It's never a good feeling when you look at your portfolio and see that everything is going down. And while we all hope that the markets are always on the up, because it means that our investments would be doing well, the markets do go down, otherwise known as a market crash. Stock market crashes do happen and have happened, and the effects are far reaching. At the same time, world events such as Covid and unrest, have a big impact on the market too. Join The Simple Sum team as we talk about some of the biggest stock market crashes in the world, what happens when the market crashes, and what this means for us as investors.  

Throughout history, gold has been a popular hedge against inflation, economic crises, currency fluctuation and even war.  And gold still remains a relevant investment for today's investors. In this episode, we sit down with David Fergusson, Co-founder of Hugo to discuss the importance of investing in gold, bust some myths about gold, how you can invest in gold, and whether Bitcoin really is "digital gold". We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.Timestamps:00:00 Intro 00:06 Learn more about Hugo 01:01 Introduction to gold and David Fergusson 03:09 Cultural and sentimental value of gold 06:04 History of gold investing 16:08 How much gold will grow in value 17:21 Crypto versus gold 19:18 Gold’s role in a portfolio 21: 06 Some common ways to buy gold 29:46 Who should consider investing in gold 35:27 David’s advice on how to start investing in gold easily 

Ooh… Shiny! The Price Though…"  Most of us associate wedding proposals with diamond rings. But does it need to be the norm?  We gathered our colleagues to share about their thoughts about diamonds, how the diamond industry works and the meaning of engagement rings.  Also included in our discussion are why there is a benchmark for 3 months' of the man's salary for the cost of diamond rings and what alternatives we'll like to see instead? Don't miss out on this information-packed episode!   Timestamps:  00:00 Intro 00:48 What does a diamond ring really mean? 02:53 What we think about lab-grown diamonds 05:10 The truth behind how diamonds are marketed 7:24 How does a guy feel about the 3-6 month benchmark cost of a ring? 8:18 The history of the 3-6 month benchmark 10:07 Did it matter to Sheryl if she got a diamond engagement ring? 11:45 How does Sheryl value her own engagement ring? 14:34 Pris's experience with engagement ring 15:50 What if your partner gives you an engagement ring you don't like? 17:01 Advice on getting diamond ring?  We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast. Subscribe to us to get notified on new weekly episodes!

I'm 23 and I Lost My Job… What Now?You may think retrenchment only happens to old and obsolete workers, but one of our TSS team member faced the same thing... at just 23 years old. This meant that she had to search for a job when companies all around were freezing hiring, thanks to COVID-19.How did she overcome the loss of her job loss and how did she get back on her feet and find another job. Find out in this episode of Keep It Simple!We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

A Fully Remote Role, Yes Or No?Find out our answers to that question in this episode. The TSS team discusses the pros and cons of working from home, aspects of office life that cannot be replaced, and why a fully remote job is not for us. We also share three important tips for working remotely that ring true even after a year and a half.Join in the discussion by sliding into our DMs! Tell us some quirky habits you do working from home, or some of your best WFH stories. Or tell us why you would or would not work a fully remote job.Timestamps:Intro - 00:00What we like/don't like about WFH - 01:54What TSS audience like about WFH - 04:34Weird things we do WFH - 06:26Collaborating is much harder online - 08:30What we think about going back to office - 10:10Free snacks and coffee in office - 12:45Why Pris can't imagine a fully remote job - 15:42What the new normal of work mean to us  - 16:40Would we choose to work fully remotely? - 20:59Dealing with starting a fully remote job - 22:38Pris' tips on working remotely effectively - 23:28We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast. Subscribe to us to get notified on new weekly episodes!

Should you be in despair just because you have a seemingly insurmountable credit card debt?In this episode of Keep It Simple, we speak to a TSS team member who accumulated a 5 figure credit card debt and found herself unable to pay it off when COVID-19 hit. She shares with us what she's doing to tackle the debt, and what not to do with it comes to owning credit card, with tips for those who want to use credit cards but are afraid.We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast. Subscribe to us to get notified on new weekly episodes!

