The Financial Coconut Podcast

Ever wish you could time-travel and give your past self career advice?Join Reggie, Dawn, Adrian, and Anthony in this raw, unfiltered episode as they revisit their chaotic first-job journeys—complete with cringe-worthy interviews, unexpected red flags, and hard-won wisdom.You’ll hear:Adrian (Professional CMO, Author of 'No More Bosses', and self-proclaimed "renter") on why his dream job title turned out to be a shocking bait-and-switch.Anthony (Retail Investor and fellow "professional renter") shares how a traumatic first job became his ultimate career catalyst.Tactics to dodge employer red flags, ace interviews, and turn internships into job offers—even when the odds stack against you.Why networking isn’t optional (and how to do it without being "that" intern).Real talk from Gen X to Gen Z: "Your first job isn’t permanent—it’s slavery with an exit button." "If the company’s desperate to hire you? Run."Perfect for you if:You’re hunting for your first job (or still traumatized by it).You’ve ever wondered, "How did they even get hired?!"You crave advice that’s 0% sugar, 100% real.Tune in now for stories that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and rethink everything you know about "starting 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[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: 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 a freelancer struggling with inconsistent income and the fear of unexpected medical bills? Or maybe you're a parent juggling the financial demands of raising children and caring for aging parents?Join us for another TINFA episode (This Is Not Financial Advice), as they tackle YOUR burning questions about financial planning and insurance:Your favourite host, Reggie, aka Chief Financial CoconutDavid Wu, Minimalist in the City and Financial Coach, will be dissecting behavioural finance and how some emotions are costlier than you thinkEtak Chen Pei Shi, Private Wealth Consultant with over 20 years of experience, a mother of 3, and ready to share proactive strategies to shield your future that go beyond just basic coverageJohn, one-half of the Corporate Breakout Couple, and FIRE advocate, reveals how to ditch the rat race—without sacrificing securityWe'll explore:How freelancers can navigate insurance gaps and income fluctuationsWhy relying solely on corporate insurance might be a risky gambleThe importance of reviewing your insurance coverage as life changesPractical strategies for managing the financial strain of caregiving without sacrificing your family's futurePlus, Etak will introduce Prudential's PRUActive Crisis Guard, a term plan designed to provide affordable coverage for major illnesses, offering a safety net when you need it most.Don't miss this insightful and thought-provoking discussion for practical steps and real-world perspectives on securing your financial future.Disclaimer:You are recommended to read the product summary and seek advice from a qualified Prudential Financial Representative for a financial analysis before purchasing an insurance policy suitable to meet your needs. This is for your information only and does not consider your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. We recommend that you seek advice from a Prudential Financial Representative before making a commitment to purchase a policy. The views and opinions expressed by the external speakers are solely those of the speaker and do not represent the views of Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Limited. T&Cs apply. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.---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[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: 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 what it’s REALLY like to be a teacher? Why do passionate educators walk away from the profession? And what happens after they leave?In this raw episode, we sat with former teachers who dared to trade the chalkboard for new adventures. They pull back the curtain on:- The hidden challenges: From "low-grade stress that never switches off" to emotional tolls and sleepless nights.- The unexpected highs: Moments that made it all worth it (hint: it’s not just report cards).- Why they left: The turning points that pushed them to reinvent their careers.Meet our guests:- Lily Chew, Founder of Lil’ but Mighty — Former primary school "super-teacher" of English, Math, Science, and Art- Siti Zahidah — Ex-JC General Paper tutor (8+ years) who traded red pens for new horizonsThey debate: "Would I ever go back?" and share blunt advice for anyone dreaming of a teaching career.Don’t miss this unfiltered conversation about burnout, generational clashes in schools, and finding life beyond the bell. Is teaching still the "noble profession" we imagine? Tune in to find out!Listen now wherever you get podcasts!