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215. Another Ex-MOF Director Enters Politics: What will change? [Chills 215 ft PAP Shawn Loh]
54:34||Ep. 215Have you ever wonder what it take for someone to leave a comfortable, impactful career to step into the unpredictable world of politics? Meet Shawn Loh, a former Ministry of Finance Director, private sector leader, and dad of four kids under 12. He’s stepping into the political arena, but why now?Highlights:- From Civil Servant to Candidate: Why leave a stable career for the "ring of fire"? Shawn reveals his unfiltered take on duty, policy-making, and the real cost of public service.- Work-Life Balance or Bust: How raising 4 kids shapes his fight for affordable childcare, eldercare, and redefining "family time" in Singapore.- CPF Secrets & Economic Fears: Behind-the-scenes stories from his MOF days + his warning about Singapore’s next biggest economic challenge.- "Fired Up" vs. FIRE: Forget retiring early – Shawn flips the script on financial independence with a controversial twist.Some hot takes you won’t want to miss:- Politics isn’t a career – it’s a calling- Quality time can’t replace quantity time with kids- The debate on pet bereavement leave (yes, really) and what it says about Singapore’s futureWhether you’re a policy nerd, a stressed parent, or just curious about the minds shaping Singapore’s next decade – this raw, no-filter conversation bridges national budgets and kitchen-table struggles.Is joining politics worth losing your privacy – and sanity? Tune in NOW to hear the answer.04:34 - What motivated you to join politics?09:21 - When you talk about work-life balance, how do you translate that idea into actionable policies?15:27 - Given the personal sacrifices of entering politics, what is the core platform or issue you hope to push for?24:26 - What’s your view on unemployment insurance and enhancing MediShield coverage for working professionals?32:17 - What’s your party’s stance on minimum wage versus the progressive wage model?36:43 - How should we view CPF contribution cuts during downturns, given its long-term impact on retirement?41:13 - What’s your view on minimum income standards and how do you define a good life for Singaporeans?46:11 - What role should the state play in balancing individual aspirations with life’s practical demands?49:45 - How does state support in basics help Singaporeans pursue their aspirations?---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.
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213. Fight Inflation: Achieve Financial Security and Health Harmony [TFC 213 Budget Royale, Sponsored by Manulife]
44:03||Ep. 213Is your money working for you, or are you working too hard for it? Watch as our guests battle it out in TFC Budget Royale, sharing valuable financial insights that you can apply to your own life. Discover how protecting your financial future can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle.Cast your vote to crown the Budget King/ Queen for each topic—plus, the best commenter stands a chance to win alongside their Budget King/ Queen!Featuring: • Stanley, the man with 4 jobs, reveals his unique approach to managing expenses• Fran, one-half of the Corporate Breakout Couple, brings insights from 5 years of early retirement experience• Alex Loh, co-host of Wise & Shine and growth mindset coach, is balancing family life with a household of 6 adults and 3 kidsWe’re tackling inflation, retirement planning, and family spending with practical tips. You might even find a surprise or two that could improve both your wealth and well-being.Who will win your vote—and the Budget King crown—each round?Listen now and join the conversationHow to Win the Prize?To participate, vote for the "Budget King/Queen" and one (1) original financial tip or comment per episode on the designated platforms. The Financial Coconut will evaluate comments based on relevance, originality, and engagement. The "Best Commenter" will win a prize!Make sure your entry follows our content guidelines. Offensive or promotional content will disqualify your entry. For full Terms and Conditions, visit: https://www.thefinancialcoconut.com/p....This episode is brought to you by Manulife, for details of Manulife Early CompleteCare, please visit https://go.manulife.sg/MECCTFC . Terms and Conditions apply.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed belong to the guest/content creator, and do not represent the views of Manulife (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.---Check out our other shows on YouTube212. Our Geoarbitrage Experience: How to Thrive in Singapore, Chiang Mai, KL [Chills 212 ft Shao, 9 to 5 Millionaire Mindset]
44:38||Ep. 212What happens when you climb the corporate ladder, hit financial freedom… and then walk away from it all?Joining us is Shao, ex-Googler turned full-time YouTuber, who made headlines (and stirred the comments section) when he left Singapore and relocated to Chiang Mai. Was it burnout? Was it strategy? Or just a rebellious sabbatical?Tune in as we explore:- Why some Singaporeans are quietly “rebasing” overseas- The hidden cost of working in Singapore- What freedom really looks like after a layoff- How geo-arbitrage could be the next smart money move- And... is it really betrayal to leave Singapore?Shao doesn’t hold back—whether he’s laughing off the haters or revealing how a monthly lease and Grab rides replaced his CBD commute. If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I leave Singapore too?” —this episode will make you rethink what’s possible.Is rebasing a betrayal or a smart financial play?---Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:🔗 Explore the World Card🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus---03:32 - Do you still like Singapore?11:00 - Why did you choose this destination over others?18:13 - How can Singaporeans leverage their advantages when considering life abroad?23:04 - You’ve shared cost comparisons, but what’s your full monthly expense?33:34 - How has your view of freedom evolved since leaving corporate life?---Welcome to your new source of financial knowledge at The Financial Coconut! Join us and take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise.InstagramTik TokTelegramWhatsappNewsletterCheck out our other shows on YouTubeDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.211. Keep Your Investments Steady: The Role of Blue Chip Stocks in Your 2025 Portfolio [Chills 211 ft Willie Keng, Chiun Ting Weber, Kelwin Li]
