Wise and Shine

What if you’re doing everything “right” - climbing the ladder, hitting milestones, building stability, but deep down… success still doesn’t feel secure?

We dig into a growing mid-career reality: more professionals are quietly building skills outside their job; not because HR asked them to, but because they’re trying to protect their future.

Because in today’s world, even the most stable job can start feeling… temporary.

This episode’s guests:

• Dawn - Author of Take Back Control of Your Money and host of Wise & Shine (but today, she’s in the hot seat sharing her personal journey)
• Roy Teo - A comms & marketing professional of 18 years who made a bold pivot into real estate advisory (and hasn’t looked back since)

We unpack:

• Why mid-career professionals are upskilling even when things seem “fine”
• The moment “job security” starts feeling like an illusion
• What corporate life teaches you… and what it never will
• The uncomfortable truth about visibility, personal branding, and being seen

The mindset shift that makes skill-building possible (even when you’re exhausted)

This isn’t another “hustle harder” conversation.

It’s about optionality. It’s about resilience.

And it’s about building the kind of skills that no one can take away from you, no matter what the economy, tech, or workplace throws next.

Tune in and discover why the smartest professionals aren’t waiting until it’s too late.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before kids, you spent freely. After kids, every dollar has a new purpose.

But what if the biggest financial shock of parenthood isn't the tuition fee, but something you never saw coming?

Join our host, SG Budget Babe, as she sits down with three parents from vastly different life stages to uncover the raw, unvarnished truth about how raising a family fundamentally reshapes your financial world and your emotional well-being. This isn't just about diapers and college funds, it's about the invisible cost of care and the guilt that comes with it.

Tune in to hear:

• Eric Lim, Founder of Parendigm Movement, a seasoned author and coach with a 21-year-old, reveals the single most expensive stage of a child's education that blindsided him.
• Iman Ibrahim, a Divorce lawyer of 20 Years and single mom, spills the tea on the surprising healthcare cost that left her shocked and questioning the system.
• Howie Tan, Co-founder of Kintsugi Investing School, and father to a a 6 year old, navigates the early years and the "sandwich generation," shares the emotional cost of being present and the revenue he sacrifices to be a better father.
• Discover the one thing all three guests stopped spending money on the moment they became parents.
• Learn how to manage the inevitable parental guilt that comes with every financial decision.

Don't miss this essential conversation on how to achieve financial wellness while navigating the ever-changing realities of family life.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed belong to the guest/content creator, and do not represent the views of OCBC Bank. The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

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🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

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📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"How would you spend the extra 20 years?"

It's not a hypothetical question anymore; it's a demographic certainty. We are all living longer, and the traditional three-stage life of study, work, retire is officially obsolete. But what does a 100-year life truly look like, and how do we prepare for a future that is fundamentally different from the one our parents knew?

Dive into the seismic shift of longevity, exploring the financial, career, and personal implications of a life that stretches far beyond the conventional timeline.

You’ll hear from:

• Sher-li Torrey, founder of Moms at Work, on navigating the caregiver years and reclaiming your life beyond them.
• Brandon Lee, Assistant Chief Executive of Workforce Singapore, on redesigning careers and embracing portfolio living in a 100-year lifespan.
• Pui Wah Loh, a “vintage” professional who retired at 61 and is now reshaping what it means to live with purpose in your third act.

We dive into:

• Why living longer means taking more risks—especially when you’re younger.
• How to balance time, health, and wealth across different life stages.
• The power of experimentation, failure, and self-reflection in crafting a meaningful longer life.

Whether you’re in your 20s, navigating mid-life, or reimagining retirement, this conversation will challenge how you think about your future—and inspire you to design it with intention.

Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion.

Tune in now and start rethinking your extra 20 years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed belong to the guest/content creator, and do not represent the views of OCBC Bank. The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
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• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if harassment at work no longer looks the way you expect?

It’s no longer just whispered comments in corridors or uncomfortable meetings behind closed doors. Today, it can show up in Slack messages, WhatsApp chats, LinkedIn posts — and sometimes in ways that are subtle enough to make you question your own instincts.

Dive into a topic many experience, but few openly talk about: workplace harassment and bullying in the digital age.

We explore:

• How workplace harassment has quietly shifted from physical spaces to online platforms
• The blurry line between “lawful but awful” behaviour and illegal harassment
• Why so many victims stay silent — even when policies exist
• What really happens when HR systems don’t feel safe or independent
• The emotional and reputational toll of speaking up (or choosing not to)

And most importantly — what options actually exist when walking away isn’t so simple.

Joining us is Simran Toor, Head of Regulatory & Investigations, Co-Head of Disputes, Tang Thomas, a legal expert and leading advocate in digital safety and workplace equity.

She is the former CEO of Singapore’s first online harms help centre and has led national efforts addressing harassment, gender equity, and access to justice. With years of experience supporting victims both legally and systemically, she brings a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on why harassment persists - and what truly needs to change.

This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply relevant for anyone navigating modern workplaces - whether you’re an employee, manager, or business owner.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered:

“Is this harassment… or am I overthinking it?”

This episode is for you.

🎙️ Tune in. Listen closely. And decide what you’d do differently next time.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s fast-paced world, AI is not just reshaping industries; it’s redefining what it means to be skilled and indispensable in the workplace. But with all the buzz about automation and job loss, what does this really mean for you?

Can you still be a "human who can't be replaced"?

With experts Peck Hoon Low, Senior Career Coach at General Assembly, and Tamanna Bilandi, Practice Tech Lead & Recruitment Team Lead at Adecco, we explore the evolving definition of "skill"—from technical expertise to adaptability, innovation, and emotional intelligence.

