Ringgit and Sense

With almost 800 funds to choose from in Malaysia and complaints of high fees, are unit trusts a good investment to consider? We ask Kaleon Leong Rahan, CEO of Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM) those questions whilst finding out more about the industry, how regulated it is and how to pick the right fund.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2025 was announced last Friday with a slew of tax reliefs, so our producer Jake Lim speaks with Thanneermalai Somasundaram, Managing Director of Thannees Tax Consulting Services for a rundown on what goodies the Budget has for regular Malaysians like you and I.

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life and health insurance policies have their own unique language and terms which can be baffling. Mark O’Dell, CEO of Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) simplifies this for us, whilst explaining what co-payment health insurance means.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a plethora of life insurance products available and its own jargon, many of us are still confused about its necessity, the pricing and even what's the best way to buy it. Mark O’Dell, CEO of the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) helps us break this down.

This will be the first of a special two-part series.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jasmina Mohd Mokhtar, Deputy Director of the Financial Inclusion Department at Bank Negara Malaysia talks about the current state of financial literacy in the country, and what initiatives are being undertaken by the central bank to improve financial knowledge especially among the youth and in rural areas.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you suddenly come into a lot of money? Annie Hor, Licensed Financial Advisor at Harveston Capital talks about how to handle financial windfalls, whether it be an inheritance from a family member, money from selling off a company, or even a huge lottery win.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not unusual for one to be in debt - after all, the most common debt carried by Malaysians is a mortgage. However, it can be crushing if you have a very high debt-to-income ratio, so we speak to Nur Sofina Binti Mohamad Johari, Wealth Advisor at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn. Bhd about how to manage debt, and the dos and don’ts when you’re trying to start afresh financially.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not unusual for one to be in debt - after all, the most common debt carried by Malaysians is a mortgage. However, it can be crushing if you have a very high debt-to-income ratio, so we speak to Nur Sofina Binti Mohamad Johari, Wealth Advisor at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn. Bhd about how to manage debt, and the dos and don’ts when you’re trying to start afresh financially.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not unusual for one to be in debt - after all, the most common debt carried by Malaysians is a mortgage. However, it can be crushing if you have a very high debt-to-income ratio, so we speak to Nur Sofina Binti Mohamad Johari, Wealth Advisor at UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn. Bhd about how to manage debt, and the dos and don’ts when you’re trying to start afresh financially.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, is in charge of adjusting the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), but what is the OPR? How does it work, and how does the central bank decide whether to increase, decrease, or maintain the OPR? Amy Ghani, Senior Economist at Bank Negara reveals some of the inner workings of our central bank regarding monetary policy.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of bankrupts in Malaysia is rising with many people having misconceptions as to what the legal status entails. Gerald Samuel, a lawyer with 35 years of experience practicing in Singapore and Malaysia, now running his own firm, explaining the intricacies of bankruptcy laws in Malaysia and how it is not the end of the road.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With digital payments being increasingly adopted in Malaysia, it's more important than ever to be on the lookout for scams that target e-wallets and banking apps. Vijayadurai Singgatore, Manager of BNMLINK, Bank Negara Malaysia tells us about some common examples of these scams, and how to use digital payments safely.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living wills are a legal instrument that allows us to make choices as to how we’d like to live and be medically treated in the event we can’t make these decisions any more. However its not recognised in Malaysia but are there exceptions to this? Oon Hooi Lin, a lawyer with 29 years of legal experience practising at Messrs Gerald Samuel tells us.

Image Credit: Living Will by Nick Youngson/ CC BY-SA 3.0/ Alpha Stock Images.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a whole slew of horror stories out there about Malaysians drowning in credit card debt, but is that the whole picture? Stephen Yong, Executive Director of Wealth Vantage Advisory and licensed financial planner talks to us about the pros and cons of using credit cards.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most millennials in Malaysia, according to the Bursa, don’t have active trading accounts, and a big reason for that might be the perceived high barrier to entry into the stock market. Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder, Tradeview Capital and author of Once Upon a Time in Bursa gives us a lowdown on how to start valuing and trading stocks.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death and taxes are unavoidable but loans might also classify as few of us would be able to buy a house with cash. How then should we navigate this world of loans that has its own terminology? Karl Ng, Founder of Bluebricks, a local loan agency helps us make sense of this.

