*Episode is brought to you by Her Duit & Kenanga Futures
It's me! I'm back but just for a little mid-break check-in while I continue to focus on some of my other current commitments and priorities.
I also have an exciting platform to share with you, especially to those who have asked me questions about learning to trade. ☺️
In this episode, I talk to you about:
Kenanga Futures Virtual Trading
Learn more here: https://www.kenangafutures.com.my/kfvt/
Signup for free: https://kfvirtualtrading.com/user/register/?referral_code=6E2F3A
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Discount Codes: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Oyen - Pet Insurance in Malaysia: https://www.oyen.my/
Season 1 Finale!
Wow, what a journey it has been! When I started Her Duit, I never imagined getting to episode 32, actually, I never thought too much about where to go, I just kept going and told myself I cannot quit.
It's been fulfilling but also challenging the last couple of months since before Her Duit started, from getting everything prepared, actually getting started to consistently produce content every single day; on top of my full-time job and a few things going on at the side.
Anyway, this is the long-awaited episode that I actually recorded back in January 2021 with Kevin during the lockdown. I initially had it scheduled to be released like a normal episode but with MCO 2.0 and not having taken more than a 3 day break the last year taught me that it's probably time to take a (sort-of) break and get pumped up for Season 2 and more exciting things.
I hope this gives you a lot more backstory as well as insights into the voice and face behind Her Duit. :)
04:38: A candid introduction
05:30: A little insight into my childhood and education
07:18: My first encounter in personal finance
10:29: My attitude towards making money growing up
13:29: Memorable experiences growing up
14:54: How did my perception of money change?
16:24: What was holding me back from investing?
18:07: Why was my first investment ever in cryptocurrency?
20:03: How did I gain the confidence to start investing?
23:02: Learning company fundamentals: need or not need?
26:59: My biggest investment regret/learning
29:01: Advice to my 23-year-old self in entrepreneurship & money
30:03: How do I feel about my money today?
31:46: What are my own money goals?
34:45: Do I see a gender disparity in goal setting?
37:46: The inception of Her Duit and why
40:53: How do I pick interviewees at Her Duit?
42:25: What have I found interesting among my interviewees
44:15: How do I feel about Her Duit and our comments so far?
45:54: Why did I choose to do a podcast over other formats?
47:39: My plans and goals for Her Duit
49:47: My (non-investment) advice to Her Duit followers
Mentions:
Gracie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringgitfreedom/
Gracie's Blog: http://ringgitfreedom.com/
Mr Money TV: Men vs Women Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6vQYWtMgzc
Resources:
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Getting Cryptocurrency on Luno:
Promo Code: LNHERDUIT50
Deposit RM500 and get free RM50 of bitcoin! Valid until 15 May 2021
Only valid for new Luno users and purchases made from Instant Buy/Sell.
Read more and sign up for Luno here: http://luno.com/
App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/bitx-wallet/id927362479?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=co.bitx.android.wallet
Happy International Women's Day!
On today's surprise, special IWD episode, we have Suyin Ong, a personal finance content creator from Malaysia. She runs a YouTube channel where she advocates for good money habits and investing.
We spoke to Suyin about her money journey, how it was shaped through her upbringing, how she came to realise what are her value sets, her background in teaching and translating that to starting her YouTube channel as well as 3 mistakes that she's made in her own journey!
04:01: 5 Quick Fire Questions with Suyin
12:11: Suyin's personal finance learnings when growing up
14:20: Suyin's experience buying a designer bag
17:05: Values that Suyin still holds onto strongly today
18:22: A money behaviour that she didn't completely resonate with
19:46: The irrationality of money and emotions
22:53: When and how did Suyin start taking charge of her personal finances?
25:20: Did being a teacher contribute to her starting a YouTube channel?
31:16: The challenges of Suyin's YouTube journey so far
34:51: Suyin sharing 3 mistakes she has made in her personal finance journey
46:46: Final words from Suyin from an IWD theme
Resources:
Suyin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SuyinOng
Suyin's Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/suyinvests/
Suyin Invests Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/suyinvests/
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Today, we get to know Kell Burhanudin, Head of Community at HeyAlfred, a little bit better!
She shares with us the top questions Malaysians ask, and you'd be surprise what it is (and no it isn't your common personal finance questions on budgeting and investing!). We also walkthrough Kell's own learnings, her views on personal finance and her goals on this episode.
02:15: What does the Head of Community at HeyAlfred do?
