Money Talks

It started as a text message from someone she thought was her daughter. By the time Lena Soon, a financial adviser of more than 20 years, realised something was wrong, she had lost almost S$4000 to a scam. On the Money Talks podcast, she joins Andrea Heng to recount how the scam unfolded, the warning signs she missed and tips on how to have a conversation with a loved one you suspect is a scam victim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you realise your ageing parents may not have enough money for retirement? Providend CEO Christopher Tan joins Andrea Heng to discuss the options when parents face a retirement shortfall. From tighter budgeting to leveraging the family home, learn how adult children should assess their own finances before deciding how much support they can afford to give. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates, prompting questions about what higher borrowing costs could mean for Singapore households and whether spare cash should go towards paying down debt or investing. MoneyOwl's Chuin Ting Weber joins Andrea Heng to explain how to think through that decision and why paying down debt can sometimes leave you with less liquidity when you need it most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two ETFs can track the same S&P 500 companies but have different tax, cost and dividend implications for Singapore investors. The choice between a US-domiciled ETF and an Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETF may also affect potential US estate tax exposure and long-term returns. Andrea Heng speaks with Mahesh Sethuraman, CEO of Saxo Singapore, about how different investors can benefit from these ETFs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting April 2027, parents will receive S$2,000 a year for each Singaporean child from age one to 16, as part of a new financial support scheme from the government. But if you don’t need the money for day-to-day expenses, how can you invest it towards your own retirement? On the Money Talks podcast, Andrea Heng speaks with SingSaver’s Ayush Goyal about putting the new SG Child Support Package to work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising US Treasury yields may sound like a distant problem, but could they eventually affect your mortgage, investments and the prices you pay in Singapore? UBP's Paras Gupta joins Andrea Heng on the Money Talks podcast to explain the relationship between your mortgage and the US bond market, and what investors should consider if borrowing costs remain elevated. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surviving a critical illness may be only the start of the financial journey. A Singlife study estimates that recovery can cost around S$170,000 and stretch for an average of 27 months, with expenses extending beyond medical treatment. Andrea Heng speaks with Singlife Group Head of Products Helen Shen about the “recovery gap”, including out-of-pocket expenses, lost income and caregiving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea’s KOSPI has been on a rollercoaster ride, surging on AI stocks. Christy Tan, global investment strategist with Franklin Templeton Institute, joins Andrea Heng to discuss what’s driving the Korean stock market's volatility, the impact on the Korean won and why investors may need to actively rebalance diversified ETF portfolios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has stepped in to support the Japanese yen after it fell to a 40-year low. What does the intervention mean for Singaporeans investing in Japanese stocks or planning a holiday there? Simon Ree from The Tao of Trading joins Andrea Heng to explain what could make a stronger yen last. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to build six figures in passive income from property at the age of 30? JNA Sales Force co-founder Christian Oh now earns about $100,000 in rental income from a total of nine properties, including a coffee shop. He joins Andrea Heng to share how one early setback shaped his approach to investing and the lessons he's learnt as a landlord. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has removed the 15-month wait-out period for private homeowners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats, marking the end of one of Singapore's property cooling measures. PropNex executive chairman Ismail Gafoor joins Andrea Heng to explain why the rule was lifted, what it could mean for HDB resale prices and how this affects anyone thinking about right-sizing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Japanese yen has fallen to levels not seen in decades, leading many to ask if this is the right time to exchange some money for the next holiday. Mercer's Cameron Systermans joins Andrea Heng to explain what's driving the currency's valuation, what could change in the months ahead and how holidaymakers and investors should think about currency risk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With electricity tariffs hitting record highs, many households are weighing whether to lock in with a fixed-rate plan or wait for prices to ease. David Broadstock from The Lantau Group joins Andrea Heng to explain how the different pricing models work and what you need to consider before making the switch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX's blockbuster initial public offering has put the spotlight back on companies going public, but recent listings on the Singapore Stock Exchange have told a very different story. What separates successful IPOs from costly disappointments? Brandon Ho from Arta Finance joins Andrea Heng to unpack why valuations fluctuate and how large-scale IPOs could affect your investments – even if you’re not directly holding their stock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many investors assume that going green means settling for lower returns. But is sustainable investing really a trade-off between doing good and growing your wealth? Eugenia Koh from Standard Chartered Bank joins Andrea Heng to unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about building a green portfolio and whether sustainable investments can match traditional returns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI boom is lifting Singapore's electronics exports, but does that mean there are good investment opportunities in local companies? Veteran markets and business journalist Ven Sreenivasan joins Andrea Heng to discuss which sectors could benefit from the global AI surge and whether you should add them into your long-term investment portfolio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.