Image Credit: freepik.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The share price rally of the Magnificent Seven has been astounding but how does one actually value a technology company? How do you differentiate substance from hype?  Kelvin Goh, a portfolio manager at R3 Asset Management Pte Ltd will help us answer that question and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we reach certain milestones in our life, its timely to reflect on the financial mistakes we may have made along the way. Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Planning, Finwealth Management joins us for that discussion whilst reminding us how to recover from them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Considering a career change is a decision many of us ponder at least once in our lives. How can we be sure it's the right choice, and how do we overcome the financial fears associated with taking that first step? Idham Idris, Director of Corporate Treasury Investment Services and Licensed Financial Planner at Wealth Vantage Advisory Sdn. Bhd guides us through navigating this potentially life-changing move.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image Credit: pch.vector/ freepik.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our series on how to manage the estate of a loved one who has passed on but in the final part, we ask what happens when there is no will? How does getting a letter of administration differ from a grant of probate. Gerald Samuel, a lawyer with 35 years experience tells us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of a loved one is already traumatic enough but dealing with the estate can be complex and overwhelming. But things can be made easier with a will if you plan ahead. We Speak to Gerald Samuel , a lawyer with 35 years experience as to how to obtain that grant of probate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many Muslims, performing the pilgrimage to Makkah, whether for the Hajj or Umrah, is a once in a lifetime experience, but it comes with a hefty price tag. What are the financial factors that Muslims should consider as they plan for these important trips? We discuss planning for pilgrimage with Suraya Zainudin, Founder of the Financial Blog, Ringgit Oh Ringgit. 

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Ringgit and Sense today we delve into the growing mountain of student debt. Dr. Amirul Rafiq Abu Rahim, a Research Associate at the Khazanah Research Institute, sheds light on whether tertiary education truly facilitates upward mobility, the disproportionate burden of educational debt on lower-income households,  and whether there is a case for universal student loan debt forgiveness.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the world of finance, there are often terms bandied about like preference shares, interest schemes and even cash trust. Lawyer Dr Seow Hock Peng, who is also Lecturer of Law at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology shares with us their differences, and how you should spot a red flag.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buy now pay later services have made it tempting to split a purchase into a few installments. But has it also given us a false sense of our purchasing power? 

Shereen Hazirah Hishamudin, Senior Research Associate, at Khazanah Research Institute joins us to discuss what are the consumer protection in place at the moment, who is more prone to the risks of falling into a cycle of high debt, whether it can serve as a safe borrowing channel. 

Khazanah research  recently published a report titled “The Financialisation of Our Lives” with the second chapter focusing on the rise of buy now pay later.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the financial mindset of young Malaysians with Peter Yong, Co-Founder and CEO of Mr. Money TV. We'll discuss whether it's fair to say they spend excessively and struggle to save against the backdrop of stagnating wages and rising living costs. We also dive into some very practical financial advice and the importance of the right mindset.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying a house and turning it into a home is on the wish list of most but due to high building material and labour cost, how should you budget for your renovation? Kenneth Tan, a first time home buyer shares his experience so that we can avoid the expensive mistakes but also know where the cost savings are.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cryptocurrencies are increasingly mainstream with the launch of ETF's but what are the pitfalls of this asset class and will it replace fiat currencies one day? Andy Baehr, Managing Director at CoinDesk Indices tells us and also what are the lessons from the recent FTX trial and the fall of its founder, Sam Bankman Fried.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, EPF has reorganized its existing two accounts into three to include the new flexible account for all members under the age of 55.