41:12||Ep. 211Is the "safest bet" in investing actually... risky? What if your blue chips aren’t as stable as you think?Dive into the high-stakes world of blue chip stocks with three investing heavyweights:- Willie Keng, Founder of Dividend Titan- Chuin Ting Weber, CFP, CFA, CAIA, CEO & CIO, MoneyOwl- Kelwin Li, Principal Investment Specialist, Singapore Humble StockExpect a dynamic discussion on:- Singapore vs. Global Blue Chips: Why local giants like DBS and Singtel might not be your retirement heroes.- Dividend Traps: The psychological allure of dividends—and when they’re a “false sense of security.”- Warren Buffett’s Ghost: How Coca-Cola’s 50-year win still shapes today’s strategies (and why most investors get it wrong).- AI & Quantum Computing: The silent killers reshaping blue chips—are Singapore’s big players adapting fast enough?Are blue chip stocks the key to long-term wealth, or is it time to rethink their role in your strategy? Tune in to find out!---Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:🔗 Explore the World Card🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: About TFCInstagramTik TokTelegramWhatsappNewsletterCheck out our other shows on YouTubeDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.210. What it takes to be a Board Member? Retirement? Here’s the ladder [Ft Su-Yen Wong, CDL, IMDA, NKF & Terence Quek, CEO SID]
44:36||Ep. 210Ever wondered what it really takes to sit on a company's board of directors? Is it the cushy retirement gig many imagine it to be, or something far more complex?Join experienced CEO, and board chair serving on multiple prestigious boards, to pull back the curtain on the world of directorship- Su-Yen Wong, Past Chair, Singapore Institute of Directors- Terence Quek, CEO, Singapore Institute of DirectorsThey'll explore:- What board directors actually do (hint: it's not just approving budgets!)- The surprising pathways to joining your first board- Why directorship is evolving into a serious profession requiring specific skills- Whether the compensation is worth the responsibility (including potential legal liability!)Plus, get insider perspectives on boardroom dynamics during company crises, and discover if your background might make you a valuable board candidate.Whether you're plotting your post-executive career or simply curious about how corporate governance really works, this episode offers rare insights into a role that shapes organisations but remains mysterious to most.Tune in to discover if joining a board could be your viable retirement plan—or if you might want to think twice!01:35 - What does SID do, and what role does it play?04:35 - How does the board of directors decide to remove management, and what does that process involve?10:15 - Do board members earn a lot, and is it worth their time?25:20 - What are the pathways to becoming a board member?27:49 - How is a board structured, and what are its common roles?30:20 - What does it take to approve people, budgets, and decisions on a board?35:46 - How do you join a board, and who selects the members and chairman?---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.209. Opportunities in the US stock market in 2025. What changed? [Chills 209 ft Thomas Chua, Chin Hui Leong]
40:19||Ep. 209We're pulling back the curtain on some of the more critical trends shaping investments in 2025.Join us as we welcome two seasoned investment experts, Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor, and Thomas Chua, Founder of Steady Compounding, who are about to unpack:- The surprising AI revolution transforming tech giants- Why some brands are winning – and others are struggling- The truth behind the market's long-term growth potentialIs the legendary 8-10% annual return still intact? Are American brands losing their global edge? And what role will artificial intelligence play in reshaping entire industries?From Meta's AI strategies to the battle between tech titans, this episode promises insights you won't hear anywhere else. We're diving deep into advertising ecosystems, digital transformation, and the critical shifts happening right now.One hint: Not all industries are created equal, and the winners might surprise you.03:24 Will the US stock market sustain long-term growth, and where should investors focus beyond tech?05:28 How will AI reshape industries, and which sectors offer the best investment opportunities?13:05 How will AI and automation impact total addressable markets (TAMs) and industry growth?15:30 Can AI-driven advertising sustain growth for Meta and Google amid evolving user behavior?20:21 How will SaaS firms adapt to AI integration and competition from emerging players like Lark?26:25 Can Oracle and SAP maintain dominance despite slow innovation and high switching costs?30:45 What drives the success or failure of US brands expanding into competitive markets like China?35:34 Should investors prioritize high growth sectors like AI or take a diversified approach?---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlistsDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.208. Investing in Asia: What about Japan, China & India. [Chills 208 ft Prof Jamus Lim]
41:20||Ep. 208The world is changing fast, and Asia’s biggest economies—China, India, and Japan—are at the center of it all. But what does this mean for Singaporeans? Should businesses still bet on China? Is India really the next manufacturing giant? And why is Japan still a powerhouse despite its slow growth?We explore the rising economic influence of Asia's power trio - China, India, and Japan - with our special guest Jamus Jerome Lim, Associate Professor of Economics, ESSEC Business School and Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC.He’s here to break down the biggest economic trends shaping Asia today and what YOU need to know.- China’s risky economic policies—Is it still the golden land for businesses?- India’s untapped potential—Big opportunities, but at what cost?- Japan’s quiet strength—Why it’s still a major player in Asia’s economy.- And most importantly, how should Singaporeans position themselves in this new economic landscape?Whether you're interested in regional expansion, career opportunities, or understanding macro trends that will shape the future, this episode offers valuable perspectives from both academic and policy angles.Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Asia's economic powerhouses and what their evolution means for Singapore and the region.---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlistsDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.