
BT Money Hacks
Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful personal financial tips with expert guests. Hosted by Howie Lim.
Produced by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media.
Latest episodes

Jul 13, 2025 • 14min
S1E227: Are stablecoins a smarter way to hold your cash?
Stablecoins promise fast, cheap, borderless money transfers—but can they also be part of your investment strategy? With Singapore and Hong Kong rolling out new regulations, interest is heating up. In this episode of Money Hacks, Howie Lim talks to Amy Zhang from Fireblocks and Koen Hoorelbeke from Saxo to unpack what stablecoins are, how they're used today, and why regulation is key. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:06 Stablecoins = US dollar? 04:10 Regulatory risks of stablecoins 07:22 Easiest way to move money? 10:09 Stablecoins' role in a portfolio --- 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 Amy Zhang, head of APAC at Fireblocks and Koen Hoorelbeke, investment strategist at Saxo Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Howie Lim 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 Mark To Market Podcast at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt WealthBT at: bt.sg/btwealthbt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Branded Podcasts at : bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 6, 2025 • 18min
S1E226: Is private equity finally opening up to regular investors?
Investing in private markets can help reduce overall portfolio volatility, as they tend to have a lower correlation with public markets. Sure sounds good but what are the hidden complexities to look out for before you take the plunge? Howie Lim finds out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:13 Are private assets available to retail investors? 04:36 More governance and transparency for the private market 08:10 Hidden complexities revealed 12:01 Democratising the private market --- 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 Ritesh Ganeriwal, managing director and head of investments and advisory at 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 Mark To Market Podcast at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt WealthBT at: bt.sg/btwealthbt PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/pcOM BT Branded Podcasts at : bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29, 2025 • 15min
S1E225: Why gold is glimmering again in an uncertain world: BT Money Hacks
Why the sudden Midas touch? Blame it on global uncertainty. But gold, it's not just for pirates and pharaohs anymore! This lustrous metal has been having a moment, shining brighter than a supernova in 2024 but at about $3300 an ounce, have retail investors missed the boat? Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:13 Why gold has gained ground 04:26 Have you missed the boat? 08:16 Are there gold alternatives? 11:43 Gold investing strategies --- 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 Stephanie Leung, chief investment officer, StashAway; Robin Tsui, APAC gold strategist, State Street Global Advisors; and Fan Shaokai, head of Asia-Pacific (ex-China) & global head of Central Banks, World Gold Council 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 22, 2025 • 15min
S1E224: Long-term investing - Still a safe bet or a risky hold? BT Money Hacks
"Keep calm and stay invested”, they say. That’s easier said than done. In fact, long-term investing is suddenly under fire because of the uncertainty surrounding markets these days. So should we cut and run or stay the course? Howe Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:04 The viability of long-term investing 04:15 Misconceptions of long-term investing 08:16 What to invest in the long term 11:57 Should we rethink time horizon or rebalance? --- 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 Yee Shen Hao, financial services manager, Phillip Securities; and Tan Chin Yu, lead of Advisory Team, 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 15, 2025 • 18min
S1E223: Is it time to diversify into crypto? BT Money Hacks
Think crypto’s just for tech bros and meme coin gamblers? Think again. In this episode of Money Hacks, Howie Lim digs into the surprisingly high crypto adoption rates in Singapore with Coinbase’s Hassan Ahmed and crypto communications professional Deborah Tan-Pink. From common misconceptions and beginner mistakes to why stablecoins might just be the sneaky MVPs, we break down what new investors need to know. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 03:23 Top crypto assets in Singapore 05:22 How much crypto in a portfolio 09:18 Crypto’s volatility 11:16 How global uncertainty will affect crypto 15:17 Outlook for the year --- 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 Hassan Ahmed, Singapore country director, Coinbase; and Deborah Tan-Pink, crypto communications professional 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 8, 2025 • 15min
S1E222: The travel hacks edition 2025: BT Money Hacks
June is upon us and it’s time to get out! But can you still find bargains during travel peak time? Have you considered an alternative destination and how else can you maximise your travel budget? Howie Lim speaks to Cyndi Hui from Skyscanner to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 02:15 The value maximisation continues 05:25 If flexibility isn’t on the table 08:39 Luxe for less 12:31 Year-end travel trends --- 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 Cyndi Hui, travel trends and destination expert, Skyscanner 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2025 • 16min
S1E221: Is now the time for ETFs? BT Money Hacks
Exchange-traded funds are an excellent entry point into the stock market for new investors. They’re cheap and typically carry lower risk than individual stocks since a single fund holds a diversified collection of investments. How’ve they been doing so far with all this market volatility? Howie Lim finds out from Dina Ting of Franklin Templeton. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:57 Shifting investor appetite 04:38 Favourable market conditions 08:34 Portfolio repositioning 13:53 How to navigate uncertainty --- 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 Dina Ting, senior vice president, head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin Templeton 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 25, 2025 • 13min
S1E220: Reits and the power of diversification: BT Money Hacks
Given the potential for Reits to outperform in a muted Singaporean economy due to their attractive dividend yields, the question arises: should investors consider shifting their investments from banks to Reits? Howie Lim finds out from the experts. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:10 The current landscape 03:26 Reits vs. banks vs. STI? 06:42 Outlook for the rest of 2025 09:25 Strategic portfolio approach --- 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 Daphne Tan, head of business development, CMC Markets Singapore; and Ritesh Ganeriwal, managing director and head of investment and advisory, 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 18, 2025 • 16min
S1E219: Is China's economic resilience an investment opportunity? BT Money Hacks
In the middle of May, the US said they would lower tariffs from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, while China's retaliatory tariffs on US goods will drop to 10 per cent from 125 per cent. This is promising but doesn’t take away from the fact that the tariffs may have dealt a blow to Chinese markets already. Is China still worth investing in, then? Howie Lim speaks to the experts to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:25 Tariff impact on China 04:53 Chinese investment opportunities 09:00 Navigating uncertainty 10:20 Why China is still worth it --- 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 Raisah Rasid, global market strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Sean Teo, trader at Saxo 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 2025 • 14min
S1E218: Renovation loans - Maximise savings and minimise stress: BT Money Hacks
You’d like a marble counter top, zebra wood for your floors and designer fixtures. But before all that, shouldn’t you figure the budget out and if you have the money? If not, maybe there are loans out there to tap on. For more insights on how to ‘hack’ your home renovations, Howie Lim speaks to Jenn Ong, managing director of GXS Bank. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 00:43 Home renovations - exciting or overwhelming 03:26 Setting realistic budgets 05:04 Flexibility in loan payments 09:08 The best financial solutions 11:36 Must dos --- 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 Jenn Ong, managing director, GXS Bank 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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.