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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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With Singapore phasing out the sale of new internal combustion engine car and taxi registrations by 2030, many Singaporeans are contemplating switching to an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid car.  But what are the costs involved? In this episode of Money Talks, Julian Kho from Sgcarmart gives a breakdown of the real costs and benefits involved – from maintenance fees to charging costs and road tax.

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The financial costs of studying overseas may seem daunting but it can be manageable with the right planning and a buffer for unexpected costs. In this week’s Money Talks, Dr Chan Khai Leok from education consultancy theRightU walks us through the key financial planning essentials - from funding options to major expenses.

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