The Financial Coconut Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Balancing career and family — can you really have both?

Can stepping back from your career ever mean moving forward in life?

Explore the real trade-offs behind choosing family over work — and whether it truly means falling behind.

Joining two women who’ve lived it out in very different ways:

👩‍💼 Sarah Wong — Healthtech leader, venture partner, and podcaster who took time off to rediscover her purpose before re-entering corporate life.

🏡 Cheryl Liew — Chief Home Officer and former marketing & events professional, now navigating a season of caregiving while building a flexible, portfolio-style career.

They unpack:

• The identity crisis of stepping away from work

• The fear of losing visibility and relevance

• How to reframe a career break as growth, not failure

• The mindset shift needed to thrive in a new season

🎧 Does choosing family mean losing your edge — or finding a new kind of success?

Tune in to find out.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

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Get daily tips, insights, and community:

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📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if your 12-year-old started making his own money — and then told you how he wants to invest it?

That’s exactly what happened in this week’s episode.

Host Reggie sits down with Alex Lee, better known as Familee Dad, and his son Daken from Familee.sg — one of Singapore’s most popular family creator.

They open up about:

• Turning family content into a full-fledged business.
• How parents can teach kids the value of money without killing curiosity.
• What happens when kids start contributing to family finances (yes, really).
• And the emotional tug-of-war between saving, spending, and just living well in Singapore.

It’s funny, raw, and unexpectedly wise — a real peek into how money conversations sound in a modern Singaporean household.

🎧 Catch the full episode and maybe, just maybe, you’ll start talking money a little differently at home.

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🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your next big business move wasn’t in Singapore… but in Borneo? But what it is really like on the ground?

In this episode, we’ll unpack:

- Why Borneo might just be the next big space for entrepreneurs.

- The everyday hurdles — from supply chains to staffing — that outsiders rarely see.

- How to grow without losing the “human touch” in a tech-driven world.

- Why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword there — it’s survival.

Featuring:

- Janice Yeo – Managing Director, Borenos Sdn Bhd, the force behind Borenos Fried Chicken, who turned a hometown favorite into a rising F&B brand.

- William Hu – Founder, CEO & Group Director, NEX EcoVentures Sdn Bhd (899 Group), on building sustainable businesses in agriculture and beyond.

- David Wu – Minimalist in the City, Financial Coach.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind here at home, this episode might just spark new ideas about where — and how — you could expand next.

---

🎧 The Financial Coconut:

Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE

• Spotify
• Apple Podcast
• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
• TikTok
• Telegram
• Whatsapp
• Newsletter

📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK

Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube

⚠️ Disclaimer:

The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Trump re-enter the political arena in 2025, the global financial landscape faces unprecedented shifts. dissect the most pressing question: Where does the USD stand today? What are the Market trends?

With recent geopolitical shifts and emerging technologies challenging its position, many are wondering about the future of the world's reserve currency. In this must-listen episode, we brings together two heavyweight experts to break down what's really happening:

- Yam Ki Chan, Vice President, Asia Pacific at Circle

- Steve Bryce, Global Chief Investment Officer at Standard Chartered Bank Singapore

Together, they dive into:

- The real story behind recent dollar movements

- Why some popular "dollar doomsday" scenarios might be overblown

- How technology and digital currencies are reshaping the landscape

- What retail investors should actually be concerned about

Whether you're invested in US markets or just curious about where the global financial system is headed, this conversation offers rare insights from both traditional finance and fintech perspectives. Don't miss this deep dive into one of today's most talked-about financial topics.

00:00 Introduction

02:24 What are the key forces shaping the future of the US dollar, and where do you see it heading?

08:48 Why is the future of the US dollar a growing concern today?

15:02 How will the rise of crypto and global forces like China, BRICS, and Saudi Arabia impact the US dollar?

25:00 How would a gradual decline in the US dollar’s share of central bank holdings impact financial markets?

28:22 How will near-term interest rate trends affect portfolios and investments?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

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Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

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[Connect with us]

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Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you feeling stuck in your career? Wondering if it's time for a change but unsure where to start? Get ready for an unfiltered, no-sugarcoating conversation about navigating career switches that you absolutely cannot miss!

