identify a value stock and the importance of portfolio construction.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the series on insurance this month, we delve into the 101 of Takaful. Idi Irwan, Executive Director of Bill Morrisons explains to us how Takaful is different from conventional Insurance products and the unique feature of surplus and deficit sharing.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance planning  for the family is often neglected but we speak to Antony Lee, President, Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia as to why this is critical. He shares with us what considerations must be made from marriage to having children and even for the home.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance is an often overlooked part of financial planning but why is it a critical part that should not be ignored? Dr Selina Dang, Licensed Financial Planner, Coreplus Advisory tells us whilst giving us some tips on what insurance to buy and how much one should set aside for it.Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year has started well with Bursa Malaysia in positive territory on a year to date basis but at the same time, there was a flurry of stocks which hit limit down over successive sessions. A reminder that markets can be rewarding yet volatile. Stephanie Tan, Head of Investor Strategy and Development at Bursa Malaysia tell us what tools they have in house which will help the retail investor overcome the challenges of equity investing and how education is a key part of that.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we draw close to the end of the lunar new year and start tallying our angpau haul, we discuss how guardians and parents can use this windfall money to impart financial literacy, especially with Raya happening in less than 2 months. Nalissa Suria, Project lead at Arus Academy shares the different ways to guide children in utilizing the money to maximize their learning potential, besides the “I’ll put it in the bank for you” method.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent volatility of selected counters was a timely reminder that equity investing is not to be pursued without the right mindset and skills. Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder at Tradeview Capital gives us some advice on what to adopt and how it can be rewarding when the right tools are in place.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesian voters have spoken - unofficial results indicate that defence minister Prabowo Subianto has won the presidential election by a comfortable margin. What does this mean for the policy direction of the country? We get colour and analysis from journalist Erin Cook who’s on the ground in Jakarta.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is Chinese New Year time again. In this special episode, Master Kenny Hoo of Good Feng Shui Geomantics shares his insights from a feng shui perspective on what the Year of the Dragon may have in store for the different zodiac signs.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing is challenging even for professionals - but what are some of the tools and tips to make that process easier? Lim Mei Ching, a former fund manager and Author of 'Be Your Own Fund Manager' tells us whilst explaining what "FATA" is.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this age of rising life expectancy, saving for retirement has become a fundament of personal finance. Why do some people have solid retirement plans while others don’t? We speak to Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts about the nexus between behavioural dynamics and retirement planning.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first Ringgit and Sense of 2024, we discuss what should be your financial resolutions. Stephen Yong, Licensed Financial Planner, Wealth Vantage Advisory shares with us how to prepare for the year ahead, what calls for a readjustment in budget, and what you should do with your bonus.Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 ends soon but before year ends, we explore all the tax breaks that are available with Christine Koh, Managing Partner of Owen KLCA. We also find out if its better to file your own taxes or with your spouse and what to do, if you do get that letter from Inland Revenue.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we draw a conclusion for the year, Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation joins Philip See to discuss the key lessons from 2023 that had a notable impact on personal finance and what financial goals to set for the coming year.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data shows that more Malaysians are engaging professionally certified financial planners to help them understand the complex world of investments to match their financial goals. Anwar Mahbob speaks with Alvin Tan, President of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia to find out how this profession has evolved and why financial planning is for everyone, not only the wealthy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all employed rationalizations for our purchases, whether it's crunching the numbers on the cost per wear or persuading ourselves that snagging a discounted item equates to savvy savings. This isn't exactly a new way of thinking while social media has recently labeled it as "Girl Math". Dr. Grace Lee, professor of economics at Monash University Malaysia speaks to us on the psychology behind girl math and when it becomes too dangerous.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this era of high interest rates, how should you invest? We explore that conundrum since the historical correlations between asset classes appear to have broken down with Lim Chia Wei, Senior Portfolio Manager at AHAM Capital.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday was World’s Children’s Day. Idham Idris, Director & Licensed Financial Planner from Wealth Vantage Advisory discuss the cost of having these bundles of joy, how to budget and when is a good time to talk about money with them.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainable Assets under Management has increased to US 2.8trillion as of June 2023. A significant sum as more investors seek to align their own ESG values with investments. But is there sufficient depth and breadth to the market? Jigar Shah, Global Head of Sustainability Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group gives us that answer whilst telling us if ESG returns can be superior.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For ringgit and sense today, we discuss the impact of inflation on household budget. Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Planning of Finwealth Management tells us what are the adjustments that could be made, who should look into reviewing their loans and whether long term goals like investment and retirement planning are not compromisable.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Art Basel’s 2023 market report with Swiss Investment Bank, UBS, Global art sales increased by 3% year-on-year to an estimated $67.8 billion thanks to event driven art fairs, gallery opening and auction returning to pre-pandemic levels. With art increasingly seen as an alternative investment, how does one even start and is it only for the rich. Bingley Sim, an investment banker and avid art collector tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gig or freelance work is increasingly common and there are many pluses but it's not without its financial consequences. We check in with Gor Sheau Shuenn, a licensed financial planner at Alpine Advisory on how to budget, save and even invest when income can be uncertain.