

The Financial Coconut Podcast
The Financial Coconut
The Financial Coconut is Singapore’s First Finance Podcast Network. We are focused on covering insights, stories and frameworks around Retirement, Financial Wellness and Income anywhere. If you love what we do, join our email list to stay connected.Feel free to join our communityTelegram group! https://t.me/thefinancialcoconutpodcastWhatsapp channel: https://rebrand.ly/whatsapp-join-TFCMore of what we do: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 42min
Why So Many Lawyers Are Quitting Singapore’s ‘Dream Career’ [W&S 138]
Law is one of the most prestigious and traditional careers in Asia — but what happens when the dream job comes at a cost you didn’t expect?We speak with *Lalitha Rajah* (former lawyer turned yoga teacher & mom of two) and *Iman Ibrahim* (former divorce lawyer, now a burnout coach).🔹 What sacrifices lie behind the glamour of the profession?🔹 Why do so many lawyers quietly walk away after years of hard work?🔹 And what unexpected skills from law still shape their lives today?If you’ve ever wondered whether the price of prestige is worth paying — tune in. This is an honest conversation you don’t want to miss.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 10, 2025 • 39min
Ex-Workaholic Simulates Retirement with $50k in 38 Countries. Here’s what she found. [Chills 233]
What if you could retire… in your 30s? Not at the end of your life, but right now? What would you do with that time, and who would you become?Meet Ho Ming Xia, a former chronic workaholic from the high-stakes world of global entrepreneurship, now taking a bold leap into living life on her own terms. Sneak peek:- Why Xia decided to take a "retirement year" at the peak of her career.- How she simulated retirement by living in four cities and balancing work with well-being.- The unexpected lessons she learned about time, money, and self-worth along the way.- And how she manages to work just 4-hours a week while living life to the fullest.If you’ve ever felt like you’re running out of time, or wondered what’s on the other side of the relentless hustle… you need to hear this story.Tune in to discover how to simulate the life you want and start living it now.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 9, 2025 • 40min
Remote Teams 2025: Is the Philippines Still the Best Bet? [TBS 29 ft Nicolas Bivero]
Remote teams aren’t just a trend—they’re the backbone of modern businesses. But how do you really build one that works—especially in the Philippines, one of the world’s most dynamic talent markets?Joining us is Nicolas Bivero, CEO & Co-Founder of Penbrothers, a veteran expat with over 22 years in Asia. He moved to the Philippines in 2011 and co-founded a company that now employs over 1,300 people.We uncover:- The surprising and underrated talent pools in the Philippines you probably haven’t considered- Why the Philippines has become a global hub for more than just virtual assistants- The cultural nuances that can make—or break—your remote team strategy- And the one big legal hurdle every Singaporean business owner needs to know before they even think about hiring.If you’ve ever wondered whether scaling with Filipino talent is still worth it—or how to do it right—this conversation will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.Tune in, because this one goes beyond the usual “remote work playbook.”---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 2025 • 47min
How to Pivot Into Cybersecurity (Without a Tech Degree) [W&S 137]
Can you break into cybersecurity without a tech degree? The answer might surprise you.We unpack the myths, the must-have skills, and the real pathways into one of today’s hottest industries.What you’ll hear:The many roles in cyber beyond codingThe biggest hurdles for mid-career switchersThe soft skills that matter mostHow AI is reshaping the fieldWith guests:James Lim, Co-founder of the Center for Cybersecurity Institute, who has trained hundreds of career switchers into cyber.Wee Suan Ng, from ST Engineering’s Cyber Business Division, who shares his own story of moving into cybersecurity from a non-tech background.If you’ve ever wondered, “Could I really do this?” — this episode is for you.---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 3, 2025 • 38min
FIRE is not Meaningless! Multi-Millionaire Dividend Investor Challenges Bank [Chills 232 ft Christopher Ng]
Does the FIRE movement unlock freedom—or just another grind?Christopher Ng, Founder, Tree of Prosperity, and one of Singapore’s earliest FIRE adopters, joins us to share:- Why the original FIRE ideas differ from how millennials and Gen Z are practicing it today- The surprising mindset needed to actually enjoy FIRE- The hidden trade-offs of lifestyle compression- How dividends (yes, just one payout changed everything for Chris) can reshape your view of work and money- Why FIRE isn’t meaningless — and what really gives life meaning beyond moneyIf you’ve ever wondered whether FIRE is a path to freedom or just another grind, this conversation will make you rethink your assumptions.Tune in and decide for yourself — is FIRE worth chasing?---🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. 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📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBESpotifyApple PodcastYouTube🔗 CONNECT WITH USGet daily tips, insights, and community:InstagramTikTokTelegramWhatsappNewsletter📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORKDiscover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube⚠️ 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2025 • 41min
Licensing Could Be the Growth Hack Your Business Has Missed [TBS 28, Sponsored by FLAsia 2025]
