Money Talks

Hiring a foreign domestic helper may feel like a simple decision to help ease the household burden, but budgeting for their salary is only part of the picture. From placement fees to dental emergencies and mobile phone plans, there may be extra costs that families often miss. Chloe Lim from maid agency gentleHelp breaks down the real costs of hiring and keeping help in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The HDB flat or house you own could be more than just a place to live – it may help fund your retirement. But options like right-sizing or renting could come with significant trade-offs. Andrea Heng sits down with PropNex Executive Chairman Ismail Gafoor to break it down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing money looks different for some neurodivergent individuals and their learning may not always be linear. For family members, this can be very worrying especially when it’s time to let go. Faith Teo from SG Enable shares simple strategies that can make a huge difference for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the war in Iran and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz affect global energy supplies, Singapore households are starting to feel the pinch in their transport and utility bills. A protracted war could also push up food prices and reshape spending habits. Dr Pushan Dutt, professor of economics and political science at INSEAD, explains how to navigate these price shocks and adjust your finances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold isn’t just jewellery or coins – ETFs can give you exposure to real bullion without the hassle of storage, long queues or steep bid-ask spreads. Lion Global Investors’ Ong Xun Xiang sits with Andrea Heng to explain the difference between synthetic and physically backed gold ETFs, vaulting jurisdictions and insurance that protect your holdings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.