The Financial Coconut Podcast

What does it really take to walk away from a six-figure corporate career… at the peak of your professional game?Today’s guest did just that. He’s a digital marketing veteran turned financial rebel, founder of the Retire by 50 Platform… and he’s got a secret backup plan involving Cambodia.We dive into:🔸 The real reason he left — it wasn’t just burnout.🔸 How he structured his finances, insurance, and investments before quitting.🔸 A surprising property move in Cambodia — what was the thinking? Was it worth it?🔸 And the one thing most people don’t consider when planning a career break: what you’ll actually do with your time.Chris shares the emotional, financial, and practical layers of stepping off the treadmill — and why, for many, the 40s might be the last best chance to try something different.Tune in to hear a story that’s less about retiring early and more about designing a life that actually feels like yours.---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.

The Final Slice: Why a Beloved Bakery Chose to Close ForeverIn this emotional episode:- Heidi (Chef-Owner of Flor Patisserie) reveals the shocking trigger that forced her 15-year-old iconic bakery to shut its doors.- Hear the untold story behind the viral rent hike that exposed Singapore’s F&B struggles.- Why she walked away despite massive media attention and loyal customers.- Her candid take on hidden costs of mall operations ("an*l management" and contractor nightmares!).Plus: Her radical pivot to a surprising new venture:- Luxury Japanese cultural tours (pottery, tea harvesting, and chef collaborations).- Culture clashes: Singaporean vs. Japanese expectations.- "Unfair advantages" that made her transition possible.Heidi’s raw advice for entrepreneurs: "It’s not that bad. Even if you fail, it’s just another lesson."Don’t miss this no-holds-barred exit interview — a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and knowing when to walk away.---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: 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.

Curious if an MBA still opens doors in today’s fast-evolving finance world? We pivot beyond textbooks to uncover what really fuels success in finance now. Join us as we dive into:- The shocking true cost & brutal trade-offs- Career crossroads: When an MBA transforms lives vs. when it’s a dead end- ROI: Why salary bumps aren’t the whole story- Admissions warfare: GMAT traps, scholarship strategies, and why "brand matters more than knowledge"- Singapore vs. Overseas: Where your MBA location determines your futureFeaturing two industry insiders:- Nicole Tan - Director, Graduate Studies at NUS Business School, with 20+ yrs in higher education, Career-switching MBA grad- Anna Ong - Ex-banker turned award-winning storyteller, Host of What's Your Story Slam, Singapore's #1 Storytelling Show, MBA network evangelist"I wanted to get paid like a white man – that’s why I did my MBA."– A candid confession you won’t hear elsewhereDon’t decide until you hear:- Why Nicole took a 50% pay cut AFTER her MBA- How Anna’s cohort became her million-dollar client pipeline- The "MRS-MBA" phenomenon elite schools won’t tell you aboutTune in for raw stories from those who gambled $300K – and what they’d do differently today.Is the MBA just a relic—or your secret weapon? Listen now to find out!---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.

From SG Budget Babe to Finance Mummy; Discover how Dawn evolved from extreme frugality to a smarter, life-centric approach to money—balancing career, family, and financial independence.Learn how she went from saving $20,000 on a $2K paycheck to building a million-dollar portfolio, an Amazon bestselling author of ‘Take Back Control of Your Money.’ And why does she say the system is designed to keep you broke.Why listen?Dawn’s no-nonsense wisdom cuts through the noise: “You don’t need a high salary to build wealth—you need a plan.” Whether you’re drowning in debt, juggling a side hustle, or ready to invest, her roadmap (detailed in her viral book) will change your life.Don’t miss this game-changing convo!#PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding---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.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sales isn’t about charm—it’s about systems.This week, we’re bringing you battle-tested frameworks from Fortune 500 tech giants – adapted for SMEs.Meet our guest, Daren Yoong: A 15-year tech sales veteran turned coach, Daren designed Sales Excellence program at Sales Schools for Google and now fuels growth at AlphaSense. His mantra? “Work smart, sell smarter.”Tune in as he spills secrets on building scalable, tech-powered sales systems that turn small teams into revenue powerhouses.Learn about his playbook that works:- How to design a repeatable sales process that de-risks reliance on “superstar” reps- Why nurturing post-sale relationships is the unsung hero of growth- The 3 soft skills Daren prioritises over technical know-how when building elite sales teams- How to bottle your top performers’ magic and scale it across your team (without losing momentum).- How generative AI tools are leveling the playing field for SMBs—no Fortune 500 budget requiredDiscover how to build a self-sustaining sales engine that doesn’t rely on "superstar" reps… and why 85% of your impact could come from just 15% of your team."People don’t buy solutions – they buy YOU. The human is the differentiator."Ready to transform your sales game? Tune in now—where growth meets strategy.---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.

You’ve probably heard the buzz about hitting that coveted six-figure income. But what does it really take to get there—and what are the sacrifices no one talks about?We deep dive into the realities of earning a six-figure salary in Singapore—straight from someone who’s living it.- The 24/7 mental load that comes with the paycheck (hint: "work-life balance" gets redefined).- Shocking trade-offs—from lost personal time to unexpected vulnerabilities.- Why earning more might put you at greater risk during market downturns.- The emotional toll of high-stakes responsibility (even your friendships change).We’re joined by Nicholas Braman, Marketing Director APJ at Kyriba | Podcaster - Before We Get There, a seasoned B2B marketer with over a decade of experience in tech, e-commerce, and agency spaces. He’s not only cracked the six-figure code—he’s navigated the intense demands, long hours, and high-pressure expectations that come with it.This isn’t a guide on how to chase six figures blindly—it’s a real talk about whether you’re ready for the trade-offs that come with it.Listen now—wherever you get your podcasts.#SixFigureIncome #CareerGrowth #FinancialFreedom #WorkLifeBalance---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.

