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cover art for Kiasunomics: Data shows Singaporeans are not spending right. [Chills 181 fr NUS Biz School]

Chills with TFC

Kiasunomics: Data shows Singaporeans are not spending right. [Chills 181 fr NUS Biz School]

Have you ever wondered how superstitions influence our everyday decisions? 🤔 Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of "Kiasunomics," where we unravel the unique spending habits of Singaporeans. Did you know that birth rates spike by 5-8% during dragon years due to cultural beliefs? 🐉 But there's more! From the peculiar preference for house numbers to the surprising effects of children's influence on reducing household electricity, our experts reveal it all.

We'll explore how golfing can shape career trajectories, particularly for women in male-dominated industries. And what about those dragon babies? Are they really destined for greatness, or is it a myth that leads to unexpected economic consequences?

But that's not all—there's an unexpected twist that might just change the way you see superstitions and economics forever. Watch the video till the end to find out!

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  • 283. NDR 2026 Experts Take: More Money, More Leave, But Will Singaporeans Have Kids? [Chills 283]

    58:02||Ep. 283
    Singapore's National Day Rally 2026 changed how family support works. In the past, families got a bigger payout for each additional child, more money for the second child, even more for the third. That system is gone. Every child now receives the same flat support each year, no matter their birth order.Our guests explained why this matters more than the dollar amount itself: incentive-based payouts push people toward having more kids, while flat, universal support signals something different, that the government backs parenting itself, not a specific birth count.The change does not fix everything. Singles are still left out of the conversation, and policy moves faster than culture does.Removing the incentive for "just one more child" may make the support feel more honest, but it also resets what people expect family policy to do.Does support built on consistency actually change how Singaporeans plan families, or does the amount still matter most?---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 282. Are SGX Companies well governed and truly undervalued? [Chills 282]

    50:18||Ep. 282
    Everyone says Singapore stocks are going cheap. So one guest pulled the Bloomberg numbers before walking into the studio: small caps here trade at 13 times earnings on average. Hong Kong? About four. Malaysia, 11. Her verdict: not undervalued. "Fairly priced."Meet Lawrence Loh, the NUS professor who has scored SGX-listed companies on governance for over a decade, and Hwee Li Ong, the SAC Capital CEO who takes companies to market. No sell-side spin, no vague optimism, no box-ticking. Just data, hard questions, and the odd coconut analogy.In this Chills with TFC, they break down why large companies outscore small ones on governance every year without fail, why REITs top the governance scores year after year, and whether family-run firms deserve a place in your portfolio.So which is it for you: are Singapore small caps cheap, or just bad at explaining themselves?---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 281. Why Fixed Income May Matter More In Today’s Market [Chills 281, Sponsored by Aberdeen]

    36:59||Ep. 281
    Most investors love talking about equities.But in a world of higher interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, tariff risks, AI disruption, and shaky market narratives, fixed income may be more interesting than many people realise.Natalie Tan, Head of Wholesale for Southeast Asia, and Nathaniel Wilson, Fixed Income Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Investments, break down how bonds, credit strategies, investment grade, high yield, emerging market debt, frontier bonds, and short-duration fixed income actually fit into a portfolio. Not as “boring stuff for retirees”, but as tools that can help investors manage volatility, generate income, and think more clearly about risk.The big shift? Yields have reset higher. That means fixed income may no longer be just the defensive sidekick in your portfolio. Depending on your objective, it could play a bigger role than expected.For Singapore professionals who usually think “CPF is my bond” or go all-in on equities, this may be worth rethinking. Are bonds finally interesting again?Learn more about Aberdeen’s investment solutions here: https://www.aberdeeninvestments.com/en-sg/investor/investment-solutions/creditDisclaimer: This content is produced in partnership with Aberdeen Investments for educational purposes. It discusses the strategies and is not financial advice. Investments are subject to risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Investors should read the relevant prospectus and consult a financial adviser to ensure any investments are suitable for their portfolio. For more information on Aberdeen Investments: Investment Solutions for Investors | Aberdeen Investments#TFC #FinancialCoconut #FixedIncome #AberdeenInvestments #CreditInvesting---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 280. Burnout Doctor broke Bond to pursue Barista FIRE [Chills 280]

