The Financial Coconut Podcast

In this Chills episode, we sit down with Andy Schmidt, a former CFO at Siemens, who reveals his journey from climbing the corporate ladder to retiring at 44. After spending over two decades in the corporate world, Andy realized the importance of family time, having heard from retiring colleagues about their biggest regret—neglecting their children. Determined to avoid the same mistake, he left his job with a well-planned financial foundation, including a $1-2 million investment portfolio.Andy also explores the emotional aspects of investing and frugality, emphasizing that true financial freedom isn’t just about wealth but having the freedom to control your time. Now, he’s an entrepreneur promoting the Beekeeper app to improve communication for frontline workers.Curious to learn more about how Andy transitioned out of corporate life and built a life of balance and purpose? Keep watching to find out!00:00 - Introduction00:54 - Andy's Introduction05:50 - After climbing all the way to the top in the corporate life, what changed that made you leave?09:01 - After you retired from corporate grind, what was your financial situation, how did you prepare, and how was the transition?15:08 - After leaving the corporate world and delving into personal finance, what ideas did you find most intriguing?25:29 - Why have you returned to business and work after retiring?31:17 - In hindsight, how would you approach this arc differently if given the chance to do it again?33:55 - What advice do you have for those financially stable but hesitant to leave the corporate grind?---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Are 10 more weeks of parental leave really a game-changer? Or just a band-aid solution?Our co-hosts are fired up about the controversial new parental leave policy. We've gathered some opinionated guests - from fed-up parents to a savvy HR pro - to unpack what the extra 10 weeks of shared leave and doubled paternity leave could mean for families and businesses.Is this new policy really helping parents in the long run? Or is it just window dressing that fails to address the real work-life struggles?The gloves are coming off for a candid look at the updated parental leave through the lens of HR managers, business owners, and very opinionated parents. Whether you're a new parent, boss, or just someone fascinated by these discussions, get ready for some brutally honest insights.

With medical inflation soaring to 9.5%, your health and financial future are at a critical crossroads. In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the real impact of rising healthcare costs and reveal why taking charge of your health now can save you from major expenses—and stress—later on. Explore the latest in medical advancements, the crucial role of early health screenings, and how the right insurance coverage can be your best defense against unexpected medical bills. Plus, learn how to weave proactive health management into your financial planning strategy, ensuring you're not just living longer, but living well. More insights from Manulife Asia Care Survey - https://go.manulife.sg/TFC2ytWhether you're gearing up for retirement or simply aiming to stay one step ahead, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you navigate the complexities of healthcare and financial planning in today's world. Don't miss out on this essential guide to securing both your health and wealth!00:00 - Introduction03:28 - With medical inflation at 9.5%, how is this affecting retirement plans, and what’s driving these rising costs?09:58 - As a working professional with regular health screenings, how does early detection of health issues affect my quality of life and survival chances?11:56 - In terms of public medical infrastructure, what percentage of resources or support can our audience rely on for their comfort and reassurance?13:40 - Given the ongoing issue of medical inflation, what strategies can individuals employ to effectively manage their healthcare costs and ensure financial stability?17:00 - How should individuals evaluate their insurance needs based on care options, budget, and anticipated needs?21:31 - Does having favorable biomarkers lead to lower insurance premiums?24:12 - Based on the Manulife Asia Care Survey, people in Singapore managing their healthcare differently, how could they improve their approach?29:42 - In the realm of financial planning, what are some foundational principles that everyone should consider to ensure a solid and sustainable financial strategy?---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Varick’s captivating journey has blown up across LinkedIn with it reaching over 400,000 views. Although it is initially a tale of failure, Varick hasn’t let it stop him from moving forward with his life as he rebuilds from the rubble of his former career.In today’s episode, Varick, Founding Engineer @ Voltade, will recap everything from A-to-Z on how he went from founder to full-time employee. Although it’s not always an easy story to listen to, it’s a career shift that any of us could face and it’s important to know you aren’t alone and you can always start over.If you’ve been in his shoes or if you’re eager to know his story, join us as we interview Varick for some never heard before details. By the end of our episode, you’ll feel empowered to push ahead no matter how bleak your situation might be.