Gold prices have soared in 2025 but here are things to consider before buying your first gold bar.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Gold has never looked shinier, especially as a safe haven in a volatile world. 

It reached highs when things were the most volatile, with Trump’s tariffs and then the federal government shutdown. 

But should you buy gold, how do you go about it and what are the considerations to be taken first? 

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to make good use of the current gold rally. 

Her guests are OCBC Managing Director of Investment Strategy Vasu Menon and ST business journalist Timothy Goh. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

1:34 Why have gold prices been soaring? 

6:50 What does gold as a “safe haven” mean?

10:02 Is this the right time to buy gold?

16:00 When do gold prices come down?

19:56 Physical gold versus paper gold

24:13 Tips for first-time gold investors 

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

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More holidays a year sounds great but ensure they stay within budget by using these hacks.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Instead of saving for a home, young people are now saving for travel and leisure. Over half of young workers said saving for trips is among their top financial goals, a survey showed. 

So travel is clearly a top of mind issue for Singaporeans. But how do we budget for three trips a year?

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to achieve your vacation dreams. 

Her guests are Revolut’s Head of Strategy and Operations Ashley Thomas and ST travel journalist Sarah Stanley.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:23 How early do you plan for 2026’s trips?

4:00 Are more people doing three holidays a year?  

8:00 How to set budgets for a trip

16:22 Using AI to plan holidays

18:00 Where are the upcoming popular spots?

21:00 Travel deals and ways to save money 

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

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Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

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Find out how to choose the right employers, training and career paths to ride the wave.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

We are in the thick of it. Artificial intelligence (AI) has already taken root in our personal and professional lives, and is set to reshape society even more.

How best to set ourselves up for success for the years to come? What is the support at hand to help us make better career choices?

In this episode, host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Minister of State for Manpower, as well as for Culture, Community and Youth.

MOS Dinesh shares more about who the hotly-scrutinised and recently launched Graduate Industry Traineeships (Grit) are meant for, and why it has taken the form it has.

Joining the discussion is Ms Elsie Ng, director for talent solutions in Singapore for professional networking platform LinkedIn. She shares how both employers and workers are reinventing themselves for AI.

This is a jam-packed episode that cannot be missed.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:43 What prevents people from taking the first step in upskilling?

9:17 How have skill requirements changed in recent times?

13:40 Huge demand in 'people' skills; why career research is important

17:36 What happens to those who find their efforts aren’t enough to keep up?

24:47 Grit is meant for those who can’t directly enter growth sectors

31:10 Nurturing ready trainees for when the role is eventually created

Take the Career Health quiz: https://careerhealth.sg/quiz/

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

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Platform work can expand employment options and opportunities, but only with careful regulation.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Digital platform work has become a fixture of Singapore society, with a contingent of almost 70,000 plying their trade, mostly in ride-hailing or food delivery.

In a special episode of Headstart On Record, co-host Tay Hong Yi moderates a fireside chat with four panellists across the platform work ecosystem at the Global Dialogue on Digital Platform Work on Sept 29.

Hear their views on the challenges that come with this new format of work, the prospects that come with expanding it to a wider range of jobs, and what needs to be done to make it meaningful for young talent.

The panellists were:

Ms Yeo Wan Ling, assistant secretary-general at the National Trades Union Congress

Mr Hao Shuo, chief executive officer, Singapore National Employers Federation

Mr Lim Yew Heng, group managing director for public affairs, transformation and post-merger integration at Grab

Mr Elvin Tan, Asia-Pacific head of operations at human resources services firm Persol

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:01 How NTUC develops support for platform workers despite limited data

8:38 Is it a good idea to expand platform work to other jobs?

9:56 Should we be worried about platform work eroding Singapore’s skill base?

12:04 Are employers ready to recognise platform work as work experience?

18:26 The toughest balancing acts Grab makes

Read what went down during the dialogue: https://str.sg/gTPf 

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

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Investing your CPF might be exciting, but ensure you have enough too for housing and retirement. 

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Retirement seems like ages away for a young person, and the CPF that accumulates can feel like money just sitting in a fund. 

But what can we use CPF for? And should we all invest our CPF?  

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at how to use your CPF, whether for investment or housing needs. 

Her guests are Angeline Teo from CPF Board and Gen Z undergrad Quang Long.

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:58 What are the different CPF accounts?

9:54 How do CPF savings grow?  

11:50 Using CPF for housing

14:55 What CPF cannot be used for 

16:28 How to invest your CPF

20:05 Other considerations when investing your CPF  

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

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Find out how to discern the hallmarks of employers who do well.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Mr Richard Cooper, business leader for benefits for Mercer Marsh Benefits in Singapore. Mr Cooper advises organisations on how to design healthcare benefits, insurance, flexi-benefits and related processes.

The ability to take leave from work for medical and personal reasons is a cornerstone of modern work.