Are you ready to unlock new revenue streams and elevate your brand?Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of brand and character licensing—and why it might just be your next big growth strategy.We’re joined by an all-star panel of industry insiders who don’t just talk about licensing—they live it:- Lily Park, CEO of BMSMILE Singapore, on how a vibrant lifestyle IP is breaking into Southeast Asia with bold collaborations—from airlines to K-pop.- Edmund Low, GM of Licensing Division at Avex Asia, a global entertainment powerhouse, revealing how mega-brands like Pokémon, Sonic, and FC Barcelona are strategically expanding in Asia through licensing.- And Dr Bryan Tan, Senior Business Advisor at COL Group, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on taking a massive Chinese IP global—starting with a box office sensation.Sneak peek of this episode:- How licensing goes far beyond logos on products—it can open doors to entirely new markets.- Royalty structures, minimum guarantees, and what SMEs need to know before entering a deal- Why licensing isn’t just for massive brands like Pokémon or Hello Kitty—midsize businesses can play this game too.- Common pitfalls that can land you in legal hot water—and how to avoid themWhether you're a seasoned brand owner or an SME looking to level up, this conversation will change how you see partnerships forever.Tune in now to unlock the secrets of licensing—and discover how your business can ride the wave of the next big IP.And here’s the best part: you can meet all our guests in person at FLAsia 2025—Asia’s leading franchising and licensing event!📍Mark your calendars: FLAsia 2025, September 18–20 at Marina Bay Sands👉 Score a Free Visitor Pass: https://qr1.be/CR6O👉 Or use code [FLA25_TFC_20] for 20% off conference tickets! (Partner events excluded).See you there!---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/playlists 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 2025 • 35min
Career vs Health: I Thought I Could Do Both [W&S 136]
What happens when your career is soaring—but your body suddenly says stop?We dive into two powerful stories of resilience and transformation.What you’ll hear:- The hidden signs one entrepreneur ignored until a major health crisis.- How a banking professional took bold steps to reclaim his health.- Why success means nothing if you don’t protect your well-being.Guests:- Howie Tan, Co-founder & CEO of Kintsugi Investing School – entrepreneur & investor, forced to rethink life after kidney failure.- Bernard Sim, ESG Program Manager – banking professional, who transformed his health through drastic change.Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation—it might just be the reminder you need to listen to your body before it’s too late.---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/playlists 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 27, 2025 • 39min
Extreme FIRE Enthusiast Gives Up Trading and Prudence For a Much Better Life [Chills 231 ft Xuan Kai]
What happens when you slash your spending to just a few hundred dollars a month, quit your stable job, and throw yourself into extreme budgeting and risky ventures?Meet Xuan Kai — physiotherapist by day, YouTuber by night — who once slashed his spending to just $100 a month and quit his job with no backup plan.Hear:- What extreme budgeting really costs you- How risky trades and burnout reshaped his outlook- Why his best investment isn’t in the markets at allRaw, unfiltered, and full of lessons you won’t find in a finance textbook.Don’t miss this episode — tune in to hear what Xuan Kai learned the hard way, and how he’s rewriting his relationship with money today.---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 Dec 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: 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 44min
He Quit Tech to Build Singapore’s Top Pro Wrestling Company [TBS 27 ft GrappleMax]
What does it take to build a pro wrestling company in Singapore—where wrestling is more than just entertainment, but also about branding, community, and business strategy?Meet Greg Ho, Founder, GrappleMax Pro, a pro wrestling academy, events company, and community space that’s shaking up the local scene.We talk about:- The unexpected origin story of Grapple Max- Why pro wrestling isn’t just about the ring—it’s about storytelling, stage presence, and even personal branding- The grind of turning a side hustle into a full-time venture- Building traction with communities, sponsors, and even the People’s Association- The bigger vision: taking wrestling from community centers to festivals and beyondGreg shares candid lessons about resilience, business pivots, and the emotional side of entertainment entrepreneurship.Tune in—you’ll see pro wrestling (and business) in a whole new light.---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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 24, 2025 • 40min
Why More Professionals Are Quitting the Corporate Ladder [W&S 135]
Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? What if you could design a career on your own terms—full of purpose, flexibility, and impact—without climbing the corporate ladder?We dive into the quiet revolution reshaping Singapore’s work culture. Senior professionals are stepping off the traditional career path and into a new world of portfolio careers, fractional roles, and independent consulting—and it’s not just about freedom. It’s about value, expertise, and redefining success in the second half of your career.We’re joined by two trailblazers who’ve lived this shift:🔹 Moritz Kaffsack, Founder & CEO at Flexer; Founder of Portfolio Careers in Asia —a fast-growing community of 1,700+ senior independent professionals across APAC. He’s behind the groundbreaking Independent Workforce Study that’s turning heads in the business world.🔹 Ratna Juita, Founder & CEO of The Mindgem, an Indonesian-born entrepreneur who’s built a thriving portfolio career in Singapore over 19 years—spanning leadership training, personal branding, coaching, and strategic consulting—all while reclaiming control over her time and life.Discover:✅ Why more companies are choosing fractional experts over full-time hires✅ How top independents are earning up to $250,000 a year—and why they’re optimistic about doubling it✅ The real trade-offs of going independent (spoiler: it’s not all flexibility and freedom)✅ And the one skill no aspiring independent worker can afford to ignoreThis isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. And it might be your next career move.--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/playlists 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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.