BT Money Hacks
Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful personal financial tips with expert guests. Hosted by Howie Lim. Produced by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media.
Episodes
S1E288: The psychology of financial clutter: why we accumulate bad investments
Your portfolio might be messier than you think. Most of us don't build investment strategies — we collect financial products the way we hoard old cables and orphaned keys in a kitchen drawer. In this episode of Money Hacks from The Business Times, Howie Lim talks with Bryan Low — wealth management head at KGI Singapore and NTU professor — about why we keep buying without a plan,
S1E287: Ask vs answer: the human edge AI can't replicate
Would you let AI manage your money the way it manages your inbox? Turns out, most of us won't — 76 per cent use AI to crunch the numbers, but only 8 per cent trust it to make the final call. Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with Ishan Sarkar, head of wealth and premier solutions at HSBC Singapore, to explore the "conviction gap" — the moment data has to become a decision. From Gen Z i
S1E286: Strategy over sentiment: why the old property playbook no longer works
Is your dream home a financial trap? Singapore's cooling measures and shifting interest rates have upended the old playbook—Build-to-Orders (BTOs), resale flats, and executive condos (ECs) no longer play by the rules you think you know. Howie Lim and Eugene Lim, president of the Singapore Estate Agents Association, unearths the hidden costs, minimum occupation period (MOP) traps, and stress-
S1E285: The $70,000 question: how to master your family's new financial tailwind
Singapore just pledged nearly S$70,000 per child over 16 years — but is that windfall building your family's future, or quietly funding lifestyle creep? Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with SingSaver's Ayush Goyal to dissect how to split, invest, and protect this new child credit stream — from emergency funds to retirement trade-offs — so parents don't waste a single dollar. Sy
S1E284: The raise paradox: why earning more never feels like enough
You just got a raise. So why does your bank account still feel broke? It’s the lifestyle creep — the sneaky force turning your bigger paycheck into the same old savings. From $8 lattes to subscription traps to the psychology behind "keeping up with the Tans," find out why more income rarely equals more wealth, and what to actually do about it. Warning: may cause spontaneous budgeting.
S1E283: Singapore stocks aren't boring anymore — here's the proof
Your parents' "boring" Singapore dividend stocks only portfolio just had an upgrade nobody told you about. While everyone's obsessing over US tech, Singapore's equity market has quietly doubled its research coverage, attracted real institutional capital, and uncovered small-cap opportunities most investors haven't even heard of. Correspondent Howie Lim sits down with East Spring's Daniel Lau to fi
S1E282: Behind the institutional veil: what your bank doesn't want you to know about asset allocation
If you think your bank’s “diversified” portfolio is built for your future, think again. In this episode of Money Hacks, we pull back the curtain on the institutional world with Arki Finance founder David Ng. We’re dissecting the "product-first" myths, exposing why your “tick-box” diversification might be failing you, and revealing why your obsession with benchma
S1E281: The mass affluent trap: too rich for retail, too small for private banking
Your cash isn't safe just because it's sitting still — it's quietly losing to inflation while you wait for "the right time" to invest. Howie Lim gets StashAway's chief investment officer (CIO) Stephanie Leung to explain why the mass affluent get the worst of both worlds, why gold just earned a permanent seat in your portfolio, and why timing the market is a fool's errand professionals gave u
S1E280: Market noise vs real signal: are you investing or just guessing?