---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Are you dreaming of retiring in Australia but unsure of what it really takes? Join Rakaesh as he sits with Andrew and Ronald - two Singaporeans who have made the move Down Under.Andrew relocated to Adelaide almost a decade ago with his family and has gone from running his own IT business to venturing into property investment after semi-retiring. Ronald took the leap in 1996, migrating as a family to Perth without a job lined up. He shares his inspiring journey of taking any work available initially before re-entering his specialised industry and eventually retiring on a 5-acre farm.In this candid conversation, Andrew and Ronald pull back the curtain on the visa process, job-hunting strategies, financial planning, and lifestyle transitions involved with relocating to Australia. They offer firsthand tips on the right mindset, overcoming obstacles, and seizing opportunities in their adopted homeland.Whether your sights are set on the big cities or more rural living, this is a must-listen for Singaporeans considering their Australian retirement dreams. Don't miss the valuable insights from two who have been there and done that successfully! Tune in to the latest episode.---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Ever wondered how to use AI to make your workday smoother? We’ve got Anyā Likhitha from Hatch MediaHouse spilling the secrets on how to do just that! With companies investing big bucks in AI while laying off staff, it’s clear that learning to automate is key to staying relevant. Anya shares practical tips on how to start automating those repetitive tasks that eat up your time—like monthly reports or scheduling—and how to identify what’s worth automating. They even reveals their own personal hacks, like using Reclaim AI to manage their calendar and Todoist to keep track of tasks. Whether you’re a tech newbie or looking to level up your productivity game, this chat is packed with insights. Plus, Anya drops some wisdom on balancing work with mental well-being, showing how AI can help you reclaim your day. Tune in for some actionable tips to optimise your life!00:00 Intro04:12 How do you calculate automation’s time or cost savings?10:34 Can competitive landscape reports be automated?16:42 What factors determine primary or secondary AI use?38:07 How can you manage automation software within a budget?---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Some say the world is flat and expanding into international markets is easier than ever before. But is that really the case?We're going behind the scenes with entrepreneurs who have learned the hard way that overseas expansion is no walk in the park.From supply chain snags and website crashes to pricing wars and mismatched local partnerships, our guests opening up about their massive headaches and costly failures in trying to crack new markets abroad. Ivan Ong's US maternity label, Shaun Tan's Malaysia monitor launch, and Hou Feng's merchants grappling with scale - no war story is off limits.If you've been dreaming of taking your business global, you can't afford to miss these candid insights and hard-learned lessons. The reality is far more complex than the get-rich-quick gurus want you to believe. Tune in for an eye-opening look at the harsh challenges of expanding overseas.You'll never approach international growth the same way again after this no-BS reality check. Stay tuned!---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Ever wondered how your financial approach stacks up against other generations?We bring together Tan Hong Tau, CEO of Manulife Financial Advisers, Chris from HoneyMoney, and Vanessa Ho, the Venture Capital Investor and Content Creator, to uncover the fascinating contrasts in how Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X view money, work, and financial independence. From the "live in the moment" attitude of Gen Z to the calculated strategies of Gen X, we explore how life stages, career choices, and even cultural shifts are reshaping financial priorities, as highlighted in the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2024 https://go.manulife.sg/TFC2yt.But it’s not just about how much you can save—it's also about how well you protect what you've earned. Tune in as they share personal experiences and professional insights on why financial planning is essential, how to navigate the complexities of insurance, and the importance of balancing passion with practicality. Plus, get insider tips on making smart money moves that align with your goals, no matter what stage of life you're in.Whether you're hustling in your 20s, juggling family responsibilities, or planning for retirement, this episode offers something valuable for everyone. Don’t miss this deep dive into the generational divide in financial thinking—it might just change the way you view your own money journey!00:00 - Introduction03:21 - Could you please share your current perspective on money and how you perceive its significance?10:23 - Given your perspective on money, how have your ideas and views on it evolved over time?12:00 - How are you managing and structuring your financial resources to achieve your goals?18:00 - How significant is retirement planning in your current financial strategy?26:31 - For high-earning millennials who may not prioritize early retirement, how should one approach financial planning for long-term independence?29:23 - When your children are no longer dependents, would you consider discontinuing your life insurance policies?30:11 - Is a financial consultant necessary?33:17 - After reviewing the discussion, what changes could you make to your approach going forward?---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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Curious what the strategies are behind one of Singapore’s leading REITs? Kelvin Chow, CEO Lendlease Global Commercial REIT, breaks down their approach to balancing stable income generation with growth, highlighting key assets like 313@Somerset and JEM.We explore how Lendlease Global REIT manages its portfolio, including its strategic investments in Milan, and the cautious yet bold steps taken to expand and sustain value.Kelvin also sheds light on the challenges posed by today’s market conditions and how he is navigating them, particularly with capital management and sustainability initiatives. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just curious about REITs, this episode offers valuable insights into how Lendlease Global REIT plans to maintain its competitive edge in a volatile market.