05:12: How does HeyAlfred come up with content?
06:26: Kell's biggest learnings in personal finance so far
07:25: How to be conscious about the information you consume
10:10: Kell's money behaviour changes post-HeyAlfred?
14:24: Something more people need to know about in their personal finance journey?
16:30: How do we tackle not knowing 'enough' in personal finance?
19:50: What are Kell's own financial goals in life?
Resources:
HeyAlfred: https://heyalfred.co/
Download HeyAlfred: http://onelink.to/heyalfredco
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Emergency Funds; what are they? Why did no one tell me that I needed emergency funds in my life? 😱
What do I do if I lose my job? How do I pay for my expenses? 😱
I think one of the foundational parts of personal finance is about emergency funds, and not just 'saving' alone.
Emergency funds are our cushions or our safety nets when unexpected emergencies happen. So, why were we never taught about it in school or growing up?
Whether you have your emergency funds sorted or have not begun, this is a fantastic episode to learn more about it with Kell Burhanudin from HeyAlfred.co!
01:57: 5 Quick Fire Questions with Kell
04:43: What are Emergency Funds? Why is it important?
06:23: Debt vs Emergency Funds: how to manage and balance both?
07:27: What do you actually use your emergency funds for?
09:45: Where to store your emergency funds?
12:40: Tips & tricks in building emergency funds
15:45: Wait, what's a sinking fund? Is it the same?
18:15: How much to actually save for your emergency fund?
19:57: Join the Simpan Challenge with HeyAlfred and AbangAbu Mekanik Wang!
Resources:
HeyAlfred: https://heyalfred.co/
Download HeyAlfred: http://onelink.to/heyalfredco
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Managing personal finance as a freelancer or as one who is self-employed can take a little more planning at the beginning.
From figuring out how to grow your income, to managing business expenses and even consistently save and invest while not having a fixed income amount. It can be pretty daunting but it does not mean that it is difficult!
AJ and Renee, our guests and also the co-founders of The Freelancers Academy shares their own personal finance journey. They talk about the importance of having to get your finances right and how they manage their own money. Want to find out more? Start listening to the episode now!
01:43: AJ & Renee shares the highlights & lowlights of their freelancing journey
04:37: Has Renee ever thought about freelancing during her 9-5 job?
06:26: Has AJ only ever considered a 9-5 job?
08:45: Is freelancing a risky career move?
13:14: How much did Renee have when she quit her 9-5?
15:08: How to manage finances transitioning from student to freelancer?
16:29: Freelancing equipment: how to afford?
20:06: AJ's 20/20 rule for savings & investments
21:51: How does Renee manage her retirement savings?
24:08: AJ's take on managing medical bills & personal finance as a freelancer
31:15: How to tackle the freelancing question with your family?
35:46: What does retirement mean to AJ & Renee?
Resources:
The Freelancers Academy: https://www.thefreelancersacademy.com/
Renee's Peachy Pixx Productions: http://peachypixx.com/
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Freelancing has been an increasingly popular career path for those who want to 'be their own boss' and take charge of their own time, their own way.
This is the episode for those who have considered freelancing as a job or those who are keen to learn more! I had the privilege of inviting AJ and Renee, who co-founded The Freelancers Academy. They are passionate about building a safe community with and for freelancers and collaborating to elevate each other.
Listen in to learn all the questions you had about freelancing and also some tips from two very successful freelancers in unique industries!
01:30: Introduction to AJ, Renee & The Freelancers Academy (TFA)
03:31: What is freelancing?
04:07: COVID-19 times: Why are more people going into freelancing?
04:35: Contrasting freelancing to 9-5 jobs
07:26: How to get started in freelancing?
08:51: Tough parts about freelancing?
15:30: What must you know before considering freelancing?
20:31: Women Freelancers: what are the realities? (especially hijabis!)
24:52: How to deal with unhappy clients as a freelancer?
25:45: Is freelancing free?!
26:58: Recapping important pre-freelancing tips!
28:18: AJ & Renee's best freelancing moments
29:19: Common misconceptions in freelancing
30:12: How can a beginner freelancer build credibility?
31:55: Surprisingly profitable niches in freelancing?!
34:05: Success tips for budding freelancers
Resources:
The Freelancers Academy: https://www.thefreelancersacademy.com/
Renee's Peachy Pixx Productions: http://peachypixx.com/
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
> Promo Code below! <
Are you feeling FOMO from not buying any bitcoin before? Are bitcoin prices going to go up indefinitely? Is there a bubble? What is bitcoin or cryptocurrency even?
