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.