Interest rates dropping? Markets volatile? Where do savvy investors park their cash now?Join host Reggie for a power-packed episode where we reveal:- Why private credit is becoming a go-to for investors seeking yield- How the Australian property market remains resilient despite global uncertainty- What makes real estate-backed loans a safer bet — and how you can get involved with as little as $1,000- Behind-the-scenes insights on risk management, underwriting, and why liquidity isn’t always kingWe’re diving deep into PRIVATE CREDIT – Wall Street’s best-kept income secret – with exclusive insights from:- Quah Kay Beng, CEO & Founder, BigFundr, a Singapore-based platform making real estate-backed private debt accessible to everyday investors- Meelan Gurung, Senior Director, Aspial Corporation, bringing deep expertise in real estate debt strategies- Craig Schloeffel, Head of HMC Private Credit, managing over $2 billion in private credit across Australia’s commercial real estate sectorYou’ll discover:- The shocking "1 million homes shortage" fueling Aussie property- How to tap 8-10% yields while banks pay peanuts- Real risk vs. reward decoded (no jargon!)Don’t miss this crash course in turning market chaos into cashflow!Sneak Peek: Craig reveals: "Developers are ditching banks over the ‘slow no’... and private lenders are stepping in FAST." Meelan Gurung: "My wife’s money’s in this – I don’t mess it up!”03:20 - What’s going on in the credit and bond markets right now?07:45 - What’s your take on recent fund flows in the credit markets?12:05 - What’s the house view on how individuals should assess private credit?22:49 - What’s a fair risk premium in the private credit space?26:24 - What’s driving Australian property prices to cross the $1 million mark?29:42 - How do you assess who to lend to, and what risk structures exist at the developer and builder levels?32:37 - Why should investors pay that 2% fee—what value or work justifies it?37:24 - Where does private credit fit in an average investor’s portfolio?40:26 - BigFundr.com40:39 - TFC Promo Code (valid from 10 July 2025 to 31 July 2025, T&C apply)---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]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-NewsletterDisclaimer: 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.

Ever wondered how a 21-year-old turned doodles into a $100,000 sticker empire —and landed their product in the hands of a K-pop sensation? Buckle up, because this week’s guest is rewriting the rules of small business.Meet Dylan Chia, Founder of dchtoons, a self-taught artist who went from printing stickers in his bedroom to supplying wholesale orders to K-pop events and viral fame. His secret weapon wasn’t just cute designs—it was a 365-day content challenge that catapulted him into the spotlight.Learn from this episode:- How one random K-pop fan sparked a chain reaction that changed his business forever- The pricing hack that 20X purchases (without customers batting an eye)- Why booth markets and customer feedback became his unlikely mentors- The surprising truth about selling directly vs. marketplaces like Shopee—and why he refuses to list thereDon’t miss Dylan’s journey and why he almost opened a mall shop at 21. This is the ultimate underdog story for creators, side-hustlers, and anyone who believes small ideas can spark big revolutions.Ready to learn how a hobby became a full-blown business? Tune in now---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.

Deadlines, generational divides, team conflicts, communication breakdowns—Are you a manager feeling the pressure?We’re tackling real-life leadership challenges submitted by YOU — our amazing listeners.In this episode:- Practical strategies for managing conflicts and collaboration across age groups- How to handle communication breakdowns in fast-paced teams- The reality of burnout and how managers can regain control- The honest truth about "overachieving"—and when it might hurt more than help- Navigating tough conversations (and why technology might be your new best friend!)Meet our expert panel:- Susan Chen: Fractional CHRO, and author of ‘The Death of Best Practices’—here to challenge the status quo of management- Nicole Lee: Ex-banker turned FinTech consultant, host of ‘You Never Know’ podcast, and a coach passionate about transparency and growthPlus: Our co-hosts Dawn (aka SG Budget Babe) and Alex Loh (growth mindset coach) share their own stories of career transformation and management mishaps.Tune in for candid conversations, honest advice, and a few laughs—because being a manager isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.Don’t miss it! Hit subscribe and send in your own burning questions for a chance to be featured on future ‘Manage Who’ episodes.---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.

What if you could retire decades earlier without a CEO’s salary? Meet Alex Lee—former insurance regulator, ex-CFO, and Chief Actuary— he’s the brains behind some of the most critical financial models in healthcare and insurance, and now, he’s spilling the tea on how he retired early without sacrificing security or happiness. He reveals:- The "F-You Money" Mindset: How living below his means gave him the courage to speak truth to power (and why it accelerated his career)- Insurance Secrets You’ve Never Heard: Why he SKIPS critical illness coverage (and what he buys instead)- The Real Cost of "Upgrading" Your Life: Why he still lives in an HDB flat despite peers flipping condos- Retirement Reimagined: His 3-phase "Plan A, B, C" strategy for working only on his termsThis episode pulls no punches: from calling out industry whistleblowing to explaining why "whole life insurance is a scam." Whether you’re dreaming of retiring early, curious about actuarial science, or just trying to live a smarter financial life, this conversation will give you serious food for thought.Get ready for radical honesty, actuarial math, and actionable strategies to build freedom—without the fluff.---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.