What Was Your Childhood Dream Job?While most of us had dream jobs, not all of us end up in them. In this episode, hear about the TSS team's childhood dream jobs, why we did (or did not) end up in them, and what we ended up doing. We also talk about what a dream job currently means to us, and why it's ok to not chase one.What is or was YOUR dream job? Let us know on our Instagram @thesimplesum.We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast. Subscribe to us to get notified on new weekly episodes!

How Do You Express Your Love?Is your love language bleeding you dry? While there is no right or wrong way to express your love, you could be spending a lot of money on things and services for your partner — which spells disaster if not managed well. Hear from The Simple Sum team as we talk about our experiences with spending (or not spending) on others!We love hearing from you. Tell us what your love language is, and if you've spent as much as us.We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast. Subscribe to us for new weekly episodes!

Many people think it's easy to be a content creator. After all, how hard can it be to take nice-looking photos and having all that free stuff. Well not really as we learn from popular local Singaporean content creator Yeoh Mongchin, better known as Mongabong — she likens it setting up your own social media marketing agency and running a business. In today's episode, she shares about the nitty-gritty things, including the financial stuff, that go on behind the scenes of a social media star. If you've ever thought of creating content as a side hustle, listen to our podcast first!We're on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast. Subscribe to us for new episodes! 

Why are our parents so obsessed with us becoming doctors and lawyers?! It can be hard to say no to your parents – trust us, we get it. But it being a doctor or lawyer really the only path to success (and a good income) in life. In this episode of Keep It Simple, we […]

Dead snakes, creepy housemates, and cat poop on the car porch?! Renting comes with freedom, but also its own set of challenges. Nicole, Marcus and Sope share what they wish they knew when they first started renting, their interesting housemate experiences and tips on what to look out for if you wish to move out. […]

And we’re back with our updates on impulse journaling! In this episode Pris and Sope talk about their impulse journaling efforts. Listen as Pris shares with us about how she simply forgot about a new product launch by just scheduling something else. What other techniques did they do to not give in to their impulse purchases and most importantly … did Sope really save $1,000 from this?We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new weekly episodes weekly.

These days, we’re all about that side hustle and passive income stuff. And it can feel overwhelming especially when you’re already exhausted from work. Fret not – in this episode, we ranked several side income sources from easy to difficult so everyone can get a piece of the hustle pie.We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new weekly episodes weekly.

We’re often so caught up with the daily that we forget the little important things, like reviewing our insurance coverage. In this episode, Sope and Pris discuss why, when, and how we should review our insurance policies. Keep it simple, and keep your coverage up to date!

TFW I’m My Least Favourite Sandwich…Many people from the older generation (aka our parents) tend to be risk-averse and avoid investing. But if we leave it to fate, we might end up being part of the “sandwich generation”.  In this episode, Preeti, a certified financial planner, shares how we can plan our finances and protect our our parents’ wealth for them.We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

And we are LIVE!For this very special episode, The Simple Sum went LIVE on Instagram for the first time.Listen as Sope and Pris recount their own investment journey and answer some questions our audiences had, such as, ‘What is micro-investing?’, ‘Should I invest all my savings in Bitcoin?’ and ‘Are robo-advisors good for beginners?’ Got investment questions for us? Slide into our DMs or drop us an email!We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new weekly episodes weekly.

No More, Monkey Brains!We get it, it’s so hard to save and be frugal no matter what your financial goals are. But what if there is a better way?In this episode, we share the benefits and ways to match your life values to financial goals. By practicing money mindfulness, you can make meaningful decisions that help you spend better and happier!Article referenced: https://www.ellevest.com/magazine/budget-and-planning/spending-core-values

Not many can make it as an actress, host, emcee and performer, especially in such a small market like Singapore. What exactly is it like to work in the performing arts in Singapore and can you survive with what you earn from it? In this episode, we speak to Caitanya Tan, a versatile actress, host, emcee, singer, performer, you name it! With 14 years of experience in the industry, we talk about how she started out, what it’s like to work in a saturated market, how she handles bad experiences, and what it takes to find gigs and other jobs to sustain her lifestyle.