Licensed financial planner, Angie Ng joins us to discuss the details of these changes, who and when you should dip into the new account.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death and taxes are said to be two unavoidable things in life which is why estate planning is an essential part of financial planning. Nor Fazlina, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Trustees Berhad shares with us the difference between a will and a trust and the unique challenges women as well as Muslim women face in estate planning.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most famous value investor is Warren Buffett but what does this style of investing mean? Faridq Ridzuan, Vice President of CFA Society Malaysia  discussed the basics of it,  how to identify a value stock and the importance of portfolio construction.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of the series on insurance this month, we delve into the 101 of Takaful. Idi Irwan, Executive Director of Bill Morrisons explains to us how Takaful is different from conventional Insurance products and the unique feature of surplus and deficit sharing.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance planning  for the family is often neglected but we speak to Antony Lee, President, Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia as to why this is critical. He shares with us what considerations must be made from marriage to having children and even for the home.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance is an often overlooked part of financial planning but why is it a critical part that should not be ignored? Dr Selina Dang, Licensed Financial Planner, Coreplus Advisory tells us whilst giving us some tips on what insurance to buy and how much one should set aside for it.

Ringgit & Sense is powered by InsureLit from Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year has started well with Bursa Malaysia in positive territory on a year to date basis but at the same time, there was a flurry of stocks which hit limit down over successive sessions. A reminder that markets can be rewarding yet volatile. Stephanie Tan, Head of Investor Strategy and Development at Bursa Malaysia tell us what tools they have in house which will help the retail investor overcome the challenges of equity investing and how education is a key part of that.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we draw close to the end of the lunar new year and start tallying our angpau haul, we discuss how guardians and parents can use this windfall money to impart financial literacy, especially with Raya happening in less than 2 months. Nalissa Suria, Project lead at Arus Academy shares the different ways to guide children in utilizing the money to maximize their learning potential, besides the “I’ll put it in the bank for you” method.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent volatility of selected counters was a timely reminder that equity investing is not to be pursued without the right mindset and skills. Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder at Tradeview Capital gives us some advice on what to adopt and how it can be rewarding when the right tools are in place.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesian voters have spoken - unofficial results indicate that defence minister Prabowo Subianto has won the presidential election by a comfortable margin. What does this mean for the policy direction of the country? We get colour and analysis from journalist Erin Cook who’s on the ground in Jakarta.

Image credit: EPA-EFE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is Chinese New Year time again. In this special episode, Master Kenny Hoo of Good Feng Shui Geomantics shares his insights from a feng shui perspective on what the Year of the Dragon may have in store for the different zodiac signs.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investing is challenging even for professionals - but what are some of the tools and tips to make that process easier? Lim Mei Ching, a former fund manager and Author of 'Be Your Own Fund Manager' tells us whilst explaining what "FATA" is.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this age of rising life expectancy, saving for retirement has become a fundament of personal finance. Why do some people have solid retirement plans while others don’t? We speak to Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts about the nexus between behavioural dynamics and retirement planning.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first Ringgit and Sense of 2024, we discuss what should be your financial resolutions. Stephen Yong, Licensed Financial Planner, Wealth Vantage Advisory shares with us how to prepare for the year ahead, what calls for a readjustment in budget, and what you should do with your bonus.

Ringgit & Sense was powered by Sun Life Malaysia. Life is brighter under the sun.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 ends soon but before year ends, we explore all the tax breaks that are available with Christine Koh, Managing Partner of Owen KLCA. We also find out if its better to file your own taxes or with your spouse and what to do, if you do get that letter from Inland Revenue.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we draw a conclusion for the year, Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation joins Philip See to discuss the key lessons from 2023 that had a notable impact on personal finance and what financial goals to set for the coming year.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data shows that more Malaysians are engaging professionally certified financial planners to help them understand the complex world of investments to match their financial goals. Anwar Mahbob speaks with Alvin Tan, President of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia to find out how this profession has evolved and why financial planning is for everyone, not only the wealthy.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all employed rationalizations for our purchases, whether it's crunching the numbers on the cost per wear or persuading ourselves that snagging a discounted item equates to savvy savings. This isn't exactly a new way of thinking while social media has recently labeled it as "Girl Math".

