Money Talks

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.   

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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.  

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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.  

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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. 

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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.  

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Visit any beauty, fitness or wellness service and it’s likely that a package deal will be offered to you. While a package may be more cost-effective on a per-session basis, is it always a better deal than paying for a single session? Seow Kai Lun, managing editor at The Simple Sum, breaks it down for Andrea Heng on the limited series This or That.  

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In today’s volatile stock market coupled with an uncertain economic outlook, should investors be looking at picking specific stocks or buying index funds? Adam Wong, editor-in-chief at personal finance and investment website The Fifth Person, weighs the options for Andrea Heng on the limited series This or That. 

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A new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat can take more than four years to build. A resale flat in the same vicinity will likely cost you significantly more. So what should a prospective home buyer to do? Andrea Heng gets property agent Jooann Tay to weigh the options on the limited series This or That. 

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Season 2 of Money Talks kicks off with a limited series called “This or That”, where guests weigh the pros and cons of each option. 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? Andrea Heng puts the question to Julian Kho, general manager of Sgcarmart.

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From a bride who insisted on renting a S$15,000 wedding dress, to grooms screaming at vendors on their wedding day, wedding planner Hellen Lie from Rosette Designs and Co has seen it all. She gives guest host Elizabeth Neo tips on saving costs and tells us what wedding couples really shouldn’t scrimp on. Am I Adulting Right is a limited series. 

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Getting that first paycheck as a young adult can be exciting – and daunting.  How do you balance spending and living for today, while also saving and investing for your future needs? Guest host Elizabeth Neo gets answers from Gregory Van, CEO of Endowus and 29-year-old Rita Goh. Am I Adulting Right is a limited series. 

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Gone are the days when you need to use up your leftover foreign currency at the airport or carry wads of cash during an overseas trip. Dinesh Dayani, co-founder of Dollars and Sense, analyses the pros and cons of multi-currency apps.

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The first tweet created. A picture of a bored ape. An animated kitten. Virtually anything digital can be converted and sold as an NFT or non-fungible token. But is there value to owning a digital certificate of an item that can be easily duplicated? Saniya Ramchandani, Blockchain Insights Lead for Momentum Works, breaks it down. 

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Singapore has become a magnet for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, thanks to its image as a safe and modern financial hub. Adding to the wealth mix are family offices, which oversee all aspects of a family’s wealth, often to the tune of S$100M or more. Bryan Henning, Senior Vice President of Eton Solutions, shares a glimpse into this rarefied world.  

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With property prices and home loan rates at all-time highs, is it still worth owning a property for rental income in Singapore? Ryan Ong, partner at real estate consultancy Stacked Homes, gives advice on choosing an investment property, including why being close to an MRT station doesn’t always guarantee the best rental yield.  

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How an adult manages his finances has a lot to do with the money lessons he learnt as a child. This week, Ruperto Ancajas, portfolio specialist at Foord Asset Management, gives his top tips on how to teach children to save, spend and yes – even invest.

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Are the rising prices of eggs, meats and fruits putting a strain on your wallet? Food prices in Singapore rose 7.5% year-on-year in December 2022, the fastest increase since 2008.  What can you do to combat high food prices? Dawn Cher, author of personal finance blog SGBudgetBabe, shares her top tips. 

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With China rapidly reopening its economy after three years of strict COVID-19 controls, investors are hopeful that this will be a bright spot for 2023. John Lin, Chief Investment Officer of China Equities at Alliance Bernstein, outlines the risks, opportunities and policies to watch out for.  

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With low service fees and easy to use apps, robo-advisers have gained popularity in recent years especially with younger investors. But the ease of use could become an issue if you are prone to over-checking and panic selling. Ferris Wee, Master Trainer at the Institute for Financial Literacy, shares tips on optimising usage on a digital investing platform. 

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There’s nothing to suggest that women aren’t good at investing, but data shows that they are not as involved in growing their personal wealth as men are. Oi-Yee Choo, CEO of private market investment platform ADDX, shares her views on how women can take better control of their own finances.  

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2022 was volatile and with market recovery only expected towards the end of 2023, are there still investment opportunities to be had? Christopher Ng, trainer at financial education company Dr Wealth, discusses investment strategies and money lessons for the year ahead.

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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set to rise from 7 per cent to 8 per cent in January 2023. Household budgets are expected to tighten and spending habits will need to be adjusted. Sumit Agarwal, Professor of finance, economics and real estate at NUS Business School, explains why the GST hike is unavoidable, and what you can do to manage it. 

