Let's Talk CPF - podcast cover

Let's Talk CPF

CPF Boardcpf.gov.sg

Let’s Talk CPF is a podcast that brings conversations on CPF to your ears. Tune in to get answers to common CPF questions, CPF hacks and interviews with industry experts on CPF and financial planning to help you prepare for your future. Listen and subscribe to us now! Do you have feedback or questions? Write to us at podcast@cpf.gov.sg.


Disclaimer: Guests are not paid for their appearances on the podcast. The views expressed by guests are their own, and their appearance on the podcast does not imply any endorsement of them or the entity they represent.

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Episodes

CPF changes in 2025: Here's what you need to know

Wondering about the latest CPF changes and how they affect your financial future? In this final episode of Let's Talk CPF, Shaun Loh from CPF Board's Policy department unpacks the significant CPF changes that are taking effect this year. Whether you're a young a professional, a gig worker, or approaching retirement, this episode offers valuable insights to help you better understand these important updates.

Jan 03, 202512 min

Upcoming MediShield Life Enhancements Explained

In this episode, we are joined by Assistant Professor Ian Ang from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, as we explore the recently announced MediShield Life enhancements following an extensive review. We discuss the scheme's basics, key changes coming in 2025, including increased claim limits and expanded coverage, and explain premium increases. Find out more about government support measures and the importance of responsible healthcare consumption to ensure the sustainability of Singa...

Nov 29, 202410 min

Practical steps to finding your financial calm

Wondering how to start planning your finances to attain a sense of financial calm? Not sure what to consider or if you are on the right track? Join Calvin and Hui Li as they break down the basics of financial planning through simple rules of thumb for savings, insurance, and investment in the Basic Financial Planning Guide.

Oct 29, 202413 min

What is CPF LIFE? – Debunking myths on our national longevity insurance annuity scheme

What is CPF LIFE? What is an annuity? Do I lose out because my CPF LIFE interest goes into the common pool? How does it work? These are common questions in members’ minds when CPF LIFE is mentioned. Tune in to this episode where we uncover the basics of CPF LIFE, debunk common misconceptions and share tools to help you plan your retirement with Serene Ng, who is part of the team administering the CPF LIFE scheme in CPF Board. Kickstart your retirement planning at cpf.gov.sg/CPFplanner...

Aug 13, 202410 min

Plan your legacy: How CPF nomination helps loved ones after you're gone

What happens to your CPF savings when you pass away without a nomination? Why can't you just rely on a Will to distribute your CPF savings? And how do you even make a CPF nomination? In this episode, we delve into the significance of CPF nominations in legacy planning with Nuraininadiah from CPF Board. Join us as we discuss the limitations of Wills in covering CPF savings, the implications of not having a CPF nomination, and the importance of regularly reviewing your nomination. Visit cpf.gov.sg...

Jun 28, 202414 min

Internships – Are they worth it? Does it really make me more employable?

Are internships important? How should students determine which internships are the right fit, and how do you even go about securing one? Fret not. Tune in to this episode of Let's Talk CPF as Catherine Neo, who leads the internship team at Singapore Polytechnic, shares useful tips on finding the ideal internship for your professional growth and debunks common internship myths.

May 28, 202416 min

Own a furkid or planning to get one? A guide to your financial commitments as a pawrent

How much does it cost to own a pet? Is pet insurance necessary for our furkids? Financial planning is a crucial part of being a responsible pet owner. In this episode, hear from Dr Teo Boon Han, President of the Singapore Veterinary Association and Managing Partner at VetTrust Singapore, as he shares expert advice and tips on managing the costs of pet ownership in Singapore.

Apr 26, 202413 min

Job hopping: Short stints, big wins?

Does your salary increase with every job switch? Do employers see short stints as a red flag? In this episode, we explore the complex landscape of job-hopping and its impact on one’s career and skill development. NTUC’s e2i career coach, Eric Donny De Silva, and job-hopper Seline, offer insights into this trend, discussing its motivations and challenges. Tune in to gain valuable advice on navigating career transitions, which can help you make informed decisions in this dynamic job market....