    51:26||Ep. 280
    Burnout stories are common. What is rare is someone who actually steps off the “helicopter track” and rebuilds life from scratch. Dr Faith Nadine Choo, The Side Quest Doctor, did exactly that. After clocking 70 to 80 hours weekly and surviving 30‑hour hospital calls, she realised she was running on empty. Her turning point came during a palliative posting, watching a patient her age face terminal illness. That moment forced her to confront what she was truly chasing.Dr Faith eventually broke her medical bond, paid a six‑figure penalty, and redesigned her life around freedom, health and meaningful work. Today she works 20 to 25 hours weekly, earns 8 to 10K, writes, podcasts and builds a life that fits her values.This conversation is for anyone questioning the grind, exploring FIRE or wondering what “success” should look like in Singapore’s high‑pressure system.Save this if you’re navigating burnout, career pivots or planning your own version of financial independence.Tell us: What does a life built around freedom look like for you?---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 279. How A Singapore Tennis Coach Built A Million-Dollar Portfolio [Chills 279 ft SGWealthJourney]

    40:40||Ep. 279
    A millionaire tennis coach sounds like a flex… until you hear the grind behind it.Meet Jun Chong, a tennis coach who started the sport "too late" at 13, who runs Jun Tennis Academy in Singapore, and who today is a self-made millionaire investor behind SGWealthJourney.Explore his story on the early gains that made him cocky, the all-in earnings gambles that almost wiped him out, and the painful pivot to a calmer, emotion-aware investing approach.This conversation is a reminder that wealth is not built from one perfect strategy. It comes from work, skin in the game, painful feedback, and learning how to stay sane while taking risk.Whether you're new to investing or already deep in the game, Jun's story is the kind of grounded "I made the mistakes so you don't have to" episode you'll thank yourself for watching.What has been your biggest money lesson so far?---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 278. How Can AI Make You a Better Investor? [Chills 278 ft Tree of Prosperity, Steady Compounding]

    43:22||Ep. 278
    Many retail investors chase tips, trends and rumours, yet overlook the one thing that consistently improves results: better thinking. We break down how AI‑style reasoning helps investors ask sharper questions, reduce emotional bias and build clearer decision frameworks. Learn:- Practical habits such as defining investment objectives, stress‑testing assumptions- Understand how data guides long‑term choices.- Gain a grounded look at how structured thinking supports confidence, especially in volatile markets.This is a useful watch for anyone who wants to improve discipline, avoid common pitfalls and make more intentional financial moves. Save this episode for your next portfolio review and share it with a friend who is trying to invest more wisely.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 277. From Broke Founder to $4M in 10 Years: FIREPath Lion's Comeback Story [Chills 277]

    41:40||Ep. 277
    He failed his startup. Lay awake at night convinced he'd ruined his financial future. Ten years later, he's sitting on a $4 million portfolio.Meet FIREPath Lion, the pseudonymous Singaporean blogger who shares everything most personal finance creators won't: his exact salary, every bonus, every investment, every number on the way to FIRE. No gurus, no day-trading, no genius stock picks. Just Bogleheads-style passive investing, aggressive saving, and a brutal honesty about what failure taught him.FIREPath Lion breaks down how he climbed back from broke, why he believes the 4% rule changed his life, and the difference between his personal FIRE number ($3.7M) and his family's ($6-7M).If you've ever wondered whether FIRE is real or just internet talk — this is the receipt.Watch the full episode on YouTube.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 276. The Smarter Way To Build Wealth While Working Full-Time [Chills 276, Sponsored by Webull]

