Plan B

Everyone wants a flexible lifestyle with big financial upside, and trading is often seen as the shortcut. But from the outside, it can sometimes feel uncomfortably close to gambling without the right discipline. That’s why Zhar and Hairul from the trading education agency Top Tier Institute stress responsible trading, starting with not buying into flashy lifestyles online. They explain why in this episode, which they describe as a public service.

With ministers warning of rising living costs amid the Middle East conflict, many are bracing to tighten their spending. But what if there’s another approach? Enter Lily Khai, a ‘Wealth Architect’ who’s gone viral for her money mindset teachings. Instead of focusing on cutting back, she advocates for an abundance mindset: growing your income, building multiple streams, and thinking bigger. But in reality, is that possible when some families are still counting dollar to dollar?

Processed vs natural foods have long been debated, but is eating healthy really realistic today? We spoke to Dr Siva, better known by his IG handle @meditherapie, a strong advocate for healing through better nutrition. His views, however, sparked pushback from Darren, who argues that such practices aren’t practical in modern society. In response, Dr Siva says change should start from the ground up, with the government educating hawkers and even subsidising healthier food options. Is this something you see happening in the future?

Fuel prices are rising and supply is tightening across the region, with governments in Thailand introducing energy-saving measures and the Philippines declaring an energy emergency, fuelling concerns of a deeper crisis. While Dzar warns this could signal another spike in the cost of living, Darren argues Singaporeans should just deal with it, saying we’re still in a better position and well-prepared. So, could Singapore ever face such drastic energy measures, and if it does, would you be ready to bear the cost?

Oil prices keep climbing, and it’s hitting wallets hard. In fact, Rahman says his petrol jumped from $2.60 to $3.40 per litre, which works out to nearly a $100 increase per tank. The surge comes amid the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran, with Tehran tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Some believe things may stabilise after the US midterm elections in November, but that’s still months away. Back home in Singapore, leaders have said we have reserves for “rainy days”, so the question is, why does it feel like we’re the ones footing the bill right now?

Some avoid legacy planning because they do not see the urgency. But the cost of not planning is high. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim says failing to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can leave families facing lengthy court processes and paying thousands of dollars to appoint a deputy. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Applications using LPA Form 1 is now free for all Singapore citizens. Begin at go.gov.sg/planmylpa.

Many people notice high prices and smaller portions at Ramadan bazaars, but there’s more to the story. Syafiq from Ashes Burnnit, known for its charcoal buns, explains that it’s not just rental costs, vendors may also need to pay double or triple wages during Ramadan to get workers willing to stand in the heat all day. Add to that the uncertainty of not knowing which stalls will be next to them, and it’s clear that running a bazaar stall comes with its own challenges.

The strikes on Iran may be driven by politics, but many people are asking if religion is also shaping the conflict. Some Sunni Muslims have even debated whether they should support Iran, and many say the answer is yes. Whether this comes from anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment or a sense of Muslim solidarity, it raises a bigger question: could distant wars deepen divisions in multicultural societies like Singapore?

Ramadan Kareem! Breaking fast at the bazaar is a beloved tradition but if you’ve taken a walk lately, you might notice thinner crowds and stalls spaced further apart. Even as spending power in the Malay-Muslim community has grown, rising food prices are pushing some to look across the border or to Indonesia for more affordable baju and bites. It may feel like the bazaar scene is fading but maybe the true spirit of Ramadan isn’t about where we spend but where we find community, especially at a time when falling marriage rates hint at a wider sense of social disconnection.

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