The DollarsAndSense Podcast
The DollarsAndSense podcast brings you deeper conversation within the DollarsAndSense team. Join Dinesh Dayani and Timothy Ho for a weekly discussion on everything that matters to our wallets! If you enjoy reading our articles on DollarsAndSense.sg, we do hope you will enjoy listening to us on this podcast series as well!
$2,063 a month for NCMP. Would You Accept It?
The NCMP role gives opposition candidates who narrowly lost a second chance to enter Parliament. But with a $2,063 monthly allowance and limited voting rights, is it fair to expect them to accept it? In this episode of the DollarsAndSense Podcast, we unpack the origins of the NCMP scheme, how it's evolved, and why taking on the role is not just a political decision but a deeply personal one. We also explore how NCMPs can shape future elections, and why the choice to accept or reject the role isn't as straightforward as it seems.
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CIMB’s Raymond Tan: 63% of Singaporeans Want to Retire Between 40 to 60 But Can They Really
Can most Singaporeans really afford to retire between 40 to 60?
In this episode of DollarsAndSense podcast recorded at InsureXpo 2025, CIMB’s Raymond Tan breaks down what Singaporeans believe about retirement and the financial reality behind those dreams. From rising living costs and CPF choices to FIRE aspirations and healthcare inflation, this episode explores whether early retirement is achievable or just wishful thinking.
🎧 Whether you’re in your 20s just starting out or in your 40s feeling the pressure, this episode is packed with insights on what it really takes to retire well in Singapore.
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SGBudgetBabe: The Smarter Way to Achieve FIRE in Singapore
Is FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) realistic in Singapore?
With high property prices, rising living costs, and sandwich generation pressures, it seems like a distant dream for many. But is it really?
In this episode of DollarsAndSense podcast recorded at InsureXpo 2025, we speak with Dawn, better known as SGBudgetBabe, to unpack the realities of achieving FIRE in Singapore. She shares why it's not just about investing aggressively, but also managing lifestyle expectations, understanding CPF, and using "the system" to your advantage.
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Singlife’s Helen Shen: What Most People Get Wrong About Insurance Could Cost Them Everything
Is your insurance plan really serving your life stage — or draining your wallet? In this episode of DollarsAndSense podcast recorded at InsureXpo 2025, Helen Shen, Group Head of Products at Singlife, joins us to unpack what "the right insurance at the right time" really means.
We talk misconceptions, affordability myths, how healthcare inflation is reshaping coverage, and the biggest mistakes young families and retirees make with their insurance plans. Whether you're just entering the workforce, starting a family, or planning your retirement, this is the insurance masterclass you didn’t know you needed.
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Mr.Loo, 1M65: He Bought the Dip During Every Market Crash — Here’s What He’d Do Now
After Trump’s surprise trade tariffs sent global markets into turmoil, many rushed to “buy the dip” — but is that really the smart move? In this episode, we speak to Mr. Loo Cheng Chuan, founder of the 1M65 movement, on how he reads market crashes, why most investors fail at DCA, and what he’s doing this time amid the volatility.
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From $1.00 to $1.90 - What Old Chang Kee’s Curry Puff Can Teach Us About Inflation In Singapore
Curry puffs and chicken wings aren’t just snacks — they’re tracking inflation. In this DollarsAndSense podcast episode, we break down Singapore’s rising cost of living using a unique and surprisingly accurate gauge: the Old Chang Kee Index.
From 2006 to 2025, prices of OCK snacks have more than doubled — and that mirrors the inflation many of us feel every day. We explore how everyday staples like kopi, economic bee hoon, and even football pitch rentals reflect broader economic trends, why the official CPI might feel disconnected from real life, and why some costs (like mobile data) are actually f...
LPA & Will: What Are They, And Why You Should Not Overlook These Vital Financial Planning Tools
Most Singaporeans focus on investing and saving, but estate planning is often overlooked. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or a will, your assets and decision-making power may not be handled the way you intend.
In this episode of the DollarsAndSense Podcast, we speak with Tan Check How, Director at iFAST Global Trust, about why these legal documents are crucial. Learn how an LPA ensures your affairs are managed if you lose mental capacity and how a will secures your assets for your loved ones.
We also discuss real-life cases where having—or not ha...
How SIAS Became Singapore’s Champion For Minority Shareholders
In this episode of our DollarsAndSense Podcast Heritage Series, we uncover how the Securities Investors Association of Singapore (SIAS) became the champion for minority shareholders. Join us as we speak with David Gerald, founder and CEO of SIAS, about the 1999 Clob saga, where 172,000 Singapore investors had their Malaysian stocks frozen, and how SIAS fought against unfair deals to protect retail investors.
Drawing on the profound insights from SIAS’s acclaimed book, Boardroom Knockout, which served as the foundation for much of our discussion, we delve into the gripping story behind SIAS’s book, "Boardroom Knockout: How Singapore’s Inve...
Singapore Budget 2025: The Biggest Game-Changers You Need to Know
Singapore Budget 2025 has introduced several major policy changes that will impact families, businesses, and workers. In this episode of the DollarsAndSense Podcast, Dinesh and Timothy break down the biggest game-changers you may have missed.