Wait, when did I pay for this?!That gym membership you got out of impulse, taking a cab home even when you don’t really have to. These are all the hidden culprits of our depleting bank account. Impulse buying is normal for everyone but when it gets out of hand, how can we avoid making purchases out of impulse? In this episode, our hosts talk about what they can do to stop impulse buying, the difference between compulsive and impulsive spending, how impulse buying is linked to your emotions and gamifying your process of delayed gratification.We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcast and Google Podcast! Subscribe to us for new weekly episodes weekly.

Feeling Green?Environment, Social, Corporate Governance (ESG) guidelines help investors make mindful and ethical decisions about the companies they invest in. In this episode, we break down the three pillars of ESG and suggest how beginners can get started on investing sustainably.Sources:USSIF (2020). Report on US Sustainable and Impact Investing Trends. Retrieved from: https://www.ussif.org/files/Trends%20Report%202020%20Executive%20Summary.pdf Rotonti, J. & Lomax, A. (2020, March 11). What Is ESG Investing?. The Motley Fool. Retrieved from: https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/types-of-stocks/esg-investing/

Is Failure Really The Best Teacher?What does it mean to take the road less travelled? In life, we have to, at some point, get used to the idea of failure. In this episode, our hosts talk to the man behind The Financial Coconut, Reggie, who’s seemingly done it all: living overseas, building startups, and going through his fair share of failures — and learning from them.We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

How Much Is Love Worth?When relationships sour or take a bad turn, they might bring out the worst in us. Cases of financial abuse – or just abuse in general – happen more often than we think, often leading people to overcompensating in different ways to save the sinking ship. How do we know when to call it quits? How do we resolve issues without resorting to spending money on arbitrary gifts and holidays? In this episode, our hosts ask Brian, a relationship counsellor, for some advice when relationships become toxic (or what “toxic” even means!) and bring about bad financial habits. We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

Money, Pleaaaase!Who would win in a fight — or win that raise? An introvert or an extrovert? Believe it or not, our personalities have the power to determine our fates… at least in the professional sphere. In this episode, our hosts talk about how workplaces seem to favour extroverts, and how introverts tend to struggle getting ahead in the corporate world. We dive into some data and try to figure out how introverts can even the playing field in the workplace.Are you an introvert or an extrovert, and how has that shaped your workplace experience?We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

It’s Pay-to-Play, Not Pay-to-LoveWe always advocate responsible spending — so maybe chasing Twitch streamers as patrons, hoping for a relationship, doesn’t quite fall under that. As events migrate online, and YouTubers and game streamers become more popular, our hosts talk about what it means to support content creators, boundaries between fans and creators, and how to make sure you don’t blow all your money on someone who’s just doing their job.What’s the most you’ve spent supporting an online personality?We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

How Exactly Do You Pivot Your Career?!Considering a career switch but don’t know how and where to start? In this hour-long episode, Weiman from Comics For Good walks us through her origin story and how she made the leap from a career in the arts (the games industry!) to working in tech. She’s also got some advice and insight for those looking to switch things up professionally this year and beyond. If there’s ever a perfect time for upheaval and change, it’s now!If you’ve pulled off a mid-career switch before, tell us your story. Slide into our DMs on Instagram; we’re always ready to listen!We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

When it comes to personal finance or even just personal growth, time is of the essence – but sometimes it’s hard to manage our time… in some cases, even harder than managing our money. In this episode, we invite Michael Podolinsky, a time management expert, onto the show to talk about how distractions can cause us to lose time, how to set time aside to reach our goals, and how we can be more deliberate with our time.How do you manage your time?We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to us for new episodes weekly.