Mar 28, 202420 min

How can we lower our tax bills? - A guide on tax filing, tax reliefs and rebates

NFS, D-NOA, AIS, FEDR - What are these terms and what do they mean? Tax season is upon us, with filing commencing on 1 March. Tune in for a crash course on filing your personal taxes and reducing your tax bill with Yi Jing, Manager (Individual Income Tax Division) at the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). She will also share expert tips for both employed and self-employed taxpayers

Feb 26, 202413 min

Car-sharing: How it works and how to get started

With car ownership costs remaining high, you may have wondered whether car-sharing is a viable transport alternative. But how does it work and how exactly does it differ from car rental? If you have asked these questions before, then this episode is for you. Hear from Joel Koh, Content Manager at Seedly, as he shares his expertise and advice on how to make best use of car-sharing as one of your transport options.

Jan 30, 202411 min

Pre-planning: The gift of certainty to your loved ones

With any big decision in life, it is always helpful to dedicate some time to research and consider options – and pre-planning for the unexpected is no exception. Rather than viewing pre-planning as a taboo subject, consider how doing this can benefit yourself and your loved ones in the future. Join Xiao Yan and Cynthia as they share why pre-planning is one of the most valuable gifts to our loved ones and how we can make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), Advance Care Plan (ACP) and Advance Medic...

Dec 27, 202319 min

Effective Decumulation - How do we switch from being a saver to a spender

We have spent most of our lives saving for retirement. But when retirement draws near, many of us do not know where and how to start enjoying the fruits of our labour. At what age should we start spending our retirement funds? Should we draw down from our CPF account first? How can our retirement nest egg last a lifetime? In this episode, Lorna Tan, Head of Financial Literacy Training, DBS Bank, answers all our questions on spending our retirement funds wisely, also known as decumulation....

Nov 28, 202317 minEp. 46

Estate Planning is only for the rich. Myth or Fact?

Death can be a costly affair that saps your wealth! Find out how we can make estate plans to ensure we leave our loved ones with a legacy upon our demise. Albert Tan, Financial Literacy Trainer at MoneyOwl joins us for this podcast.

Oct 31, 202317 minEp. 45

Your Kids, Their Money: Teaching your kid to be future money managers

Is there a good age to teach children about money? How can you help them to differentiate between needs and wants? How do you teach your kids to be the next generation of consumers? Tune in to this episode to hear from Ferris Wee, Master Trainer at the Institute for Financial Literacy as he shares advice and practical tips on how he instils money sense in his child. If you've enjoyed this episode, you can read 3 things you didn't know about teaching your kid about money to revisit the tips!...

Sep 30, 202319 minEp. 44

Not sure what to do with your first salary? Tips to get a head start in your financial journey for first jobbers.

Financial planning might seem overwhelming as a first jobber, but it helps when we break down big goals into small wins. Hear from Albert Tan, Financial Literacy Trainer at MoneyOwl, on how we can start out financial planning journey - from basic budgeting to investing. If you enjoyed this podcast and would like to find out more about how to be your own Small Wins CEO, you can read: How to win at adulting as a first jobber ....

Aug 31, 202318 minEp. 43

Besides paying down my loan, how else can I lower my monthly mortgage?

Should you pay off your mortgage early with cash on hand? Or is it better to invest this amount instead? Hear from Eileen Pang, Sales Director at MortgageWise.sg, as she breaks down the pros and cons of either option, and shares some alternatives that homeowners can consider to lower their monthly mortgage payments.

Jul 31, 202311 minEp. 42

Is it necessary to give your parents an allowance? A guide to alternative ways to show filial piety

Do you give your parents an allowance? Why do you give your parents an allowance and how much is enough? Filial piety is important in Asian culture and those who do not ‘give back’ to their parents who have raised them are deemed ungrateful. Join our returning guests, Nicole Ng, Head of Learning and Partnerships and Priscilla Lam, Creative Lead from The Simple Sum as they share their personal experiences on how they navigated this and managed their parents’ expectations. They also share alternat...

Jun 30, 202317 minEp. 41

Supporting our caregivers

Singapore is home to more than 210,000 caregivers, with about 70% of them aged 40 and above. This “sandwiched generation” often have to deal with the financial, physical, and psycho-social responsibilities of caring for the elderly and the young. Does this resonate with you? Hear from Angela Kwek, Deputy Director, Healthcare Claims & Payment, CPF & May Heap, Senior Medical Social Worker, SingHealth Community Hospitals as they touch on the experiences that caregivers face. They will also ...