Dr. Grace Lee, professor of economics at Monash University Malaysia speaks to us on the psychology behind girl math and when it becomes too dangerous.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this era of high interest rates, how should you invest? We explore that conundrum since the historical correlations between asset classes appear to have broken down with Lim Chia Wei, Senior Portfolio Manager at AHAM Capital.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday was World’s Children’s Day. Idham Idris, Director & Licensed Financial Planner from Wealth Vantage Advisory discuss the cost of having these bundles of joy, how to budget and when is a good time to talk about money with them.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainable Assets under Management has increased to US 2.8trillion as of June 2023. A significant sum as more investors seek to align their own ESG values with investments. But is there sufficient depth and breadth to the market? Jigar Shah, Global Head of Sustainability Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group gives us that answer whilst telling us if ESG returns can be superior.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For ringgit and sense today, we discuss the impact of inflation on household budget. Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Planning of Finwealth Management tells us what are the adjustments that could be made, who should look into reviewing their loans and whether long term goals like investment and retirement planning are not compromisable.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Art Basel’s 2023 market report with Swiss Investment Bank, UBS, Global art sales increased by 3% year-on-year to an estimated $67.8 billion thanks to event driven art fairs, gallery opening and auction returning to pre-pandemic levels. With art increasingly seen as an alternative investment, how does one even start and is it only for the rich. Bingley Sim, an investment banker and avid art collector tells us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gig or freelance work is increasingly common and there are many pluses but it's not without its financial consequences. We check in with Gor Sheau Shuenn, a licensed financial planner at Alpine Advisory on how to budget, save and even invest when income can be uncertain.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2024 is the most expansionary to date but with the government focused on fiscal consolidation, what goodies were there for the rakyat? Thanneermalai Somasundaram from Thannees Tax Consulting Services advises us whilst explaining to us the new taxes and the importance of paying it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 10 marks World Mental Health Day and The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1 in 4 people are affected by mental disorders at some point in their lives. We explore the connection between mental health and money from various aspects with Anita Abu Bakar, President of the Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 1 was designated as International Day of Older Persons by The United Nations General Assembly. And Malaysia is expected to become a 'super-aged nation' by 2056. For Ringgit and Sense today, Martin Yap, Founder & CEO, CARE Concierge helps us understand how to balance filial piety with our own financial obligation, the cost of elderly care and how can we prepare ourselves financially for it if we decide to take on that responsibility.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial literacy is unfortunately not taught in schools as part of core curriculum but according to a recent survey by The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO), it should be. We find out why and how it should be taught with their CEO, Clare Walker.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BFM just turned 15, so what are the 15 things every retail investor should know. We turn to Founder & Chief Research Officer of Trident Analytics Sdn Bhd and author of the book- “What I learnt as an Analyst”, Peter Lim to have this important discussion.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have routines like eating healthy and exercising regularly but why isn't this extended to financial planning? Ian Wong, licensed financial planner & CEO of Uno Advisers tells us how to make that a habit and why it's so important.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barbie the movie has grossed more than USD1bn at the box office but is she in the best shape financially? We check in with Rozanna Rashid, Licensed Financial Planner from Alpine Advisory as to what advice she would give to a 64-year-old lady with multiple homes, a jet-setting lifestyle and no dependents.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is proposing progressive wages on a voluntary basis but rather than wait, how can you earn more over the course of your career? Deepa George, Managing Consultant at MYHRC Services gives us some advice whilst telling us if job hopping is really detrimental.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently there has been more talk about private equity on the back of the listing of Mr DIY. But how does a PE firm work, what are the risks and potential returns. We ask Ng Sai Kit, Chairman of the Malaysia Venture Capital and Private Equity Association these important questions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deciding to have a child is one of the biggest decisions to make. However what is the cost of even having a baby. Founder of the financial blog Ringgit Oh Ringgit and new mother, Suraya Zainudin tells us.