🔹 $6.4B Budget Surplus – What does this unexpected surplus mean for future government spending?
🔹 Large Family Scheme – Families with 3+ kids receive $10K CDA grants, $5K Medisave top-ups, and $1K/year (ages 1-6) in LifeSG credits.
🔹Corporate Tax Rebate – Businesses get a 50% rebate, capped at $40K, plus a $2K cash grant for those without profits.
🔹 SkillsFuture & Workfare Enhancements – Low-wage workers (30...
Age Of AI: Understanding The Semiconductor Industry
The rise of AI is fueling unprecedented demand for semiconductor chips, with companies like NVIDIA and AMD at the forefront. But what does this mean for investors?
In this episode of the Dollars and Sense Podcast, recorded at FSM Invest Expo 2025, we dive deep into the semiconductor industry with Tan De Jun, Portfolio Manager at iFAST Singapore.
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Listen to our podcasts on Spotify: https://dollarsandsensesg.link/dns-spotify<...
Market Shifts in 2025: What Singapore Investors Need to Know
With new global policies shaking up the economy, investors are re-evaluating their strategies. Filming The DollarsAndSense Podcast offsite once again—this time at FSM InvestExpo 2025, we explore how trade tensions, market volatility, and shifting supply chains could impact your investments.
Senior Portfolio Manager You Weiren from iFAST Singapore breaks down:
01:55 – How markets and investors are reacting to the latest policy shifts
04:52 – Trade tensions: Do tariffs create winners and losers, or just more uncertainty?
09:08 – Impact on major Asian markets: What it means for China, Japan, and Singapore
11:51 – Key sectors to watch in 2025: Opportunities and risks...
The DollarsAndSense Podcast - Investing & Retirement Planning: Why They Are Not The Same Thing
In this episode, we dive into a topic that's crucial yet often misunderstood: Investing and Retirement Planning—Why They Are Not the Same Thing.
💡 Highlights of the episode:
- Why lumping investing and retirement planning together could be a costly mistake.
- The importance of starting early to leverage the power of compounding interest.
- How to navigate healthcare expenses, housing loans, and even lifestyle inflation for a secure retirement.
If you're someone who wants to build wealth while securing your future, this episode is for you!
Building MightyJaxx…With Jackson Aw, Founder and CEO | Building Series Ep 3
Ever wonder what goes into creating a global designer toy brand? 🌍 Jackson Aw of Mighty Jaxx shares how he turned a creative vision into a multi-million-dollar business, with insights on everything from iconic designer toys to leading a team of 120+.
Tune in to this episode of The Building series!
The Evolution of Bank Branches in Singapore
We’re on location at OCBC’s unique Wisma Atria branch – a place where banking meets lifestyle with a café, bookstore, and even an omakase restaurant! 📚🍱 In this DollarsAndSense podcast episode, we dive into the evolution of bank branches in Singapore and the shift towards digital banking. Our team shares insights on the early days of local banks, the rise of mobile banking, and what the future of banking looks like as digital and physical branches converge. Don’t miss this look into the past, present, and future of banking in Singapore!
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From Brick & Mortar To Click & Mortar - How OCBC, Singapore Oldest Local Bank, Has Transformed Over The Past Century
In this episode, we’re taking you to OCBC Wisma Atria as we dive into the history of OCBC, Singapore's oldest local bank. Hear how the bank transformed from its beginnings in 1932 to become a financial leader in Southeast Asia. Learn about key milestones, innovations, and strategies that have shaped OCBC’s success over the past century.
Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the evolution of banking in Singapore!
#OCBC #DollarsAndSense #SingaporeFinance #BankingInnovation #BankingHistory #OurHeritage
The Evolution Of Financial Content: How SGBudgetBabe Has Evolved After A Decade
Welcome to another exciting episode of the DollarsAndSense podcast! In this episode, we're filming at MooFest 2024 with a special guest: Dawn Cher, the creator of SG Budget Babe. In this episode, we dive into the ever-changing world of financial content creation. From blogging to YouTube and TikTok, we explore how platforms and content styles have evolved over the past decade. Fiona shares her unique journey, the challenges of balancing life and content creation, and offers insights into the future of finance content. Whether you're a budding influencer or a finance enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!
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Beyond Stocks & Bonds: How A Multi-Asset Class Portfolio Can Look Like In the 21st Century?
Is your portfolio stuck in the traditional stocks and bonds mix? Discover why diversifying into multiple asset classes is crucial in today's market. 🎙️ Jermyn Wong from State Street Global Advisors breaks it down in our latest podcast. Tune in for practical tips on global diversification, ETFs, and more.
Home Court Advantage: Why Investing At Home Can Be Valuable For Singapore Investors
Joining us for our debut on-site podcast discussion is Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore. Playing at home is always advantageous. Whether it’s the FIFA World Cup, NBA Finals or upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games, athletes tend to perform better when they are playing at home. With nearly 18 years of experience in various investment brokerages in Singapore, Gavin shares valuable insights.
