Ever thought investing in small-cap stocks was just too risky? What if the biggest myths about them are hiding the biggest opportunities?

We sit down with James Yeo, Investor and Trainer, Investkaki.com shares how he went from a five-figure wipeout to building a mid six-figure portfolio

What you’ll hear:

- The painful mistake that shaped his investing framework.

- How he pivoted from trading to value, then to quality investing.

- Why Singapore’s small-cap stocks might hold more potential than most investors think.

- Practical guardrails to protect yourself from another wipeout.

If you’ve ever doubted whether you can bounce back from losses, this conversation is proof that resilience (and the right strategy) can change everything.

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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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• YouTube

🔗 CONNECT WITH US

Get daily tips, insights, and community:

• Instagram
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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 you could retire… in your 30s? Not at the end of your life, but right now? What would you do with that time, and who would you become?

Meet Ho Ming Xia, a former chronic workaholic from the high-stakes world of global entrepreneurship, now taking a bold leap into living life on her own terms.

Sneak peek:

- Why Xia decided to take a "retirement year" at the peak of her career.

- How she simulated retirement by living in four cities and balancing work with well-being.

- The unexpected lessons she learned about time, money, and self-worth along the way.

- And how she manages to work just 4-hours a week while living life to the fullest.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running out of time, or wondered what’s on the other side of the relentless hustle… you need to hear this story.

Tune in to discover how to simulate the life you want and start living it now.

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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.

Does the FIRE movement unlock freedom—or just another grind?

Christopher Ng, Founder, Tree of Prosperity, and one of Singapore’s earliest FIRE adopters, joins us to share:

- Why the original FIRE ideas differ from how millennials and Gen Z are practicing it today

- The surprising mindset needed to actually enjoy FIRE

- The hidden trade-offs of lifestyle compression

- How dividends (yes, just one payout changed everything for Chris) can reshape your view of work and money

- Why FIRE isn’t meaningless — and what really gives life meaning beyond money

If you’ve ever wondered whether FIRE is a path to freedom or just another grind, this conversation will make you rethink your assumptions.

Tune in and decide for yourself — is FIRE worth chasing?

---

🎧 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 happens when you slash your spending to just a few hundred dollars a month, quit your stable job, and throw yourself into extreme budgeting and risky ventures?

Meet Xuan Kai — physiotherapist by day, YouTuber by night — who once slashed his spending to just $100 a month and quit his job with no backup plan.

Hear:

- What extreme budgeting really costs you

- How risky trades and burnout reshaped his outlook

- Why his best investment isn’t in the markets at all

Raw, unfiltered, and full of lessons you won’t find in a finance textbook.

Don’t miss this episode — tune in to hear what Xuan Kai learned the hard way, and how he’s rewriting his relationship with money today.

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Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 Dec 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

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

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

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 does it really feel like to be an Indonesian professional building a life in Singapore?

We sat with Mickey Salim – a Jakarta-born, Hong Kong-raised marketing tech pro who’s now making her mark in Singapore.

From landing a rare internal transfer without a job lined up… to navigating the messy, months-long process of relocating across Asia… Mickey spills the real tea on what it takes to make the move – connections, hustle, and a whole lot of persistence.

She shares:

- The unexpected advantage she had from studying in Hong Kong – and why it made all the difference

- How she negotiated her relocation package & pulled off a bold, self-initiated international transfer against all odds

- A shocking “buyout” clause that let her jump to her new job faster

- Why she says living a decent life in Singapore might actually be cheaper than in Jakarta – yes, really

- Her bold money moves: from frugal beginnings to investing across borders, playing with crypto, and leveraging SRS for tax savings

- And the surprising reason she’s now certain she wants to **settle down in Singapore for good**

Mickey’s also a rising voice in the Indonesian community here – turning her content channel into a platform that’s connecting and empowering fellow expats.

This is a story of strategy, survival, and finding your place. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s packed with insights for anyone building a life away from home.

Don’t miss it. This one’s for every aspiring expat– and anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to build a life across borders.

---

Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

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

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. 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.

Ready to navigate the explosive world of franchising in 2025?

