Money and Me

From Singapore’s AI ambitions to China’s EV and bubble tea giants - where is the smartest risk-reward right now? Singapore’s Budget 2026 signals an accelerated AI roadmap just as Chinese growth names like BYD, XPeng, Pop Mart and Guming Holdings capture investor attention, hosted by Michelle Martin. We unpack Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s innovation-led strategy and what it could mean for Singapore equities and AI infrastructure plays. Then we pivot to China’s EV landscape as global registrations soften and policy shifts test demand resilience. BYD’s battery leadership and export muscle face off against XPeng’s tech-driven autonomy ambitions. Pop Mart’s IP-powered collectibles and Guming’s beverage expansion highlight the power - and risk - of consumer identity investing. Are these companies building durable global franchises, or riding policy tailwinds and cyclical momentum?

Can your child’s $10,000 today really turn into $86,000 - and what does Budget 2026 have to do with it? Michelle Martin unpacks the latest Budget goodies - from CDC vouchers and CPF top-ups to corporate tax rebates - and what they mean for families, seniors and businesses. Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, breaks down the new voluntary CPF investment scheme and whether those in their late 40s should even consider taking market risk. We explore the bold 864% CPF growth strategy for kids, and the real trade-offs between long-term compounding and short-term liquidity. Plus, what Singapore’s new AI Park at One-North could mean for District 5 property values, rental premiums and long-term capital appreciation. A practical, future-focused conversation on money, mindset and opportunity - hosted by Michelle Martin.

You asked for it! Michelle Martin sits down with Dion Thong, Senior Manager, Retirement Withdrawals Department, CPF Board, to demystify CPF LIFE with questions listeners sent in. They tackle common fears - is CPF LIFE truly for life, what happens to your money when you pass on, and is the “up to 6%” interest too good to be true? We unpack enrollment rules, the threshold for inclusion, whether you can switch plans later, and what you can do today to  boost your monthly payouts  Find out: which plan best protects against inflation, which gives the highest starting payout, and how risk-pooling really works behind the scenes. A clear, practical guide to making one of retirement’s most irreversible decisions - hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Dion Thong, Senior Manager, Retirement Withdrawals Department, CPF Board.

What if Budget 2026 could change the way you use your SRS , own your first home and teach your children about money? Ahead of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s statement, we unpack ideas that could meaningfully reshape financial security in Singapore from a personal finance perspective.  Elijah Lee, Senior Financial Services Manager, Phillip Securities, shares his view on why SRS reform could be a powerful lever for retirement flexibility and tax efficiency. We examine how stronger first-property support can balance affordability without reigniting a property bubble, think through structural cost-of-living solutions - and why financial literacy in schools may be the ultimate long-term hedge. A forward-looking conversation on Singapore budget priorities, hosted by Michelle Martin. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/  

Hosted by Michelle Martin, this is the show that keeps your peace of mind at the heart of the wealth chase. When everything feels chaotic - wars, inflation, de-dollarisation fears and gold is rising - what if the smartest financial move is knowing when to stop chasing more? Drawing on insights from Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, the conversation challenges the reflex to maximise, leverage, and hustle at all costs. Michelle and Chris unpack the most common investor mistakes during periods of volatility - from freezing in fear to making emotionally reactive moves. Gold makes a comeback in the headlines, but is it an investment, a hedge, or simply psychological insurance? The discussion also tackles the modern obsession with side hustles and multiple income streams - and whether more money always means more security. At the heart of it all: where to draw the line between building wealth and actually living the life that wealth is meant to support.

After years in the penalty box, S-REITs are staging their strongest comeback since before COVID - but the real question is: who’s thriving, and who’s just surviving? The iEdge S-REIT Leaders Index delivered a standout 16.3% return in 2025, its best annual performance since 2019, signalling a shift in momentum as rate pressures ease. But this recovery is uneven, with pockets of strength emerging while weaker balance sheets continue to lag. We break down which property types are leading the rebound, and why yesterday’s winners may not be tomorrow’s. With Singapore Budget 2026 just around the corner, expectations are building around policy support, funding costs, and growth catalysts for the sector. Kenny Loh, REIT Specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, shares what investors should watch - hosted by Michelle Martin.

What if the real risk in buying a home isn’t interest rates - but your job? In early 2026, AI disruption, shifting HDB policies and volatile careers are forcing buyers to rethink what “affordable” really means. Shorter BTO waiting times promise relief for young couples, but could trigger unexpected ripple effects across resale. At the same time, the long-standing price gap between RCR and CCR or prime and slightly beyond prime districts has narrowed to levels that are seeing some sit up. What does this all mean for you and your wealth journey? Ivan Cai, CEO of Crestbrick, breaks down what this new property cycle means for buyers and investors, hosted by Michelle Martin.

Many Singaporeans treat SRS as a “set it and forget it” tax tool, leaving cash idle at 0.05% while inflation does the damage. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores why investors are waking up - with ETF holdings in SRS accounts surging 380% to over S$800 million. We break down how SGX-listed ETFs can transform SRS from dormant savings into a long-term growth engine. From local STI anchors to global equity, bond, REIT and gold ETFs, we unpack what SRS investors are actually buying. Founder of TimTalksMoney, Tim Phillips, dives into popular choices with investors and takes us beyond the ETF wrappers for choices for someone looking to China, US and even gold! Plus, practical steps for anyone with idle SRS cash who wants to start investing confidently in 2026 and beyond

China’s investment narrative is shifting from old economy giants to new-generation growth engines. Michelle Martin speaks with Dr Wealth cofounder Alvin Chow, to explore whether the new CSI A500 index could replace the CSI 300 as investors’ core China exposure. We unpack why CSOP’s new SGX-listed ETF makes it easier for Singaporeans to “buy China” in one trade. Then, attention turns to China’s Six AI Tigers - startups positioning themselves as local rivals to OpenAI and Nvidia. With MiniMax and Zhipu AI surging after their Hong Kong debuts, are investors spotting the next tech champions or chasing hype?

Money and Me unpacks why global investors may be hedging U.S. exposure rather than fleeing it outright, even as the dollar weakens and trade tensions simmer. Our guest, John Sidawi, Senior Portfolio Manager for Global Fixed Income at Federated Hermes explains how currency hedging has become a core strategy after years of unhedged U.S. outperformance. We explore what a softer dollar could mean for the greenback’s long-term dominance. Gold’s surge toward record highs - and its sudden drop - raises questions about whether this is a buying opportunity or a warning sign. Attention also turns to President Trump’s pick for Fed Chair and what that could mean for rates and markets. This episode connects geopolitics, currencies and commodities - hosted by Michelle Martin.