I think you'll agree with me that these questions have gone through your head one point in time. Precisely because of that, I've invited Scarlett Chai, the Marketing and Partnerships Lead (Kuala Lumpur - Asia) from Luno, to share more about the basics of cryptocurrency, how to differentiate the different types and how you can get started on your journey!
03:35: Scarlett answers 5 quick-fire questions
05:15: What is cryptocurrency?
07:06: Why has cryptocurrency prices been crazy recently?
08:32: What are the differences in different types of 'coins'?
09:51: How to evaluate different types of 'coins'?
11:54: What is Luno & how does it relate to cryptocurrency?
14:50: How can we start buying cryptocurrency?
19:06: What should we have knowledge in before buying cryptocurrency?
22:24: What drives the price movements of cryptocurrency?
23:23: Legitimacy of cryptocurrencies in Malaysia?
25:10: Will cryptocurrency replace fiat money one day?
26:36: Should we include cryptocurrency in our portfolio?
26:30: Is there a bubble?
29:23: Is it too late to buy cryptocurrency?
30:38: Are bitcoin prices going to continue increasing?
32:44: How and where should beginners start?
35:23: Scarlett's take on how we should approach investing
Promo Code: LNHERDUIT50
Deposit RM500 and get free RM50 of bitcoin! Valid until 15 May 2021
Only valid for new Luno users and purchases made from Instant Buy/Sell.
Read more and sign up for Luno here: http://luno.com/
App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/bitx-wallet/id927362479?mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=co.bitx.android.wallet
Resources
1) The Economic Times (India): Bitcoin is unlike any other bubble we’ve seen so far
2) Luno's Blog Post: What's next in 2021 for Bitcoin- number of times Bitcoin declared dead
3) Grayscale: Digital Currency Toolkit for Financial Advisors: https://grayscale.co/financial-advisors-toolkit/
4) Bitwise: The Case for Crypto in an Institutional Portfolio: https://static.bitwiseinvestments.com/Research/Bitwise-The-Case-For-Crypto-In-An-Institutional-Portfolio.pdf
Social Media
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
In this episode with Gracie, we talk about her money journey extensively. From how she had to metaphorically bang into walls as part of her learning journey in personal finance, having to buy a house to meet her mom's expectations and dreams, climbing out of spiralling depression and taking charge of her life again and her aspirations for herself financially. If you are looking to be inspired by Gracie's wisdom, her experiences and her learning, wait no more!
01:43: How did Gracie start her personal finance journey?
04:02: How did Gracie start investing?
09:46: The calm before the storm: expectations & depression
15:30: Will Gracie have changed anything to change her destiny?
17:27: What Gracie will change about buying a property
18:01: Handling a fight with a friend over money conversations
21:25: What would she tell her friends to help them with their money journey?
24:37: The origins of Ringgit Freedom
26:23: Why did Gracie choose to hide her identity?
28:28: Gracie's definition of financial independence
31:14: Gracie's financial goals for 2021 and beyond
34:15: Ringgit Freedom: what's coming up next?
35:15: Final words of wisdom from Gracie
Gracie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringgitfreedom/
Gracie's Blog: http://ringgitfreedom.com/
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Interrupting our usual episodes with a casual and festive one today because it is the first day of Chinese New Year!
I share 3 ways to think about money this Chinese New Year. To my lovely followers who are not celebrating, I have also shared some 3 timeless money management tips that you can always refer to.
Have a lovely break everyone!
All over social media and the news, we see headlines of companies outside Malaysia increase, from Gamestop to Tesla to Alibaba to Zoom. Have you wondered how on Earth do you get to buy stocks from these companies? Investing in companies outside of Malaysia is not that straightforward (a few caveats aside, like investing in ETFs through robo-advisors). First, we need to register for a brokerage account and go through their verification process, which can take weeks to months. Beyond that, we probably need to have a good amount of capital before even considering buying individual US stocks. Then, you have to figure out how on Earth do you most affordably convert your hard-earned Ringgit into currencies like USD or SGD, and not lose too much money before finally being able to buy your coveted Apple stock.
Today's episode breaks down these complicated steps into simple ones, with Gracie, the founder behind RinggitFreedom.com. I invited Gracie over to share her journey towards finding the right brokerage for her, after her very extensive research into brokerage accounts abroad that are available to Malaysians.