We obsess over what to buy, but when it’s time to sell—or hold—we often freeze. Market volatility shouldn't trigger a panic-induced sell-off, yet emotion frequently overrides strategy. In this episode of Money Hacks, Howie Lim, Ritesh Ganeriwal, and Kenneth Chan dissect the crucial "portfolio check-in." Learn how to filter signal from noise, why "doing nothing" is a strategic sup
S1E279: Artificial sycophant or financial genius? When to trust AI
Speed is everything in investing—but is it actually the enemy of wealth? We’re conditioned to trust human advisors, but what if your portfolio manager, tax expert, and risk officer was a cold, calculating AI? Howie Lim speaks with 8FIGURES founder Andrew Izyumov to ask: can AI truly cure emotional trading habits, or is it just an "artificial sycophant"? Should we let an algorithm manag
S1E278: Loss of income, not identity: navigating the psychology of retrenchment
Retrenchment isn't just a career setback; it's a financial and psychological earthquake. Howie Lim speaks with clinical psychologist Dr Annabelle Chow about navigating the initial shock. What is the single biggest financial mistake most make in the first 48 hours and how to stop panic from driving your decisions? From mastering the "3-bucket" survival strategy to separating your identity from your
S1E277: From windfall to wealth: making fortune last
Sudden windfall? Congratulations — now don't screw it up. Let’s tackle the messy reality of instant wealth: the 30-day rule before making any big moves, why "generous relative energy" can drain your fortune fast, and the emotional identity crisis nobody warns you about. RBC's Gautam Chadda breaks down guilt-free spending, family giving frameworks, and staying rich long after the confet
S1E276: Stop 'revenge investing': why panic selling is your portfolio's worst enemy
Markets crash. Portfolios bleed red. And your gut screams "sell everything." But what if the scariest moment in investing is also the most dangerous time to trust your instincts? Howie Lim sits down with Grace Tay from finexis advisory to find out why panic selling turns temporary losses permanent, why "get-evenitis" wrecks recoveries, and how one simple framework — reframe, reset, reenter &
S1E275: The six-month breaking point: are you actually prepared for the unforeseen?
Is your financial plan truly resilient, or are you one emergency away from disaster? 61% of households struggle to cope beyond six months after a loss of income. Howie Lim sits down with Sun Life Asia’s David Broom to dismantle the myth that resilience equals a high salary. Is Singapore’s “safe haven” status creating a false sense of security? And how to stop trading your l
S1E274: Stop waiting for the 'right time': why micro-investing is the new wealth superpower
You think investing is complicated? That's exactly the problem. What if you could start with $10 with no need to wait for the "right time"? Many entities are quietly embedding finance into everything you already do, and the best investment app feature isn't a chart — it's a well-placed "Are you sure?" Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned portfolio juggler, this one will change how you
S1E273: Mid-year reality check: the "ETF and chill" era is over
Your "ETF and chill" strategy just got a reality check. Halfway through 2026, the S&P 500 is no longer the only game in town — and the smartest investors are quietly restructuring. Chips, crypto, Singapore blue chips, UCITS ETFs — what's hype and what's genuinely worth owning? Oriano Lizza from CMC Markets and Ritesh Ganeriwal from Syfe cut through the noise. Less FOMO, more discip
S1E272: Credit score myths debunked: what banks really look for
Your credit score impacts everything. Experts from Credit Bureau Singapore and MoneyHero Group bust the biggest myths, from "clean" profiles to unused cards. Are you managing your financial reputation correctly? Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:23 Top credit score myths 05:13 Why NOT having a credit score hurts 07:01 How to build credit w
S1E271: Liquidity: the anxiety antidote
Is your emergency fund ready for the real financial crisis: stacked, non-stop inflation? A budget is not enough. The rising cost of living demands a new kind of preparation. We dismantle the "inflation illusion" and reveal the critical difference between looking financially stable and being genuinely, liquidly prepared. Are there specific cash structures you need to survive volatility without pani
S1E270: Yield without fear: Navigating credit markets in a high-rate era
Are you missing out on serious returns? With a massive $12 trillion sitting in money markets, it's time to look at fixed income again. But success in this market depends on knowing which bonds to buy. Join Howie Lim, Erik Keller from Robeco and Kylie Soh of Fullerton Fund Management as they cut through the noise. They'll reveal where the true opportunities lie, demystify the risks of high-yield bo
S1E269: The great yield shift: why banks are gaining altitude as Reits seek grounding
The high-yield trade is fracturing. As higher-for-longer rates lift banks' fortunes, Reits face a triple threat: narrowing yield spreads, soaring debt costs, and depressed valuations. Is your income portfolio resilient? Howie Lim speaks to RHB experts to discuss this growing divergence, revealing the crucial metrics (beyond yield) and tactical moves you need now to navigate uncertainty and secure
S1E268: Risk reset: differentiating a flash sale from a fundamental flaw
Is "buying the dip" dead? The market is volatile, interest rates are up, and the old rules are breaking. Don't be fooled by a flash sale that's actually a fundamental flaw. What are systematic, disciplined strategies for spotting a true bargain—or a bottomless pit? Howie Lim finds out from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights:
S1E267: To risk or not to risk your risk-free 4% CPF return?
