
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

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.

May 4, 2025 • 20min
S1E217: Million dollar retirement - Enough or good start? BT Money Hacks
Rising costs and uncertainty have knocked the long heralded $1 million off its pedestal. Or has it? Is $1 million enough to retire on? If not, how much is enough? And how quickly can one get to their magic number? Howie Lim speaks to The Weeblings, content creators who are a quarter way there for insights. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:57 The Weeblings’ magic number 08:09 Steps to take to obtain magic number 12:26 Why we should follow The Weeblings 16:55 Advice for the risk adverse --- 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 Sara and Aaron Wee, content creators 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.

Apr 27, 2025 • 17min
S1E216: Financial freedom with 5 simple money management lanes: BT Money Hacks
Can personal finance be as simple as ‘staying in your lane’ and not ‘speeding’? Surely it’s more complex than that. Or is it? Howie Lim speaks to financial advisor and author George Stefanou about his ‘5 lanes of personal finance’ theory. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:28 How to classify needs, wants and wishes 05:31 The 5 lanes of personal finance management 07:34 The 5 lanes of personal finance management - con’t 12:26 How to stay the course, if not in your lane --- 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 George Stefanou, financial advisor and author 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.

Apr 20, 2025 • 14min
S1E215: Balanced investing in volatile times: BT Money Hacks
The Trump tariffs have released market mayhem. How is your 60/40 portfolio doing? Should you rejig this classic investment strategy and how can you balance your defensive positioning with the growth potential of your investments? Howie Lim speaks to Audrey Goh from Standard Chartered Bank and Pete Tan from PhillipCapital for insights. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:06 The 60/40 portfolio assessed 03:58 How investors have been reacting 07:45 How 60/40 manages volatility 09:36 Investment opportunities in 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 Audrey Goh, head of asset allocation at Standard Chartered Bank’s wealth solutions division and Pete Tan, portfolio manager at PhillipCapital 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.

Apr 13, 2025 • 15min
S1E214: Smart cash moves for money mastery: BT Money Hacks
As it becomes more challenging to earn a decent interest rate on our savings, it’s time to look beyond fixed deposits and T-Bills, for that matter. Are there instruments which afford the same returns as fixed deposits but greater flexibility? Howie Lim speaks to Michele Ferrario of StashAway and Willie Keng from dividendtitan.com to find out. Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:10 Money Market Funds 04:48 Money Market Funds vs. Short-term Bonds 09:19 What is the safest bet? 11:17 The myth surrounding fixed income --- 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 Michele Ferrario, co-founder and CEO of StashAway and Willie Keng, founder of dividendtitan.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 Branded Podcasts at: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.