Money and Me

Our company in focus list, zeroes in on companies we here know about in Singapore. In 2026, it’s no longer about whether markets rise - it’s about which companies truly deliver. Money and Me looks past daily noise to uncover businesses entering pivotal turning points across sectors.. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode features Vance Tan, Financial Services Manager, PhillipCapital, on spotting durable value beyond headlines. We explore how to identify companies with real structural tailwinds versus short-term hype and headline-driven rallies. The discussion dives into balance sheet strength, non-negotiable financial metrics, and valuation discipline in a still-uneven market. Finally, we break down how investors can turn high-conviction ideas into diversified, long-term portfolio strategies without overconcentration. Will STI hit 5000 in 2026?

Singapore REITs may finally be turning the corner. Singapore REITs enter 2026 at a pivotal moment say's Kenny Loh, as interest-rate cuts revive sentiment and valuations remain below historical averages. After delivering a near-23% gain in 2025 - their best run since 2019 - analysts expect a two-year earnings upgrade cycle driven by falling borrowing costs and rising distributions. We unpack which REITs face refinancing risks, how balance sheets are being managed, and where higher interest coverage offers protection. From industrial and logistics to retail, offices and data centres, we assess which property sub-sectors look resilient - and which still face headwinds. We also ask whether current price-to-NAV discounts present compelling entry points, or if markets are still pricing in too much caution. Joining us is Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, as we discuss strategy, risks and specific S-REITs on the radar for 2026, hosted by Michelle Martin.

When rates diverge, the real risk isn’t missing the bottom - it’s what you do once you’re there. Singapore’s interest rates are nearing a projected floor, while the UK remains stubbornly higher - setting up a rare refinancing crossroads for homeowners. Michelle Martin speaks with Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, about whether this is the moment to lock in cash-flow relief or risk overleveraging,refinancing timelines and borrower psychology. From Singapore’s TDSR to the UK’s stress tests, we explore how safeguards work - and where blind spots still exist. Ultimately, it’s about keeping leverage as a disciplined wealth tool, not a silent strain - hosted by Michelle Martin.

A digital bank, a S$1.3 billion war chest - and a big question: can a newcomer really change how Singaporeans save, invest and bank. Michelle speaks with Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank, on how a digital-first model is reshaping everyday finance. Backed by Sea Limited and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, MariBank has rapidly grown its investment offerings to over S$1.3 billion in AUM. We unpack how the Lion - MariBank SavePlus Fund works, what investors should know about short-term bonds and capital preservation, and how gold investing fits into a digital wallet for this bank's customers. Natalia also explains fixed deposit rates, the rationale behind the S$100,000 deposit cap, and what safety looks like in a digital bank. Finally, we ask the big question for savers and investors alike: is putting your money with a digital bank worth a thought?

As 2026 begins, Money and Me takes a moment of introspection - looking not just at how much you made, but how you spent. What did money add to your life in 2025 - and what quietly drained your peace, health, or joy? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode features Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, who introduces a powerful reframing: Return on Spending, not just Return on Investing. From a $10,000 wedding anniversary to resisting ego-driven purchases, Christopher shares how values - not status - guided his big financial decisions. The conversation explores how spending today shapes the future story of our health, ageing, and relationships. Listeners are invited to do a simple year-end money audit - no spreadsheets required - before setting their goals for the year ahead.  

Defense stocks swing sharply as US President Donald Trump pivots from threatening dividends to floating a staggering US$1.5 trillion military budget. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode unpacks why names like Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies and AeroVironment surged - and what it says about policy-driven markets. We also look to Europe, where defense stocks extend a four-day rally as geopolitical tensions reshape spending priorities. In Asia, Hong Kong gets a boost as China-backed tech champions debut, led by AI firm Zhipu AI alongside chip and robotics players. UP or DOWN tackles movers including CrowdStrike and Fast Retailing, while Singapore stocks pause near record highs. And finally, from AI fridges to strange CES gadgets, we ask whether tech innovation is getting smarter - or just louder.

As the China growth narrative fades, attention is shifting from the New Economy to an overlooked source of income: high-dividend state-owned enterprises. Raymond Cheng explains why China’s energy and infrastructure giants have delivered strong returns even as oil prices fell. We explore how Beijing’s policy reset has effectively programmed state firms to return more cash to shareholders. Why Hong Kong-listed H-shares may offer higher yields than identical A-shares in Shanghai — and why that matters now. Plus, what Southbound Connect flows, falling bank rates, and balance-sheet quality tell cautious investors about China’s role in a diversified portfolio. Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Raymond Cheng, Chief Investment Officer for North Asia at Standard Chartered Bank’s Wealth Solutions unit.

When prices barely move after big news, that’s often the loudest signal of all. Nvidia’s Vera Rubin chip debut at CES promises cheaper, faster, lower-power AI - yet the stock barely flinched, raising questions for both traders and long-term investors. Michelle Martin unpacks what muted price action really means when expectations are crowded and positioning is full. Geopolitical shock from Venezuela has sent gold and silver surging - what does seasoned investor Simon Ree, founder of the Tao of Trading think of the possibilities ahead; follow-through, or a fade? From memory-chip spillovers to crowded AI trades, explore markets with Michelle and Simon in this conversation.

He was told borrowing could boost his retirement - instead it wiped out his peace of mind. A real-life Singapore case shows how a retiree lost a large portion of his savings after taking loans to buy complex insurance-linked investments. In this episode, we unpack why borrowing to invest is especially dangerous once your paycheque stops. We break down the red flags hidden in structured products, leverage, and “projected returns” that sound reassuring but aren’t guaranteed. You’ll learn what questions retirees - and their adult children - must ask before signing anything involving debt. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this Money and Me episode helps you protect retirement capital by understanding what not to do before it’s too late.

The biggest threat to your money in 2025 wasn’t what everyone was shouting about, it was your reaction to them. As markets whipsawed through tech shocks, AI scares, and policy pivots, many investors hurt themselves trying to react. This episode reveals the real wealth destroyer hiding beneath the headlines. We unpack volatility, false market narratives and why first impressions often lead investors astray.  The conversation challenges the obsession with timing, predictions, and expert forecasts. Hosted by Michelle Martin featuring Chin Hui Leong, the Co-founder, The Smart Investor, this is a reset on how clever investors think through the headlines as we head into 2026.