BT Money Hacks

The Business Times
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Nov 9, 2025 • 14min

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 financial tips. Highlights: 01:00 Three-bucket system for mini-retirement 04:54 Framing mini-retirement as an investment 08:28 Re-entry into the workforce and career changes 11:03 Building alternative income streams --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Ishan Sarkar, head of wealth & premier solutions, HSBC Singapore; Nick Tong, head of intermediary distribution, Southeast Asia, T. Rowe Price; and Jason Ang, senior wealth advisory lead, Syfe Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 2, 2025 • 16min

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 day = $90,000 in 30 years 03:44 The paradox: strong work ethic, yet paycheck to paycheck 05:06 The 40-30-20-10 framework for conscious spending 12:15 Ethical considerations: balancing present enjoyment with future security --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Benjamin Tan, chief investment officer, Chocolate Finance Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 26, 2025 • 16min

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. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:40 From a Hong Kong drama to the trading pit 02:55 How greed and fear sabotage portfolios 06:03 Sambal chili for business 08:28 When boring works and when it doesn't 10:30 How DCA helps mitigate recent market dips --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Ian Leong, CEO, Tiger Brokers Singapore Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 19, 2025 • 13min

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 detrimental 03:17 SRS investment strategies 09:07 Wide range of investment options available for SRS compared to CPF 11:32 The tangible benefits: a mathematical example --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Jeremy Foo, Singapore country manager, StashAway; and Hugh Chung, chief investment officer, Endowus Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 12, 2025 • 14min

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 financial tips. Highlights: 01:04 The myth of easy side hustles 03:20 The dangers of oversimplified finance 04:28 Viral nonsense and financial absurdity 06:07 Useful FinTok advice 11:03 The boring stuff works; investment wisdom --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Seth Wee, content creator, sethisfy.com Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 5, 2025 • 14min

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. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:49 Overcoming spending guilt 04:37 Translating assets into a perceived income flow 09:00 Your Ikigai goals 10:49 Taking care of you and your legacy --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Loh Yong Cheng, deputy head of advisory at Providend Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 28, 2025 • 21min

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. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:13 Building portfolios is like cooking 04:39 Don’t make these mistakes 11:12 Ingredients for a successful portfolio 14:18 Embracing volatility as opportunity --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With David Kuo, co-founder of The Smart Investor Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 21, 2025 • 14min

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’s safe haven status 03:58 Sustainable dividend-paying companies beyond headline yield 07:29 Dividend sectors contribute to a wholesome portfolio 10:33 Look beyond local markets for better regional diversification 11:23 Strategies for navigating monetary policy shifts --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist, Saxo Bank and Andrew Goh, portfolio manager, Phillip Securities Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 14, 2025 • 15min

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 down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:00 The 3 ingredients of successful investing 04:34 The danger of playing someone else’s game 07:29 Simplified strategies for busy professionals 12:32 Alternatives worth looking into --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Grace Tay, associate director, finexis advisory Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Sep 7, 2025 • 14min

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. Highlights: 00:53 The hidden value of non-monetary benefits 03:25 When and how to discuss benefits 08:13 Monetising benefits 10:27 Flexibility as a dealbreaker --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg) With Marina Sukhikh, industry practice leader, Aon Global Benefits (Asia Pacific) and Lim Chai Leng, general manager, Randstad Singapore Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Money Hacks podcasts every Monday: Channel: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks Amazon: bt.sg/mham Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/oeXe  Spotify: bt.sg/oeGN  YouTube Music: bt.sg/mhyt Website: bt.sg/moneyhacks Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Correspondents: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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