[Post 348] How Temu Is Becoming a Serious Competitor to Amazon and Walmart | WSJ

Summary

Temu, a Chinese-founded e-commerce company, became the most-downloaded app in the U.S. in just over a year. The retailer has flooded social media feeds with curious consumers and even aired ads at back-to-back Super Bowls. In 2023, the discount retail app moved about $17 billion worth of goods between manufacturers and customers across the Pacific. 

WSJ breaks down how its continued growth could redefine online retail, just like Amazon’s speedy delivery did.

[Post 347] Inside a Chinese Ghost Town of Abandoned Mansions | WSJ

Summary

China’s property crisis is expected to get worse as sales of new homes plummet and indebted developers struggle to find funds to complete projects. Real estate giant Evergrande was recently forced to liquidate as more than 50 housing developers have defaulted on their debts in recent years. 

WSJ’s Jonathan Cheng travels to an abandoned “ghost town” in Shenyang City built by the Greenland Group to explain how China’s real-estate slump has become a headache for the government.

[Post 346] How 2024’s Record Retirement Numbers Could Spark a Recession | WSJ

Summary

Over four million Americans will reach traditional retirement age this year, more than any other time in history. By 2030, baby boomers will all be 65 or older, shrinking the workforce share of the population. What does this mean for Social Security, which is funded by taxing current workers?

WSJ breaks down how this demographic shift threatens the future of Social Security if nothing is done before 2034.

[Post 345] Legacy Planning: Can You Write A Valid Will In 10 Minutes? | Money Mind | Will Writing

Summary

A will is a key part of everyone's financial planning. Can you make a valid one without a lawyer? Dawn Tan gives it a go.

[Post 344] Taylor Swift Fans Bust Budgets For Singapore Concert, Spend On Experiences | Money Mind | Gen Z

Summary

Southeast Asian Swifties are busting their budgets for a new era of experiences. So how much is too much to pay - and would they do it all over again?

[Post 343] Higher Returns, Lower Risk: Should We All Be Investing Like Women? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

Women invest less than men, but studies show they invest better. So what are the secrets of women investors that all investors can take away?

[Post 342] Should investors still put their money in the Chinese market?

Summary

Following its peak in 2021, China has seen an epic US$7 trillion stock crash. Are we seeing a bottom nearing? What benefits can be reaped from buying cheaper Chinese stocks? Andrea Heng speaks to John Lin, Chief Investment Officer of China Equities at AllianceBernstein.

[Post 341] Make Money from Whisky and Collectible Cards | We Try First

Summary

Prisca dives into the world of alternative investments, weighing up the pros and cons of investing in collectible cards and whisky. What’s the most expensive whisky Prisca sampled? And could she guess how much football star Erling Haaland’s rookie card is worth?

[Post 340] This Singaporean designs figurines that are highly sought after worldwide | Remarkable Living

Summary

Singaporean Jackson Aw’s Mighty Jaxx is widely regarded as one of the most influential producers of collectibles and lifestyle products – many of its designs are sold out in a flash.

[Post 339] Scoot CEO Leslie Thng on Singaporeans’ fave destinations and budget airline misconceptions

Summary

How does Scoot decide on its destinations? What are the most popular destinations among Singaporeans? CNA Lifestyle sat down with Scoot’s CEO Leslie Thng for the lowdown. (Video: Try Sutrisno Foo, May Seah)

[Post 338] No More CPF Special Account "Shielding": What Are Your Options For Retirement Planning? | Money Mind

Summary

Major changes have been announced to Singapore’s Central Provident Fund scheme. How will it change the way you plan for your retirement?

[Post 337] Johor Bahru's gridlock grind

Summary

In Johor Bahru, 2-hour commutes have become the norm for many locals, with roads in and around the city gridlocked during peak hours. And so better transport links - in the form of buses, ferries, light rail, trams, and maybe even a high-speed rail station - cannot come soon enough for long-suffering locals, and especially if the state wants to emulate China’s manufacturing and tech hub Shenzhen. 

[Post 336] Taylor Swift’s sold-out concert set to make Singapore’s whole economy Shimmer: Economist

Summary

Analysts are estimating millions in revenue to be generated across industries in Singapore from US pop superstar Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour. Countries that have hosted the concert are now basking in the afterglow of the phenomenon coined as Swiftonomics. Recent research estimates that the tour generated a US$5 billion economic boost to the US, bigger than the entire economy of some small nations. David Mann, Asia Pacific chief economist at Mastercard, discusses what the next week could mean for Singapore’s economy as Taylormania hits the nation.

[Post 335] CPF Special Account closure: How it will affect you | Money Talks podcast

Summary

The latest changes to the CPF scheme announced in Budget 2024 raised concerns about the potential impact on retirement planning – specifically, the closure of the CPF Special Account. How will these changes affect your nest egg? We speak to Alvin Chow, CEO of financial education platform Dr Wealth.

[Post 334] We Test How Effective Are Cheaper & Generic Medicines From Malaysia

Summary

Do you stock up on generic drugs when you travel to Malaysia? Or buy medication from online retailers that deliver to Singapore? In this #TalkingPoint experiment, we test the potency of such medicines to see if they are really effective. 

[Post 333] How Can Economical Rice Stalls Improve Confusing Price Lists?

Summary

In this digital extra, Talking Point producer Charmaine Tan takes on the challenge of redesigning the stall’s confusing price list, with tips from a marketing expert to make the menu more intuitive for customers. 

[Post 332] Paying $10 More For The Same Hair Cut: Are Lunar New Year Surcharges Fair? | Talking Point

Summary

Singaporeans have had to grapple with surcharges while they prepare for the Lunar New Year festivities. From haircuts, manicures, car servicing and even pet grooming – businesses are charging their clients an extra cost on top of their regular prices. But why are these surcharges starting so early and how do we determine what is a fair surcharge? That’s what host Steven Chia investigates in this episode of Talking Point. 

[Post 331] "Let Me Postpone Having A Child": Why Young Couples Aren't Making Babies - Part 2 | Love Delayed

Summary

Love-wary actor Aaron Mossadeg explores why young people from Singapore and Asia delay marriage and parenthood. In Singapore and Hong Kong, he meets couples struggling with housing issues and limited space, learning its impact on family formation. Aaron examines if better gender equality in parenting might encourage more children. His quest leads him to Sweden, known for progressive parental leave policies, where he encounters a 'Latte Papa,' a symbol of modern fatherhood.

Reflecting on his own doubts about lifelong marriage, Aaron visits South Korea to explore the youth's growing preference for cohabitation over traditional wedlock. Finally, Aaron confronts misconceptions about fertility, testing his sperm and questioning the effectiveness of IVF as a last resort. Delays in childbearing may hinder the aspiration for larger families, but he finds hope in the supportive role of grandparents. Aaron merges personal and cultural insights on modern Asian family life.

[Post 330] Learning To Invest Early: Strategies To Grow My Red Packet Money | Money Mind | Gen Z

Summary

If you're collecting red packets this Chinese New Year, here are some ways you can make that money grow.