Gamble for Huat?!Did you know there are certain gambling games you’re more likely to win at than others? Our hosts sit down to talk about why people gamble during the festive season, how to gamble responsibly, and why gambling has such a negative connotation attached to the term. Our question for you: How much are you setting aside for gambling purposes this CNY?We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to our platforms to catch new episodes coming out weekly for the new season, and remember to share the podcast with a friend if you like what you hear!

All We Need Is Love — Or NotRelationships are hard enough. Long distance? Even harder, we suspect. Our hosts sit down with their colleague, Tim, and talk about long distance relationships (LDRs) and how it worked out (or didn’t) for them. How does personal finance factor into long distance relationships? How should we approach our finances, and at what point do we start planning for the big things — like moving to another country and settling down with our partners?We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Subscribe to our platforms to catch new episodes coming out weekly for the new season, and remember to share the podcast with a friend if you like what you hear!

Yo ho, yo ho! A freelancer’s life for me!Want to break free from the dreary world of 9-5 jobs and strike it out on your own as a freelancer? It’s not as easy a life as you may think. In this episode, our hosts rope in Amanda Keisha Ang (@akasounds on Instagram), a DJ as well as freelance graphic designer and illustrator, and talk about the realities of the freelance life: day-to-day routines, knowing how to file taxes (?!), and protecting yourself against difficult clients. If you’re thinking of pivoting this year into a new career path as a freelancer, this episode is for you!Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

No Peanuts, Please!For fresh graduates searching for a job for the first time, it might be hard to come up with a number for your first ever salary – which is why reports like the Graduate Employment Survey will always come in handy. In this episode, our hosts sit down to talk about the survey and other resources and methods young professionals can use to find that ballpark amount or range before stepping into the interview room.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

2021 – The Year We Should’ve Had!In this short episode, our hosts look forward to the new year together and talk about resolutions and whether they work or not – and what the best approach is to goal-setting and actually making it till the very end. As 2020 draws to a close, what are your plans and wishes? Drop us a DM or comment and let us know and maybe we’ll help keep you accountable.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

A Career in Gaming and Esports? Sign Me Up!The gaming industry is not just about pro players making it to world stages and crushing the competition – in fact, the gaming and events space has been teeming with activity and potential for years, even before esports had a name for itself! In this episode, our host speaks to Elicia Lee, co-founder of Eliphant, and explores the nitty gritty of building a career in gaming, how demanding it can be, and other alternative careers that have sprung out of the wellspring of gaming such as virtual YouTubing (AKA Vtubing) and streaming.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

That’s a Problem for Future Me!When we say “retirement”, what comes to mind? Old age, an aching back, and more than a couple of grandkids running around showing you the latest new-fangled technology? Or do you get stressed and anxious because you don’t actually know what retirement will look like? Our hosts sit down in this special episode about retirement planning and try to visualise their retirement and come up with their golden number — and devise a plan as to how to reach that goal without succumbing to the stress of it all.Key talking points include:What retirement actually is, and what it looks like to usThe ultimate retirement number – how do we calculate it?Easy mode and hard mode for retirement planningThis episode was sponsored by the National Youth Council. Visit Youthopia.sg, a one-stop digital destination for youths, that provides the latest news on youth culture, lifestyle trends and issues that they care about. Youthopia will also be a gateway to useful resources on topics such as financial literacy, career guidance, and mental well-being.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

You’ve Heard of Midnight Cab Surcharges, Now Get Ready For…Holiday season surcharge?! Our hosts sit down to talk about what happens every time another holiday comes around, especially for festive seasons like the Lunar New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, where beauty services open up booking slots and charge at a premium in anticipation of an influx of appointments made. But why must we doll ourselves up to the nines every time a family reunion is around the corner? Is it because we really want to, or because it’s become a sort of “festive” obligation? You tell us!Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