Dive into the real-world challenges of changing careers with two industry experts who've been in the trenches:

- John Borneman, Regional Director at Country Manager Hays Singapore

- Pierre Lim, Team Manager at Atomic Recruitment Singapore; a seasoned recruiter with 12 years of experience

We're talking about:

- What the real deal is about career switches

- Navigating salary expectations

- Handling the competitive job market

- Strategies for upskilling

- Overcoming the fear of making a career move

From micro-learning to managing expectations, this episode is packed with practical advice that will challenge your thinking and inspire you to take action.

Think you know everything about career transitions? Think again. Tune in to hear the raw, honest insights that could change the trajectory of your professional life.

00:01:45 - How do I go about navigating a career switch?

00:02:45 - Is it really true that if you were to do a career switch, you would expect a pay cut?

00:04:30 - Are there any red flags when someone is considering a career switch?

00:06:30 - Does frequent job-hopping raise concerns for recruiters?

00:07:45 - Is it true that Gen Z should job-hop frequently to increase their pay?

00:08:30 - What should someone do if they want to switch to an AI-related job but don’t have the time to learn new skills?

00:11:00 - If someone has learned some skills for a career switch but isn’t fully qualified, should they still apply for jobs?

00:14:30 - What if someone successfully switches careers but then regrets the switch?

00:19:45 - Is there ever a good or bad time to make a career move, considering economic factors?

00:22:00 - Are there fewer jobs now compared to two to three years ago?

00:23:45 - Is AI significantly impacting job availability in Singapore?

00:25:15 - What are the best ways to prepare for a career switch in today’s job market?

00:26:30 - How can someone find time to interview for new jobs while still working full-time?

00:29:45 - What should someone do if they are stuck in a role with no career progression?

00:33:30 - Is it a bad idea to move from one company to its competitor?

00:35:00 - Does frequently moving to different competitors in the same industry make someone look disloyal?

00:36:45 - Final reflections on career changes and the job market.

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

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Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel

Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the recent controversy around financial influencers and regulation in Singapore with guests:

- David Wu, Minimalist in the City / Financial Coach - financial advisor and minimalism blogger

- Seth from Sethisfy.com - financial content creator

Highlights:

- What really happened behind the headlines?

- The blurry lines between financial advice and education

- The unique challenges faced by financial content creators

- Where do finfluencers fit in Singapore's financial ecosystem?

This candid discussion offers insider perspectives on the financial content creation space, regulatory considerations, and what it means for consumers. Tune in for an engaging conversation that goes beyond the headlines.

02:05 - Could you provide an overview of the incident that has brought the issue of finfluencer regulation into discussion?

15:34 - What defines financial advice for finfluencers, and how should they be regulated fairly?

20:24 - Should finfluencers be held to the same regulatory standards as financial advisors?

35:13 - Should lifestyle influencers who promote financial products be held to the same standards as dedicated financial influencers?

39:49 - Should a finfluencer’s personal opinion be considered regulated financial advice?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube

[Connect with us]

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

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Telegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram

Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel

Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for a natural way to combat stress and burnout in your corporate life? We dive into the fascinating world of forest bathing with two special guests:

- Kevin Cottam, PCC, Leadership Coach, Author - A global nomad, professional speaker, and pioneer of the nomadic mindset

- Brenda Tan, Emotional & Mental Wellness Coach - An emotional and mental wellness coach bringing wellness to corporations and individuals

This episode explores:

- The surprising origins of forest bathing and its scientifically-proven benefits

- How this practice is helping busy professionals find calm in Singapore's urban jungle

- Why slowing down might actually be the key to moving faster in your career

- The unexpected connection between nature and leadership development

From remarkable success stories to practical tips, our guests share how this Japanese-inspired practice is transforming lives in unexpected ways. Whether you're a stressed executive, a curious nature lover, or someone looking for a new way to find balance, this episode offers valuable insights into an accessible practice that might just change how you view your relationship with nature and yourself.

Join us as we discover why some of Singapore's busiest professionals are choosing to unplug and step into the forest. The answers might surprise you.

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube

[Connect with us]

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

Tik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok

Telegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram

Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel

Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curious about how the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) stays relevant in today's evolving workforce? Join us on Wise & Shine as we explore the modern labour movement with special guest Miss Yeo Wan Ling, Member of Parliament and Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC.