---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[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: 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 what it's really like to run a business in China? From surviving the early 2000s recession to building innovative platforms, learn how these two seasoned Singaporean entrepreneurs spent over a decade building their ventures in the world's second-largest economy. Expect raw, unfiltered insights about the real challenges, unexpected opportunities, and what it truly takes to succeed in China's fast-paced business environment.Guests:Roy Lin, Founder, GenTM—13 years in Shanghai, social entrepreneur focusing on connecting master tailors globallyKeith Ng, Founder, Emilica Homes—22 years in Kunshan—runs a furniture manufacturing business with 200+ employeesKey highlights from our conversation:The unexpected journey that turned a two-year China stint into a decade-plus adventureWhy some Singaporean entrepreneurs are still finding unprecedented opportunities in China's evolving economyRaw truths about running a business in China—from late-night negotiations to navigating complex regulationsA fascinating new venture to revolutionize the global tailoring industryCompelling insights about China's intense work culture and what it means for aspiring entrepreneursWhether you're an entrepreneur eyeing the Chinese market, curious about international business, or interested in understanding the real story behind China's economic transformation, this episode offers authentic perspectives from someone who's lived it firsthand.---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---00:54 Introducing Roy Lin, Founder of GenTM01:59 Introducing Keith Ng, Founder of Emilica Homes08:33 How affordable is the cost of living in Kunshan?16:48 Are the costs different or similar across the zones?22:38 Does the trade wars affecting the quality of life?24:38 How does the labor law works in China?29:28 With the difficulties of living in China, Why would you still stay?32:58 For the upcoming entrepreneur, how do you encourage them?36:18 Despite all the struggles, is it truly worth it?---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.

Join Reggie and co-host, Abu Sofian, Founder of Seyrul Consulting & Keynote Speaker, in a candid panel with three cross-border experts who’ve cracked the code on expanding from Singapore to Malaysia. Forget textbook advice—this is raw, on-the-ground wisdom you won’t find anywhere else!Meet our Guests:Hossan Leong, Creative Director (Entertainer-turned-Entrepreneur): Runs dual businesses in SG & MY, revealing hilarious culture-shock moments and pricing secrets.Isaac Peter, CEO People Performance (Malaysian-Singapore PR): 24-year consulting veteran dissects the "unwritten rules" of Malaysian business relationships.Takeaways:Culture Clash Alert: Why "45-min coffee chats" in Singapore fail vs. Malaysia’s mamak-session deal-closers.Pricing Pitfalls: The shocking formula one guest uses to avoid pricing themselves out (hint: it involves division!).Untapped Goldmines: From Johor’s manufacturing boom to Sabah’s eco-tourism potential—where smart money’s flowing.Brutal Truths: "Never compare prices aloud" and other instant-turnoff phrases Singaporeans must avoid.Why Listen? If you’re a young Singaporean entrepreneur eyeing Malaysia’s 33M-person market—or just dreaming of swapping corporate grind for garden life—this episode exposes the real playbook. No fluff, no filters.Tune in NOW for the full unfiltered debate on TFC Business Show! (Also available on all podcast platforms)Also, be part of Asia’s leading Franchising and Licensing event!Get your Free Visitor Pass today or use TFC’s promo code [FLA25_TFC_20] to save 20% on your conference ticket (applies to standard rate only excluding partners’ conference).🔗 Register now via https://qr1.be/CR6OKey Dates to Note:Early Bird Conference Registration: 9 June – 14 JulyTFC Promo Code Validity (20% off): From 15 July onwardsConference Ticket Pricing: Ranges from S$28 – S$58 per sessionNote: The 20% discount applies to standard rates only and excludes partner conferences.