10.10… 11.11… 12.12… Will This Madness End?We can’t get the Lazada song out of our heads – which begs the question: When did it become sale season all year round? In this episode, our hosts reflect on their shopping habits, whether they’ve been affected by the very frequent “doubles sales” of late, and discuss how to curb their spending and manage their money a little better amid numerous irresistible discounts.How did YOU fare in the last couple of months? Drop a comment or slide into our DMs after you’ve listened to the episode!Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

Peer Pressure or Positive Reinforcement?Got a minute or two? Or ten? Time for a coffee break!In this episode, our hosts talk about the company they surround themselves with – and how that affects their spending habits. Believe it or not, who you hang out with might have an influence in the way you manage your money – talk about peer pressure! How do you turn that around in your favour or work around it? Drop us a comment or slide into our DMs with your thoughts after you’ve heard this episode.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

Degrees Are SO Last Season — Right?We grew up being told that to go to university is a rite of passage – and anyone who doesn’t at least get a Bachelor’s degree runs the risk of being left behind in the dust. Degrees give a person many advantages: a higher starting salary, more job opportunities, and an edge over other non-degree job applicants. But we’ve also heard stories of people like Bill Gates, who dropped out of Harvard to start Microsoft.What’s the deal with degrees, then? Our hosts sit down and talk to Ying Cong, an Ivy League dropout who just so happens to be the Chief Technology Officer of Glints, to talk about the necessity of qualifications… and how jobseekers can improve their chances out there.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

Break(down and Cry) In Times of Emergency…Got a minute or two? Or ten? Time for a coffee break!In this episode, our hosts talk about the importance of an emergency fund especially in a time of uncertainty like 2020, where unemployment rates are high and the job search is more difficult than ever. To be prepared for instability and uncertainty, one needs a safety net – or risk getting stressed out of their mind when the unpredictable happens, especially with regards to employment.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

The (Financial) Fruits of Our Labour!In this episode, our hosts get the facts straight about our 13th month bonuses, or the Annual Wage Supplement (AWS) as the Ministry of Manpower calls it. Is every employee entitled to a 13th month bonus wherever they go? What should you spend the extra month’s worth of salary on? We reflect on our past spending and talk about what we might do with the next bonus we receive.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

Here’s Why I’m Employee of the Year!When it comes down to it, do we know how to value ourselves as productive members of society and working professionals? When we go above and beyond or exceed expectations, it may be time to remind our employers of that — if they’re not already thinking it — and that means asking for a raise or a promotion. Our hosts sit down to discuss strategies and tactics to starting these conversations and how to stop feeling so paiseh about it (it’s not so much self-praise as it is a professional performance review — it’s what you deserve).Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

I Miss Having a Safety NetGot a minute or two? Or ten? Time for a coffee break!In this episode, our hosts sit down for a quick chat about changing behaviours regarding spending and saving, especially among younger kids these days. Is it just a sign of age that we’re nitpicking on the way kids want to spend their money? (Is that just another way of saying we’re mature?) Why are spendthrifts, well… spendthrifts? How do we grow out of that spendthrift mindset?Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

What’s With These Magic Numbers?In our journeys towards better personal finance – and hopefully retirement – one common financial milestone we’ve noticed is a person being able to save the staggering amount of $100K by the age of 30. When did this start becoming a thing? Are we all just more financially woke in general, and is this milestone a realistic, reachable goal for most of us? Our hosts sit down to discuss whether they can get there, or if they even should aim that high.Like what you hear? Gain access to more Keep It Simple episodes by subscribing to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more episodes every week!

TGIF? More Like WTF, It’s Monday… Again?!We know, we know. The work week is always a drag – but why does it always feel like Mondays hit the hardest? What is it about Monday blues that always ruin the week before the week even begins? Our hosts sit down to discuss Mondays, productivity, and how to rev themselves up for the work week in episode 7.Have we missed out on a crucial productivity tip? Do you have the SECRET SAUCE for getting over Monday blues that we didn’t talk about in the episode? Give us a shout in our DMs or drop us an email!Like what you hear? We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, so subscribe to us on these platforms for weekly episodes through till the end of the year!