Your CPF Special Account (SA) has been your financial security blanket for decades — a rock-solid 4 per cent return, no questions asked. But Singapore's about to shake things up. By 2028, a new life-cycle portfolio scheme changes the game. Is it a long-overdue upgrade or a risk not worth taking? Howie Lim finds out from Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend and Genevieve Cua, wealth editor of Th
S1E266: Beyond the algorithm: when AI says sell, who tells you no?
As AI takes the wheel in wealth management, will your 'perfect' financial plan survive a market crash? Algorithms crunch numbers, but only a human can manage emotions. Join Howie Lim and Javelin Wealth's Polka Mishra as they dissect the friction between AI's efficiency and the indispensable, empathetic role of the human advisor. Find out who’s truly in the driver's seat of your financial fut
S1E265: A slice of the pie: fractional investing deconstructed
Ever wondered if owning Mona Lisa's eyeball is smarter than buying a whole share? Forget high prices! Fractional investing lets you grab a slice of giants like Tesla and Amazon. Howie Lim gets the experts to demystify liquidity, costs, and security. Precision diversification without the huge upfront cost—find out how to build serious wealth, one fraction at a time. Synopsis: Every Monday, Th
S1E264: Nest egg obsolete: fishing skills now equal financial security
Money moves are changing. Young investors chase crypto volatility while retirement nest eggs look obsolete. Perhaps financial security needs to be redefined - from saving a million to mastering the skill of making money. Howie Lim gets some financial survival tips from Zachary Young from Atlantis Labs. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:00
S1E263: Beyond the index: how active ETFs offer adaptability in volatile markets
Is passive investing a Trojan horse? Index funds, once the safest bet, now harbour extreme concentration risk, leaving investors vulnerable in volatile markets. Discover why active ETFs are the essential upgrade. Unlearn the "comfort" of index tracking and gain the adaptability to chase alpha. Howie Lim explores the future of ETFs with the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks
S1E262: Navigate job market caution; secure higher salary bumps
Feeling the job switch itch? Don't resign yet! The market is cautious, but salary bumps of up to 15 per cent are real. Hear legal experts on contract risks, from clawbacks to non-compete clauses. Howie Lim gets the fine art of negotiation—what to ask for, and when to start—to protect your career and maximise your next move. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful
S1E261: Familiarity: portfolio's silent risk, hidden concentration builds
Is your portfolio trapped by comfort? Familiarity masks hidden risks, turning winners into dangerous concentrations. Discover the subtle signs of shared risk drivers—beyond sector labels—and learn measured, panic-free strategies to trim concentrated positions. Stop chasing the herd. Howie Lim gets true diversification tools from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times b
S1E260: Tech alpha: why adoption and R&D matter more than P/E
Technology alpha: myth or opportunity? Can tech fortunes be found in adoption and R&D? Apparently, author Igor Pejic thinks so. Howie Lim gets him to decode Big Tech risk, spot the real game-changers from the hype, and navigate the volatile waves of AI, geopolitics, and regulation. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:22 Technology alpha
S1E259: Policy to portfolio?