03:07: Gracie answers 5 quick-fire questions
08:56: Why should you explore investing outside of Malaysia?
10:48: MUST LISTEN if you are actively contributing to EPF
12:22: How should people start investing outside of Malaysia? What to do?
16:16: How did Gracie decide on her brokerage for her international stocks?
20:43: Gracie's investment philosophies for investing abroad
24:51: Common misconceptions about investing abroad
26:58: Gracie's valuable lessons investing abroad
Gracie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringgitfreedom/
Gracie's Blog: http://ringgitfreedom.com/
Her Duit Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Her Duit Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Her Duit Perks: https://linktr.ee/herduit
Sustainability is actually tied more closely to money than we think! In this episode, Hani talks in-depth about how we can be more sustainable and even save money while we are at it. I also learned that there are a lot of concepts in sustainability that are similar to how we should look at money, and one of them is conscious spending. We also hear more from Hani on her money journey and how she views financial freedom as a millennial working adult!
01:24: How did Hani get into sustainability?
05:14: How to connect the dots between money and being sustainable?
07:43: Conscious spending: money & sustainability
11:43: 3 things to do to start being more sustainable & save money at the same time
13:49: Hani's money story
15:19: How did Hani save 5 figures in 6 months?
18:34: What does financial freedom look like to Hani?
19:44: Hani's 2021 financial goals
21:47: Millennial money habits that should change
Hani started working when she was 19! At 24, she had 5 years of working experience already in her hometown in Kuching and COVID-19 pushed her to make a move to Kuala Lumpur for the next phase of her career.
In this episode, Hani talks about:
Episode details:
01:17: Hani answers 5 quick-fire questions
06:52: Career talk: moving from Kuching to KL
10:50: Biggest differences between work-life in Kuching vs KL
13:09: How did Hani plan her finances for the move?
16:45: The hardest part about working adult life - socialising & dating!
19:07: How to juggle between spending and saving as a foodie
23:51: Hani's spending advice: don't buy something just for the sake of it!
27:20: How did Hani save 5-figures & travel around the world at 24?
We carry on with our yes or no questions with Suraya Zainuddin, blogger behind RinggitOhRinggit.com on the topics of debt and investing. There are very contrasting views on the Internet, like, 'never ever use a credit card', 'always pay more for your loan repayments', 'just buy ETFs, don't buy stocks'. Honestly, there are always two sides to the coin! Today's episode uncovers Suraya's thoughts and opinions on these money topics. Let us know if you agree or disagree!
01:42: Credit cards - yes or no?
03:02: Balance transfers - yes or no?
04:27: Pay more for monthly loan repayments - yes or no?
05:03: Private retirement scheme (PRS) - yes or no?
05:57: ETFs vs picking stocks
10:41: Robo-advisors or pick own ETFs?
11:55: Risk tolerance: age-based or completely subjective?
15:29: Unit trusts: yes or no?
17:41: Final advice from Suraya!
You can find Suraya at the following channels:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/surayaror
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surayaror/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ringgitohringgit
Blog: https://ringgitohringgit.com/
Want to hangout with me instead?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/her.duit/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herduit
Twitter: https://twitter.com/her_duit
This week, we have Suraya Zainuddin, the writer behind RinggitOhRinggit.com, a popular personal finance blog in Malaysia! We tackle money topics that people usually disagree on, like fixed deposits, minimalism, buying a house, buying a car, avocado toasts. I know, it sounds exciting already! This episode particularly, we focus on the topics surrounding saving and spending. Stay tuned as we continue to tackle more questions in the next episode.
02:21: Suraya answers 5 quick-fire questions
14:27: Budgeting - yes or no?
16:53: Fixed Deposits - yes or no?
18:47: Is minimalism for everyone?
20:49: Should we still pay for university?
21:40: Avocado toasts and ice lattes - yes or no?
23:36: Real estate - buy or rent?
24:39: Cars - new, 2nd hand, rental or no car?
We continue our conversation on beginner stock investing with Yee Ping in this episode. Starting by clarifying the common terminology of the stock market (that we have heard of but want a simpler explanation) and answering your common questions and fears about having little capital and on the risk and fear of losing your money.
01:08: What are dividends?
03:36: What are blue-chip stocks?
04:46: What are ETFs? ETFs vs individual stocks?
07:50: What are large-cap vs small-cap companies?
08:51: What to do if you only have a small amount of money to invest in stocks?
10:41: Listener Question: What to buy if I only have RM3,000 to invest in stocks?