Image by: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently the Prime Minister announced that initiatives will be introduced to encourage family offices to start in Malaysia. But what is a family office, what can they achieve and what role do they play in the world of finance and investments? Carrie Ng, Head of Family Office Advisory, Bank of Singapore tells us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EPF Belajawanku Guide says that a single person in the Klang Valley can live on RM1930. We check in with a BFM intern, Ethan Kow to see if that is true. This is then followed by financial advice provided by Idham Idris, a professional financial planner from Wealth Vantage who provides some tips to make balancing the books a little easier.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EPF Belajawanku Guide has suggestions on the minimum incomes for singles, couples and senior to live on depending on their location. Today we explore the figure recommended and how to balance the 'books" with Roshan Kanesan who is of course a presenter on Enterprise and also a CFP.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women make up half of the Malaysian population, but yet fall behind in terms of salary and often take career breaks. Should women then plan when it comes to their finances. Rejina Rahim, co-founder of Wahine Capital helps us with that question whilst giving women some important career tips.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money may not buy love but it often is a cause for divorces. So, what are some of the practical issues that we need to be aware before matrimony and even when the the love flounders. Siew Choon Jern, a family lawyer from the firm Douglas Yee Advocates & Solicitors gives us his views.

Image by: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023, baby boomers will be celebrating birthdays between the ages of 59 and 77. And by 2030, one in six people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. Malaysia is of course no exception to this global trend with the World Bank we’ll have 20% of the population to be aged by 2056, giving us the status of a “super-aged nation”.

So what happens to us when we grow old in a country that is experiencing an ageing crisis? What impact does it have on our wallet and cost of living? Rajen Devadason of RD WealthCreation talks to us about how we can ride this global silver tsunami.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should you buy or rent a home? The arguments for and against have evolved over the years. There are now more factors in play – the pandemic and resultant work-from-home practices, for instance, have provided more incentive for people to own their own residential property. But the rising interest rate environment along with growing cost of living and low wages has made it difficult for someone to own a home. So how can we make this decision? We turn to Felix Neoh of Finwealth Management for some insights.

Image by: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many singleton nowadays, there’s something far more pressing on their minds than putting a ring on it: financial security. People with a partner or spouse generally have someone helping out with expenses, as well as a built-in caregiver to lean on. For those who are getting older, are single and childless, that lack of a default support system poses additional challenges as they age. So what do you do when you’re planning for your retirement but have no one to lean on? Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts explains.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the difference between a financial planner, advisor, wealth manager and money coach? How do you decide who is better for your financial needs? Sim Wie Boon unpacks this with Desmond Chong of the Malaysian Financial Planning Council.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, credit reporting agency CTOS, in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia’s School of Business conducted a study looking into the state of consumer credit in Malaysia for 2022. The study found that the average credit score of Malaysian consumers stood at 678 points in 2022 which means that while most Malaysians will be able to qualify for a wide range of credit products, they may not be getting the best deals on the market.

So to run through the key highlights of this study, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Erick Hamburger of CTOS and Professor Dr Nafis Alam of Monash University Malaysia on the show. 

Image by: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a personal finance enthusiast, you would've heard of Financial Independence, Retire Early aka FIRE, a movement which encourages people to attain financial independence as early as possible, working hard, saving a lot, and cutting expenses extremely.