May 31, 202316 minEp. 40

Spending more now that you’re back in the office? Tips on dealing with inflation, peer pressure and temptation

Do you find yourself spending more now that you’re back in the office? Join Nicole Ng, Head of Learning and Partnerships and Priscilla Lam, Creative Lead from The Simple Sum as they discuss and share their experience being back at the office, how inflation, temptation and peer pressure have impacted their wallets and useful tips on managing your budget and peers. And if you're looking at ways to stretch your dollar and better plan your finances, you can read: How to manage your spending to count...

Apr 30, 202316 minEp. 39

Is remote work for you? The realities of remote work from a digital nomad

Working in an office or from anywhere in the world– Which would you prefer? With the introduction of more digital technologies, hear from our returning guest, Jeshua Soh, Principal at Decacorn Capital, entrepreneur and filmmaker on how he balances work while travelling, the challenges he faced and how remote work has changed his view on the future of work.

Mar 31, 202314 minEp. 38

Planning a holiday? Practical tips to revenge travel without hurting your wallet

With most COVID-19 travel restrictions lifted, you may be planning your next holiday. But how do you make the best out of your travel budget? Tune in to this podcast with Jeshua Soh, Principal at Decacorn Capital, entrepreneur and filmmaker as he shares his experience travelling solo in 55 different countries across five continents and practical tips on how to stretch your dollar without sacrificing the experience.

Feb 28, 202319 minEp. 37

Lessons learned after losing a five-digit sum in the cryptocurrency market

Losses are part and parcel of investing. So, how can you prepare yourself to manage them? Tune in to this podcast where John Lim from Live Young and Well shares the lessons he learned, how he readjusted his lifestyle and how he rebalanced his portfolio after losing a five-digit sum in the crypto crash.

Jan 31, 202315 min

Managing rising costs with investment and planning

With rising cost of living, how can your hard-earned savings retain spending power? Tune in to this podcast with Tan Chin Yu, Senior Client Adviser at Providend, for tips on what to consider when planning and investing with retirement in mind.

Dec 28, 202212 minEp. 35

Tips from a career coach to impress your potential employer

The definition of a dream job varies from person to person and with the current employment climate, you might be wondering if this is the right time to take the next step towards landing one. Tune in to this podcast where we pick the mind of Senior Career Coach Wong Chee Leong from Workforce Singapore. You’ll learn tips to stand out to a potential employer and gain essential knowledge on how to make that big move with confidence. For more information about career guidance, visit Careers Connect ...

Nov 29, 202222 minEp. 34

CPF Explains: A guide to healthcare financing with CPF

Singapore has one of the highest life expectancies in the world — which means that healthcare coverage should be one of the considerations in retirement planning. Tune in to this podcast episode where Wendy Ong, Manager from the CPF Healthcare Insurance Department explains how your MediSave, MediShield Life and CareShield Life work hand-in-hand to keep you protected for life.

Oct 30, 202214 minEp. 33

How is CPF different from other countries' pension systems?

“One unique feature of the system is the seamless manner in which CPF helps us accumulate and decumulate retirement savings that automatically translates to an income stream for life in retirement.” In this podcast episode, Professor Cherian, who was a Practice Professor of Finance at the NUS Business School shares about the unique features of CPF that helps it stand out from pension systems around the world, and what retirement means to him.

Sep 30, 202211 min

Buying your second HDB flat without a hitch

Should you sell your current flat first before buying another? What's the difference between HDB loans and bank loans? In the second of a two-part series for HDB second-timers, hear from Mr Jerry Su, Deputy Director and Ms Faustina Tan, Senior Estate Manager from HDB's Home Ownership Eligibility Department as they share important information that you need to know before buying your second flat

Aug 29, 202212 min

Homeowners' guide to buying another HDB flat

Are you looking to upgrade to a bigger HDB flat in the near future? How can you prepare yourself for the big move, without over-stretching your finances and compromising your retirement? In the first of a two-part series focusing on would-be HDB upgraders, hear from Mr Wong Yong Kang, Manager at CPF Board’s Housing Schemes Department, as he explains how you can manage your home financing and CPF use for housing to put yourself in the best position to secure your next flat....

Jul 29, 202215 min

Passion or Pragmatism: Which would you choose?

When choosing your career path, do you follow your heart or choose a job that provides you and your family with stability? In this episode, we sit down with recent graduates, Amelia Siew from Nanyang Polytechnic and Renny Nadira from LASALLE College of the Arts as they discuss this age-old question.

Jun 30, 202216 min
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