The Singapore Dream: The New 5Cs That Singaporeans Want
The "5Cs of Singapore" refer to cash, car, credit card, condominium, and country club membership. In the 1990s, these items became not just objects of desire, but symbols of success, prestige, and social standing. But why were these particular items chosen to represent success, and are they still relevant today?
DollarsAndSense explores how the 5Cs have evolved as a result of Singapore's economic development, and the broader implications of the 5Cs philosophy in modern society.
Read the article that inspired this discussion:
https://dollarsandsense.sg/5cs-singapore-dream/
SES: Socioeconomic Status
Singapore Budget 2024: 4 Major Changes In Government Policies
During his Budget 2024 speech, DPM Lawrence Wong admitted that the outlook for 2024 is mixed – with looming geopolitical risks. In lieu of this, he rolled out a slew of new support measures for both individuals and businesses. These measures covered a wide range of policies and schemes such as SkillsFuture and CPF.
In this episode of the DollarsAndSense Podcast, we discuss 4 of the biggest and most surprising announcements, and how they will affect Singaporeans financially.
Read more about the topic here: https://dollarsandsense.sg/singapore-budget-2024-things-will-impact-singaporeans-financially/
Surviving The Retrenchment As A Tech Worker
#TheGreatResignation has turned into #TheGreatRetrenchment in the past 12 months, with tech workers being one of the groups that have been most affected.
In this conversation about retrenchment, popular content creator and tech worker, Jeraldine Phneah, shares her recent retrenchment experience. Jeraldine also explained why companies sometimes lay off good performers and how workers can recover from this setback.
3:10: Why do some companies retrench workers who are performing well, or have just received a promotion or a good bonus? And why do they sometimes rehire so quickly after a layoff exercise?
1...
Singapore Budget 2023: What Businesses Need To Know
CPF contributions was a prominent part of Budget 2023. The CPF Annual Salary Ceiling will be raised from $6,000 to $8,000 by 2026. CPF contributions will also increase for senior workers above 54 to 70, while Platform Workers will start receiving CPF contributions from the tail-end of 2024.
Employers will also have to focus on employee productivity. DPM Lawrence Wong mentioned that guidelines will be put in place for flexible work arrangements. Working fathers can now enjoy up to 4 weeks of Paternity Leave (with the additional 2 weeks on a voluntary basis for now).
At the same time, schemes will also be rolled...
Gold: Does It Make Sense To Buy It During Crises And Inflation?
The price of gold has held up well over the long-term. This makes it a good investment to combat inflation and geopolitical uncertainties – which are creating volatility in the markets currently. In the podcast we look at how gold has held up during near-term uncertainties as well, such as recent wars and recessions.
We also need to go about buying gold. We can invest in gold ETFs, similar to how we buy and sell stocks on the exchange. However, gold does not produce income, while there is a cost to storing and managing the gold ETF. This is...
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) – What’s The Difference Between Credit Cards, And How Sustainable Is It As A Payment Solution?
Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) has become an increasingly relevant topic around the world. While it’s not hard to guess what it refers to – buying something today and paying for it at some point in the future – we look at what really makes it different to credit cards.
Beyond just that comparison, another layer to the discussion is how ethical is it for BNPL companies, which are typically not regulated, to encouraged their customers to take on debt. This is especially since their users can be more vulnerable groups, students who have never managed debt or even income, and lower...
Buying A Resale HDB Flat Without Govt Grants As Your First Home In Singapore. Does It Make Sense?
With a squeeze on homes in Singapore, resale HDB prices have been climbing since COVID-19 hit in early 2020. We discuss whether buying a resale HDB flat is really an ideal starter home in Singapore. Going even further, we talk about the merits of buying a resale HDB flat without using any government grants. Doing this, we retain our "first-time buyers" status with HDB - giving us the option to go back into the BTO market when we become eligible and/or have a home to wait out the 4 to 5 years building period.
Read the original article that s...
Local Qualifying Salaries & Progressive Wages: Is Singapore Headed Towards Minimum Wage?
The $1,400 local qualifying salary is one highlight from Prime Minister Lee’s National Day Rally 2021 speech that caught public attention. Many netizens jumped on board to laud this change as a new minimum wage for Singapore workers. From a relatively obscure technical term that was used by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and HR departments, the Local Qualifying Salary is now in mainstream attention after PM Lee’s mention.
We discuss a quasi-minimum wage structure in Singapore based on enhancements to Local Qualifying Salaries (LQS) and Progressive Wages.
Read more: https://dollarsandsense.sg/local-qualifying-salary-5-things-need-know-lqs/
Should We Cancel Our BTO Because Of COVID-19 Construction Delays?
We discuss the reasons it doesn’t make financial sense to cancel our BTO, and also why HDB can consider more leniency for those who do cancel their applications.
Read more: https://dollarsandsense.sg/doesnt-make-financial-sense-give-hdb-bto-flat-due-construction-delays/
Self-Employed Persons Unfairly Given Less Government Grants?
In this episode, the DollarsAndSense team discusses whether self-employed persons (and possibly even freelancers) are being given less government support just because they didn't incorporate a private limited company.
