Money Talks

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener f...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See omnystud...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See om...

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. Se...

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

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. See omnystudi...

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...

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 An...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

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 Adu...

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. See omnyst...

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.