Baby, Don’t Hurt Me (Financially)… No More…The great baby debate of 2020 is here! No, not really – it’s more of a baby roundtable discussion with Tim and Yuanduan from TSS, moderated by Sope. How expensive are babies these days? If you don’t have a baby, would that make saving for retirement an easier feat? What changes about you as a person after you have a baby? Does life really “end” when you become a parent? On the side of “yay for baby!” is Tim, while Duan sits on the “PLZ NO BABIES” side of the field.Who won the discussion? You tell us. We want to hear your thoughts on raising a child in expensive Singapore, too – so give us a shout in our DMs or drop us an email if you have any post-episode thoughts.Like what you hear? Please leave us a review on our platforms! We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, so subscribe to us on these platforms for weekly episodes through till the end of the year.

You Know What ELSE Went on Holiday? My Financial DisciplineGot a minute or ten? Time for a coffee break!In this episode, our hosts catch up over the topic of travelling, going on holiday, and how much they tend to spend on their trips (during a time when travel was, you know, still a thing). After all, the feeling of being trigger-happy while overseas is something we’re sure everyone can relate to. How do you stop spending so much and coming back poor? Got any tips you’d like to share? Drop a comment or slide into our DMs!Like what you hear? Leave us a review on our platforms. We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, so subscribe to us on these platforms for weekly episodes through till the end of the year!

Time for a coffee break!Our hosts tell the story of a breakup… with an insurance agent. It’s just about as awkward as you imagine it to be, involving 17-year-old Sope buying insurance and a very enthusiastic (if a little pushy) agent hunting for prospective clients at a polytechnic bus stop – hey, wait, is that even ethical?Like what you hear? We’re releasing episodes weekly on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to get the latest episodes as soon as they’re out!

Long Service Award? No Thanks!In episode 4, our hosts bring in Yuanduan for a frank conversation about a person’s career trajectory, beginning with the one question on everyone’s minds: Is there such a thing as “too long” when it comes to holding down a job? When do we start thinking about jumping ship? What if people call us job-hoppers? Listen in to the conversation for some food for thought on how to best navigate your own career path!Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes happening weekly (and remember to leave us a review, or write in and tell us what you think)!(Note: For technical reasons, the audio quality of this episode will be lower than the usual. Playing this episode out loud on speakers might give a better experience, depending on your preference.)

Got a minute or two? Or ten? Time for a coffee break!Sit down and listen to our hosts catch up quickly in between the rush of a work day with conversations about personal finance, random questions, or completely inane topics that might have nothing to do with money (maybe).In this short podcast episode, our hosts briefly discuss beauty packages, and whether or not they’re worth paying for (especially if you have *wink wonk* commitment issues).Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts to catch our weekly episodes immediately after release!

The Preetipls Origin Story, Part 2In episode 2, the conversation continues… and finally concludes. Our hosts try really hard to advertise on Preeti’s behalf to find a good man (it’s what she deserves) and also have a conversation about how to navigate money management in a relationship. There’s also a whole slew of audience questions, like what her best and worst purchases were, and how an influencer manages their money.Tune in to find out if your question made it in with the others!Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes happening weekly (and remember to leave us a review, or write in and tell us what you think)!

The Preetipls Origin Story, Part 1We’re back with more episodes to round off 2020, with a brand new jingle produced in collaboration with local singer-songwriter Amanda Ong (@musicianmandy)! Opening up season 3 in a two-part release is SG’s TOP INFLUENCER, Preetipls, who talks openly about how she went from aspiring to get into journalism to creating viral content as a prominent local YouTuber (and now podcaster). Also, why and how is she so financially woke?! Hint: Life teaches you more than any financial website can. Talking points include:Preeti’s very first paid gig that only cost… HOW MUCH?! The origin behind ‘Preetipls’ On being the sole breadwinner of the family… considering an unconventional career Stay tuned for episode 2 tomorrow where Preeti answers a saucy question – and audience-submitted ones!