Singapore’s economic growth forecast is tougher. How do national priorities—from AI to advanced manufacturing—actually translate into winning investment strategies for you? Howie Lim gets advice from experts Daryl Liew from PhillipCapital and Cheng Chye Hsern from Providend on balancing policy-driven potential with global diversification. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Time
S1E258: Passive paycheck: Structuring your SME for predictable dividends
The SME dream is built on hustle, but what if your retirement plan hinges on a highly speculative sale? Stop gambling on perfect timing. Howie Lim speaks to Grace Tay of finexis to uncover the true surplus after "oxygen" and "risk," dissecting the firewall between business and personal wealth. Learn how to structure your enterprise for a passive paycheck—because succession isn't selling, it'
S1E257: Cash, courage and collateral: The share financing debate
Be wary of the seductive danger of leverage investing. The competitive reality is, most lose everything but there are things you can do - like the portfolio pyramid - which can help you navigate this high risk move. Howie Lim gets advice from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. This episode is sponsored by OCBC Securities. Highlights: 01:30 Br
S1E256: The bond riddle: Finding yield in volatile fixed income
Is the "fixed" in fixed income now a fallacy? As the Year of the Horse trots in, we’re hunting for genuine yield. Forget outdated Singapore Savings Bonds (SSBs) and duration fears. Howie Lim dissects credit risk, the AI capex bubble, and the one thing retail bond investors miss with Goh Rong Ren from Eastsping Investments. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful fi
S1E255: Investing discipline in the age of algorithms
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises market nirvana, but is it a silver bullet or just another risk factor? Does AI really democratise knowledge and accelerate trading? How come it fails to conquer the ultimate portfolio killer: human indiscipline? Join Howie Lim and OANDA's Philip Waters as they attempt to cut through the hallucinations. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down use
S1E254: More than romance: The conversation that outlasts Valentine’s Day
If you think Valentine's Day is the ultimate commitment, think again. Forget flowers and chocolates; money is the real love language. What else is there beyond joint accounts? What’s the 'financial foreplay' for testing compatibility and why is equities-investing your relationship's final exam? Howie Lim gets insights from Jeremy Tan, CEO of Tiger Fund Management. Synopsis: Every Monday, The
S1E253: Stop chasing, start securing: The cashflow strategy for volatile times
If 2025 left your portfolio feeling like a runaway train and before you chase the next shiny AI stock or panic-sell everything, take heed. How can you cut through the noise, the greed, and the well-meaning, inflation-averse relatives? Howie Lim finds out why systematic rebalancing beats FOMO, how to generate cashflow now, and where to find safety and growth in a chaotic 2026. Synopsis: Every Monda
S1E252: Don’t confuse a great company with a great investment
Bull markets breed bad habits. You might be confusing a great company with a great investment! Jose Mayora of Divita Value-Growth Fund reveals to Howie Lim the crucial and simple valuation metric retail investors must focus on when the hype runs high. Which overlooked sectors offer real compounding potential and why might the most boring investment strategy might be your best? Synopsis: Every Mond
S1E251: How to reset your finances for the New Year
New year, clean slate. But does your money reset have to feel stressful? In this episode of Money Hacks, Emily Liu explores a softer way to plan for the year ahead. Financial consultant Patrine Choo and Gen Z money author Lillian Zhang share how they reflect on the past year, manage emotional money habits, and turn big goals into small, doable steps. From automating savings to letting
S1E250: Forget free money: 2026’s inflation-fighting playbook
This episode is your financial ‘crystal ball’! Did 2025 leave your portfolio feeling... something? As cash yields drop, find out where the real returns hide. Ditch nominal gains as Howie Lim gets the expert-led playbook for a more resilient 2026. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:45 2025 review 04:57 Private market warning 08:5
S1E249: Liquidity vs Legacy: Retirement planning for SME owners
Your business is your biggest asset—but is it your smartest retirement plan? SME owners often risk starving personal wealth by betting everything on a future sale. Howie Lim learns the essential strategies for valuing your business, achieving tax-smart profit extraction, and building a separate, resilient retirement portfolio from Grace Tay, associate director, finexis advisory. Stop risking
S1E248: The 'Anti' Advisor: Why Everything You Know About Saving is Wrong
Future-proof your finances? That's what your advisor wants you to believe. Chris Miles, the anti-financial advisor, rips up the rulebook on saving for the "long haul," the myth of "money making money," and why high-risk is just high nonsense. Howie Lim gets the real cheat code from him. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:42 The 'long
S1E247: How to Master Risk and Find Value in Mid-Caps
Forget the blue chips. Singapore’s iEdge Next 50 indices are outperforming the STI by significant margins, signalling a seismic shift in market focus. Are mid-caps the new sweet spot for growth, offering higher potential with less small-cap volatility? Experts dissect the fundamentals, risk management strategies, and macro indicators essential for navigating this exciting segment. Synopsis:
S1E246: Why a wealth manager started a portfolio for his 6-month-old
Feeling squeezed by school fees, ageing parents, and volatile markets? You’re not alone. Howie Lim chats with OCBC’s Timothy Liew, a wealth-management pro and fellow parent, about investing wisely when life gets expensive. Timothy opens up about his disastrous first trade, how he builds his core-and-satellite portfolio, and why diversification beats get-rich-quick dreams every ti
S1E245: Prudent planning, protected pockets
If you’re worried about inflation eating into your savings, discover the art of "right-siting" your insurance. We're not just cutting premiums; we're freeing up capital for smarter investments. Learn how to identify over-insurance, maximise value, and even use tech tools to ensure your coverage fits your evolving life. Howie Lim speaks to Chan Wai Kit from Life Insurance Association (LIA) fo
S1E244: Project You: How to fund your mini-retirement
Forget slogging until 65 before retiring or taking a break. Discover the rising trend of mini-retirements – a "Project You" career pause that's surprisingly achievable. Howie Lim gets experts to reveal how to plan, fund, and navigate these strategic breaks, turning your financial fears into a roadmap for investing in yourself. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful fin
S1E243: Breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle
Is a strong work ethic enough to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle? Many Singaporeans prioritise immediate gratification over long-term financial security. We need to challenge the old ideas of saving and explore automated strategies with Benjamin Tan from Chocolate Finance. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:57 Automating savings: $5 a
S1E242: Why even CEOs stick to dollar-cost averaging
Forget what you think you know about investing. Even the CEO of an online brokerage embraces "basic" strategies. Howie Lim discovers from Ian Leong of Tiger Brokers Singapore why dollar-cost averaging (DCA) isn't just for beginners, how emotions sabotage your portfolio, and what's truly in a seasoned expert's investment mix. Uncover the secret sauce that separates speculation from sound strategy.
