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.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 privacy information.

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 for privacy information.

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 information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.