All this is so one can retire as early as possible, some even as early as 30. But in the backdrop of the pandemic and changing economic landscape, is this line of thinking still hot on everyone’s mind? Financial planner, Rajen Devadason shares his thoughts and why he thinks FIRE is a flawed strategy.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our two part episode focusing on scams, Ooi Beng Cheang of FPAM comes on the show again this time to talk about online scams. He shares tips on how to spot online phishing scams, what to do when you're caught in one and what you can do if you fall for one.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, news came out that 73% of mobile phone numbers, equivalent to more than 21 million people in Malaysia, were leaked or sold to scammers. This is especially concerning given that the cases of scams have been increasing at an exponential rate here. In a special two part episode, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Ooi Beng Cheang of FPAM to understand how these scams work and how to protect yourself from them.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past decade, options for Sharia compliant investments and financing have grown tremendously cementing Malaysia as the world's third-largest Islamic banking market. We speak to Rafiq Hidayat of Wealth Vantage Advisory to understand the values behind Sharia investing and what makes Sharia investing, Sharia compliant.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2020, the US Federal Reserve has been raising the federal funds rate to 4.75-5% in an attempt to tame the rampant inflation that has reached 40-year highs. As a result central banks all around followed suit and raised their interest rates as well putting an end to the era of ultra low rates which saw many making money in equity markets and properties. In Malaysia, Bank Negara has been raising the overnight policy rate to 2.75% from 1.75% in 2020, the lowest level on record. Chong Jin Yoong shares his thoughts on why the governments are raising rates and how it impacts your money.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No matter how in love you are with your partner, money can make it or break it in your relationship. Hence it is important to talk about your finances with your other half. Licensed financial planner shares some tips and advice on how to approach this issue.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suggested allowing contributors of the EPF to take bank loans by using their contribution as collateral instead of adhering to calls by certain people to again allow withdrawals from the fund. Licensed financial planner Shing Yee Ling talks about the idea behind this, what kind of impact it would have and what to do to ensure you have a safe retirement.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life is often uncertain and unpredictable, hence it is necessary to ensure you and your family are protected from any unforeseen life events. Whether it’s planning for retirement, or protecting your loved ones in your absence, a health crisis or even a car accident, these are situations that can be frustrating if you’re not prepared, hence the importance of insurance. Licensed financial planner Rajen Devadason shares his thoughts on insurance and why it's an essential cost.

Image credit: Pixabay

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the US Federal Reserve still poised to hike rates as it seeks to tame inflation and a turbulent global economy plaguing markets, how can one keep their cool and stay invested? This topic was explored in the recent BFM Ringgit and Sense Investing Through a Stormy 2023 event where we discussed the state of the market and how it impacts your financials. Tune in to catch a summarised recap of the event.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2023 was recently re-tabled in parliament with the theme: “Developing Malaysia Madani” which encapsulates the message of upholding sustainability, prosperity, innovation, trust, respect as well as care, and compassion. The revised Budget 2023 features a slew of initiatives like tax cuts for the M40, luxury taxes and other incentives. We unpack what's in it for you with tax expert Thanneermalai Somasundaram of Thannees Tax Consulting Services.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signs of a recession are everywhere. From your groceries getting more expensive to companies looking to tighten their belts, it's crucial that you take this time to plan out your finances. This is especially important in the event that you lose your job. Stephen Yong of Wealth Vantage Advisory shares some advice on how to prepare for a recession and what to do if you get retrenched.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent finding by UCSI showed that more than 70% of Malaysian youths are in debt with factors such as financial constraint, inflation and luxurious lifestyle being the main drivers. The issue of our youth falling in debt has been a long standing issue that seems to be growing year by year. What can be done about it and why are they falling into such perils? Nirmala Supramaniam of AKPK shares her thoughts on this episode of Ringgit and Sense. 

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Ringgit and Sense, we look at life after retirement, do you or do you not work? Do you have a choice? Because if you look at the numbers from EPF, it looks like many of us will have to work even after we pass the retirement age of 60. Licensed financial planner Joyce Chuah of Success Concepts comes on the show to talk about retirement and how you can un-retire yourself.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was an extremely difficult year for markets and no asset class really performed exceptionally well with exception for the US dollar. The 6.5 trillion dollars ETF industry saw their fund sizes shrink, no thanks to the sharp drawdowns by investors. So how did a robo advisor like StashAway, which primarily focuses on ETFs performed? And what are the expectations for 2023?

Sim Wie Boon speaks to Stephanie Leung of StashAway for some answers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About a month ago, RinggitPlus ran a survey last month and found that more than 70% of Malaysians save less than 500 ringgit per month or do not manage to save at all. Hann Liew of RinggitPlus comes on the show to share some thoughts on the highlights of the survey and why do Malaysians find it hard to save. 