S1E241: Unlock your SRS: Invest smart, retire rich
Think of it as a tax-shielded account that's also a financial snooze-button! Discover how to invest smartly and save on taxes with your SRS funds. Don’t let your money sit there! Howie Lim finds out more from Jeremy Foo from StashAway and Hugh Chung from Endowus. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:01 Why leaving SRS funds in cash is d
S1E240: The truth about TikTok money: Avoiding pitfalls and building long-term wealth
Think your "girl math" makes that coffee purchase free? Or that an $800 credit card spend for airport lunch is a "side hustle"? Join Howie Lim and Seth Wee as they hilariously debunk TikTok finance trends. Discover how to build real wealth, enjoy life's splurges guilt-free, and distinguish between savvy tips and absolute nonsense. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful finan
S1E239: Retire rich, spend smarter - Beat the "guilt of spending"
Many build financial fortresses only to feel guilty spending a penny. But you don't just want to be rich, you want to live richly as well. How can you get over the psychological hurdle of spending in retirement? Learn to redefine wealth beyond numbers, embrace "Ikigai goals," and create a spending plan that frees you to live fully and leave a lasting legacy with Loh Yong Cheng from Providend. Syno
S1E238: Can dividend investing be your ticket out of a 9-5?
If you’re ready to ditch the 9-to-5, David Kuo, co-founder of The Smart Investor, reveals if dividend investing is your golden ticket to financial freedom. Discover how he transformed his wealth, navigated market volatility, and even found peace through income generation. Howie Lim has a candid chat with David about how to live life on your own terms – no Scrooge McDuck vault required.
S1E237: Turning market volatility into reliable income
Unlock reliable income amidst market madness. Singapore's dividend stocks shine but don’t be chasing flashy returns. Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out how quality, consistency, and clever diversification can turn economic uncertainty into dividend gold. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:09 Factors contributing to Singapore&
S1E236: From busy to rich: Your guide to effortless investing
Investing can feel like a second job, but what if your money could work harder than you do? Find out how clarity, sound strategy, and a long-term view transform market noise into financial freedom. Simplify your wealth journey with systematic reviews, automation, and expert guidance. Howie Lim gets the skinny from Grace Tay from finexis advisory. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks d
S1E235: Are employee benefits the new pay rise?
If you’re sick of your salary shrinking faster than your social life, discover if employee benefits are the secret handshake to a richer life. How can you go about trading pay for perks? And how can you negotiate your way to a benefits package that's anything but basic? Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips.
S2E234: Volatility-proof your portfolio
If your stomach has been in freefall, don't panic! Let’s cut through market madness with the experts to uncover Asia's resilient sectors, navigate geopolitical shifts, and explore alternative investments. Gold may be pricey, but smart moves in tech, infrastructure, and private markets await. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:52 Globa
S1E233: Investing with soul - where profits meet purpose
While it might seem altruistic to engage in values-driven investing, let’s face it: we still want to profit from sinking in hard-earned money into something. Does values-investing really come at the expense of performance? Is there a way to incorporate our values into our wealth growing journey? Howie Lim speaks to Patrick Hong from Bill Morrisons Capital and Steward Thum from Phillip Securi
S1E232: Smart property moves: Time in, not timing
Buying property is a bit like dating: timing the market is hard, but "time in" it, understanding its "master plan," and ditching the HDB for an EC, can lead to a long-term, profitable relationship. Howie Lim gets insights from Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:06 Timing vs time in 04:34 Understandi
S1E231: Is US’ reign overpriced or overhyped?
