Headstart On Record

The Straits Times
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Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Podcasters: Sue-Ann Tan & See Kai Wen Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

  1. 1d ago

    Singapore stocks beat Wall Street over the last five years | Investing basics explained

    ETFs, REITs, SSBs, T-bills - what do they all mean? In this episode, SGX director of capital market development Emelia Tan breaks down different investment assets and compares which ones are suitable for you.  Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss why ETFs are so popular now, how to diversify your investment portfolio, and whether the SGX or US stock market gives higher returns.  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction and discussion of ETFs 7:41 Types of ETFs on the SGX  9:03 Are there drawbacks to buying ETFs 12:03 STI or S&P 500 16:27 Exploring SSBs and T-bills 26:24 REITs and the dividend play 35:50 How to build an investment portfolio Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Danson Cheong Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Singapore stocks beat Wall Street over the last five years | Investing basics explained

  2. Oct 26

    The world is on fire but hey I have matcha: How little treats are helping us deal with uncertainty

    Labubus, blind boxes, bubble tea. Why do we keep buying things we don’t need? In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss why people buy trendy but “useless” things as a way to treat themselves. Is there a limit to how much a person can spend before it becomes indulgent? Find out about the “little treat” economy, and why people sometimes shift their spending towards small luxuries when bigger purchases start feeling out of reach. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction to treating yourself and small joys 4:37 "Little treats" vs major life milestones  9:30 Doom spending, instant gratification, and the "little treat” economy 15:10 Balancing present enjoyment with long-term financial security 19:12 Underconsumption core vs collecting and hoarding 23:20 Practical budgeting strategies Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Yang Jiesan Cruz Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The world is on fire but hey I have matcha: How little treats are helping us deal with uncertainty

  3. Oct 19

    Study hard, work hard, retire then die: Do Singaporeans spend our lives living someone else's dream?

    Good grades, good jobs, applying for a BTO, getting married. Isn’t that every Singaporean’s dream? In this episode, Julian Low, co-founder of theatre practice Wushiren, talks about his experience defying the “Singaporean Dream” by dropping out of medical school. He then went on to pursue his dream of starting an independent theatre collective.  Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss if a fixed definition of success is still relevant in these times and why it’s important to have the courage to stray from “the script” and explore what truly makes you curious in life. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Intro 0:54 Is there a "Singaporean Dream"? 2:48 Why Julian dropped out of medical school 6:34 People stick to safe choices even when it makes them suffer 10:54 “Challenge” is the new C in the 5Cs list 15:55 Is fatigue our body’s way of sending a message? 20:02 Financial realities vs your dreams  29:04 Redefining the Singaporean Dream Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim and Yang Jiesan Cruz Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Study hard, work hard, retire then die: Do Singaporeans spend our lives living someone else's dream?

  4. Oct 12

    'Spotify can just take it down': A Gen Z collector on why his peers are going analogue, buying CDs

    Wired earphones and film cameras: Is retro tech back, or another performative trend? In this episode, we look at how retro analogue items such as wired earphones, film cameras, and Walkmans are making a comeback. Is this here to stay or is it just another performative trend? Join hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann as they chat with Gen Z business owner and CD collector Cody Tong about the psychology behind the analogue revival and the benefits of unplugging. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction  2:32 Why physical formats are making a comeback 5:52 Tech trends, aesthetics, and nostalgia 8:33 Intention and benefits of going analogue 17:13 Digital detox and practical tips to unplug Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    'Spotify can just take it down': A Gen Z collector on why his peers are going analogue, buying CDs

  5. Oct 5

    How much cash is 'enough' and how to invest the rest? An investment expert breaks it down

    Invest but keep enough liquidity to help you sleep at night. In this episode, we look into the concept of liquidity. Everyone tells us to invest, but how much is enough and how much should we leave behind for a rainy day? What about saving for BTO and other commitments?  Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann speak to guest Bryan Low, Managing Director and Head of International Wealth Management for Singapore at KGI about what liquidity really means, types of investments and how liquid they are, and if you should just keep all your money in savings accounts for fear of that rainy day. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Intro 1:08 How much cash do we really need 5:00 Liquidity vs cash  9:30 Investments that are less liquid  12:50 Risk profile differs according to age 15:15 But what if I need to pay for my BTO? 22:55 The intersection between your life and wealth 28:00 How much to keep in the bank Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How much cash is 'enough' and how to invest the rest? An investment expert breaks it down

  6. Sep 28

    They decide your pay, promotion and performance: Should your boss be on your socials?

