Ringgit and Sense

We recap some of the most interesting conversations we’ve had on the show, including a series on money and relationships, scams, personal loans and how to cope with your finances when everything is getting more expensive.  Featured interviews include: Dating And Money, What To Look Out For And What To Say The Financial Conversations To Have Before Marriage Money And Marriage: How To Make It W...

As the year wraps up, we take stock of how 2022 has impacted your financial goals. Stephen Yong of Wealth Vantage Advisory talks about his year end financial checklists, how the various global events would have impacted our finances and the lessons to learn from it. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to money? Don't know where to start? Do you feel like you're on the wrong track? Suraya Zainudin, founder of ringgitohringgit.com seeks to address all these questions in her new book, Bergaji & Pokai. The book helps readers to navigate through the complexities of managing your own money with simple straightforward tips and fun examples. On Ringgit and Sens...

Our conversation with PIDM continues about how they protect your money in case of an institution failure. Rafiz Abdullah of PIDM returns on the show to talk about how banks could fail and what happens to your money when something of low likelihood but high impact happens. Rafiz also shares what's on PIDM's radar when it comes to events that can threaten our financial institutions and how they are...

Do you know what happens to all the money in your bank if a bank fails? Can you get it back? Or is it gone for good? Well luckily in Malaysia, banks are members of an institution called PIDM which protects bank depositors and owners insurance policies in the event of a member institution failure. Rafiz Azuan Abdullah, the CEO of PIDM talks about their role and what could cause a bank to fail. See...

In his latest book, Financial Freedom Investing, licensed financial planner Yap Ming Hui compiles his decades of experience in helping Malaysians achieve financial freedom. Sim Wie Boon dives into the book to unpack what the lessons are for everyday Malaysians to achieve financial freedom and the challenges in doing so as well as possible missteps to avoid. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudi...

Estate planning is a vital but often forgotten element in a Muslim’s financial plan. We usually spend the most of our time building and protecting our assets but usually forget the last part which is legacy planning. According to the Malaysian Institute of Estate Planners, 80% of Malaysians do not possess valid wills, with many having no idea what happens if their wishes aren’t followed after deat...

As difficult as it may be, sometimes relationships don't work out the way we want them to be and unfortunately a divorce may be the last option for a couple. And while the emotional aspect can be painful, there is a financial aspect to consider as well. Who gets what and how will you go about it? Rozanna Rashid of Alpine Advisory shares some thoughts on the cost of divorce in Malaysia.  Image...

How young were you when you first had experience with money? How was it? And how has it shaped the way you view money while growing up? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Alina Amir of Fund For Life on the importance of teaching your kids about money.   Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The general consensus over the past few years, even before the pandemic, is that Malaysians generally do not save a lot. Be it because of structural issues or a lack of financial planning awareness, the issue is not to be taken lightly. In part of its journey to help Malaysians build financial resilience, PIDM has been conducting surveys and multiple engagements to help raise awareness on financia...

Increased globalization and interconnectivity has opened up the world of investing to near unlimited opportunities. Yet, most investors in Malaysia have about 80% of their investments in Malaysian-based assets. On today's episode of Ringgit and Sense, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Matthew Stuart-Box of robo advisor MYTHEO about the importance of global diversification especially in today's uncertain envi...

Budget 2023 was presented by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul focusing on economic recovery and resilience with a bill of RM372.3 billion, the biggest that has been tabled in Malaysian history. Unfortunately due to the dissolution of parliament several days later, we'll likely be looking at a different one when a new government gets elected. For today's episode of Ringgit and Sense, Sim Wi...

With the Covid-19 pandemic leading to more indoor time, less physical activity and stress eating, it's not surprising that many Malaysians struggle with their weight. However, most Malaysians find it expensive to eat healthy especially in the current inflationary environment. So can we eat healthier on a budget? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Prof Dr Winnie Chee at International Medical University (IMU) t...

The 5th of October is World Financial Planning Day, a day held to raise awareness about the importance of financial planning. And in conjunction with that, we explore the world of financial planning to discuss the path of being a licensed financial planner and also the trends of financial literacy amongst Malaysians. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Rafiq Hidayat of Wealth Vantage and Rozanna Rashid of Alpi...

Continuing a special series on money and relationships, Dr Selina Dang of Coreplus Advisory comes on the show to discuss the kind of financial issues that might crop up in a marriage. Dr Selina shares some thoughts on how to talk to your spouse about money and what steps to take to ensure that you and your partner are on the same page. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

The Monetary Policy Committee of Bank Negara Malaysia has once again increased the overnight policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing it from 2.25% to 2.50%. Bank Negara has been gradually hiking rates from the low rate environment during the pandemic in a bid to fight rising inflation. With more hikes likely to happen in the future, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Plannin...

We continue our exploration of the axis between relationships and money and for this episode, we look at those at the cusp of making that everlasting commitment, getting married. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Rafiq Hidayat of Wealth Vantage Advisory about the conversations you should be having with your partner before tying the knot and the possible issues that could arise when planning a wedding.  ...

With cost of living rising while wages remain stagnant and the investment markets in turmoil, how do adherents of the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early) continue with their strategy to work hard and retire early? Is it still achievable in this day and age? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Aaron Tang of mr-stingy.com to find out more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

EPF members' savings are at very low and worrying levels because over 145 billion ringgit had been withdrawn because of the four Covid withdrawal schemes. Half of the 13 million EPF members aged under 55, now have less than RM10,000 in savings as of June 2022 - which should trigger alarm bells. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Puteri Marjan Megat Muzafa of Khazanah Research Institute on how this impacts our...

Do you have a dispute with your capital market intermediary and having trouble settling the matter in the courts? Perhaps the Securities Industry Dispute Resolution Center or better known as SIDREC can help with an alternative solution. Sim Wie Boon speaks to its chairman to understand the role of SIDREC and how it helps investors with their disputes. For more, head to their website at https://sid...

It’s well known that money is one of the most common subjects for couples to argue about. In fact, many studies have shown that regardless of the happiness level within the relationship, money is a topic that couples consistently disagree on. It can be exciting dating someone new and getting into a committed relationship with them but when is the right time to talk about money? How do you start th...

Pets can be amazing lifelong companions to us humans but unfortunately taking care of them can really put a strain on your wallet. From the initial costs of buying a pet or adopting one, to the veterinary cost to buying pet food and other toys, it’s really not cheap to have a pet nowadays. The good news is that with proper planning, owning a pet doesn’t have to be financially burdening. Sim Wie Bo...

As fuel price rises and concerns for the environment become more important, electric vehicles are starting to become popular around the world as more people switch up their petrol cars for EVs. In Malaysia, EVs are relatively new but more brands have started to bring them in. But are they in any way affordable for the average Malaysian? Advocates for EVs would say that in the long run, you sa...

As high inflation, rising rates and the thirst for yield creates challenges for many investors seeking income from their investments, alternative income generating solutions like infrastructure are starting to gain popularity over the more traditional income solutions. But what exactly is infrastructure investing and how beneficial can it be to your portfolio? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Ajay Dayal of...

Concerns on recession are becoming much more alarming as global economic data becomes more bleak day by day. With inflation creeping up and the cost of goods rising, what are you and I to do? How will recession impact your savings and investments? What kind of preparation do you need to make? Licensed financial planner Kevin Neoh sheds some light.  Image credit: Shutterstock See omn...