---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[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Tired of the "straight path" career myth? In a world where AI reshapes jobs overnight and passion projects turn into thriving ventures, how do you design a career that’s future-proof—and fulfilling?Meet our powerhouse guests:Jason MJ Tan – Ex-Meta & TikTok AI engineer turned Founder of MemoryLane, an AI startup empowering seniors. His journey? Business school ➔ Cambridge research ➔ Big Tech ➔ groundbreaking entrepreneurship.Mark Wee – Executive Director of the Designing Your Life institute (inspired by Stanford’s iconic program). He’s on a mission to help you navigate uncertainty with design-thinking tools—no linear plans required.Highlights:Why "wayfinding" beats traditional career planning in the age of AI.The #1 skill that’ll make you irreplaceable (hint: it’s not coding!).How to prototype your career like a designer—even if you’re risk-averse.Jason’s bold leap from a "top-dollar" tech job to solving a problem no one else saw.Mark’s "Odyssey Plans" exercise: Design 3 radically different futures in 15 minutes.Tune in if you’ve ever wondered, "What if my job disappears tomorrow?" or "How do I turn my curiosity into a career?"Listen now for stories that’ll reshape your work journey—and maybe your life.---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[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: 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 how Singapore’s annual Budget comes to life?Tune in as our hosts Reggie and Adrian, author of “No More Bosses,” dive deep with two top minds from the Ministry of Finance (MOF):- Lim Ming Jing (Director, Social Programmes) and- John Koh (Budget 2025 Director and concurrently Director, Security & Resilience Programmes)What’s in store?- Behind-the-scenes revelations on balancing immediate concerns (think CDC vouchers!) with longer-term nation-building.- Why vouchers over cash?- The story behind SkillsFuture’s evolution—and how your feedback shapes policies.- "Theory of Change": How ministries pitch ideas (and why some get funded while others don’t).- Candid takes on taxing wealth, ageing populations, and why your family’s income matters more than you think.Ming Jing and John pull back the curtain on the gritty realities of policy-making—from managing public concerns to competing global pressures. Whether you’re a policy nerd or just want to know where your tax dollars go, this episode is packed with aha moments you won’t hear anywhere else.Tune in for a masterclass in governance—and find out why even middle-class Singaporeans might rethink their gripes about the 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-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.

What does it take to scale from a single rented house to becoming Singapore’s largest co-living operator with nearly 5,000 keys?We sat with Eugene Lim, Founder and CEO of The Assembly Place (TAP), for an unfiltered conversation about bold pivots, gritty beginnings, and building a real estate business with purpose.In this episode:From broke uni student to building a 20-year real estate careerWhy co-living is more than just renting roomsHow TAP is expanding into regional markets like KL and eyeing global hotspots like Japan and LondonThe strategic shift from operator to asset co-ownerFundraising, building lean with tech, and the road to a potential SGX listingWhether you're a budding entrepreneur or just curious how the co-living model works behind the scenes, this is one founder story you won’t want to miss.#business #entrepreneur #singapore #businessgrowth #businessstrategy #businesstips---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.

What happens when DEI—once a corporate buzzword—quietly fades into the background? Has inclusion lost its value, or is it simply evolving? We dive into the heated debate around diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s shifting workplace landscape.Meet the Guests:Nina Devouge - CEO, Elleuminate Group; A People Culture & Talent Expert with 20+ years in HR, sharing raw insights on why “optics” alone won’t build inclusive teamsSunil Puri - Senior VP & Head of Research; A leadership strategist from the Stewardship Asia Center, blending academic rigor with real-world stories about sustainable, values-driven organisationsKey Points You Won’t Want to Miss:The Rebranding of DEI: Why terms like “culture” and “belonging” are taking center stage—and what it means for your organisationThe ROI Myth: Debunking the biggest misconceptions about inclusivity’s impact on business successMiddle Managers’ Secret Weapon: Practical, no-fluff strategies to foster psychological safety and allyship—even without a dedicated DEI teamGeopolitical Tensions: How global politics are reshaping corporate priorities (and what it means for your career)Whether you’re a CEO, a team lead, or just curious about the future of work, this episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you with actionable takeaways.---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[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: 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.