Money and Me

Singapore is on track to hit super-aged status next year, and the housing market is bracing for change. Hosted by Michelle Martin, today’s show dives into the launch of Perennial Living’s private luxury assisted living project in Kovan, with monthly fees from $8,900 to $17,000. Will this premium model succeed alongside government-led Community Care Apartments, or remain a niche for the ultra-wealthy? We explore the demand, risks, and investor opportunities in this emerging sector. Plus, Michelle and Ivan Cai, CEO, Crestbrick discuss whether more private developers could follow, and what the government’s role should be. Finally, the conversation shifts to Kampong Bugis, a 4,000-home waterfront precinct in the URA’s Draft Master Plan 2025, and why this new approach to development could reshape investor strategies.

How could the new iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices  reshape valuations, visibility, and investor opportunities. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into how the Next 50 indices could unlock liquidity, ETF flows, and future growth for S-REITs within a context of falling rates. REIT specialist and Wealth Advisory Director, Kenny Loh breaks down the impact of falling borrowing costs and where income-focused investors should be looking now. From Centurion Accommodation REIT’s IPO to data centres, retail, and healthcare REITs - find out which sub-sectors are set to shine.

Are there moves you should make now with your portfolio? The US central bank slashes rates by 25 basis points to 4 - 4.25%, with cautious guidance pointing to only a handful of cuts ahead. Standard Chartered’s Global Market Outlook calls this a “delicate balancing act,” with investors urged to rotate from US to Asia ex-Japan equities. EM local currency bonds and locking in yields on high-quality debt emerge as key strategies. Audrey Goh, Head of Asset Allocation at Standard Chartered Bank’s Wealth Solutions Chief Investment Office, joins us to map out opportunities amid volatility. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode unpacks the Fed’s move and its global portfolio implications.

Given this mix of lower rates, a strong stock market, and lingering uncertainties, how should investors balance risk and return in their portfolios for the rest of the year? And if you wanted to skip complicated products like ILP's, what would alternative options be? Michelle Martin finds out with Cheng Chye Hsern, Head of Investment, Providend.

What happens when a borderless career meets a cross-border divorce? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode explores the financial and legal pitfalls facing globally-mobile professionals when marriages break down. Guest Foo Soon Yien, Senior Director at BR Law Corporation, breaks down jurisdictional rules, domicile requirements, and the risks of assuming Singapore’s courts will hear your case. We discuss how frequent travel, long-term PR status, and dual citizenship affect eligibility to file. Hear about “forum shopping,” landmark cases, and key differences between divorce laws across countries. Plus, practical advice to protect your assets before crisis strikes.  

The STI has smashed past 4,300 – should you be looking to gain exposure to it? Tim Phillips, Founder of TimTalksMoney, joins the conversation to explore what investors should make of this milestone. We break down valuation risks, macro drivers, and whether DBS Group still has room to run. ETFs tracking the STI come under review for those eyeing a diversified route. Beyond Singapore, we scan Asia for markets and sectors that look compelling. Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Tim Phillips, Founder of TimTalksMoney.

A record jobs revision, inflation still sticky, and yet markets soar - what’s going on? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode connects the dots with Simon Ree, Founder of Tao of Trading. From the latest PPI and CPI data to the Fed’s looming rate cut decision, we ask if investors should brace for volatility or ride the bull. Is the S&P 500 in bubble territory as valuations stretch to dot-com levels? What does Oracle’s massive surge reveal about AI-driven optimism? And will September seasonality deliver its usual bearish sting, or prove a myth this year?   

Are investment-linked plans really balancing protection and wealth growth? Hosted by Michelle Martin. ILPs now make up 43% of new life insurance sales, but complaints have surged alongside. Regulators are considering classifying them as complex products by December 2025. Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, joins Michelle to unpack how ILPs have evolved with bonuses and fund choices. Are costs still a dealbreaker despite fat bonus sweeteners? And should investors keep insurance and investments separate?

The Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone is shaping up to be one of the region’s most exciting growth stories. Could this cross-border initiative accelerate Johor’s economy beyond Malaysia’s average - and what does it mean for Singaporean investors? Michelle Martin dives into the industries set to benefit most, from manufacturing and logistics to the digital economy and services. She explores property plays and REIT exposure, infrastructure upgrades, and opportunities for Singapore corporates. The conversation also looks at incentives, risks, and how to hedge against currency volatility. Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Winshern Ho, Wealth Manager, PhillipCapital.

Are selected older properties hidden gems in today’s market? Hosted by Michelle Martin with Daniel from Golden Goose, this episode dives into the dynamics of investing in aging real estate. Learn how older units can make strategic sense and when they fall short. We unpack key factors like location resilience, capital appreciation, and maintenance considerations. Daniel shares his expert take on when an older property is worth a second look and what investors should watch out for. If you’re weighing new versus old in your portfolio, this is the conversation you won’t want to miss.