What’s in store:

• How AI is amplifying human roles and reshaping industries.
• Why adaptability and learning agility are now more valuable than ever.
• Insights on how traditional roles, like data analysts and UX designers, are evolving in the face of AI.
• Real-world examples of how AI is creating new opportunities and what that means for your career.

Tune in for expert advice on how to stay ahead in an AI-powered future. Don’t miss out on these essential strategies for building skills that will make you irreplaceable!

Catch this episode and learn how to thrive in the age of AI! 🎧

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are traditional, old-school stockbrokers becoming popular again, even though we’re now in a world of TikTok and modern trading apps like Tiger Brokers?

Technology has changed how we trade, invest, and get financial advice… but what happens to the roles that existed long before apps and instant news alerts? And could these roles actually thrive again in a digital-first world?

To help us unpack this surprising shift, we’re joined by two guests who sit on both ends of the old-meets-new spectrum:

• S Nallakaruppan (Nalla) — President of The Society of Remisiers, with 31 years of market experience, having lived through the Asian Financial Crisis, Dot-Com Crash, GFC, COVID, and more.
• Raymond Chin - Head of Agency at Tiger Brokers, leading the push for a new generation of investment reps trained for today’s digital landscape.

• How a once-essential finance role almost disappeared — and why it might return
• Why younger investors don’t know this job exists… and why that could change
• The rise of “high-tech + high-touch” investing support
• What a modern investment representative really does (it’s not what you think)
• The surprising traits that make someone good at this career today
• Whether this profession could once again become one of the top earners

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s still a future in traditional finance careers, or you’re curious about a path that lets you be your own boss and live in the markets every day, this is one episode you don’t want to skip.

Catch the full conversation on Wise & Shine.

Learn more about our venue sponsor, OUE REIT, at https://www.ouereit.com/

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
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• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s, and wondering how to stay relevant in your career?

Feeling stuck or facing new challenges that make you question your next move? You're not alone

Tackle mid-career reinvention with two incredible guests who share their personal stories of navigating change, facing redundancy, and continuously evolving in their fields.

What you'll learn:

• How to pivot and reinvent yourself when you're already established in your career.
• The value of upskilling, networking, and staying visible, even when you’re balancing career and family.
• Real strategies for staying visible and valuable.

Meet:

• Shirley Ong – Senior banker and wealth management expert, who embraced a master's program to stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
• Miki Kong – A pharmacist turned career reinvention expert, who thrived after navigating redundancy and industry restructuring.

If you think you're too far along in your career to make a change—this one’s for you.

Don’t miss these actionable insights for your next career move. Tune in now!

Check out the episode where Loyalty may be the better strategy in today’s job climate:

• YouTube: https://youtu.be/AraR0JQUb1s
• Spotify: https://linktw.in/UmoNLW
• Apple podcast: https://linktw.in/xqAGMZ

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to land your dream job at top-tier firms like Temasek? Here's what they are REALLY looking for.

Hear from Sherlyn Lim, Head of Organisation & People, Temasek, as she reveals the secret sauce to standing out in today’s competitive job market.

Learn:

• What makes a candidate "future-ready"? Hint: It’s not just about skills, but adaptability and curiosity.
• How to ace your CV without a branded school or industry experience—it’s all about the stories you tell.
• AI’s impact on hiring: Is it making or breaking careers?
• Red flags and green lights: What job changes really say about you.

If you're serious about leveling up your career, you won’t want to miss this one.

Tune in now!

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The job market today isn’t what it used to be, and if you’re a professional navigating it, you know it’s not just about grades or a prestigious degree anymore.

Hear from Ainul Md Razib, a cybersecurity engineer and community builder, and Pang Xin Yi, a marketing and events expert redefining her career path.

They share personal stories of how they landed their roles, what it took to break into their fields, and the lessons learned along the way, including:

• How to use social media to stand out in today’s hyper-competitive market.
• Why networking isn’t just about sending resumes.
• The importance of being curious and always learning.
• The mental and emotional hurdles faced during the job search.

Tune in to hear their journey and pick up insights that will help you tackle the toughest job market yet. Whether you're job hunting, navigating your first gig, or trying to figure out your next move, this episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories you won't want to miss.

Join us for a candid conversation on navigating your career in today's competitive landscape!

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling like you’re behind in your 30s or 40s… even though, on paper, you’ve done everything “right”?

Dive into that quiet mid-career ache: when the promotions, pay raises, house, family and “LinkedIn wins” still don’t stop you from feeling… not enough.

🎧 Tune in if you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling LinkedIn thinking,

“Everyone else is sprinting ahead. What am I doing with my life?”

Here’s what we’ll explore:

- Why mid-career success can still feel strangely empty – even when you’ve ticked most of society’s boxes.

- The invisible pressure of LinkedIn & humblebrags – and how constant comparison messes with your self-worth.

- Internal vs external success – are you chasing your own definition… or a script handed to you by parents, school, or culture?

- When your job title is your identity – what happens when retrenchment, restructuring, or redundancy hits.

- How to start decoupling your worth from your work – small mindset shifts to move from “never enough” to more grounded contentment.

- Why life purpose often gets louder in your 30s & 40s – and how to listen to it before burnout forces you to.

👥 Our guests this week:

- Michelle Mah – a psychotherapist and coach in her second career, who works with high performers that “look like they’re winning” on the outside but struggle with meaning and self-worth on the inside.

- Esther Koh – a senior HR leader in the financial services industry, as well as an ontological coach, parenting coach and counsellor, who’s led transformation at work while navigating caregiving, loss, and redefining success on her own terms.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Who am I without my job title or my pay slip?”

…this episode is your permission slip to find out.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.