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2024 is the most expansionary to date but with the government focused on fiscal consolidation, what goodies were there for the rakyat? Thanneermalai Somasundaram from Thannees Tax Consulting Services advises us whilst explaining to us the new taxes and the importance of paying it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 10 marks World Mental Health Day and The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1 in 4 people are affected by mental disorders at some point in their lives. We explore the connection between mental health and money from various aspects with Anita Abu Bakar, President of the Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 1 was designated as International Day of Older Persons by The United Nations General Assembly. And Malaysia is expected to become a 'super-aged nation' by 2056. For Ringgit and Sense today, Martin Yap, Founder & CEO, CARE Concierge helps us understand how to balance filial piety with our own financial obligation, the cost of elderly care and how can we prepare ourselves financially for it if we decide to take on that responsibility.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial literacy is unfortunately not taught in schools as part of core curriculum but according to a recent survey by The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO), it should be. We find out why and how it should be taught with their CEO, Clare Walker.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BFM just turned 15, so what are the 15 things every retail investor should know. We turn to Founder & Chief Research Officer of Trident Analytics Sdn Bhd and author of the book- “What I learnt as an Analyst”, Peter Lim to have this important discussion.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have routines like eating healthy and exercising regularly but why isn't this extended to financial planning? Ian Wong, licensed financial planner & CEO of Uno Advisers tells us how to make that a habit and why it's so important.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbie the movie has grossed more than USD1bn at the box office but is she in the best shape financially? We check in with Rozanna Rashid, Licensed Financial Planner from Alpine Advisory as to what advice she would give to a 64-year-old lady with multiple homes, a jet-setting lifestyle and no dependents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is proposing progressive wages on a voluntary basis but rather than wait, how can you earn more over the course of your career? Deepa George, Managing Consultant at MYHRC Services gives us some advice whilst telling us if job hopping is really detrimental.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently there has been more talk about private equity on the back of the listing of Mr DIY. But how does a PE firm work, what are the risks and potential returns. We ask Ng Sai Kit, Chairman of the Malaysia Venture Capital and Private Equity Association these important questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deciding to have a child is one of the biggest decisions to make. However what is the cost of even having a baby. Founder of the financial blog Ringgit Oh Ringgit and new mother, Suraya Zainudin tells us.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently the Prime Minister announced that initiatives will be introduced to encourage family offices to start in Malaysia. But what is a family office, what can they achieve and what role do they play in the world of finance and investments? Carrie Ng, Head of Family Office Advisory, Bank of Singapore tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EPF Belajawanku Guide says that a single person in the Klang Valley can live on RM1930. We check in with a BFM intern, Ethan Kow to see if that is true. This is then followed by financial advice provided by Idham Idris, a professional financial planner from Wealth Vantage who provides some tips to make balancing the books a little easier.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EPF Belajawanku Guide has suggestions on the minimum incomes for singles, couples and senior to live on depending on their location. Today we explore the figure recommended and how to balance the 'books" with Roshan Kanesan who is of course a presenter on Enterprise and also a CFP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women make up half of the Malaysian population, but yet fall behind in terms of salary and often take career breaks. Should women then plan when it comes to their finances. Rejina Rahim, co-founder of Wahine Capital helps us with that question whilst giving women some important career tips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money may not buy love but it often is a cause for divorces. So, what are some of the practical issues that we need to be aware before matrimony and even when the the love flounders. Siew Choon Jern, a family lawyer from the firm Douglas Yee Advocates & Solicitors gives us his views.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023, baby boomers will be celebrating birthdays between the ages of 59 and 77. And by 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. Malaysia is of course no exception to this global trend with the World Bank we’ll have 20% of the population to be aged by 2056, giving us the status of a “super-aged nation”. So what happens to us when we grow old in a country that is experiencing an ageing crisis? What impact does it have on our wallet and cost of living? Rajen Devadason of RD WealthCreation talks to us about how we can ride this global silver tsunami.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you buy or rent a home? The arguments for and against have evolved over the years. There are now more factors in play – the pandemic and resultant work-from-home practices, for instance, have provided more incentive for people to own their own residential property. But the rising interest rate environment along with growing cost of living and low wages has made it difficult for someone to own a home. So how can we make this decision? We turn to Felix Neoh of Finwealth Management for some insights.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many singleton nowadays, there’s something far more pressing on their minds than putting a ring on it: financial security. People with a partner or spouse generally have someone helping out with expenses, as well as a built-in caregiver to lean on. For those who are getting older, are single and childless, that lack of a default support system poses additional challenges as they age. So what do you do when you’re planning for your retirement but have no one to lean on? Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts explains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the difference between a financial planner, advisor, wealth manager and money coach? How do you decide who is better for your financial needs? Sim Wie Boon unpacks this with Desmond Chong of the Malaysian Financial Planning Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, credit reporting agency CTOS, in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia’s School of Business conducted a study looking into the state of consumer credit in Malaysia for 2022. The study found that the average credit score of Malaysian consumers stood at 678 points in 2022 which means that while most Malaysians will be able to qualify for a wide range of credit products, they may not be getting the best deals on the market. So to run through the key highlights of this study, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Erick Hamburger of CTOS and Professor Dr Nafis Alam of Monash University Malaysia on the show. Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a personal finance enthusiast, you would've heard of Financial Independence, Retire Early aka FIRE, a movement which encourages people to attain financial independence as early as possible, working hard, saving a lot, and cutting expenses extremely. All this is so one can retire as early as possible, some even as early as 30. But in the backdrop of the pandemic and changing economic landscape, is this line of thinking still hot on everyone’s mind? Financial planner, Rajen Devadason shares his thoughts and why he thinks FIRE is a flawed strategy.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.