Ringgit and Sense
333 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingYou might be a genius at managing other people’s money, but personal finance is quite another kettle of fish. Ringgit & Sense puts a clear mirror in front of you so you understand personal risk profiles, realistic investment horizons, retirement planning and the all-important education loan and health insurance plan, and the explosion of myriad personal finance products.
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Episodes
Beware Online Scams
April 27, 2023 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBContinuing 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
Phone Scams, How To Identify Them And How To Protect Yourself
April 20, 2023 01:30 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBLast 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
Making Money The Sharia Way
April 13, 2023 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBOver 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
How To Make Money When Interest Rates Are Rising
April 06, 2023 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBSince 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 ...
Why Is It Important To Talk Money With Your Other Half?
March 30, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBNo 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
EPF As Loan Collateral - Good Or Bad?
March 23, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBEarlier 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
Why Insurance Matters
March 16, 2023 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBLife 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: P...
Investing Through A Stormy 2023
March 09, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBWith 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.
Budget 2023 Redux: What's In It For You
March 02, 2023 01:30 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBBudget 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
Recession And Retrenchment, How Do You Prepare For It?
February 23, 2023 01:30 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBSigns 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
The Issue Of Our Youth In Debt
February 16, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBA 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
Life After Retirement, To Work Or Not To Work?
February 09, 2023 01:30 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBOn 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
How 2022 Impacted Markets And What Lies Beyond
February 02, 2023 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MB2022 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.
The Malaysian Savings Landscape
January 26, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBAbout 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
Will The Year Of Water Rabbit Be Good For You?
January 19, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBThis 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.
How Your Subconscious Affects Your Money
January 12, 2023 01:30 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBHave 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
What To Look Out For In 2023
January 05, 2023 01:30 - 22 minutes - 21 MBAs 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
Ringgit and Sense 2022: Important Lessons Of The Year
December 29, 2022 01:30 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBWe 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 ...
How Did 2022 Impact Your Financial Goals
December 22, 2022 01:30 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MBAs 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
Helping You Navigate Money Step By Step
December 15, 2022 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBDo 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 jou...
How PIDM Protects Your Money In The Bank
December 08, 2022 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBOur 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.
Ensuring Financial Resilience With PIDM
December 01, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBDo 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.
Financial Freedom For All
November 24, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBIn 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
The Importance Of Islamic Estate Planning
November 17, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBEstate 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 Islam...
The Cost of A Divorce
November 10, 2022 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBAs 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
How To Talk To Your Kids About Money
November 03, 2022 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBHow 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
Breaking Down The Malaysian Savings Landscape
October 27, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBThe general consensus over the past few years, even before the pandemic, is that Malaysians generally do not save a lot. Be it because of structural issues or a lack of financial planning awareness, the issue is not to be taken lightly. In part of its journey to help Malaysians build financial resilience, PIDM has been conducting surveys and multiple engagements to help raise awareness on financial planning. Wan Ahmad Ikram Wan Ahmad Lotfi, Executive Vice President of PIDM comes on the show...
Why Global Diversification Is Necessary
October 20, 2022 01:30 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBIncreased globalization and interconnectivity has opened up the world of investing to near unlimited opportunities. Yet, most investors in Malaysia have about 80% of their investments in Malaysian-based assets. On today's episode of Ringgit and Sense, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Matthew Stuart-Box of robo advisor MYTHEO about the importance of global diversification especially in today's uncertain environment.
Budget 2023: What Could've Been In It For You?
October 13, 2022 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBBudget 2023 was presented by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul focusing on economic recovery and resilience with a bill of RM372.3 billion, the biggest that has been tabled in Malaysian history. Unfortunately due to the dissolution of parliament several days later, we'll likely be looking at a different one when a new government gets elected. For today's episode of Ringgit and Sense, Sim Wie Boon speaks to tax expert Thanneermalai Somasundaram about Budget 2023, and what tweaks could be made t...