However, it might not always be clear what a good benefits policy looks like, and when an employer is actually stingy or overbearing with what they require staff to do.

Do you have such experiences?

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:00 How job requirements shape benefits policies

4:51 What are best practices employers adopt?

9:58 What does overreach look like?

13:42 Are employees obliged to plan their leave periods around work?

16:47 Should we expect enough employers to keep reserve capacity?

23:22 Why can Nordic countries afford extensive leave?

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing should not be about timing the market, but growing money over the long term.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Day trading is exciting - all the watching of stock movements and trying to buy low, sell high. 

But experts often say, hold for the long term, and use the benefit of compounding. 

What does that mean? How long exactly is the long haul and what does holding for the long term mean? 

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at investing for the long-term future, rather than the here and now. 

Her guests are Gidon Jerome Kessel, group head for Deposit and Wealth Management at UOB and Leong Ji Keet, a financial blogger at SG Money Guide.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:00: What does investing for the long term mean?

6:23 Which assets should I buy for long-term investing?

8:00 How long is a long-term investment?

14:45 Long-term strategies vs day trading

15:49 Are high-yield bank accounts investments?

19:00 Investing for retirement

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why this sector also has back-of-house roles that call for talents from all walks of life.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Find out why job seekers should not just think of front-facing guest roles in this sector, as host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi chats with Ms Adeline Phua, managing lyf partner and vice-president for business development at Ascott, the lodging business of CapitaLand Investment.

You may have come across lyf (pronounced life) properties, that are creatively designed. It is known for its appeal to young travellers and inventive activities for guests.

Ms Phua argues why hospitality is something Singaporeans should look deeper into, beyond just traditional or stereotypical job roles associated with the sector.

Do you have to be an extrovert to work in hospitality? No.

Not everyone has to be interacting with guests on the frontline, with a surfeit of meaningful roles behind the scenes in areas including facilities management, designing and sustainability.

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:23 Kombucha-brewing classes, world record attempts and other memorable guest activities 

6:10 Hospitality roles in SG: Is there room to improvise? 

13:23 The range of roles and skills needed at a company like lyf 

16:54 Wanted: Ex-kindergarten teachers, ex-zoo professionals, illustrators, content creators?

20:49 How’s the sector holding up in this current economy?

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim & Natasha Liew

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working a full-time job but having a side-hustle is gaining traction among young people or students.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Side hustles are becoming more common, with people opening weekend cafes, selling coffee or doing other jobs besides their full-time work. 

But are side hustles for everyone? Will it become necessary as people try to get extra income and find fulfilment outside their day jobs?

And what do you need to look out for before starting a side hustle? 

In this episode, ST business correspondent Sue-Ann Tan looks at the art of the side hustle and how to start one. 

Her guests are Tris Su, owner of weekend matcha business Tofu Tofu, and Juliet Tan, founder of human resources consultancy firm Emplifi. 

Highlights (click/tap above):

3:14: How does a home-based matcha maker run her side hustle? 

4:17 What counts as a side hustle?  

5:55 Juggling the side hustle with her full-time job

7:53 What to do before starting a side hustle 

14:15 The trend of side hustling and why start one? 

24:00 Can I start a side hustle now?

Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa

Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X

Host: Sue-Ann Tan ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties.

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We put off work because work, for some reason, puts us off.

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a headstart in your personal finance and career with The Straits Times.

Procrastination: The frustratingly human tendency to postpone work we can and should get started on earlier.

It may seem tempting to berate ourselves for being lazy, unmotivated or disorganised. Instead, procrastination is actually our brains trying to shield us from uncomfortable feelings, putting a hidden toll on ourselves.

In this episode, host and ST correspondent Tay Hong Yi hosts an expert on the psychology of people who work together in groups.

She shares with us what research tells us about procrastination and other quirks of our mind that permeate our work and daily life.

She also goes into the “dark things” she relishes researching, such as why people are cynical at work, and the fallout from narcissist leaders.

The guest is:

Dr Ruchi Sinha, organisational psychologist and associate professor (practice) at Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University 

Highlights (click/tap above):

2:00 What is procrastination and what type of procrastinator are you?

11:06 What are some strategies to help you manage procrastination?

14:07 Procrastination is about misplaced priorities too

16:22 Is it any easier for Dr Sinha to beat procrastination, as an expert?

17:05 The “pretty dark stuff” Dr Sinha studies, such as narcissism at workplaces

23:04 How does Dr Sinha translate research in her field to real life?

Read more about procrastination here: https://str.sg/C9QS

Read Tay Hong Yi's articles: https://str.sg/w6cz

Follow Tay Hong Yi on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/AAxy

Host: Tay Hong Yi ([email protected])

Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim

Executive producers: Ernest Luis, Lynda Hong & Joanna Seow

Follow Headstart On Record Podcast channel here:

Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3

Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9

Feedback to: [email protected]

SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg

Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

---

#headstart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.