Podcast · Business

Money Talks

Your weekly dose of personal finance with Andrea Heng. Here’s everything you need to know on how you can manage your money better. The views and opinions shared during this podcast series are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Mediacorp Pte. Ltd. or its grou

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 28 minNew

This financial adviser was scammed. Here's what she learnt

It started as a text message from someone she thought was her daughter. By the time Lena Soon, a financial adviser of more than 20 years, realised something was wrong, she had lost almost S$4000 to a scam. On the Money Talks podcast, she joins Andrea Heng to recount how the scam unfolded, the warning signs she missed and tips on how to have a conversation with a loved one you suspect is a scam victim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E28 · 8 Oct 2026 · 30 min
My parents don't have enough for retirement. Now what?
What happens when you realise your ageing parents may not have enough money for retirement? Providend CEO Christopher Tan joins Andrea Heng to discuss the options when parents face a retirement shortfall. From tighter budgeting to leveraging the family home, learn how adult children should assess their own finances before deciding how much support they can afford to give. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E27 · 28 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Interest rates are up: Should you pay down your debt now?
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates, prompting questions about what higher borrowing costs could mean for Singapore households and whether spare cash should go towards paying down debt or investing. MoneyOwl's Chuin Ting Weber joins Andrea Heng to explain how to think through that decision and why paying down debt can sometimes leave you with less liquidity when you need it most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E26 · 21 Sep 2026 · 24 min
US or UCITS ETFs: Which is better for Singapore investors?
Two ETFs can track the same S&P 500 companies but have different tax, cost and dividend implications for Singapore investors. The choice between a US-domiciled ETF and an Ireland-domiciled UCITS ETF may also affect potential US estate tax exposure and long-term returns. Andrea Heng speaks with Mahesh Sethuraman, CEO of Saxo Singapore, about how different investors can benefit from these ETFs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E25 · 14 Sep 2026 · 18 min
How to turn the new SG Child Support Package into a bigger nest egg
Starting April 2027, parents will receive S$2,000 a year for each Singaporean child from age one to 16, as part of a new financial support scheme from the government. But if you don’t need the money for day-to-day expenses, how can you invest it towards your own retirement? On the Money Talks podcast, Andrea Heng speaks with SingSaver’s Ayush Goyal about putting the new SG Child Support Package to work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E24 · 7 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Will rising US Treasury yields push up your mortgage?
Rising US Treasury yields may sound like a distant problem, but could they eventually affect your mortgage, investments and the prices you pay in Singapore? UBP's Paras Gupta joins Andrea Heng on the Money Talks podcast to explain the relationship between your mortgage and the US bond market, and what investors should consider if borrowing costs remain elevated. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E23 · 31 Aug 2026 · 25 min
The hidden costs of recovering from critical illness
Surviving a critical illness may be only the start of the financial journey. A Singlife study estimates that recovery can cost around S$170,000 and stretch for an average of 27 months, with expenses extending beyond medical treatment. Andrea Heng speaks with Singlife Group Head of Products Helen Shen about the “recovery gap”, including out-of-pocket expenses, lost income and caregiving. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E22 · 24 Aug 2026 · 22 min
With KOSPI's volatility, how can investors protect themselves?
South Korea’s KOSPI has been on a rollercoaster ride, surging on AI stocks. Christy Tan, global investment strategist with Franklin Templeton Institute, joins Andrea Heng to discuss what’s driving the Korean stock market's volatility, the impact on the Korean won and why investors may need to actively rebalance diversified ETF portfolios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E21 · 17 Aug 2026 · 19 min
Will a US intervention save the Japanese yen?
The US has stepped in to support the Japanese yen after it fell to a 40-year low. What does the intervention mean for Singaporeans investing in Japanese stocks or planning a holiday there? Simon Ree from The Tao of Trading joins Andrea Heng to explain what could make a stronger yen last. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E20 · 10 Aug 2026 · 27 min
How a 30-year-old makes S$100,000 a month in passive income through property