Episode Highlight:

- How the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has evolved beyond its traditional blue-collar roots

- The changing landscape for PMEs (Professionals, Managers, and Executives)

- Support systems and protections you might not know about

- Navigating career transitions in today's dynamic job market

- New initiatives for platform workers and freelancers

Whether you're a fresh graduate, mid-career professional, or considering a career switch, this episode offers valuable insights into how Singapore's largest labour movement is adapting to support today's workforce.

Tune in as we unpack these topics with MP Yeo Wan Ling, and discover why NTUC might be more relevant to your career than you think.

01:25 - How is NTUC relevant to today’s workforce compared to previous generations?

09:43 - How does the union support individual members when their employer isn’t unionised?

12:34 - How can employees facing ageism seek NTUC’s support for issues like unfair termination?

16:50 - How does NTUC assist employees impacted by layoffs, especially caregivers with dependents?

18:45 - What are your thoughts on young workers struggling with callbacks and shifting industries?

25:35 - Elaborate on NTUC’s support for platform workers transitioning from traditional careers?

29:28 - Does representation cover local platform workers or also freelancers on sites like Fiverr?

33:43 - Is NTUC a safety net for PMEs and platform workers amid rising costs of living?

36:06 - Should non-unionised white-collar workers join NTUC, and what are the benefits?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube

[Connect with us]

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

Tik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok

Telegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram

Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel

Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking to understand the digital infrastructure powering our increasingly AI-driven world? We dive deep into data centers with two industry leaders:

- John Stewart CEO of Digital Core REIT, the only pure-play data centre Singapore REIT (S-REIT)

- Serene Nah, Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Digital Realty, the world's largest data center operator

Key points we explore:

- How data centers work and why they're becoming increasingly critical infrastructure

- The fascinating business model behind these digital warehouses

- Why Asia Pacific is positioned to be the fastest-growing market for data centers

- How AI is transforming the industry's landscape

- The unique investment opportunity in this rapidly evolving sector

Whether you're an investor looking to understand this emerging asset class or simply curious about the backbone of our digital world, this episode offers valuable insights into one of today's most dynamic industries. Tune in to learn why data centers are being called "the new banks" and how they're positioned to surf the AI wave.

Join us for this illuminating conversation about the infrastructure powering our digital future!

06:38 - What is colocation, how do its business models work?

13:51 - What are your investment criteria and the importance of your right of first refusal?

17:36 - Where do you see the REIT in 5–10 years?

19:00 - What is your focus given demand growth and infrastructure challenges?

24:32 - What are the key growth drivers and trends in Asia-Pacific?

34:50 - What distinguishes AI data centers from conventional ones, and how does sustainability factor in?

40:25 - Do you foresee the possibility of overbuilding data center capacity, and what are the consequences if it happens?

42:53 - Any final thoughts or insights for the audience?

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube

[Connect with us]

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

Tik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok

Telegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram

Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel

Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to explore the next frontier of business opportunities? Join us and dive into the fascinating world of doing business in the Middle East with three seasoned experts who have spent decades navigating these dynamic markets.

Key discussion points include:

- The striking transformation of Dubai from desert to global business hub

- Why Singapore companies have a unique advantage in Middle Eastern markets

- Understanding the crucial differences between GCC countries

- The role of hospitality and relationship-building in Middle Eastern business culture

Meet our distinguished guests:

- Tonya Tan, Founder & Business Sustainability Enabler from World Future Enterprises, who splits her time between Singapore and the Middle East

- Keith Tan, CEO of Ella by Crown Digital, creator of Ella the robot barista now expanding across the region

- Azhar Othman, Executive Chairman of Enercon Asia Group with extensive project experience across multiple Middle Eastern countries

Want to learn what it really takes to succeed in one of the world's most exciting growth markets? Tune in as our experts share candid insights about their journeys, challenges, and opportunities in the Middle East that you won't hear anywhere else.

Whether you're a tech startup, established business, or just curious about global expansion, this episode offers valuable perspectives on tapping into these lucrative markets. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the real business landscape of the Middle East.

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Podcast, Vodcast]

Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify

Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast

YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube

[Connect with us]

Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram

Tik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok

Telegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram

Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel

Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter

Check out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.