    01:05:00||Ep. 276
    Most people want to get rich faster.But what if the smarter move, especially in your 20s and 30s, is not squeezing every dollar out of a tiny portfolio?For busy professionals, wealth accumulation may start with something less sexy but far more powerful: growing your income, managing your spending, and consistently investing the difference.Chris How (semi-retired, founder of retireby50.me), Chris Chong (45K-sub FIRE YouTuber, ex-accountant), and Chris Ng (engineer-turned-CFA) break down what has aged badly in the investing world, from crypto hype to thematic funds, blind loyalty to jobs, and even over-reliance on one strategy. They also discuss robo-advisors, brokers, CPF, RSPs, dynamic RSPs, and why every platform has its own incentive.Don’t just ask “what gives the highest returns?”Ask: “What game am I actually playing, and does this strategy fit my life?”Invest smarter with Webull’s Dynamic Regular Savings Plan (RSP) — the first and only solution of its kind in Singapore.Designed to automate your investment journey in a smarter way, Dynamic RSP helps you invest more when prices are lower and less when prices are higher, taking the guesswork out of building long-term wealth.Plus, enjoy zero fee investing for US stocks and ETFs with Webull. No platform fees, no commissions. Open an account now: https://www.webull.com.sg/k/thefinancialcoconutDisclaimer:This video contains paid advertising by Webull Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ("Webull"). The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of Webull. No content should be construed as investment advice or recommendation, or an offer or solicitation, to deal in any investment product. All investments involve risk and may not be suitable for every investor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.
  • 275. Globally Diversified Funds Are Too Concentrated For The New World [Chills 275, Sponsored by Amundi]

    36:34||Ep. 275
    Your “global” portfolio might not be as global as you think. Many investors buy a world index believing they are diversified across the planet. But if a large chunk of that exposure is still concentrated in the US, and especially in US tech, are you really spreading your risk? Reggie flew to Paris for the Amundi World Investment Forum and sat with Guy Stear, Head of Developed Markets Strategy, Amundi Investment Institute, to unpack what comes next. The hot take from one of Europe's largest asset managers: the next leg of AI won't be electrical engineering in Silicon Valley - it'll be the physical world. Drones cleaning skyscrapers. Robots in factories. Mechanical engineering. The countries good at this aren't the ones already trading at 90x sales. This conversation from the Amundi World Investment Forum in Paris pushes investors to rethink what diversification actually means today. For Singapore investors, the big question is simple: are you actively choosing your exposure, or are you just accepting the default? hear about the Nokia lesson, the US-China fragmentation reality, and how a Singapore investor should actually build three diversification blocks. Geopolitics, central banks, ETFs. Learn more about Amundi: https://about.amundi.com/Disclaimer :This publication is a paid collaboration between The Financial Coconut (Company Registration No. 202012201Z) and Amundi Asset Management, Société par Actions Simplifiée - SAS with capital of €1,143,615,555 - Approved portfolio management company by the AMF no. GP04000036 – Registered office: 91-93 boulevard Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France - 437 574 452RCS Paris. This publication is published in Singapore by The Financial Coconut and Amundi Singapore Limited (Company Registration No. 198900774E). Amundi Singapore Limited is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.This publication is for information purposes only, is not a recommendation, financial analysis or an investment advice and does not constitute a solicitation, invitation or offer to purchase or sell any product. The information contained in this publication is intended for general circulation without taking into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person.The information contained in this publication is as at 12 June 2026 except where otherwise stated. The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified, although Amundi and its affiliated companies (collectively “Amundi”) believe it to be fair and not misleading. Opinions expressed in this publication are subject to change without notice. Amundi does not accept liability whatsoever whether direct or indirect that may arise from the use of information contained in this publication.Past performance and any forecasts made are not necessarily indicative of the future results. Any forecast, projection or target is indicative only and is not guaranteed in any way. All investments involve risks and the amount received from such investments may be less than the original invested amount.This publication is solely for issue in permitted jurisdictions and to persons who may receive it without breaching applicable legal or regulatory requirements. The information contained in this publication shall not, without prior written approval of Amundi Singapore Limited, be copied, reproduced, modified, or distributed, to any third person or entity in any country.This publication is not for distribution and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any securities or services in the United States or in any of its territories or possessions subject to its jurisdiction to or for the benefit of any U.S. Person (as this term is defined in SEC Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933).This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.