Safe-haven assets like gold, bonds and the US dollar are meant to protect your portfolio in times of crisis. But recent market movements are challenging that notion, leaving many investors questioning what still works. Sani Hamid from Financial Alliance sits with Andrea Heng to dissect what’s happening.

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With markets swinging wildly and uncertainty dominating headlines, is “buying the dip” a smart move or a risky gamble? How should investors decide when to jump in? In this episode of Money Talks, Andrea Heng sits down with Thomas Ng of PhillipCapital to break down how to read the market, spot real opportunities and understand why missing the boat isn’t always a bad thing.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Medical crises can quickly drain savings, especially if no one knows your treatment preferences. Costly procedures, frozen accounts and family disagreements are real risks without proper planning. Andrea Heng sits down with Allen Lim from the Asia Estate Planning Association to discuss how Advance Care Planning can help families act with clarity and confidence.

Editor's Note: This episode of Money Talks has been edited to remove an incorrect reference to the Advance Care Plan (ACP). An ACP is used for documenting future healthcare preferences and cannot be used to assign insurance policy ownership or nominations. Such arrangements must be made directly with the insurance provider. We apologise for the error.

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A handshake or bank transfer may feel quick and sufficient when helping a friend in need. Yet disputes over repayment, interest and even whether it was a gift can arise years later. Family lawyer Ang Boon Yaw from Yeo Marini Law Corporation sits with Andrea Heng to break down how to protect yourself and manage the risk when it comes to lending money to your loved ones.

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Come 2028, CPF members will have another way to grow their retirement savings through investments that rebalances automatically over time. With low-cost providers expected and market risks involved, what should you consider before opting in? Christopher Tan from Providend joins Andrea Heng to discuss what you need to know.

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When one partner is risk-averse and the other wants to chase growth, how do you find a middle ground? Tiger Fund Management’s Jeremy Tan joins Andrea Heng to share practical tips on bridging the risk gap, explain why documenting contributions is an act of care rather than a lack of romance and discuss how to stay united when the markets - and your portfolio - take a dip.

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