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According to the latest OCBC Financial Wellness Index, Singaporeans were worst off in 2022 than 2021 and more have picked up bad habits, like rolling over credit card debt and spending beyond their means. Vasu Menon, executive director of investment strategy at OCBC Bank, shares tips on how you can achieve better financial wellness. 

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Should couples have joint or separate bank accounts?  Tan Siew Lee, Head of Wealth Management Singapore at OCBC Bank, says while it’s important to agree on common financial expenditure and align expectations, couples should also have financial independence. She offers advice on this episode of Money Talks.

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The answer to this question can only be found if you have a personal budget and take it seriously. Podcaster and finance blogger Junus Eu breaks down how budgeting helps you understand your relationship with money and achieve your financial goals. 

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Thinking of what happens when you die and making active plans to manage your assets may seem morbid, but legacy planning is important for everyone with dependents. John Yeo, Lead for Client Advisory, MoneyOwl discusses the need for wills and other aspects of legacy planning. 

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Phoe Chuan An and Tan Sher Yun started their online business out of a bedroom when they were still undergraduates. Today, Style Degree is known for selling home organisational goods and boasts a healthy social media following. But is starting an online business as easy as it looks? 

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In a climate of rising home loan rates, it’s tempting to go for the lowest or cheapest package. What else should you be looking out for before signing or refinancing your mortgage loan? Paul Wee, Vice President of PropertyGuru Finance at PropertyGuru Group shares his insights.

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In Singapore, it’s common to take on some form of debt – be it education or mortgage loans, credit card bills or instalment payments. So when does debt become bad? There are some red flags, explains Tan Huey Min, General Manager of Credit Counselling Singapore on this episode of the Money Talks podcast. 

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A two-hour wait at a physical bank branch was enough to put off Ho Hean Chan from future visits. With the emergence of digital retail banks in Singapore promising seamless interactions, the Banking and Capital Markets Assurance Leader at PwC Singapore says the battle between digital and traditional retail banks will come down to who offers a better customer experience. 

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With elderly parents and two young children to care for, Mabel Tan knows all too well the strain of having to juggle her finances and save for retirement. The financial services director at Great Eastern talks about how to prioritise and why open communication is key. 

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Just getting started on your investment journey? Start with less risky Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) before taking the plunge in the stock market, says co-founder of the Smart Investor David Kuo. He talks ETFs, robo-advisors and explains why you should trust but verify all information before investing. 

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With borders reopened, post-pandemic travel has been marred by skyrocketing airfares, flight cancellations and lost luggage. Aaron Wong, Founder of travel website MileLion, shares travel tips and hacks to scoring good deals and why travel insurance is non-negotiable. 

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A strong Singapore currency, good stock dividends and low-risk government-backed bonds are just some of the reasons that make Singapore securities an attractive investment. Alfred Chia, CEO of SingCapital, explains why Singapore securities should be part of any investor’s portfolio.

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What investments do you need to make in order to retire in your 50s in Singapore? Sarah Al-Khaldi sits down with veteran finance journalist Goh Eng Yeow who stopped work full-time when he was 56. He talks about his journey and how he did it.  

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Most of us in Singapore are already covered by MediShield Life in case of health emergencies. So do we really need additional medical insurance? It is the first thing you need to buy, says Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend. 

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Everyone has insurance - often on the advice of well-meaning friends or insurance agents. But are we paying too much for too little coverage? What's the difference between whole life and term and should you start paying insurance for your children? Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend gives a clear run-down of dos and don'ts. 

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By some estimates – and depending on who you ask – the cost of raising a child in Singapore can be as high as half a million Singapore dollars for one child. How do we balance needs and wants and can we ever be financially ready? Sarah Al-Khaldi gets some answers from Sam Lai, founder of LifeWork Coaching and a mother of four.

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Singapore residents working here contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Some think it keeps their hard-earned money locked up but it can also be a tool for investment and a big plank for retirement. Editor-in-chief of The Fifth Person Adam Wong takes Sarah Al-Khaldi through the nuts and bolts of the CPF.

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Propnex CEO Ismail Gafoor gives his views on why he thinks resale is better than BTO flats, why saving for a dream home is not a good idea and what all his wealth has taught him about money and happiness. 

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Financial analyst Christopher Chong who runs the Honey Money SG YouTube channel is 31 years old and on FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early). Sarah Al-Khaldi finds out how much he saves, why he maxes out his CPF contributions and why all of it is a daily sacrifice. Reach us at: cnapodcasts@mediacorp.com.sg

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Co-founder of The Smart Investor David Kuo opens our brand-new personal finance podcast, and he drops a few golden rules about how to kick off your journey towards financial freedom, what to do with your salary or bonus (hint: not a fancy holiday), why a bear market is good news and what he discovered after years of investing. 

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