12:09: How to know if you made the wrong choice?
15:18: Common mistakes that beginners make and we should avoid!
18:50: Red flags to notice when investing in stocks
20:50: Navigating the stock market during Covid-19
21:52: Listener Question: What to do when stock market tanks & my stock value falls by 50%?
23:25: Buying the dip: yes or no?
25:14: How to have the confidence & comfort to start investing?
26:46: Final advice for listeners who want to kickstart their stock investing journey today.
Book recommendations from Yee Ping:
On behavioural finance:
1) Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow
2) Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, Richard H. Thaler & Cass R. Sunstein: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3450744-nudge
On investing in general:
1) The Intelligent Investor, Benjamin Graham: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/106835.The_Intelligent_Investor
Other resources:
Bursa Malaysia website: https://www.bursamalaysia.com/
Bursa Marketplace: https://www.bursamarketplace.com/
I3 investor: https://klse.i3investor.com/
News (The Edge): https://www.theedgemarkets.com/
Terminology (Investopedia): https://www.investopedia.com/
Follow us on Instagram @her.duit or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/herduit/)
In this episode, we have Yee Ping, currently a Senior Data Scientist & Data Analyst at Kenanga Investment Bank, she is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. She covers the absolute basics of investing in the Malaysian stock market in this episode, from registering for an account and understanding terminology! *Apologies that the audio in this episode isn't great!*
03:07: What is stock investing?
06:24: Is stock investing risky? Should everyone invest in stocks?
08:00: How to get started on buying stocks?
09:16: What is a broker/brokerage?
11:06: Steps to buying/selling stocks via an online brokerage
14:47: How to decide what companies to invest in?
17:38: How much time should one spend researching before investing?
20:53: How often to check the prices of your stocks?
21:36: At what price should you buy or sell my stocks?
23:54: What are the fees you should be aware of for buying/selling stocks?
26:01: How about paying for taxes on your gains?
MJ shares her journey in value investing and how she had to go through naysayers, and several courses to learn that her emotions were the contributor to how she managed her money. One of the biggest takeaways I got from MJ's sharing is her vulnerability, willingness and determination in learning and sharing. Despite the confirmation bias she grew up with, which is that women are not great in numbers nor in investing, she continued to strive to take charge of her personal finance. I hope you feel inspired too!
00:58: How did @valueinvestormom begin?
03:01: Did MJ's personal finance fundamentals have to change after becoming a mom?
05:38: Lack of financial literacy among everyone: is it education or beyond?
08:01: MJ's value investing story
12:32: MJ's best 'investment' in 2020 - not something you thought!
13:26: MJ's regrettable investment in 2020
17:16: 2020 Reflections: MJ's highlight & lowlight
19:56: 2020 Reflections: MJ's biggest risk taken in 2020
21:17: What is MJ looking forward to in 2021?
22:45: MJ's advice to everyone: learn to co-live with COVID
Check out MJ's blog at www.valueinvestormom.com.
MJ's Book Recommendation:
Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki (https://www.richdad.com/about/rich-woman)
MJ is an educator and a value investor, above all else, she is a mom. She's been running her blog, valueinvestormom.com where she shares her insights beyond just the realm of money. In the first part of this week's episode, she talks to us about family financial planning - the what, the how, the why.
01:04: MJ Answers 5 Quick Fire Questions
07:49: What is family finance/family financial planning?
09:29: How did MJ approach the money topic with her husband?
12:41: What challenges do couples & families face when talking about money?
18:52: How did MJ & her husband plan for their daughter, little E? And how they started investing for little E.
24:03: What is lacking in family financial education or planning in Malaysia?
26:17: How to feel secure about your finances if you want to start a family?
Following on from Swan's educational episode on financial independence, we dive into learning more about Swan, her YouTube channel, Swan Thinks, cyberbullies, unit trusts and her investment portfolio. If you are Malaysian, you will likely also resonate with how we spend way too much money on food!
01:26: Swan Think's Best & Worst YouTube Moments
04:51: Behind The Scenes of Running a YouTube Channel
06:55: Swan's YouTube Inspiration
08:03: What's next for Swan Thinks?
08:43: Swan's Biggest Money Mistakes
10:53: How does Swan budget & spend her money?
15:29: Revealing Swan's investment portfolio
20:25: Swan's 2020 highlight & 2021 plans
23:35: Upcoming content for Swan Thinks
26:06: Final words for our listeners - don't only depend on professionals!