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year we’ll say goodbye to the fierce and ferocious tiger and wave hello to the cautious and peace-loving rabbit. The rabbit has long been a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture and with the global economy in the doldrums and political tensions still running high, will the rabbit bring much needed calm and tranquility? Master Kenny of Good Feng Shui Geomantic Research shares some insights and advice on how you can enhance your luck this year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever made an investment and wondered what drove you to do it? What kind of bias or preconceived notions that led you to select a certain stock or asset class? Could it be your subconscious mind? K. Gunasegaran from Wealth Street talks to Sim about how your subconscious mind can impact your financial decisions.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the year kicks off to a start, Stephen Yong of Wealth Vantage Advisory comes on the show again to share his outlook for 2023 and the key events to look out for that might impact your wallet. Stephen gives some tips on how to start off the new year and how to prepare for the looming recession as well as what are the opportunities to take advantage of. 

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recap some of the most interesting conversations we’ve had on the show, including a series on money and relationships, scams, personal loans and how to cope with your finances when everything is getting more expensive. 

Featured interviews include:

Dating And Money, What To Look Out For And What To Say

The Financial Conversations To Have Before Marriage

Money And Marriage: How To Make It Work

The Cost of A Divorce

Don't Be A Fool For Scams

Personal Loans: When To Take It And When Not To

 What To Do When Everything Is Getting Expensive?

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the year wraps up, we take stock of how 2022 has impacted your financial goals. Stephen Yong of Wealth Vantage Advisory talks about his year end financial checklists, how the various global events would have impacted our finances and the lessons to learn from it.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel overwhelmed when it comes to money? Don't know where to start? Do you feel like you're on the wrong track? Suraya Zainudin, founder of ringgitohringgit.com seeks to address all these questions in her new book, Bergaji & Pokai. The book helps readers to navigate through the complexities of managing your own money with simple straightforward tips and fun examples. On Ringgit and Sense, she talks about why she wrote it and how she hopes it can help people in their own financial journey.

Image credit: rawpixel.com / Freepik

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our conversation with PIDM continues about how they protect your money in case of an institution failure. Rafiz Abdullah of PIDM returns on the show to talk about how banks could fail and what happens to your money when something of low likelihood but high impact happens. Rafiz also shares what's on PIDM's radar when it comes to events that can threaten our financial institutions and how they are helping to build financial resilience amongst Malaysians.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what happens to all the money in your bank if a bank fails? Can you get it back? Or is it gone for good? Well luckily in Malaysia, banks are members of an institution called PIDM which protects bank depositors and owners insurance policies in the event of a member institution failure. Rafiz Azuan Abdullah, the CEO of PIDM talks about their role and what could cause a bank to fail.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his latest book, Financial Freedom Investing, licensed financial planner Yap Ming Hui compiles his decades of experience in helping Malaysians achieve financial freedom. Sim Wie Boon dives into the book to unpack what the lessons are for everyday Malaysians to achieve financial freedom and the challenges in doing so as well as possible missteps to avoid.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Estate planning is a vital but often forgotten element in a Muslim’s financial plan. We usually spend the most of our time building and protecting our assets but usually forget the last part which is legacy planning. According to the Malaysian Institute of Estate Planners, 80% of Malaysians do not possess valid wills, with many having no idea what happens if their wishes aren’t followed after death. Ahmad Shareza, Head of Islamic Wealth Management and Business Development from Maybank Islamic talks about the importance of Islamic estate planning, what are some of the issues that could crop up, and how Maybank Islamic Wealth Management can assist you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As difficult as it may be, sometimes relationships don't work out the way we want them to be and unfortunately a divorce may be the last option for a couple. And while the emotional aspect can be painful, there is a financial aspect to consider as well. Who gets what and how will you go about it? Rozanna Rashid of Alpine Advisory shares some thoughts on the cost of divorce in Malaysia. 

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How young were you when you first had experience with money? How was it? And how has it shaped the way you view money while growing up? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Alina Amir of Fund For Life on the importance of teaching your kids about money.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.