Is US exceptionalism a myth, or simply a premium price for unparalleled performance? Is it time to diversify your portfolio beyond Uncle Sam's shadow? Howie Lim finds out from experts if the future of investing lies elsewhere. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:20 Why US exceptionalism is being questioned 03:51 US tech dominance 06:57 Why d
S1E230: Invest smarter - core, satellites, and not your friend's cafe
Unlock smarter investing with core-satellite strategies! Learn how to build a stable foundation and seize opportunities with tactical bets. Howie Lim speaks to Amanda Ong from Arta Finance and Samuel Rhee from Endowus for all the tricks. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:47 Only for institutional investors? 03:01 Understanding core and sat
S1E229: Data centres aren’t sexy but essential and increasingly lucrative
Are data centres worth investing in? They seem such a large concept but are, apparently, quite a steady return on investment! And the APAC market is blowing up. Howie Lim finds out from the experts where the opportunities are. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:01 How retail investors can participate 04:59 The risks and rewards 08:36 The hi
S1E228: When kids think credit cards are magic
Early financial education can empower children to avoid debt and parental mistakes, fostering financial independence. But how early is early and how do you rectify the mistakes you've made and ensure your kids don't pick that up? Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:10 Good habits are better than g
S1E227: Are stablecoins a smarter way to hold your cash?
Stablecoins promise fast, cheap, borderless money transfers—but can they also be part of your investment strategy? With Singapore and Hong Kong rolling out new regulations, interest is heating up. In this episode of Money Hacks, Howie Lim talks to Amy Zhang from Fireblocks and Koen Hoorelbeke from Saxo to unpack what stablecoins are, how they're used today, and why regulation is key.&n
S1E226: Is private equity finally opening up to regular investors?
Investing in private markets can help reduce overall portfolio volatility, as they tend to have a lower correlation with public markets. Sure sounds good but what are the hidden complexities to look out for before you take the plunge? Howie Lim finds out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:13 Are private assets available to retail investors
S1E225: Why gold is glimmering again in an uncertain world: BT Money Hacks
Why the sudden Midas touch? Blame it on global uncertainty. But gold, it's not just for pirates and pharaohs anymore! This lustrous metal has been having a moment, shining brighter than a supernova in 2024 but at about $3300 an ounce, have retail investors missed the boat? Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Hig
S1E224: Long-term investing - Still a safe bet or a risky hold? BT Money Hacks
"Keep calm and stay invested”, they say. That’s easier said than done. In fact, long-term investing is suddenly under fire because of the uncertainty surrounding markets these days. So should we cut and run or stay the course? Howe Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:04 The viability of long
S1E223: Is it time to diversify into crypto? BT Money Hacks
Think crypto’s just for tech bros and meme coin gamblers? Think again. In this episode of Money Hacks, Howie Lim digs into the surprisingly high crypto adoption rates in Singapore with Coinbase’s Hassan Ahmed and crypto communications professional Deborah Tan-Pink. From common misconceptions and beginner mistakes to why stablecoins might just be the sneaky MVPs, we break do
S1E222: The travel hacks edition 2025: BT Money Hacks
June is upon us and it’s time to get out! But can you still find bargains during travel peak time? Have you considered an alternative destination and how else can you maximise your travel budget? Howie Lim speaks to Cyndi Hui from Skyscanner to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:15 The value maximisation continues 05:25 If f
S1E221: Is now the time for ETFs? BT Money Hacks
Exchange-traded funds are an excellent entry point into the stock market for new investors. They’re cheap and typically carry lower risk than individual stocks since a single fund holds a diversified collection of investments. How’ve they been doing so far with all this market volatility? Howie Lim finds out from Dina Ting of Franklin Templeton. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Tim
S1E220: Reits and the power of diversification: BT Money Hacks
Given the potential for Reits to outperform in a muted Singaporean economy due to their attractive dividend yields, the question arises: should investors consider shifting their investments from banks to Reits? Howie Lim finds out from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:10 The current landscape 03:26 Reits vs. banks vs. STI? 06