We sit with three industry powerhouses who’ve lived and breathed franchising from every angle:

• Ms Hsien Naidu, CEO, Astreem Consulting Pte Ltd - 20-year franchise guru who’s scaled award-winning brands across Asia
• Mr Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore), Vice President, Group Sales and Marketing, Koda Ltd and Chief Operating Officer, Commune Lifestyle Pte Ltd - Retail disruptor who conquered China’s cutthroat market with furniture franchising
• Mr Lee Shao Rong, Owner & F&B Entrepreneur - From near-failure to 11 outlets—the founder of Super Green shares hard-won ops truths

We’re talking 2025 franchise trends you need to know:

✅ Why location isn’t just about foot traffic — and the counterintuitive strategy behind choosing the right spot

✅ The hidden costs no one talks about — from manpower to mall logistics

✅ How China is rewriting the franchise playbook — and what it means for you

✅ Why empathy between franchisor and franchisee is the secret sauce to long-term success

✅ And the #1 question you must ask before signing any franchise agreement

This is more than just a preview of FLAsia — it’s your insider’s guide to making smarter, data-driven decisions in a fast-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re a franchisor, franchisee, or eyeing your first investment, this episode is your 2025 survival kit.

Tune in now — and don’t miss the exclusive Franchise Mastermind Workshop at FLAsia 2025, where potential franchisees get 2 hours of hands-on guidance from industry leaders.

📍Mark your calendars: FLAsia 2025, September 18–20 at Marina Bay Sands

👉 Score a Free Visitor Pass: https://qr1.be/CR6O

👉 Or use code [FLA25_TFC_20] for 20% off conference tickets! (Partner events excluded).

See you there!

01:54 - Introduction: Ms Hsien Naidu, CEO, Astreem Consulting Pte Ltd

02:43 - What motivated you to stay in the franchising space for 20 years?

04:29 - Introduction: Mr Gan Shee Wen, President, Franchising and Licensing Association (SG)

06:19 - Why take on the franchise presidency despite your busy schedule?

08:08 - Introduction: Mr Lee Shao Rong, Owner & F&B Entrepreneur, Supergreen

08:39 - How did you get started, and what did it cost to enter the business?

14:45 - What key trends are shaping the franchising space today?

18:26 - How do you stay competitive and viable in a crowded CBD market?

20:06 - Is your brand more affordable, and what’s the risk-reward trade-off?

21:51 - How should one evaluate data trade-offs in modern franchise models?

25:11 - How do you choose franchise locations to ensure business success?

34:43 - What’s a fair expectation of brand reinvestment from franchisors?

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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.

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. 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 everything you’ve been told about success in Singapore is… optional?

We sat with one of Singapore’s most talked-about new voices in personal finance and intentional living: 🐢 ContraTurtle

Who is ContraTurtle?

He’s not a trader. He’s not into get-rich-quick schemes. And no, that turtle mask he shows up in isn’t a gimmick – it’s a philosophy. Inspired by Charlie Munger and powered by AI (yes, really), ContraTurtle is on a mission to challenge the script: graduate, get a job, buy a condo, repeat.

Tune in as he shares:

- Why the "condo-and-car" script might not be your path to happiness.

- How a shocking family loss led to a radical rethink of money and purpose.

- The surprising connection between Charlie Munger, a scarecrow village, and finding your Ikigai.

- ContraTurtle’s nine criteria for picking stocks—and why "lazy investing" could be your best strategy.

- A glimpse into the future of tech investing (hint: it involves AI glasses and WhatsApp).

This isn’t just about money. It’s about designing a life that’s truly yours — not one borrowed from your parents, your peers, or societal pressure.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

#Investing #Singapore #Contrarian #Ikigai #Podcast

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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.

CPF suffers from a universal problem: Complexity.

People either ignore it, misunderstand it, or build their 'financial house' on shaky ground..

Get a peek behind the curtain from someone who not only helped design the CPF system but also manages his own daily finances (and CPF money) within it.

Our guest is former Deputy CEO of CPF – Mr. Chin Heng Soh, who will share more on:

- Why CPF is both a powerful foundation and a double-edged sword for Singaporeans.

- The boring-but-brilliant investment strategy he swears by (hint: it’s not stocks!).

- Critical gaps in healthcare/insurance planning most people overlook.

- How to turn policy complexity into your advantage.

Mr. Soh isn’t just a policy insider—he’s a counselor, financial trainer, and self-proclaimed "boring investor" who’s survived market chaos. He’ll show you how to simplify your financial life and achieve true independence—no jargon, just real talk.

Tune in to find out if your money is working as hard as his!

04:37 - Why did you choose to stay so long in CPF instead of rotating?

09:18 - What drove CPF's shift to life policies, and are they still relevant?

14:01 - How are you and your wife approaching IP plans and rider choices?

18:18 - How do you plan your finances with CPF as part of the strategy?

21:25 - How do you approach CPF investing given the low average returns?

26:24 - How do you manage your mortgage, property, and OA together?

31:49 - How do you manage income that isn’t part of the CPF system?

33:37 - Why wouldn’t you fully invest your SRS funds for maximum returns?

---

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.