What does it take to build six figures in passive income from property at the age of 30? JNA Sales Force co-founder Christian Oh now earns about $100,000 in rental income from a total of nine properties, including a coffee shop. He joins Andrea Heng to share how one early setback shaped his approach to investing and the lessons he's learnt as a landlord. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E19 · 4 Aug 2026 · 22 min
What the end of the HDB wait-out rule means for private homeowners
The government has removed the 15-month wait-out period for private homeowners buying non-subsidised HDB resale flats, marking the end of one of Singapore's property cooling measures. PropNex executive chairman Ismail Gafoor joins Andrea Heng to explain why the rule was lifted, what it could mean for HDB resale prices and how this affects anyone thinking about right-sizing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E18 · 27 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Is it time to buy Japanese yen or stocks?
The Japanese yen has fallen to levels not seen in decades, leading many to ask if this is the right time to exchange some money for the next holiday. Mercer's Cameron Systermans joins Andrea Heng to explain what's driving the currency's valuation, what could change in the months ahead and how holidaymakers and investors should think about currency risk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E17 · 20 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Electricity tariffs: Is it time to lock in a fixed rate?
With electricity tariffs hitting record highs, many households are weighing whether to lock in with a fixed-rate plan or wait for prices to ease. David Broadstock from The Lantau Group joins Andrea Heng to explain how the different pricing models work and what you need to consider before making the switch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E16 · 13 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Buy into the next big IPO or avoid the hype?
SpaceX's blockbuster initial public offering has put the spotlight back on companies going public, but recent listings on the Singapore Stock Exchange have told a very different story. What separates successful IPOs from costly disappointments? Brandon Ho from Arta Finance joins Andrea Heng to unpack why valuations fluctuate and how large-scale IPOs could affect your investments – even if you’re not directly holding their stock. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E15 · 6 Jul 2026 · 27 min
How to build a greener portfolio without sacrificing returns
Many investors assume that going green means settling for lower returns. But is sustainable investing really a trade-off between doing good and growing your wealth? Eugenia Koh from Standard Chartered Bank joins Andrea Heng to unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about building a green portfolio and whether sustainable investments can match traditional returns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E14 · 1 Jul 2026 · 22 min
How investors can ride on Singapore’s role in the AI boom
The AI boom is lifting Singapore's electronics exports, but does that mean there are good investment opportunities in local companies? Veteran markets and business journalist Ven Sreenivasan joins Andrea Heng to discuss which sectors could benefit from the global AI surge and whether you should add them into your long-term investment portfolio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E13 · 22 Jun 2026 · 19 min
Is buying an executive condo still worth it after the new rule changes?
Recent changes to executive condominium (EC) rules could affect how buyers plan their next property move. From a longer minimum occupation period to changes in financing, the new measures may reshape who finds ECs attractive and whether they still fit into an upgrading strategy. Andrea Heng sits down with Ryan Ong from Stacked Homes to discuss how to assess whether buying an EC still makes sense. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E12 · 15 Jun 2026 · 16 min
Should I sell my Singtel special discounted shares?
More than 610,000 Singaporeans are still holding on to Singtel special discounted shares bought decades ago using their CPF savings. With a new law allowing these shares to be transferred into individuals’ Central Depository accounts, many people are weighing whether to sell, hold or diversify these shares. Chua Yi Wen from DBS Bank’s Consumer Banking Group shares with Andrea Heng how to approach the decision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E11 · 8 Jun 2026 · 14 min
Do men and women really handle money differently?
Men and women are often said to approach money differently, from the way they save to the risks they take when investing. But how much of this is also shaped by biology, upbringing and social expectations? Professor Carmen Shih from the Singapore University of Social Sciences shares with Andrea Heng how these factors influence financial behaviour and what they mean for everyday money decisions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E10 · 1 Jun 2026 · 24 min
Your parents bought you insurance - is it still enough today?