Getting Emotional With InvestingIn this episode, Pris grapples with her wanting to buy Tesla stocks – just because. Shirley, a returning guest, brings along a personal story about investing where she made a huge loss after making an investing decision that wasn’t too well-thought out in the past. Talking points include:The four steps a beginner investor should take to start their journey on the right footA downloadable starting investing framework that helps you calculate compounded returns (figures mentioned in the episode are estimates!)The emotional side of investing, and the danger of FOMO for beginners (who don’t yet know their stuff)Like what you hear? Catch the rest of our episodes on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts!

Advice About Choosing Advisors From… AdvisorsIn this episode, the conversation continues between Yuanduan, Hariz and Elijah, who dive deep into what beginners might forget when choosing their own financial advisors for the very first time. Contentious subjects come up, including common insurance mistakes. Talking points include:Is it safe to hire your friend or family member as a financial advisor?What can we do if our financial advisors turn out to be bad for us?How do we evaluate early on if we’re over-insured for our age?What even is the difference between an insurance agent and a financial advisor?Like what you hear? Catch the rest of our episodes on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts!

#SiaoSoExpensiveDontWantLah!Pris and Sope make a comeback with a special guest: Johnathan Chua from GRVTY Media, the company behind hits like Real Talk on YouTube and Millennials of Singapore. In this episode, they discuss the intricacies of tying our money management skills to identity, and how to stop being our own worst enemy. Some talking points include:How John got into credit card debt at a young ageThe shame of being in debtHow our upbringing sometimes shapes the way we handle moneyThe difficult feat of saying no when things get too priceyLike what you hear? Catch the rest of our episodes on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts!

You Either Have Too Much Coverage or None At All…In this episode, Yuanduan invites two independent financial advisors, Hariz and Elijah, to discuss the broad, commonly brought up subject of insurance coverage – which might bring about a sense of dread or total confusion in most of us. Expect to hear these talking points:Why insurance is unavoidableCommon mistakes beginners make when buying insuranceHow beginners should make their decisions on their insurance coverageThe main four types of insurance coverage, in order of priority according to Hariz and ElijahLike what you hear? Stay tuned for next week’s episode for the second half of this conversation on insurance and catch the rest of our episodes on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcasts.

Are Robos Too Good to Be True?In this episode, a new player arrives on the scene with a special guest from Endowus. TSS’ content lead, Yuanduan, takes over for an informative interview episode where the two discuss passive index investing and the merits of utilising robo-advisors. Some talking points include:Will our money be safe with robo-advisors?What happens if they shut down?The road to passive investing (and some methodologies)Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts for more episodes (and check our older episodes too).

My Money is MY MONEY!In this episode, our hosts get up close and (maybe a little too) personal with the their relationship with money, whether it’s with a boyfriend or girlfriend or even a family member. After all, money’s a pretty dicey and touchy topic for most people; it’s never easy to bring it up at the dinner table, no matter who you’re with.Some of our key talking points included:How to handle misalignment and criticism from your partnerHow money matters could affect even friendships and family relationsTips and solutions to managing money with your loved onesWe also briefly mentioned how a couple saved $730k in just 10 years – read the article here!Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts for more!

Mo’ Money, Mo’ ProblemsIn this episode on emotional spending, Pris and Sope get up close and personal with their own spending habits and their emotions, and talk each other through their emotional responses and coping mechanisms.From figuring out what triggers their compulsive spending to discussing openly how to deal with these triggers, this episode dives deep (while keeping things light) into the mind of a spender who’s prone to emotional spending for various reasons.Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts for more!

Who Runs the Finances? Girls!In the first episode of Season 2, our hosts invite the CEO of Golden Equator Group, Shirley Crystal Chua, onto the show to discuss what finances for women are really like, including investment decisions and catching up with their male counterparts.Some of our talking points included:How Shirley started out investing (and the very first stock she picked, along with how much she paid for her shares).The financial industry: is it still mostly male-dominated?Why are finances for women hard to approach sometimes?How can we decide which investing method suits us best?How Shirley allocates her funds in investing, and her preferred investing style.How can we start learning how to better manage our finances and investing?Liked it? To listen to earlier episodes, be sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts to stay tuned.