Healthy Eating On A Budget
October 06, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBWith the Covid-19 pandemic leading to more indoor time, less physical activity and stress eating, it's not surprising that many Malaysians struggle with their weight. However, most Malaysians find it expensive to eat healthy especially in the current inflationary environment. So can we eat healthier on a budget? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Prof Dr Winnie Chee at International Medical University (IMU) to get some tips on how to eat healthier with a budget. Image credit: Shutterstock
The Hows And Whys Of Being A Licensed Financial Planner
September 29, 2022 01:30 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBThe 5th of October is World Financial Planning Day, a day held to raise awareness about the importance of financial planning. And in conjunction with that, we explore the world of financial planning to discuss the path of being a licensed financial planner and also the trends of financial literacy amongst Malaysians. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Rafiq Hidayat of Wealth Vantage and Rozanna Rashid of Alpine Advisory about why they are doing what they are doing and their thoughts on the industry. I...
Money And Marriage: How To Make It Work
September 22, 2022 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBContinuing a special series on money and relationships, Dr Selina Dang of Coreplus Advisory comes on the show to discuss the kind of financial issues that might crop up in a marriage. Dr Selina shares some thoughts on how to talk to your spouse about money and what steps to take to ensure that you and your partner are on the same page. Image credit: Shutterstock
How OPR Hikes Impact Your Finances
September 15, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBThe Monetary Policy Committee of Bank Negara Malaysia has once again increased the overnight policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing it from 2.25% to 2.50%. Bank Negara has been gradually hiking rates from the low rate environment during the pandemic in a bid to fight rising inflation. With more hikes likely to happen in the future, Sim Wie Boon speaks to Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Planning, Finwealth Management to understand how the OPR hikes impact your finances.
The Financial Conversations To Have Before Marriage
September 08, 2022 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBWe continue our exploration of the axis between relationships and money and for this episode, we look at those at the cusp of making that everlasting commitment, getting married. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Rafiq Hidayat of Wealth Vantage Advisory about the conversations you should be having with your partner before tying the knot and the possible issues that could arise when planning a wedding.
Can We Still Achieve FIRE Today?
September 01, 2022 01:30 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MBWith cost of living rising while wages remain stagnant and the investment markets in turmoil, how do adherents of the FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early) continue with their strategy to work hard and retire early? Is it still achievable in this day and age? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Aaron Tang of mr-stingy.com to find out more.
Impact Of The High EPF Withdrawals And How It Hurts Our Future
August 25, 2022 01:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBEPF members' savings are at very low and worrying levels because over 145 billion ringgit had been withdrawn because of the four Covid withdrawal schemes. Half of the 13 million EPF members aged under 55, now have less than RM10,000 in savings as of June 2022 - which should trigger alarm bells. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Puteri Marjan Megat Muzafa of Khazanah Research Institute on how this impacts our elderly population, and how it affects you and me.
How SIDREC Helps With Your Disputes
August 18, 2022 01:30 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBDo you have a dispute with your capital market intermediary and having trouble settling the matter in the courts? Perhaps the Securities Industry Dispute Resolution Center or better known as SIDREC can help with an alternative solution. Sim Wie Boon speaks to its chairman to understand the role of SIDREC and how it helps investors with their disputes. For more, head to their website at https://sidrec.com.my/
Dating And Money, What To Look Out For And What To Say
August 11, 2022 01:30 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIt’s well known that money is one of the most common subjects for couples to argue about. In fact, many studies have shown that regardless of the happiness level within the relationship, money is a topic that couples consistently disagree on. It can be exciting dating someone new and getting into a committed relationship with them but when is the right time to talk about money? How do you start the conversation and what are some of the red flags to watch out for? Financial blogger Suraya Z...
The Cost Of Having A Pet
August 04, 2022 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBPets can be amazing lifelong companions to us humans but unfortunately taking care of them can really put a strain on your wallet. From the initial costs of buying a pet or adopting one, to the veterinary cost to buying pet food and other toys, it’s really not cheap to have a pet nowadays. The good news is that with proper planning, owning a pet doesn’t have to be financially burdening. Sim Wie Boon speaks to licensed financial planner Joyce Chuah for her thoughts. Image credit: Shuttersto...
EVs, A Game For The Rich
July 28, 2022 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBAs fuel price rises and concerns for the environment become more important, electric vehicles are starting to become popular around the world as more people switch up their petrol cars for EVs. In Malaysia, EVs are relatively new but more brands have started to bring them in. But are they in any way affordable for the average Malaysian? Advocates for EVs would say that in the long run, you save more from maintenance and charging when compared with the average petrol car. Auto journalist Dan...
