Money and Me

As interest rates tumble to three-year lows, Singapore’s homeowners are racing to refinance their HDB loans. Could now be the smartest time to switch from HDB’s 2.6% rate to a bank loan? Or are there hidden risks that could derail your savings goals? From lock-in penalties to cash rebates and the one-way nature of HDB refinancing, learn what every borrower needs to check before signing. Then, turn your attention to retirement - how much insurance coverage do you really need to protect your future without overpaying? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties.  

Earnings are soaring, rates are falling, and investors can’t decide whether to celebrate or brace for impact. Join Michelle Martin and trading expert Simon Ree, Founder of Tao of Trading, as they unpack a blockbuster week for markets - from Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta’s AI-driven profits to the Fed’s latest rate cut and the U.S. - China trade truce. Can trillion-dollar tech giants hold their lead as AI spending skyrockets? And how long can markets keep levitating on optimism alone? Plus, a sneak peek into Simon’s upcoming Tao of Trading Mastermind Live in Singapore. Hosted by Michelle Martin.

Gold surges past US$4,000. Tech valuations swing. Emerging markets rise as supply chains shift east. Are KGI’s “ACE” pillars - Alternatives, Credit, and Elite Stocks - still winning in 2025? Bryan Low, Head of International Wealth for Singapore at KGI, joins Michelle Martin to unpack  opportunities driven by the AI boom, shifting geopolitical risks, emerging markets and the resilience of REITs in income portfolios. 

Can Asia’s economic resilience and the AI revolution shield its markets from U.S. political turbulence? Morningstar’s Kai Wang joins Michelle Martin to break down where the real long-term value lies in Asia’s equity landscape. From semiconductors powering the AI wave to Macao’s gaming revival and China’s restaurant rebound, discover how investors can look past the noise. Hear insights on sectors set to thrive amid trade fragmentation, consumer shifts, and policy change. A data-driven roadmap to the next phase of Asia’s growth, hosted by Michelle Martin.

What would you do if $129,600 landed back in your account overnight? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into the maturity of Singapore’s first-ever 10-year Savings Bond and what investors might be weighing to do next. Elijah Lee from Phillip Securities joins to unpack reinvestment strategies, the trade-offs between safety, liquidity, and yield, and how SSBs stack up against T-Bills and SGS bonds. Learn whether to hold, ladder, or redeploy your cash - and where the smartest low-risk opportunities may lie now.  

Markets are brushing off a U.S. government shutdown - but how long can they ignore the risks? OpenAI’s $500 billion valuation, record gold prices, and Bitcoin at $120K all raise new questions about bubbles, belief, and safe havens. Michelle Martin and Simon Ree unpack whether this is Dot-Com 2.0 or durable growth. They explore George Soros’ bubble logic, the Fed’s data blackout, and how investors can spot real earnings in the AI frenzy. Expect talk of OpenAI, Tesla, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Delta, and Bitcoin as Q3 earnings season kicks off. Hosted by Michelle Martin.

How far can $1,350 a month really take you in retirement? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores CPF Life and whether the Standard or Escalating Plan is better suited for your golden years. Daniel Sim, Founder of Golden Goose Properties, joins the conversation to unpack the trade-offs of starting payouts at 65 versus delaying till 70. They also discuss strategies to supplement CPF with rental income, downsizing, or non-property investments. If your retirement target is $2,500–$4,500 a month, where will the extra cash flow come from? Tune in to learn how to think of property as a secondary “CPF Life” and what other income streams can bridge the retirement gap. * The Full retirement sum is $213 000 for 2025, it will be $228 000 in 2027. This amount is the standard to set aside by age 55 on your Retirment Account to receive monthly payouts under the CPF LIFE Standard Plan upon reaching the Payout Eligibility Age. 

Are more in Singapore rewriting the rules of work and retirement? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Ashmita Acharya, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC Singapore, this episode explores how Singaporeans are trading the “work till 65” model for intentional career pauses. We unpack HSBC findings that show 40% of Singaporeans planning mini-retirements aim to keep costs under $100K - signaling a shift from privilege to mainstream. From burnout relief to pursuing passion projects, mini-retirements are reshaping financial and life planning. How are they being funded - CPF, dividends, disciplined savings? And what are the non-financial hurdles that trip people up? Discover practical tips for anyone inspired to design a career with breaks built in, without sacrificing long-term security.

Singapore’s IPO market is on fire - and it’s the strongest in over a decade! Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into the surge fueled by MAS’s S$5B liquidity fund, tax rebates, and record-breaking listings like Centurion Accommodation REIT and AvePoint’s dual debut. Malcolm Koo, CEO of CGS International Singapore, shares insights on sector shifts to AI, renewables, and healthcare. We explore investor sentiment trends across institutional and global funds. Plus, what reforms are still needed to keep the momentum going? And how should investors rethink portfolios to seize these new opportunities?

Pharma stocks plunge as Trump’s 100% tariffs send shockwaves across Asia. Hosted by Michelle Martin, we break down the impact on Singapore’s $4 billion pharma exports, Sumitomo Pharma, CSL, and more. Are these tariffs a short-term blow or a long-term reset for Asian healthcare investments? Plus, we spotlight Mapletree’s three Singapore REITs - Logistics, Industrial, and Pan-Asia Commercial - amid expected rate cuts.  Which one offers the best dividend yield and growth potential? Dividend Titan’s Willie Keng shares his strategy for navigating healthcare risks and REIT opportunities.