Can’t Stand This One Colleague?In case you thought WFH meant that you had less interpersonal problems to deal with (because you don’t see anyone IRL!)… workplace conflicts still do happen, except that they might be “invisible” problems until it’s far too late. For those who have never had to scuffle in the workplace before but are worried about how to handle it, this podcast episode centers on some common problems that might happen at the office, virtual or not.We sit down to work out four scenarios and pull in some advice from Decode HR’s Evelyn Chow, including:Communication problems that lead to misunderstandingsConflicts that arise from lack of work boundaries (working after 6pm)Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Google, or Apple Podcasts and tell a friend today!

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Answering These Questions…If you’re a fresh grad and feeling weak in the knees at the thought of your first ever (possibly virtual) job interview happening soon, fret not! Pris and Sope take you through five commonly asked questions and show you how not to answer them and also how you should be answering them. These questions include:“Where do you see yourself in five years?”“Why did you leave your previous company?”Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Google, or Apple Podcasts and tell a friend today!

Fresh Grads, All’s Not Lost!The recession has brought along with it a high unemployment rate and increasing retrenchments across industries. If you’re a fresh graduate, you’ll likely be chewing your nails over whether:1) You’ll get a good enough salary, or if you have to settle for less2) Or if you’ll even get a job in the first place!In this episode, we look at a study done on the fresh graduates in the time of the 2008 crisis and look for answers as to what can be done if jobs aren’t coming along just yet. Our hosts share some of their own job switching experiences, along with the story of a Singaporean who graduated in 2008, and try to give you some answers – or reassurance.If you like what you hear, remember to leave a review and follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts (or all of them!).

Your Long Awaited Intro to Investing 101You might have missed the initial market dip in March and April, but Joe (Director of Investment at Golden Equator Wealth) encourages all of us not to look at it from the point of view where we’ve missed that investing train – after all, with respect to the pandemic and a myriad of other global crises, we’re not yet in the clear. So how does one get started?Joe takes us through the basics, from passive index investing to figuring out how to approach investing in the US market. At the end of the episode, he also answers audience questions that we’ve picked from Instagram last week!If you like what you hear, follow us on Spotify, Google, or Apple Podcasts.

In a Nutshell…How have our spending habits changed because of WFH? We might be spending more in other categories than we used to. Our changed spending behaviour may also be owed to how we cope with the stress of the COVID-19 situation (not to mention our collective cabin fever). So, what can we do about it? Well…Acknowledge the changes in our budget and commit to actively reworking them. Recognise that our monthly budgets are not static things, but change and adapt as our lifestyles are changed and altered by significant life events. Want more? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts for new episodes every week!

Shoot Your (Financial) ShotSaving can be hard sometimes, especially when you’re not guided by a goal or two. That probably explains why saving feels so tiring and difficult at times. In this episode, Pris and Sope talk about their own financial milestones, including the following points:What short/medium/long-term goals areThe SMART method of achieving your (financial) goalsWant more? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts for new episodes every week!

Being Financially Prepared For AnythingNo one can predict the future. Especially not huge, unforeseen expenses! An integral part of anyone’s personal finance should include a healthy emergency fund. In this episode, Pris and Sope talk about their emergency funds: how they’re saving for it, what their goals are, and why emergency funds are important. Listen in to the conversation; are you adequately prepared with that financial safety net?Want more? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts for new episodes every week!

How Much Does Freedom Cost?At one point or another, the thought must have crossed our minds: Living that independent life away from our parents sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Except that it’s not as sweet as it can be, since rental rates in Singapore are constantly sky high. In our inaugural episode, Sope (TSS’ content writer) shares her experience with moving out, getting used to paying rent, and gives some advice for others who might want to do the same.Want more? Follow us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts for new episodes every week!