Bfm :: Ringgit And Sense

2023 ends soon but before year ends, we explore all the tax breaks that are available with Christine Koh, Managing Partner of Owen KLCA. We also find out if its better to file your own taxes or with your spouse and what to do, if you do get that letter from Inland Revenue.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

As we draw a conclusion for the year, Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation joins Philip See to discuss the key lessons from 2023 that had a notable impact on personal finance and what financial goals to set for the coming year.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Data shows that more Malaysians are engaging professionally certified financial planners to help them understand the complex world of investments to match their financial goals. Anwar Mahbob speaks with Alvin Tan, President of the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia to find out how this profession has evolved and why financial planning is for everyone, not only the wealthy.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

We've all employed rationalizations for our purchases, whether it's crunching the numbers on the cost per wear or persuading ourselves that snagging a discounted item equates to savvy savings. This isn't exactly a new way of thinking while social media has recently labeled it as "Girl Math". Dr. Grace Lee, professor of economics at Monash University Malaysia speaks to us on the psychology behind girl math and when it becomes too dangerous.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

In this era of high interest rates, how should you invest? We explore that conundrum since the historical correlations between asset classes appear to have broken down with Lim Chia Wei, Senior Portfolio Manager at AHAM Capital.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

On Monday was World’s Children’s Day. Idham Idris, Director & Licensed Financial Planner from Wealth Vantage Advisory discuss the cost of having these bundles of joy, how to budget and when is a good time to talk about money with them.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Sustainable Assets under Management has increased to US 2.8trillion as of June 2023. A significant sum as more investors seek to align their own ESG values with investments. But is there sufficient depth and breadth to the market? Jigar Shah, Global Head of Sustainability Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group gives us that answer whilst telling us if ESG returns can be superior.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

For ringgit and sense today, we discuss the impact of inflation on household budget. Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Planning of Finwealth Management tells us what are the adjustments that could be made, who should look into reviewing their loans and whether long term goals like investment and retirement planning are not compromisable.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

According to Art Basel’s 2023 market report with Swiss Investment Bank, UBS, Global art sales increased by 3% year-on-year to an estimated $67.8 billion thanks to event driven art fairs, gallery opening and auction returning to pre-pandemic levels. With art increasingly seen as an alternative investment, how does one even start and is it only for the rich. Bingley Sim, an investment banker and avid art collector tells us.

Gig or freelance work is increasingly common and there are many pluses but it's not without its financial consequences. We check in with Gor Sheau Shuenn, a licensed financial planner at Alpine Advisory on how to budget, save and even invest when income can be uncertain.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Budget 2024 is the most expansionary to date but with the government focused on fiscal consolidation, what goodies were there for the rakyat? Thanneermalai Somasundaram from Thannees Tax Consulting Services advises us whilst explaining to us the new taxes and the importance of paying it.

October 10 marks World Mental Health Day and The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1 in 4 people are affected by mental disorders at some point in their lives. We explore the connection between mental health and money from various aspects with Anita Abu Bakar, President of the Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

October 1 was designated as International Day of Older Persons by The United Nations General Assembly. And Malaysia is expected to become a 'super-aged nation' by 2056. For Ringgit and Sense today, Martin Yap, Founder & CEO, CARE Concierge helps us understand how to balance filial piety with our own financial obligation, the cost of elderly care and how can we prepare ourselves financially for it if we decide to take on that responsibility.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

Financial literacy is unfortunately not taught in schools as part of core curriculum but according to a recent survey by The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO), it should be. We find out why and how it should be taught with their CEO, Clare Walker.Image credit: Shutterstock.com

BFM just turned 15, so what are the 15 things every retail investor should know. We turn to Founder & Chief Research Officer of Trident Analytics Sdn Bhd and author of the book- “What I learnt as an Analyst”, Peter Lim to have this important discussion.Image Credit: Shutterstock

We have routines like eating healthy and exercising regularly but why isn't this extended to financial planning? Ian Wong, licensed financial planner & CEO of Uno Advisers tells us how to make that a habit and why it's so important.

Barbie the movie has grossed more than USD1bn at the box office but is she in the best shape financially? We check in with Rozanna Rashid, Licensed Financial Planner from Alpine Advisory as to what advice she would give to a 64-year-old lady with multiple homes, a jet-setting lifestyle and no dependents.

The government is proposing progressive wages on a voluntary basis but rather than wait, how can you earn more over the course of your career? Deepa George, Managing Consultant at MYHRC Services gives us some advice whilst telling us if job hopping is really detrimental.

Recently there has been more talk about private equity on the back of the listing of Mr DIY. But how does a PE firm work, what are the risks and potential returns. We ask Ng Sai Kit, Chairman of the Malaysia Venture Capital and Private Equity Association these important questions.

Deciding to have a child is one of the biggest decisions to make. However what is the cost of even having a baby. Founder of the financial blog Ringgit Oh Ringgit and new mother, Suraya Zainudin tells us.Image by: Shutterstock