Money Talks

Recent changes to executive condominium (EC) rules could affect how buyers plan their next property move. From a longer minimum occupation period to changes in financing, the new measures may reshape who finds ECs attractive and whether they still fit into an upgrading strategy. Andrea Heng sits down with Ryan Ong from Stacked Homes to discuss how to assess whether buying an EC still makes sense.

More than 610,000 Singaporeans are still holding on to Singtel special discounted shares bought decades ago using their CPF savings. With a new law allowing these shares to be transferred into individuals’ Central Depository accounts, many people are weighing whether to sell, hold or diversify these shares. Chua Yi Wen from DBS Bank’s Consumer Banking Group shares with Andrea Heng how to approach the decision.

Men and women are often said to approach money differently, from the way they save to the risks they take when investing. But how much of this is also shaped by biology, upbringing and social expectations? Professor Carmen Shih from the Singapore University of Social Sciences shares with Andrea Heng how these factors influence financial behaviour and what they mean for everyday money decisions.

Taking over an insurance policy from your parents may seem straightforward, but many people do not fully understand what they are paying for or whether the coverage still suits their adult needs. Should you keep, upgrade or surrender these plans? Chan Wai Kit from Life Insurance Association Singapore explains how to assess inherited insurance policies.

Many of our financial behaviours – overspending or obsessing with saving – are shaped by childhood experiences, emotional triggers and inherited habits. Michelle Mah from The Curious Bonsai shares with Andrea Heng how recognising these experiences can help you build a healthier relationship with money.

Insurance documents are long, full of legalese and it’s tempting to skip the fine print. But knowing where to look can make the difference between a smooth claim and an unexpected denial. Eddy Cheong from Havend zooms into the details to break down the sections that matter most.

According to a survey by Revolut and YouGov, Singaporeans are among Asia’s most financially anxious, with almost a third frequently experiencing money-related anxiety. What’s causing us to be so stressed out over our wallets? Revolut’s Ashley Thomas joins Andrea Heng to find out why Gen Zs, millennials and even higher-income households are feeling the pinch, and what small steps can help us feel more in control.

Safe-haven assets like gold, bonds and the US dollar are meant to protect your portfolio in times of crisis. But recent market movements are challenging that notion, leaving many investors questioning what still works. Sani Hamid from Financial Alliance sits with Andrea Heng to dissect what’s happening.

With markets swinging wildly and uncertainty dominating headlines, is “buying the dip” a smart move or a risky gamble? How should investors decide when to jump in? In this episode of Money Talks, Andrea Heng sits down with Thomas Ng of PhillipCapital to break down how to read the market, spot real opportunities and understand why missing the boat isn’t always a bad thing.

Hiring a foreign domestic helper may feel like a simple decision to help ease the household burden, but budgeting for their salary is only part of the picture. From placement fees to dental emergencies and mobile phone plans, there may be extra costs that families often miss. Chloe Lim from maid agency gentleHelp breaks down the real costs of hiring and keeping help in Singapore.

The HDB flat or house you own could be more than just a place to live – it may help fund your retirement. But options like right-sizing or renting could come with significant trade-offs. Andrea Heng sits down with PropNex Executive Chairman Ismail Gafoor to break it down.

Managing money looks different for some neurodivergent individuals and their learning may not always be linear. For family members, this can be very worrying especially when it’s time to let go. Faith Teo from SG Enable shares simple strategies that can make a huge difference for the future.

As the war in Iran and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz affect global energy supplies, Singapore households are starting to feel the pinch in their transport and utility bills. A protracted war could also push up food prices and reshape spending habits. Dr Pushan Dutt, professor of economics and political science at INSEAD, explains how to navigate these price shocks and adjust your finances.

Gold isn’t just jewellery or coins – ETFs can give you exposure to real bullion without the hassle of storage, long queues or steep bid-ask spreads. Lion Global Investors’ Ong Xun Xiang sits with Andrea Heng to explain the difference between synthetic and physically backed gold ETFs, vaulting jurisdictions and insurance that protect your holdings. 

Medical crises can quickly drain savings, especially if no one knows your treatment preferences. Costly procedures, frozen accounts and family disagreements are real risks without proper planning. Andrea Heng sits down with Allen Lim from the Asia Estate Planning Association to discuss how Advance Care Planning can help families act with clarity and confidence. Editor's Note: This episode of Money Talks has been edited to remove an incorrect reference to the Advance Care Plan (ACP). An ACP is used for documenting future healthcare preferences and cannot be used to assign insurance policy ownership or nominations. Such arrangements must be made directly with the insurance provider. We apologise for the error.