Taking over an insurance policy from your parents may seem straightforward, but many people do not fully understand what they are paying for or whether the coverage still suits their adult needs. Should you keep, upgrade or surrender these plans? Chan Wai Kit from Life Insurance Association Singapore explains how to assess inherited insurance policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E9 · 25 May 2026 · 20 min
Emotional spending and healing your relationship with money
Many of our financial behaviours – overspending or obsessing with saving – are shaped by childhood experiences, emotional triggers and inherited habits. Michelle Mah from The Curious Bonsai shares with Andrea Heng how recognising these experiences can help you build a healthier relationship with money. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E8 · 18 May 2026 · 33 min
How to read the fine print in your insurance policy
Insurance documents are long, full of legalese and it’s tempting to skip the fine print. But knowing where to look can make the difference between a smooth claim and an unexpected denial. Eddy Cheong from Havend zooms into the details to break down the sections that matter most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E7 · 11 May 2026 · 22 min
What’s driving financial anxiety in Singapore?
According to a survey by Revolut and YouGov, Singaporeans are among Asia’s most financially anxious, with almost a third frequently experiencing money-related anxiety. What’s causing us to be so stressed out over our wallets? Revolut’s Ashley Thomas joins Andrea Heng to find out why Gen Zs, millennials and even higher-income households are feeling the pinch, and what small steps can help us feel more in control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E6 · 4 May 2026 · 25 min
Are safe-haven assets still safe?
Safe-haven assets like gold, bonds and the US dollar are meant to protect your portfolio in times of crisis. But recent market movements are challenging that notion, leaving many investors questioning what still works. Sani Hamid from Financial Alliance sits with Andrea Heng to dissect what’s happening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E5 · 27 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Buying the dip during uncertain times
With markets swinging wildly and uncertainty dominating headlines, is “buying the dip” a smart move or a risky gamble? How should investors decide when to jump in? In this episode of Money Talks, Andrea Heng sits down with Thomas Ng of PhillipCapital to break down how to read the market, spot real opportunities and understand why missing the boat isn’t always a bad thing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E4 · 20 Apr 2026 · 29 min
Beyond salary, the costs of hiring a helper in Singapore
Hiring a foreign domestic helper may feel like a simple decision to help ease the household burden, but budgeting for their salary is only part of the picture. From placement fees to dental emergencies and mobile phone plans, there may be extra costs that families often miss. Chloe Lim from maid agency gentleHelp breaks down the real costs of hiring and keeping help in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E3 · 13 Apr 2026 · 26 min
Can your HDB flat fund your retirement?
The HDB flat or house you own could be more than just a place to live – it may help fund your retirement. But options like right-sizing or renting could come with significant trade-offs. Andrea Heng sits down with PropNex Executive Chairman Ismail Gafoor to break it down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E2 · 6 Apr 2026 · 34 min
How to help neurodivergent family members with their money
Managing money looks different for some neurodivergent individuals and their learning may not always be linear. For family members, this can be very worrying especially when it’s time to let go. Faith Teo from SG Enable shares simple strategies that can make a huge difference for the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E1 · 27 Mar 2026 · 22 min
How will the Iran war drive up your daily expenses?
As the war in Iran and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz affect global energy supplies, Singapore households are starting to feel the pinch in their transport and utility bills. A protracted war could also push up food prices and reshape spending habits. Dr Pushan Dutt, professor of economics and political science at INSEAD, explains how to navigate these price shocks and adjust your finances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E49 · 23 Mar 2026 · 21 min
Beyond the bullion: Is investing in gold ETFs the way to go?
Gold isn’t just jewellery or coins – ETFs can give you exposure to real bullion without the hassle of storage, long queues or steep bid-ask spreads. Lion Global Investors’ Ong Xun Xiang sits with Andrea Heng to explain the difference between synthetic and physically backed gold ETFs, vaulting jurisdictions and insurance that protect your holdings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About Money Talks

Money Talks is a English business podcast from CNA. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: CNA
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1634338956

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English business

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.