    What are the repercussions of adding your boss and colleagues on social media? In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss the nuances of adding your colleagues and supervisor on social media.  While there are benefits to sharing your personal life with them on these platforms, should we also be wary that they might use the information against us?  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction and personal experiences with bosses on socials 3:00 Power dynamics of social media 6:08 Online public vs private personas 8:56 Are there any pros to adding your boss on social media? 9:58 What do people use social media for? 15:32 Navigating social media boundaries with bosses and colleagues Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    They decide your pay, promotion and performance: Should your boss be on your socials?

  7. Sep 21

    High anxiety, spiking cortisol: it's tough making friends as an adult, is it worth the trouble?

    Our friend circles shrink as we get older. How do we deal with it? In this episode, therapist Cao Zhikai shares how we can deal with losing friends as we enter adulthood, and what we can do to combat that feeling of loss. She also shares about the grief of friendship breakups, which don’t often get given enough attention in a society that prioritises romantic relationships.  Hosts Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss why it’s nerve-wrecking making friends as adults, yet having the payoff of a purposeful adult connection is worth it.  Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00 Introduction 0:32 Shrinking adult friend circles?  4:35 Why proximity matters  8:39 The grief of losing friends 16:26 Being intentional in keeping friendships alive 24:39 Do friends serve a purpose?  28:10 The fears of making new friends as adults 33:59 Meeting new people in a non-romantic way Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    High anxiety, spiking cortisol: it's tough making friends as an adult, is it worth the trouble?

  8. Sep 14

    Why travelling with friends can lead to meltdowns and broken friendships

    Is travelling with friends worth the risk when all hell breaks loose? From disagreements over budget to one person wanting to “travelmax” while another wants to wake up at noon, a trip can become a horror story.  In this episode, Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss whether you should travel with friends and the red flags that can spell disaster instead of a fun holiday. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:00: Intro 2:10 Compromising on travel choices 4:50 Walking red flags on holiday 8:11 Relaxing vs travelmaxxing   12:00 Breakups on holiday  14:05 Picking travel companions 15:57 Pre-trip disclosures Follow See Kai Wen on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/qfwqQ Follow Sue-Ann Tan on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/A86X Read Sue-Ann Tan's articles: https://str.sg/mvSa Hosts: See Kai Wen (seekw@sph.com.sg) and Sue-Ann Tan (suetan@sph.com.sg) Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law Follow the Headstart On Record Podcast here: Channel: https://str.sg/wB2m Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wuN3 Spotify: https://str.sg/wBr9 Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Get business/career tips in ST's Headstart newsletter: https://str.sg/headstart-nl --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Watch Headstart On Record Podcast on YouTube: https://str.sg/3psqrx --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- Do note: All analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast are for your general information only. You should not rely on them in making any decision. Please consult a fully qualified financial adviser or professional expert for independent advice and verification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, SPH Media shall not be liable for any loss arising from the use of or reliance on any analyses, opinions, recommendations and other information in this podcast. SPH Media accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever that may result or arise from the products, services or information of any third parties. --- #headstart See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why travelling with friends can lead to meltdowns and broken friendships
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About

Synopsis: Every first and third Monday of the month, get a head start in your personal finance, career and life with The Straits Times. Podcasters: Sue-Ann Tan & See Kai Wen Produced & edited by: Amirul Karim Executive producer: Elizabeth Law A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Information

  • Creator
    The Straits Times
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Straits Times
  • Show Website
    Headstart On Record

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