Infrastructure Investments, A Steady Eddie Choice To Make
July 21, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBAs high inflation, rising rates and the thirst for yield creates challenges for many investors seeking income from their investments, alternative income generating solutions like infrastructure are starting to gain popularity over the more traditional income solutions. But what exactly is infrastructure investing and how beneficial can it be to your portfolio? Sim Wie Boon speaks to Ajay Dayal of ClearBridge Investments on this.
Recession Is Here, What Do You Do?
July 14, 2022 01:30 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBConcerns on recession are becoming much more alarming as global economic data becomes more bleak day by day. With inflation creeping up and the cost of goods rising, what are you and I to do? How will recession impact your savings and investments? What kind of preparation do you need to make? Licensed financial planner Kevin Neoh sheds some light. Image credit: Shutterstock
What Is A Recession and How Does It Impact You?
July 07, 2022 01:30 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBThe word recession has been looming over the heads of many economists and government’s around the world for some time now. But what does a recession mean for the average person? Why does it happen and what will it do to your wallet? Professor Geoffrey Williams, Economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology explains. Image credit: Shutterstock
Your First Credit Card
June 30, 2022 01:30 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBAre you planning to get a credit card? Or do you already have one? Why do you have? These are the questions we'll be pondering on this episode of Ringgit and Sense with Hann Liew of RinggitPlus. Sim Wie Boon and Hann discuss the considerations when getting your first credit card, how to choose the right one for you, the benefits and drawbacks of having a credit card. Image credit: Shutterstock
Charlie Munger, The Abominable No Man
June 23, 2022 01:30 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBCharlie Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is often overshadowed by his colleague Warren Buffett. But if you're an ardent follower of the two, you'll know that the investment philosophy employed by Buffett and Berkshire can be attributed to Munger's influence. Rajen Devadason of Manulife Investment Management Malaysia Berhad, CEO of the consultancy RD WealthCreation tells us who Charlie Munger is and what are the lessons we can learn from him.
What To Do When The Markets Are Volatile?
June 16, 2022 01:35 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBWhether you’re new to investing or have been in the market for years, you may feel a little bit like you are lost at sea looking for a safe harbour in 2022. With a war going on in Europe, supply chains still going haywire and central banks hiking interest rates, markets have been going gangbusters. Sim Wie Boon speaks to Steve Lim of Affin Hwang Management to get his take on how to approach such volatile markets.
Protecting Yourself From Investment Scams
June 09, 2022 01:35 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBOver the years, thousands of Malaysians have lost millions of ringgit to investment scams. So how exactly do these scams happen and what can you do to protect yourself from losing your money? Jawahar Ameer Ali from the Securities Commission Malaysia shares some tips on how to spot these scams and what you can do to protect yourself from them.
Hedging Against Inflation With REITs
June 02, 2022 01:30 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIf you haven’t already noticed, inflation is here and everything is getting more expensive. What does it do to your savings and investments? And how do you protect it? Ng Chze How of Manulife Investment Management shares some thoughts on how REITs and Shariah funds can be a hedge against inflation and protect your savings and investments. Image credit: shutterstock
What To Do When Everything Is Getting Expensive?
May 26, 2022 01:30 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBCovid-19, the stock market crashing, rising interest rates, inflation, and everything just getting more expensive. These are some of the things that can cause many of us to sweat buckets especially when you look at your investment portfolio or savings account. What do you do when everything is in the red and your daily expenses keep mounting? How do you protect your savings and navigate your investments? Annie Hor of Harveston Financial Group shares some tips. Image credit: shutterstock.c...
How To Budget When Planning Your Travels
May 19, 2022 01:30 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBAfter two years of Covid-19 and staying indoors, many are beginning to make holiday plans as the travel restrictions in the region begin to ease and the world shifts towards an endemic stage. But just because you can go on vacation outside of the country now, doesn't mean you should simply spend your money on air tickets and hotel accommodations as these things can cost a bomb when not budgeted correctly. Suraya Zainudin, of Ringgit Oh Ringgit shares some tips on how to make the most out of...