A handshake or bank transfer may feel quick and sufficient when helping a friend in need. Yet disputes over repayment, interest and even whether it was a gift can arise years later. Family lawyer Ang Boon Yaw from Yeo Marini Law Corporation sits with Andrea Heng to break down how to protect yourself and manage the risk when it comes to lending money to your loved ones.

Come 2028, CPF members will have another way to grow their retirement savings through investments that rebalances automatically over time. With low-cost providers expected and market risks involved, what should you consider before opting in? Christopher Tan from Providend joins Andrea Heng to discuss what you need to know.

When one partner is risk-averse and the other wants to chase growth, how do you find a middle ground? Tiger Fund Management’s Jeremy Tan joins Andrea Heng to share practical tips on bridging the risk gap, explain why documenting contributions is an act of care rather than a lack of romance and discuss how to stay united when the markets - and your portfolio - take a dip.

When you have 20 years before your child needs the money, the biggest risk may not be market swings but doing nothing at all. With education and healthcare costs rising, cash savings alone could fall short. Mahesh Sethuraman, CEO of Saxo Singapore, joins Andrea Heng to explain how parents can invest today for their children’s tomorrow.

Financial losses are part of investing, but how you respond can shape your long-term outcomes. Grace Tay from Finexis Advisory sits with Andrea Heng to unpack how things can go wrong even if you follow all the rules and what you can do after a major financial setback.

Limited edition toys, jewellery and sneakers may feel like good investments, but can they beat the stock of the companies behind them? Zavier Wong from eToro sits with Andrea Heng to unpack how the numbers stack up.

Private markets aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore, but access doesn’t always mean suitability. Understanding the risks, liquidity and its role in your overall portfolio is key. Sheryl Choong from Endowus shares with Andrea Heng to explain how to approach them with clarity and confidence.

A bonus, inheritance or CPF withdrawal can feel like hitting the jackpot – but acting on impulse can drain your fortune fast. Senior wealth advisory lead Jason Ang from Syfe shares with Andrea Heng how to pause, plan and protect your windfall.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore’s latest figures show that 19 per cent of the money that Singaporeans put into their Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) accounts goes uninvested, appreciating at a measly 0.05 per cent per annum. With inflation eroding idle funds, more can be done after topping up one’s SRS account. StashAway’s Singapore country manager Jeremy Foo joins Andrea Heng to unpack how to make the most of your SRS funds as early as possible.

With talk of an AI bubble and expectations that the US economy will slow down, 2026 looks set to be another unpredictable year for investors. But where does that leave your savings, loans and investments? OCBC’s chief economist, Selena Ling, joins Andrea Heng to discuss what to expect in the year ahead.

Having the “money talk” with your parents can be daunting, especially when they’re reluctant to listen. But with housing assets, health costs and retirement planning at stake, these talks are critical. Vera Lau from Saxo shares what worked in her own experience and breaks down how to approach the conversation with empathy and respect.

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is often seen as a safe and disciplined way to invest, but does it always work? From risk aversion to market timing, Isaac Lim, Chief Market Strategist at Moomoo, shares with Andrea Heng when DCA helps – and when it may be holding you back.

When geopolitical tensions flare up, all eyes turn to oil. But why does this commodity trigger global anxiety? In this episode of Money Talks Explains, energy expert Vandana Hari from Vanda Insights unpacks how changes in oil prices can have a ripple effect through economies – impacting policies, prices and portfolios.

Beyond using your CPF to buy a home or as a retirement plan, it can also be used for investments. But what are the risks involved? In this episode of Money Talks, Christopher Tan from Providend explains how to avoid some common investment pitfalls.

Most people in their 20s only start saving when faced with big life changes – marriage, kids or buying a house. But waiting can cost you. Drawing from his own financial journey, Walter Tan shares his personal wake-up call and what he wishes he had done earlier with his money. This episode is brought to you by Prudential Singapore.

Caught between caring for ageing parents and young children, Singapore’s “sandwiched generation” faces both time and financial pressure. Yuvaraj Uthaman joins Andrea Heng to share his own financial journey caring for his ageing parents, raising his one-year-old son and trying to set aside money for his future. This episode is brought to you by Prudential Singapore.

Planning for retirement no longer means a hard stop at 65 years old. With longer life spans and rising living costs, Singaporeans are now planning for a flexible, active second act in life. Andrea Heng speaks to Lim Szer Khee from Prudential Singapore to find out how you can fund a meaningful retirement while staying financially secure. This episode is brought to you by Prudential Singapore. 

For Gen Zs and millennials, financial success is no longer about the 5Cs - it’s about freedom. And that requires a new kind of financial blueprint. From side hustles to micro-retirements, Andrea Heng sits with Jocelyn Kau from Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore to discuss what it will take to achieve the new Singapore dream. This episode is brought to you by Prudential Singapore.