S1E219: Is China's economic resilience an investment opportunity? BT Money Hacks
In the middle of May, the US said they would lower tariffs from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, while China's retaliatory tariffs on US goods will drop to 10 per cent from 125 per cent. This is promising but doesn’t take away from the fact that the tariffs may have dealt a blow to Chinese markets already. Is China still worth investing in, then? Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Syno
S1E218: Renovation loans - Maximise savings and minimise stress: BT Money Hacks
You’d like a marble counter top, zebra wood for your floors and designer fixtures. But before all that, shouldn’t you figure the budget out and if you have the money? If not, maybe there are loans out there to tap on. For more insights on how to ‘hack’ your home renovations, Howie Lim speaks to Jenn Ong, managing director of GXS Bank. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Ti
S1E217: Million dollar retirement - Enough or good start? BT Money Hacks
Rising costs and uncertainty have knocked the long heralded $1 million off its pedestal. Or has it? Is $1 million enough to retire on? If not, how much is enough? And how quickly can one get to their magic number? Howie Lim speaks to The Weeblings, content creators who are a quarter way there for insights. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01
S1E216: Financial freedom with 5 simple money management lanes: BT Money Hacks
Can personal finance be as simple as ‘staying in your lane’ and not ‘speeding’? Surely it’s more complex than that. Or is it? Howie Lim speaks to financial advisor and author George Stefanou about his ‘5 lanes of personal finance’ theory. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:28 How to classify n
S1E215: Balanced investing in volatile times: BT Money Hacks
The Trump tariffs have released market mayhem. How is your 60/40 portfolio doing? Should you rejig this classic investment strategy and how can you balance your defensive positioning with the growth potential of your investments? Howie Lim speaks to Audrey Goh from Standard Chartered Bank and Pete Tan from PhillipCapital for insights. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful f
S1E214: Smart cash moves for money mastery: BT Money Hacks
As it becomes more challenging to earn a decent interest rate on our savings, it’s time to look beyond fixed deposits and T-Bills, for that matter. Are there instruments which afford the same returns as fixed deposits but greater flexibility? Howie Lim speaks to Michele Ferrario of StashAway and Willie Keng from dividendtitan.com to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks
S1E213: Flipping the script on your Q1 investment missteps: BT Money Hacks
How do you turn your flailing portfolio around if it had an abysmal time in Q1? What were the mistakes you made and what can you do about them to have a fruitful rest of the year? Howie Lim speaks to David Kuo from The Smart Investor and Hugh Chung from Endowus for advice. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:13 Do not do this anymore 07:04 N
S1E212: Smart money moves - Key considerations before switching jobs: BT Money Hacks
About two in three Singaporeans are considering a job change within the next 12 months. Are you one of them? Do you know what it entails financially to switch roles? Have you considered all the angles? Howie Lim speaks to Susan Fanning from Aon to get the answers. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:57 The great resignation and the war for t
S1E211: APAC real estate masterclass for profitable investments: BT Money Hacks
Singapore’s real estate investments are increasing, despite a slow down in the 2nd half of 2024. But it’s not just the residential segment. Plus, what are the opportunities in the region? Howie Lim speaks to Greg Hyland, head of capital markets, APAC at CBRE to find out how trends and opportunities are shaping up in the region. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down use
S1E210: How geopolitical events impact your investments: BT Money Hacks
With some much uncertainty these days - economic, financial and geopolitical even - how can we make sure our money, portfolios and funds stay healthy and protected? Correspondent Howie Lim finds out from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:12 Geopolitical drivers explained 03:41 Sectors affected and sectors to consider 06:15 Sin
S1E209: Unpacking Budget 2025: What's in it for you and your business? BT Money Hacks
Is your business ready to capitalise on the opportunities presented by Budget 2025? In our latest episode of Money Hacks, host Howie Lim dives into the details of Budget 2025 with Christopher Gee, deputy director at the Institute of Policy Studies, and Yong Jiahao, corporate tax partner at KPMG. From corporate tax rebates to AI readiness and talent development, they unpack how this year&rsqu