Diversification is more than just buying different stocks – it's about spreading risk across asset classes, markets, currencies and investment styles. Andrea Heng sits down with Jeik Sohn from Capital Group to unpack how retail investors can ensure their investments are adequately diversified without breaking the bank.

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is often seen as a safe and disciplined way to invest, but does it always work? From risk aversion to market timing, Isaac Lim, Chief Market Strategist at Moomoo, shares with Andrea Heng when DCA helps – and when it may be holding you back.

A house fire is not just traumatic – it can be financially devastating. While most homeowners have fire insurance, many overlook contents insurance, which covers personal belongings. Imran Sinwan from Finexis Advisory unpacks how to be financially ready before disaster strikes.

US-China tensions are back, shaking up the markets. But market volatility isn’t always bad news for investors. In fact, it could be a chance to buy into future winners. Andrea Heng finds out from Thomas Chua, author of personal finance blog Steady Compounding, why patience and discipline matter more than timing the market. This episode was recorded live at Seedly Personal Finance Festival 2025. 

Being in the top 15 per cent income bracket doesn’t guarantee a secure future. Lifestyle inflation, DIY missteps and uncoordinated plans often catch  high income earners off-guard. Andrea Heng sits down with financial adviser Jo Ong to find out how to better manage your salaries and avoid financial hurdles.

A US Federal Reserve rate cut may be good news for your mortgage, but bad news for your fixed deposits. As global interest rates shift in response, where should Singaporeans invest for better returns? Andrea Heng sits down with Ritesh Ganeriwal from Syfe to find out.

Artificial intelligence is making its way into the financial planning space, with the technology’s ability to scan through hundreds of products and generate investment plans within minutes. But can AI chatbots replace a human adviser? Andrea Heng sits down with Kilde co-CEO Radek Jezbera to unpack the capabilities and limitations of asking an AI for financial advice.

Many Singaporeans overlook the fine print when it comes to CPF nominations, especially during key life changes like divorce or having more children. Andrea Heng sits down with Pang Zhe Liang, financial adviser and author of The CPF Playbook, to find out what can go wrong – and how to fix it.

The cost of long-term care is rising, and CareShield Life is evolving to keep up. How will the new support measures and revised premium structures affect Singaporeans? Andrea Heng sits down with Alex Lee from the Singapore Actuarial Society to find out.

Having the “money talk” with your parents can be daunting, especially when they’re reluctant to listen. But with housing assets, health costs and retirement planning at stake, these talks are critical. Vera Lau from Saxo shares what worked in her own experience and breaks down how to approach the conversation with empathy and respect.

Franchising promises a head start with a proven brand. But is it really easier or cheaper than building a business from scratch? From royalty fees to brand restrictions, there’s more than meets the eye. Nafees Khundker, the franchisee of Lush in Singapore, unpacks what aspiring franchisees need to know.

While some Singaporeans are familiar with local exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a world of opportunity lies beyond our borders. How does one navigate the complexities of different time zones, currency risks and foreign taxes? Is there a hack to lower the tax on dividends? Gerald Wong, CEO and founder of Beansprout, breaks down what you need to know before taking your investments global.

Central banks around the world are looking to increase their gold reserves, seeking a safe haven amid global uncertainty. How can individual investors get in on the action? How much of one’s portfolio should be allocated to this precious metal? Shaokai Fan, global head of central banks and head of APAC (excluding China) from the World Gold Council, breaks it down. 

The 2021 GameStop saga introduced the world to meme stock mania. Now, with the likes of GoPro and Krispy Kreme in the spotlight, the phenomenon is returning. Andrea Heng speaks with SMU's Associate Professor of Finance (Education), Aurobindo Ghosh, to unpack the psychology behind the hype and the risks for retail investors.

No contract, large data packages and free overseas internet roaming. These are just some of the perks that mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Singapore are offering. Dinesh Dayani of DollarsandSense.sg discusses what to watch for in the fine print and how to know when it’s finally time to make the switch. 

Many jobs come with corporate insurance coverage but for those who want extra protection, they may consider paying for a personal insurance policy. Which policy should you claim first and how do you make the most out of your company insurance policy? Peggy Chan from the Institute for Financial Literacy shares what to look out for.  

When companies like Reddit and Grab are listed on the stock exchange, there is often a buzz. But what does “going public” really mean for the company and for you as an investor? In this week’s Money Talks Explains, Dr Zhang Weina from NUS Business School unpacks the ins and outs of getting an Initial Public Offering (IPO), how prices are decided and whether it’s wise to invest in newly listed stocks.